'Let's show a little respect': what this mum wants you to know about breastfeeding toddlers

Extended breastfeeding is a topic that every mum has come across at least once. In many countries, breastfeeding until the age of two is considered healthy and normal practise. 

Mum Natalie Hoflin is breastfeeding her 20 month old son and is sick of being judged for it. 

 

'Oh, you're still breastfeeding?!?! Shouldn't you be done by now? You'll cut him off by his second birthday right?' In the early days questions like these didn't bother me, they felt innocent. But lately the tone feels different. Judgment, disapproval. Like I'm a straight up weirdo. I'm finding that breastfeeding proud part of myself starting to want to hide. Be more discreet with feeding, or wait until nobody is around. Even though I'm proud of my breastfeeding journey and don't intend to stop anytime soon (Finn is almost 20 months) the above questions still bring up feelings of embarrassment and shame. It's nuts, why on earth should anyone feel shame for connecting, nourishing, comforting, bonding with their child? I understand what an absolute privilege it has been, for me to be a stay at home mum and have the luxury of building our breastfeeding relationship. I am well aware that it's not always that easy. But the truth of the matter is, this is my path, my truth, my journey and I shouldn't have to be embarrassed or hide it. This is me. Breast fed, bottle fed, formula fed, it's all good…we are all doing our best to raise these little humans. But let's show a little respect to ALL paths travelled 

A post shared by Natalie Hoflin  (@the.cosmic.seedling) on Mar 17, 2018 at 1:37pm PDT

When her son was  younger, questions about breastfeeding seemed innocent.  

"'Oh, you're still breastfeeding?!?! Shouldn't you be done by now? You'll cut him off by his second birthday right?' In the early days questions like these didn't bother me, they felt innocent." 

But recently, these questions have become more pointed, their tone filled with "judgment, disapproval".

"I'm finding that breastfeeding proud part of myself starting to want to hide. Be more discreet with feeding, or wait until nobody is around. Even though I'm proud of my breastfeeding journey and don't intend to stop anytime soon (Finn is almost 20 months) the above questions still bring up feelings of embarrassment and shame." 

 

I can't wait to have in depth discussions with you little moosh. What's going on in that little noggin of yours I do wonder?

A post shared by Natalie Hoflin  (@the.cosmic.seedling) on Mar 3, 2018 at 11:53am PST

She questions why this is when breastfeeding is so natural. 

"It's nuts, why on earth should anyone feel shame for connecting, nourishing, comforting, bonding with their child? I understand what an absolute privilege it has been, for me to be a stay at home mum and have the luxury of building our breastfeeding relationship." 

And while extended breastfeeding isn't always easy, the benefits for Hoflin outweigh the negatives. 

"I am well aware that it's not always that easy. But the truth of the matter is, this is my path, my truth, my journey and I shouldn't have to be embarrassed or hide it. This is me. Breast fed, bottle fed, formula fed, it's all good…we are all doing our best to raise these little humans. But let's show a little respect to ALL paths travelled." 

 

Sometimes one boob isn't enough

A post shared by  Natalie Hoflin (@the.cosmic.seedling) on Feb 16, 2018 at 1:49pm PST

According to Baby Centre UK, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding until the age of two. Unfortunately, many mothers do not have luxury of doing so. While there are plenty good emotional and physical benefits to extended breastfeeding  many mothers face embarrassing comments or criticism from those around them. 

What do you think mums? Should more mothers be made feel more comfortable to take on extended breastfeeding?