18 Month Breastfeeding Milestone
Breastfeeding a Toddler:
I have now reached the 18 month breastfeeding milestone with my precious baby or, more accurately, toddler and we are doing quite well. It has been a wonderful bonding process that I would not trade for anything. I’m just not sure if I will be able to give up this special time with my baby.
Since her first birthday, I have been very slowly weaning her and we are now down to one nursing session before bed. The weaning process has been much easier on both of us by doing it this way. I mostly have been taking her lead in slowly dropping the times we nurse but I think it will be hard to cut out this bed time breastfeeding session.
My husband has been dropping hints that I need to wean her completely now, but I just don’t feel ready yet. Watching your baby turn into an independent person makes you sad and happy at the same time. It also makes me want to have another baby, although I am not sure if I can handle that much more responsibility right now.
For the time being, I am content with looking back at how far we have come as a family. Seeing my baby grow and develop while giving me plenty of challenges to work through has made our family bond tighter and me a little wiser. I have truly enjoyed growing into the role of Mother by caring for my sweet Anneliese.
Now, my sweet little baby has turned into a rambunctious toddler with a will of her own. She doesn’t slow down to nurse until we have gone through her bedtime routine. I think in the next month we may both be ready to wean completely from nursing.
It’s a little sad to think about now, but it is one step among many on the road towards independence. I will just have to get used to the idea that she may always be my baby but she will not remain a baby for long.
Breastfeeding my baby has been a wonderful, precious chapter in my life and I would encourage every new mom to try it before formula. This was the best decision I could have made for my baby thus far. We are healthy and happy, and we have made it 18 months.
Maybe I will end up breastfeeding her until she is two, I’m not sure yet. I suppose we will cross that bridge when we get there. How about you?
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I love that you are enjoying nursing your toddler. I used to be a La Leche Leader years about 5 years ago. Yet I have only made it to about 18 months myself, for varies reasons. I can always remember that was the hardest time for us as well to wean from. Ours slept with us so it was very difficult. I know what you mean it making you want to have another baby. I mean it’s like letting go of such a huge part of their babiness
Good Luck in what ever you choose. Just remember everyday thus far was and is such a blessing to your baby-and you.
Thank you for the great advice! It’s good to have the support of others who have been through this already. Your insight has brightened my day!
Great job breastfeeding, Melainie!
I am still breastfeeding too (my boy turned 18 months at the beginning of February), for now it is three times a day. My family also thinks that I should start a slow process of weaning, but to be honest I am dreading it because my son loves breastfeeding so much (and nursing is a big part of our going to bed routine).
We’re going on vacation soon, and after we come back I plan to gradually decrease the number of feedings to two and then one. I think I would love to be able to breastfeed until my son’s second birthday (ha-ha, I think if it was up to me, I’d even go longer).
Every baby is different, but for now my son still gets so much comfort from the process of nursing. Plus I think that breastmilk at this age is still beneficial nutritionally and helps their immunity.
Thank you, and congrats on your breastfeeding success! I agree, and I am so glad I have helped boost my baby’s immunity thus far.