I've never put a time limit on how long I would breastfeed. I believe it is up to Harper and will let her decide when she wants to self wean. This is not the norm around here and when I tell people this I am always getting "Ohhhhh.." or "Mmmm..." I really wish that more people would understand the importance of the relationship/bond you can have with your child through breastfeeding and also the important benefits of continuing as long as your child wants. There is NOTHING like it, nothing I can compare it to.
Continuing to nurse into and through toddler-hood is so beneficial for your baby. Harper is still 98% breastfed and doesn't really eat solids yet, so all of her nutritional needs are met through breastfeeding even though she is 11 months old.
Breastfeeding can help protect your toddler for illnesses by enhancing his/her immune system. When your child has an upset tummy, breast milk is about the only thing that will actually stay in the stomachs without making them more sick/upset.
The longer you breastfeed, the more omega-3-fatty acids, or DHA, your child is getting, which means a smarter child in the future.
If you are a fan of delayed or no vaccinations, breastfeeding for at least two years significantly lowers you child's chances of getting any of the sicknesses that are "prevented" by vaccines.
Your breast milk will never loose any nutritional value just because your child gets older, it will always have all of the same nutritional benefits whether you are nursing a 1 month old or a 24 month old.
On top of benefiting your child, which is enough reason to continue in itself, it is also beneficial for the mother as well.
It significantly lowers a mother's chance of getting breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancers
It also reduces a mother's risk of developing cardiovascular disease
And to top everything else off, breastfeeding a toddler is NORMAL. Yes, you read that right. It is completely normal, natural, and beautiful.
Breastfeeding Harper has been one of my greatest and most beneficial accomplishments. I am so excited to continue this normal, natural, beautiful journey with her.
