Apr 28, 2012

Still nursing at 16 months.

From the beginning I've said that I will nurse as long as Adelaide wants to, and my view hasn't changed. I love this relationship, and the cuddles that go along with it. Some days it's the only time she slows down and I treasure the sounds of deep gulps and the little noises she still makes when she nurses.

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I never hold her in the cradle position anymore. She sits square on my lap and leans forward. Most of the time she looks out to the side, but she'll also turn her head to look at me and play with my face. I'm able to give her lots of attention and kisses. I love it.

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Who knows when we'll stop. I don't see her quitting any time soon. She doesn't ask for it as often as she used to (and she's FINALLY just now using the actual milk sign!), but she still nurses through the night, nurses to sleep, and then once or twice in the evenings. On the weekends she'll nurse at naptime, and then maybe once or twice more.

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I actually hope she doesn't stop anytime soon. I love it, and feel proud that we've made it this far. 16 months and counting...

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18 comments:

  1. crunchyfarmbabyApril 28, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    LOVE this! I hope Charlie nurses for a super long time too! Way to go, Mama!

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  2. Ashley's Conscious LifeApril 28, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Good for you! I still nurse my 12 month old and plan to follow her lead and go as long as she wants too. Everyone else I talk to still thinks I'm crazy for nursing her during the night, "She should be sleeping through the night." "She is perfectly fine without milk during the night." Blah blah blah. It works for us, and I'm happy to know I can easily and quickly calm her and then she goes right back to sleep. Glad to hear I'm not the only one doing that!
    By the way, Adelaide is adorable.
    Ashley ( :

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    1. KristinaApril 29, 2012 at 9:44 AM

      Yeah, I get crazy looks too. But I say to them "Part of me wants sleep and to night-wean her, but part of me wants to respect the fact that she is waking up for something, be it nutrition or comfort. That's what I'm here for." Good for you for following her lead!

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  3. UnknownApril 28, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    what a wonderful set of pictures. I keep thinking I need to get some of Ivy nursing, before it's too late. There are a few of us, here and there, but nothing quite like this set. Congrats mama, on 16 months and counting.

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    1. KristinaApril 29, 2012 at 9:45 AM

      Just tell your hubby to grab the camera and shoot away next nursing session. That's what I have to do, or I'd never have any because he doesn't think to take pictures without me asking for them.

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  4. Where the Heart isApril 29, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    I finished breastfeeding Mikayla at 15 months. She was only having 1 feed before bed so my milk was pretty much drying up. She basically weaned herself though which was good. I fell pregnant with number two the next month! Yay!

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    1. KristinaApril 29, 2012 at 9:46 AM

      Sounds like you followed her lead, so that's great! Congrats on number 2!!!

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  5. AprilApril 29, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    My plan is to nurse Sweet A as long as she'll allow me to as well. She's only eight months now, but I look forward to the toddler nursing days (I hear they're a lot less squirmy).

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    1. KristinaApril 29, 2012 at 9:47 AM

      Less squirmy?! Hah! I said Adelaide slowed down, but she definitely still has her wiggly moments! Toddlers + nursing = Gymnurstics!

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  6. The Iowa Farmer's WifeApril 29, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Thanks for visiting my blog! What a sweet little lentil you have!!! Such great pics. I nursed my oldest until she was 22 months (I was 3 months pregnant) and then she weaned herself while we were on vacation. I wasn't quite as ready as she was and cried a little when I realized it was over. 6 mos later her brother was born and she doesn't remember nursing at all! Isn't that crazy? But like you, she was on the go and it was the one time she'd snuggle up next to me. I hope she continues for awhile! :)

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    1. KristinaApril 30, 2012 at 9:02 AM

      I can see me getting upset when our nursing relationship ends. Hopefully I won't have to worry about that for a while :) I think it's fascinating when kids can remember nursing, and it's crazy that they can forget so quickly!

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  7. courtney - larking.April 29, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Sweet, sweet pics. So funny about the nursing position: L used to only nurse saddle hold but now I cradle her!

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    1. KristinaApril 30, 2012 at 9:00 AM

      I never knew our nursing position had a name!

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  8. Brittney Lynn StasiApril 30, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    awwww!! So sweet!! I love nursing too!!

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  9. tiaMay 6, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    oh my goodness in the last picture! I love it.

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  10. AngelaJune 15, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    My baby girl is only 8 months but in the last week has started taking more solids and not nursing as often. It made me realize- oh wow - she won't do this forever! I am already sad at the prospect and hope we can continue for quite a while! 16 months is awesome!

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  11. MelanieJune 22, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    I am glad that you don't let societal pressure stop you from doing what you as a parent know is right for your child. I have a blog in which I discuss my alternative parenting journey too, feel free to be my blog buddy! I will definitely be checking back on yours. :)

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