Breast feeding a Toddler

As you can tell by the title of this post, we'll be discussing slightly sensitive topics today, so if feeding a baby the most natural way possible offends you, come back later :)

For those of you still with me, let's chat about life while breast feeding a toddler or older baby. When I first knew I was going to breast feed even before ever getting pregnant I had no idea the struggles that go along with breast feeding. I thought formula was used in cases where the mom just didn't want to breast feed. I didn't know there was so much that can dictate one's breast feeding relationship. If you want to know more about the early days of my breast feeding journey with Jack, visit this post. 

I had an initial goal of breast feeding for one year. I knew around a year I would wean from the pump at work, and continue to breast feed on demand until Jack was no longer interested. 

So far this is working pretty well. Turns out my supply is heavily dictated by my hormones. The first half of my monthly cycle, I'm fine. Post ovulation my supply drops dramatically. I've found that taking a calcium/magnesium supplement three times a day during that second half of my cycle really helps though. 

Other challenges I've been facing in nursing a toddler is that because I'm not making as much milk as before since I'm not pumping, Jack needs to rely on other good sources for his nutritional intake. Problem I'm having is that this kid is such a picky eater!! 

So far he really only loooves fruit. I can pretty much get him to eat any fruit any time. But obviously he needs other things in his diet. He still loves clam chowder and some other cream based soups. But even then, not all of that is super healthy.

I've been getting him to eat while grain cereal for breakfast, or a whole wheat waffle with a little all-natural strawberry jam. 

For lunch he typically has smoothies with fruits and veggies mixed in. That's pretty much the only way I can get him interested in veggies. He also loves steamed carrots (in stick form) and bell pepper strips.

I'm just worried he's not getting enough nutrients. He nurses about two-three times during the day and maybe once at night but I think that's more for comfort, or maybe he's going through a growth spurt and thinks he needs more. 

The second challenge I'm facing is that he really doesn't like other milks all that much. I can barely get him to drink it. The sitter does seem to have better luck with that than I do though. He is also allergic to lactose, I believe so that cuts down on our options. 

I'm just hoping he's getting enough. He's seeming to do great, but I just worry. Because I'm a mom and that's what we do. I'm open to any and all tips about how to feed a picky baby and/or getting them to like other milks!

Overall I'm still liking the little bit of breast feeding that is going on. Jack seems to be doing well with it and I'm not in a rush for it to end. Plus, it's great for weight loss so there is that :)

Unfortunately there is still the social stigma that comes along with breast feeding a toddler, but I try not to let other's opinions influence how I raise and parent my son. He and I are both happy and content with how things are going and that is the most important thing.