Gonna Breastfeed Forever

So, at 18 months I'm still feeding him; first thing in the morning for about twenty minutes before we get up for the day.

I used to think that feeding babies who could run around and say the odd word here and there was weird. It creeped me out a little bit, to imagine a small child babbling away then latching itself on. Now, it seems fine, and I've got to a point where I'd recommend it. Having that cuddle in the morning sets me up for the day, which is essential, especially seeing as I'm working and don't get to see him for a good deal of it.

There are some bad points though. You might remember me saying that The Kid has a definite preference for the right hand side. Continuing to use one and not the other over the months is taking it's toll. I hope everything will balance out over time but at the moment I reckon I could fashion the right hand side into some kind of lasso and go out catching wildebeest.

Another thing is, even though I only feed him in bed, every now and again during the day he has a hankering to come over and put his hand down my top and start rummaging around as though searching through a bag of sweets. This is bad enough when I'm at home, but he's not proud; he'll try his luck anywhere - whether that be in Tesco or the playground waiting for The Boy.

The worst is when he actually manages to grab hold of his target, which usually happens when the arm that's not holding him is otherwise engaged doing something else, like opening a car door or carrying bags. I have to wrestle his hand out without exposing myself to the rest of the world - no mean feat considering he's got a grip like a vulture. Remember my chest has now got the elasticity of a rubber band, (only without the ability to spring back into shape) so I think it would be possible for him to stretch it up past my head if he had half a chance.

He's nearly succeeded in doing this while I've been exchanging niceties with strangers or acquaintances in the playground: "Oh yes Laura, it is a lovely day isn't it! And this must be The Kid! Look at him! Isn't he a lovely little... oh my.. oh my god, what's he doing to your, to your..." They then go into a state of near shock, make their excuses and leave while I'm left to prize myself out of The Kid's grasp and tuck everything back into my bra.

Hmm.. I'm not selling this breastfeeding toddlers lark am I? Well, apart from your body being annihilated and being embarrassed to the point of mortification on the odd occasion, all in all it's actually fantastic. Honestly. I plan to carry on till he's two I reckon. That is the definite end date to make sure I'm not still feeding him when he's old enough to drive a car.

Even though there are the not so plus points to breastfeeding toddlers, I think I can put up with it. I just hope that those poor people in the playground can too.