Aubrey Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Um...WHAT do I do about THAT??? She's been weaned since right after I got pg, around 8mos old. She's recently shown interest in baby nursing, pointing, etc. I explained it to her, but now she's pointing, crying, & trying to push baby out of my lap. Usually, she's happy to sit on one knee while I hold baby on the other, feeding him or not. I've tried to be extra careful about spending time w/ her, holding her, etc. And she's *very* sweet w/ baby, offering to share her toys, her sippy cup, kissing him, insisting on hugging him as soon as he's awake. So while there's probably some level of jealousy or something, I tend to think it's more curiosity. She's also teething, which makes her a little more clingy & cranky. I'm just dumbfounded! :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 They say to let them b/c they won't be into it. This was true with my kids. One taste and they made a weird face and that was that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 What would it hurt to let her try? Chances are she won't remember how to latch on properly anyway. I would venture to say a lot of it probably is jealousy, which you will only reinforce by refusing to let her nurse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 :iagree: It's doubtful that she'll remember how. (When my boys weaned at 3 1/2, they did so literally because they forgot how... like they hadn't nursed the day before?!?!) But it giving it a whirl might make her feel better about the baby in "her" territory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 My dd tried at 2. I gritted my teeth but it just didn't work and she didn't bite me. :) Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camy-7 boybarians 1 lady Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Awww. My toddler children have all done this when baby is nursing. I usually say "just a minute" and then after baby is finished nursing, I get them something to drink and cuddle with them. That's usually what they want. It's hard being a toddler when a little one is taking up your "momma time." If they persist, I say "no." Just make sure to give them little bits of your time throughout the day. Blessings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJB Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I went through her wanting to nurse, too. I let her try (like everyone else says to do) and she then started wanting to try every time I nursed the baby.:001_huh: She weaned herself at 14 mos and I had no intention of nursing her again as a 3 year old. At the same time, poor little thing, I felt really bad for her. So, I let her pick out a new dolly at the store and explained she was in charge of nursing that baby. She's been happy with the new arrangement and she nurses her dolly when I nurse the baby. In fact, I've made a big deal out of "Go get Sally (doll's name), it's time to nurse the babies again." She and I sit down with a glass of water we share and nurse and take turns drinking as we nurse our babies. Once in awhile we have cookies, too. :D Of course, 3 and 18 mos aren't the same. It's a tough situation. I hope you find a solution that works! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 WOW--this was exactly my instinct! I told dh that it probably wouldn't hurt anything (me excepted! :w00t:) to give it a try. I figured she wouldn't know how & would just lose interest. She wasn't all that good at it to begin w/, lol. Tongue thrust or something. Anyway, he looked aghast & told me to ask you guys. He's quite afraid of extended nursing. I, otoh, am afraid of her TEETH. :001_huh: I'm pretty sure she won't have the patience, like y'all said. You know on You've Got Mail when Tom Hanks says his gf "makes coffee nervous"? That's my dd. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 Awww. My toddler children have all done this when baby is nursing. I usually say "just a minute" and then after baby is finished nursing, I get them something to drink and cuddle with them. That's usually what they want. It's hard being a toddler when a little one is taking up your "momma time." If they persist, I say "no." Just make sure to give them little bits of your time throughout the day. Blessings. Ha! Not this one. I've cuddled her w/ her sippy cup of milk, & she throws it across the room & points. She's got a way of expressing herself. So far we've said no, but I just wanted to check on whether/how to do that, since I really don't want to risk the sweet relationship that has developed so far between her & baby. Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 I went through her wanting to nurse, too. I let her try (like everyone else says to do) and she then started wanting to try every time I nursed the baby.:001_huh: She weaned herself at 14 mos and I had no intention of nursing her again as a 3 year old. At the same time, poor little thing, I felt really bad for her. So, I let her pick out a new dolly at the store and explained she was in charge of nursing that baby. She's been happy with the new arrangement and she nurses her dolly when I nurse the baby. In fact, I've made a big deal out of "Go get Sally (doll's name), it's time to nurse the babies again." She and I sit down with a glass of water we share and nurse and take turns drinking as we nurse our babies. Once in awhile we have cookies, too. :D Of course, 3 and 18 mos aren't the same. It's a tough situation. I hope you find a solution that works! Brilliant! As I was typing out my first response, I started thinking--What if she likes it? Am I really going to nurse an 18mo old? :blink: I know some do, but...ah... that's not...something...I know...quite how to explain to my family, kwim? But ds "nursed" his stuffed animals when dd5 was born. I'd never imagined *encouraging* that, but... actually, I think that might be GREAT. Dh was putting together a bed for the dc the other day, & the big ones were helping. Dd1 was screaming to be let free because she wanted to help, too. I gave her a "hammer" & pointed out the screws, & she very carefully went around hammering them all in place. Thanks for this idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJB Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Good Luck! