Re: Nursing for a three year old.

November 22, 2009

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

Toddler & Preschool | Sleep Issues

BACK TO: Sleep Issues |

PREVIOUS MESSAGE

NEXT MESSAGE

AUTHOR:

Rhi'sDragonMom

DATE: 08/13/03 7:46am

SUBJECT:

Re: Nursing for a three year old.

IN REPLY TO: Nursing for a three year old.
AUTHOR: Mommymel

First off, I would like to say that I'm an advocate of breastfeeding. I think the health benefits and the bonding experience is phenomenal. Having said that, I want to say that I don't think this is a breastfeeding issue for you but rather an issue of being a single mother. I too am a single mother and I know how hard it is and how lonely it can be, which is why you should ask yourself why you feel the need to still sleep with your 3 year old. Is this for her benefit or yours?
If you are worried about her being able to comfort herself than put her to bed with a stuffed animal of her choice. Believe you me, it was harder on me than it was on my daughter when she made the transition from my bed to the crib! She was 9 months though and I have a feeling that the older they get the harder that transition is. It's definitely time for the two of you to seperate a bit. A three year old is an independent entity with a unique personality, usually able to feed themselves which is why I think our society frowns upon breastfeeding for too long. There is a point to that and it could be unhealthy for both of you to continue this pattern. Ask yourself who needs the comfort more, yourself or your child because if you were with "Mr.Special" I doubt that your daughter would still be sleeping with you.
Breastfeeding is great as long as it's done for beneficial reasons and not detrimental ones and I'm sure in your heart you know what's right. I wish you the best of luck.

MESSAGES

Nursing for a three year old.

Mommymel

05/06/02 07:33pm