These 4 Moms Still Breastfeed Their Toddlers Because . . . Well, They Don't Have to Give a Reason

"I honestly am not a fan of the term 'extended' breastfeeding. I think full-term breastfeeding is a better representation. Babies [are recommended] to be breastfed for at least two years, and personally I am going to let my son wean himself, even if that means going until he's 4 or so.

The best part of extended breastfeeding for me is the bonding time. My son is old enough to ask for his 'boos' and it's our little alone time since he's mostly running around now. I think the most challenging has been when he's wanted to nurse in public. I don't have an issue with it, but I notice we get a lot more dirty looks than when he was an infant nursing." — Kali Centeno (and Ollie, 2)

"In a society where full-term breastfeeding is rarely supported and often viewed as 'gross,' 'offensive,' 'weird,' etc., it means the world to me to take part in normalizing and raising awareness through my journey. Motherhood is a wild ride and I often find myself lost in the day-to-day. However, when my little babes crawl into my lap to nurse, whether for comfort or hunger, we have a moment to just be. The messy house, the never ending to-do list, the stress . . . it all fades to the background.

What has been the most challenging part of extended breastfeeding [is] the feeling of not being my own. It can be overwhelming and I sometimes find myself 'touched-out.' Healthy/reasonable boundary-setting, support, and perspective have helped tremendously during these times!" — Tamika Rascón (and Noah, 3, and Atlas, 18 months)

"Though he won't remember any of this, I hope he will always remember the feeling of safety and comfort from when he would lay in my arms and listen to my heart through my chest. As much as I am an advocate for breastfeeding, if that's what the mama-baby dyad chooses is best for them, I would be straight up full of sh*t if I said it was easy. Well, maybe it is, but it wasn't and hasn't been the easiest journey with either babe.

Being 'touched-out' after mothering all day, after giving up any semblance of personal space to a small human that can't really grasp the concept, has been hard for me to accept. But alas, we are still here. When I think about the first several years, sometimes I feel guilty that I couldn't 'give' or 'be present' as much, so I guess this time around, as a SAHM, I try to be more mindful and giving, and for me, that includes continuing to nurse and enjoy these quiet moments . . . thankfully, Netflix exists for when I'm trapped with a cranky-pants toddler." — Anna (and "Little G," 25 months)