Baby-led weaning.

Ayden is officially weaned! I actually never thought I would see the day. Nor want the day! But I really have been wanting him fully weaned for 2 months or so but he just would not budge. I was thankful to get him down to the one nursing at nighttime, which ended up not even being very long...just enough to calm him down and say goodnight. On Friday, Ayden had not napped and fell asleep at 5:30! My attempts to wake him for some dinner failed (course I didn't try very hard! woops) so I thought it would be a prime opportunity to "dry up." Then on Saturday he did the same thing (he is in a huge growth spurt). Tonight when it was time for our routine, he did ask but when I said it was for babies, he just said, "oh" and laid down! YES. What a tremendous joy nursing him has been and I would not have wanted anything different. He has been the healthiest boy, is secure, and soooo happy! But it is due time to get my body and strength back.

There are many benefits of extended breastfeeding. See below:

*Your baby continues to get the immunological advantages of human milk, during a time when he is increasingly exposed to infection. Breastfed toddlers are healthier overall.

*When he is upset, hurt, frightened or sick, you have a built in way to comfort him. Often a sick child will accept breastmilk when he refuses other foods.

*Many of the medical benefits of breastfeeding (lower cancer risk in mother and baby, for example) are dose related -- in other words, the longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effects.

*Human milk offers protection for the child who is allergic.

*Mothering a toddler is challenging enough -- nursing makes the job of caring for and comforting him easier. There is no better way to ease a temper tantrum, or put a cranky child to sleep than by nursing.

*Nursing provides closeness, security and stability during a period of rapid growth and development.

*Letting your baby set the pace for weaning spares you the unpleasant task of weaning him before he is ready.

Mama's Milk.

Breast was, is, and will always be BEST.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/01/19/090119fa_fact_lepore