If you’re reading this post hoping for something controversial related to breastfeeding toddlers (like this Time Magazine cover) you’re in the wrong place, sorry!
Jackson weaned himself at around 13 months. At that point, he was only nursing once a day in the morning so it was a gradual process and wasn’t a struggle for either of us. When Sidney came along 9 months later, I was curious if he would be interested in nursing again at all. He wasn’t. In fact, he called my boobs “Sidney’s milk” or “Mama’s muscles” and never even gave them a second glance. I’ve heard of toddlers wanting to start breastfeeding again when a baby sibling came along, but it wasn’t the case in our home.
However, in the past month, Jackson’s interest in breastfeeding has come back. *HE* doesn’t want to breastfeed, but he wants to “feed” his stuffed animals with his “mipples.” I think it’s really sweet and I’m proud that he knows that is how (many) babies eat, but my dilemma is how do I explain that male nipples can’t feed babies? Keep in mind he is not yet 3 so I don’t want to even venture into “Pregnant Man” territory at this point in parenthood.
He wants to feed his giraffe, the dog, Sidney- what can I say, he’s a generous kid? Do I just let it go? Parents of toddlers, have you ever experienced this? What did you do? I’ve ignored it, but not sure if that’s the best way to deal with it, so thanks in advance for your advice!
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