in December 2021 Babies 🇺🇸

Help need advice and support

So my sister just went off on me today saying that because I chose to extend breastfeeding with my 3 year old I have a mental illness and that I'm hindering my child. My daughter is a picky eater and still co-sleeps but that's because we live in a studio apartment. Anyways she only nurses at Night to sleep when she's out and about or with other family members she doesn't ask to nurse. I enjoy the bond we share with bf but also wouldn't mind stopping due to lack of good sleep I don't get and I could also start some new med my doctor wants me on. But when I talk to my child she gets upset about the idea of stopping and says that her aunt tells her it's for babies. I'm at a loss cause her doctor, dentist wic and public health nurse all say that I'm doing great and she's very healthy she rarely gets seasonal sickness ect. She's hit all her milestones and is fully day potty trained. And working on night time she's a excellent talker and very active. Any advice please no mean judgement.

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I have a 3 year old as well and to be honest I couldn’t imagine still nursing him at this age (not judging though). He’s very tall/big but I have given him my milk in a cup recently to fight a cold as I am nursing my newborn. It’s just a personal preference. But I can understand them stopping what their frustrations having to stop something they enjoy. I would start with shortening the time (with timers) then eventually stopping all together. You can offer cuddles and other bonding moments with her. You can express your milk and still give it to her if you want it to still be in her diet sounds like it’s helping a lot with her health.

Set a timer mommas. You're doing great. Just shorten the feed times, maybe switch a passy just for a little bit for the sucking motion. At 3 it's a good time to start weening, I understand the attachment, it's 100% normal to Miss that. But so many other things are going to come along and make new attachments, it's OK to give a little nudge towards independence ❤️ all the love in whatever you choose.

Are you trying to stop? Because you definitely don't have to if you and her are enjoying it. It really is about the two of you and no one else's opinion matters. While it might not be normal in the US, there are plenty of cultures still breastfeeding at 3. I would start weaning time from my sister, not my daughter. Tell her she is out of line and if she doesn't stop go low contact.

My 3 yo still nurses. It’s completely normal for them to still nurse and don’t let anyone tell you different. You’re their source of comfort and it just happens to be a big boost of nutrition/immune support as well. It’s up to you when you’re ready to wean. Ideally I would stop nursing mine because I’m a little touched out, but since I have a lot more milk because I have a 4 mo she’s still super interested. Trust me they won’t nurse forever and it doesn’t make them weird or anything as they grow older. Let it be your choice and not because you feel pressured from others.