Nursing a toddler

[BrownEyedSquirrel]

I've chosen to nurse my toddler until at least 2. It's right for us and, frankly, DS wouldn't have it any other way. Total boob monster. He's now 20 months.
Due to COVID, I've had limited experience of nursing around others.
I've had 2 negative experiences this week that have left a sour taste in my mouth.

A good friend was over and when DS asked to be nursed she made a face and told me he was "too old" now he can ask for it. I laughed it off.
Today, another friend acted funny when DS wanted to be nursed after he tripped and grazed his knee when out on a walk.

Neither friends have children; I'm not sure if this is relevant.

Is it really that weird to nurse your own child simply because they're walking and talking? What's the "acceptable" cut off age and why?

AIBU to think that those who don't like it can keep their opinions to themselves?

I'm feeling really self conscious about nursing him when out and about now, but I don't want to feel that way.

@clartymare I wouldn't judge you for using a dummy for your LO, sucking is soothing for babies and toddlers, regardless of how they were fed. tbh I think people will judge us for anything and everything in parenting! I stick to the idea that I will do whatever works for me and my family, and of course everyone else will likely do the same and they will look different, but neither are necessarily right or wrong, just different!

Agree @BertieBotts has explained it really well

And @ParadiseLaundry haha good for you! Why not!

This question has been done to death on these boards! Why not just do a search?
Some people find extended feeding completely fine, others don't. Neither is wrong or right.
For me, I didn't want to feed past 1yr. I look at my almost 4 year old now - riding her bike and making her own cereal in the mornings and simply cannot imagine her suckling my boob!

@tuesdayruby because I wanted the most recent opinions. I can imagine the pandemic has changed viewpoints somewhat. I don't see the issue with asking a question again as you'll often find you get different answers and perspectives.

I think as PP pointed out, imagining an older toddler/child nursing when they haven't done so for a while can seem strange. However, if they never stopped, it just seems natural.

It has definitely changed over the years on MN at least.

When I had DS1 it was all "Well it's fine to breastfeed but over age 1 is a bit much"

These days if MNers have an opinion on what the cut-off age for acceptable breastfeeding is, it tends to be 2 years.

Of course everyone has their own personal feelings on the matter but that's the shift I've noticed anyway.