My daughter is now 16 months old, and to the surprise of many, I am still breastfeeding her on demand. It has become a natural part of our daily routine, and she has access to my milk pretty much whenever she desires, around the clock. It wasn’t a deliberate decision to become an extended breastfeeder; it simply evolved over time. Consequently, I find myself without a definitive answer when people inquire about when I plan to stop.
This marks my second experience with motherhood, and I am aware that there is an assumption held by many that my continued breastfeeding is rooted in an unwillingness to let go of the baby phase or an attachment to keeping my youngest, and likely last, daughter from growing up. However, this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.
The decision to breastfeed for an extended period is not driven by a desire to hinder my daughter’s growth or to cling to an idealized version of her as a baby. Instead, it stems from a recognition of the unique benefits that breastfeeding provides for both her and me. The bonding experience, the nutritional value, and the comfort it brings to her are all factors that contribute to my commitment to breastfeeding.
In a society that often places expectations and timelines on parenting milestones, I’ve chosen to follow the natural progression of my daughter’s needs and development. I am attuned to her cues and responsive to her demands, creating a nurturing environment that prioritizes her well-being.
As my daughter continues to grow and explore the world, I understand that our breastfeeding journey will eventually come to an end. However, the timeline is not predetermined, and I am content to let it unfold organically. It’s a personal choice guided by the unique dynamics of our mother-daughter relationship, and I am unapologetically embracing this path without succumbing to external pressures or judgments.
