Still breastfeeding

Aya is 10 1/2 months now and at one time I had thought I would stop nursing her when she turned one.  However, as her first birthday approaches, I don't feel as though I'm ready to stop.  She still really enjoys nursing and I can't imagine that she will suddenly feel different on her birthday.  So, for now, I don't really have a plan for how long I will continue to nurse Aya.  I like knowing that she will benefit from my milk for as long as I give it to her, in ways that science can't duplicate.  She will continue to benefit from extra immunity and other nutrients that researchers are still discovering.  And perhaps too she'll benefit from the closeness and security breastfeeding provides. 

Nursing Beyond a Year

Breastfeeding Past Infancy

Breastfeed a Toddler--Why on Earth?

Teeth!

Aya's smile will never be the same!  She has teeth!  I was a little worried about how nursing would go after her teeth came in, but it has been smooth.  I usually don't feel her teeth at all while I nurse.  It is only at the very end of feedings when she has fallen asleep or is ready to be done, that I sometimes have to be ready to take her off my breast or reposition her if she begins to clamp down. 
Really, I had more discomfort nursing Aya before her teeth pushed through.  She clamped down often and pulled.  I now think she did this because it made her gums feel better.  It was a relief that once her teeth came in I actually felt a lot better.

The Perfect Gift

My friend and I were talking the other evening about nighttime feeding.  Although it is usually not my favorite thing to do, and I'm still quite certain I'd prefer not have to get up at all at night, we both decided there are some special things about feeding our babies in the wee hours of the night. 

First, babies' eyes are beautiful in the dim light.  They are honest, pure and beautifully vulnerable. 

Secondly, we as nursing moms really have the perfect gift to give our little ones when they wake up needing comfort.  It is a special gift, made uniquely for them at that exact time and place.  We are lucky to be bearers of that gift. 

Lastly, for me, as a working mom, it feels important for me to be able to give my baby something that no one else can.  I know there are things that our caregiver does better than me--things that only she can give to Aya...but only I can nurse our little daughter and that makes me feel like her mom more than anything else.