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanga Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 WOW--this was exactly my instinct! I told dh that it probably wouldn't hurt anything (me excepted! :w00t:) to give it a try. I figured she wouldn't know how & would just lose interest. She wasn't all that good at it to begin w/, lol. Tongue thrust or something. Anyway, he looked aghast & told me to ask you guys. He's quite afraid of extended nursing. I, otoh, am afraid of her TEETH. :001_huh: I'm pretty sure she won't have the patience, like y'all said. You know on You've Got Mail when Tom Hanks says his gf "makes coffee nervous"? That's my dd. :lol: My dd (at 27 mo.) wanted to try nursing when ds#1 was a baby. I had her practice sucking on my finger to make sure she knew how to suck with out biting before I let her try. ;) She tried once, lost interest, and then started "nursing" her dolls. A win-win situation for us all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I would vote to let her try only if you think you might be ok with her nursing sometimes - like maybe the midday 'special couch time' only at home or something like that. If you're not going to be willing to follow through with it for at least until she loses interest or until you can do a gradual weaning again, then I'd recommend saying no. I wouldn't count on it being a one time thing. I nursed right through preg & tandem nursed & it doesn't have to be a big deal - your family does not need to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I tandem fed mine. I had intended to, and dd bf once or twice a day right through my 2nd pregnancy. Then when ds was born, I went into overwhelm and crisis, without support, and weaned her very quickly- she was almost 18 months. The jealousy she experienced then was terrible and I felt terrible but unsupported to do anything else (dh and mil told me I just had to). When ds was 4 months old I was in a different environment and attending some baby yoga classes- and came across other women who tandem fed. I went home and let dd bf- we never looked back. Dh was horrified at first, but adjusted. The thing is, her brother always came first, but she just loved to get some too- only once or twice a day though. They both weaned themselves at the same time, it was very cute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Agreeing with advice to let her try only if you will be comfortable with letting her do it now and then. 18mo didn't bother me for nursing. I nursed mine until about 26 months or so. It starts bothering me around when they turn 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 It might help to remember that had you not gotten pg and followed a natural weaning course, she'd still be breastfeeding. I am not saying you should allow it or go back to nursing her;but there'd be nothing wrong if you did. 18 months is still a baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Even if she does nurse, it'll probably only be for a short time. Get the baby doll and then do a routine, "Oh, we nursed...let's change diapers." That'll get you out of the position. And...well....I nursed a long time. I figure it's bonding time and helps with sickness. And, of course, what's one other thing to explain to the relatives...course...what they don't know won't hurt them. Carrie:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 ITA with the others; I'd let her try. Here's what you can tell the family, if you must tell them anything at all: http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/breastfeeding/a/bf_toddler.htm UNICEF has long encouraged breastfeeding for two years and longer, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is now on record as encouraging mothers to nurse at least one year and as long after as both mother and baby desire. Even the Canadian Paediatric Society, in its feeding statement, acknowledges that women may want to breastfeed for two years or longer. Breastfeeding to 3 and 4 years of age has been common in much of the world until recently, and it is still common in many societies for toddlers to breastfeed. Or you could just say you're doing what's best for both your babies, thankyouverymuch. Another option might be to pump some for her and give it to her in a cup. The direct taste (very sweet, not at all like cow's milk, if she likes that) may not be appealing to her at all, and might end her interest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmamainva Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I had a similar experience when my youngest was a baby! My youngest son was 2 1/2 when she was born and he had weaned at around 18 months or so and, when my youngest daughter was born, he wanted to start nursing again. I told him that he would have to wait until the baby was "done" and then he could try. He climbed into my lap and giggled more than anything else. He latched on a few times and would sometimes nurse, but it was very rare and didn't last for more than a minute or two! And the whole 'tandem nursing experience' only lasted for about 3 or 4 months and it was over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 My oldest wasn't 2 when the twins made their arrival. She decided she should get to nurse too. she tried it a few times. Honestly, she was really much too busy to take the time to have full interest. However, an 18 mth old very well remember how to nurse. My ds hadn't been weaned as long as your dd, he weaned at about 15mths. He suffered from tremendous stomach difficulties, so I reattached him to nursing. He remembered. He liked it. He had plenty of time for nursing. There is a chance she will want to continue. Personally, I would go ahead and let her try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted November 26, 2008 Author Share Posted November 26, 2008 Well...I tried letting her suck on my finger like PP said. It. was. scary. W/ my finger in her mouth, I suddenly remembere the marker whose tip she bit OFF the other day & had visions of... So we bought a baby doll today. His name is Max. He's napping right now & we'll see how he does. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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