Tip 197: Weaning breast milk at 20 months

I blogged previously about the benefits of fostering good mummy-baby relationship through breastfeeding naturally without a breast pump as long as possible. Now, I can share about the realities of breastfeeding for extended periods since Haruka has been breastfed till 20 months old!












Has Haruka benefitted from breastfeeding? Definitely yes. She has never gotten ill except for an occasional running nose, sore throat, cough and mild fever. The number of times she was sick in the course of less than 2 years can be counted with just 2 hands. Never had any vomitting or possetting after a feed as she can digest mummy's milk well. I believe Haruka's quick development to speak and listen attentively is due to the attention she received from her mother, who is full time parenting and adheres to the principles of attachment parenting.












Are there any issues with breastfeeding for such a long period? Daddy would say yes. A mummy would know that when breastfeeding, she gets hungry faster. Sometimes the hormones would affect her to be grumpy and easily irritated as well. Due to the fatigue, she would expect daddy to be more helpful and more considerate. I would be expected to hunt for a good restaurant quickly if we are outside else, mummy would play tantrums. As Tomomi did not want to use a breastpump as she feels it contradicts the purpose of breast feeding, she would have to hurry when she leaves the house for time alone given by daddy. This would be unnecessary stress for her when she feels jealous of the freedom daddy enjoys or if daddy seem to be not sensitive to her needs. Being away from family doesn't help too, else we would have an extra helping hand and friend at home- and that would change for the better soon.












At night, mummy may have little sleep unless she gets used to the constant feeding. As Haruka sleeps next to Tomomi as we all share the same bed, she would treat Tomomi as her pacifier. :) Many parents even in developed countries practice same bedding nowadays as an attachment parenting principle.

When Tomomi decided to wean Haruka, I was overjoyed. Interestingly, the weaning just took 1 day. Haruka already understood the concept of empty or finished and knew that crying over it makes no difference. One day, Tomomi just told Haruka that the milk has finished and for 1 day, reminded Haruka about it. After that, Haruka nods and agrees with us that the milk is "nai nai" (none in Japanese). She drinks fresh cow's milk now on a cup. Though, one setback of breastfeeding is that she is a little skinny compared to those drinking baby formula milk.












(Photos show Kabira Wan at Ishigaki island, Okinawa when we were there on holiday a few months ago. It shows a black pearl farm where pearls are cultured).