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Nursing Beyond One Year
By Virginia Gilbert
"Aging hippies having babies late in life started this disaster," Kozicharow says. "And after these women finally gave up nursing they thought they were so special that they created the New Age goddess/moon cults." Kozicharow tempers her colorful opinion by admitting, "Of course I never breastfed or was even awake during my kids' births, so I am not mainstream here."
Wilde has most appreciated the intimacy her 3 1/2-year breastfeeding practice has fostered among herself, her son and her husband, Bradley, whom she describes as being extremely supportive. "The choice to breastfeed has been very connected to our parenting," says Wilde.
And contrary to the popular belief that nursing can create a wedge between parents, Wilde instead feels that the experience can create opportunities for a father to have time with the child. Explaining that breastfeeding isn't the only way to nurture, Wilde states that fathers can soothe a child who's ill or upset. As for her son, Wilde believes extended nursing has helped him develop into a trusting, secure little boy.
Read part two of this article for more information on the challenges of nursing a toddler, deciding when to wean and handling criticism.
