Keep Britain Breastfeeding Day 6 ~ Breastfeeding Beyond A Year

I fed all 5 of my babies beyond a year, most of them beyond 18 months. A good friend of mine stopped feeding her first child at 12 months because of family pressure and it broke her heart. They both cried for days and nights. I may have shed a tear when a few of mine didn't want it any more, but it was short-lived (and twice I blamed my pregnancy hormones as I was already pregnant with the next one at the time).

I think with the first one, because it had been a nightmare initially I was adamant I'd get plenty of milk into him. I also wanted to better my Mother, who had fed only my younger brother, but had done so for 18 months.

Although no-one was ever openly hostile towards me, I was a bit coy sometimes, so I'd say 'I'm just settling him off', rather than publicly declare I was going to go to his bedroom and nurse my 18 month old. By the time I got to number 5 I generally didn't care at all with friends or strangers, but was a bit more unwilling to admit it with an aquaintance. It wasn't so much that I was bothered about their opinion, it was more that I didn't want to have to explain myself - but then I shouldn't have to. 

The World Health Organisation advises Mothers to nurse until 2 years or beyond. That is the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION. It's not the woman down the road, it's the authority for health within the whole United Nations. So why on Earth do we find it acceptable here to be pleased when anyone carries on after 6 weeks? Why do we look at people nursing a toddler with surprise? Why couldn't I feel comfortable to continue to nurse my child publicly any more once they were talking and walking?

Boy no.3 ~ Snow! ~ 18 months

I stopped feeding each of my babies when they and I were ready. I listened to no-one who dared to say anything and I challenged them and cited the World Health Organisation advice. Each time a child of mine was ill I was delighted to catch the same cold or illness because I knew I'd be helping them recover. Each time I held them and they looked at my face and settled and went to sleep I felt pure love.

Boy no.4 ~ 17 months

I'd like to think that when my children have their babies, breastfeeding will be something they don't think twice about, and they will have the confidence to nurse, and support their partners to have the confidence to nurse, for as long as is right for Mum and baby. I know I've normalised that in my household at least, and hopefully with a few friends and relatives who were around me at the time.

Don't forget I have a heap of fabulous competitions from Babasling, Lactivist, Rayne Beau Bloos and Breastvest as well as the main competition Rafflecopter which is below....


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some links to some of the other Bloggers taking part in the Keep Britain Breastfeeding Scavenger Hunt....

Pea Musings

The Seven Year Hitch
Mummies Waiting
Sorry About The Mess