I am overjoyed to see so many mothers touched by my last post about nursing a toddler. I think part of the reason for its popularity is that so many moms are made to feel that they either have to love toddler nursing (and therefore continue) or hate it (and therefore stop). Nursing is a relationship, and like all relationships, it is complex, unique, and nuanced.
I am also happy to see that people seem to be genuinely moved by my writing. I came to writing and blogging as a published poet first and foremost, so I am pleased to see that the language here is affecting so many of you. It has been hard to maintain the writing life I had before becoming a mother, and seeing my words connect with so many of you feels like a gift.
For that, I want to give back. In 2013, CW Books published my second full length book of poems, Morph and Bloom. It’s a book of poems about motherhood. There are actually several poems in it about toddler nursing! Here are links to a few:
I would like to give away two copies of the book to my readers. All you have to do is leave a comment below (or on Facebook) by November 23rd, and I will randomly select two winners. You will receive a signed copy of the book.
To read more about me or read more writing samples, visit my writing website here.
If you would like to order the book, you can get it from Amazon, or order a signed copy from me here.
Thanks again!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year. I don’t know where or how I found it, but thank you for your words and thoughts. Love to you.
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I read your post and I felt all of what you said at one time or another. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in my feelings. Thanks.
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I am also nursing a toddler. A simple ‘Thank you’ seems insufficient. Your words echo my own so profoundly, that I am comforted beyond measure; comforted in a way that reassures my confidence, strengthens my conviction and protects (if not re-establish) my sanity. Your alliance with other moms in such a small way as writing about your experiences is real bc i feel it. I couldnt help but suddenly feel my breaths deepening and a warmth spread over me that i am not alone. I am not alone anymore. I plan to tape the post into my journal along with the nursing photo i snapped of my almost 18 m.o. as he nursed, practically asleep, while i waited patiently, desperately until his eyes closed so i could catch an episode of Grays Anatomy. This is my life and my story and im sticking to it.
Monique and James (17 months)
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This was so good to read. ‘Nursing s toddler’ gave such simple yet effective reassurance that we should trust our instinct but not beat ourselves up about other thoughts!
I’ve shared this on my fb page and it had a very positive response so I know it warmed others too.
Thank you very much xXx
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Loved and shared your post. Nursing a 25 month oldš
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Upon starting my breastfeeding “journey” I would have never dreamed that (almost) 2 years later I would still be breastfeeding my little man. I had a very supportive breastfeeding peer at WIC and sometimes a supportive family. I wouldn’t change a thing! Sometimes I wish he would go to sleep without breastfeeding, but as my only child I know I will miss the closeness when it is over. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, it helps to know you are not alone!!
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Just found your blog through breastfeeding mama talk on fb. I have my own nursing toddler and love reading others thoughts on it. Thanks.
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As a proud, determined and at times exhausted nursing Mumma of a two year old, your posts have often touched on exactly the sentiments that I am feeling and unable to always express. I would love a copy of your book to continue to read your words from all the way over here in Australia!!
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I’m in ā¤ thank you for the post, i am nursing 1y 4m boy and couldn't be happier, can't wait what this will be like when he gets older. Thank you for this very informative blog š
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While reading your post about nursing toddlers, I was nursing my 30 month old son. I nursed my first two until just a little over a year each. I love that its OK to still nurse at 2.5 years!
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Wonderful articles!! I feel a lot of pressure to stop nursing when my LO is 12 months old, but I want him to decide when he’s done nursing. I didn’t consciously think that there are more reasons to nurse other than food. It makes perfect sense!!
Definitely helped me out!! Thank you for a wonderful website!!
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The article touched me too, I breastfed all 3 of my babies, and the last one is 19 months and only nurses a million times a day, lol. I would love to read your book.
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Still nursing my 23 month old! Your book sounds awesome!
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Thank you for your sentiments! No one close to me has nursed, let alone nursed a toddler, so I cling to like minded thoughts of it being a beautiful ever changing experience! We’re going strong at 16mos. Nursing is probably the best decision I’ve ever made.
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Beautiful poems. Sometimes I wonder if my boy will EVER want to wean but your words remind me to slow down, breathe and enjoy the ride xxx
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I so needed to read “to the mom of a nursing toddler”. Sometimes feeling a bit isolated with all the mixed feelings, it’s comforting to know other moms out there have similar experiences. Life with a nursing toddler has its “pain in the butt” moments but they make the Sweet times even SWEETER!! Thanks for your lovely reassurances!!
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32 months of nursing and counting! I have felt just about everything described at one point or another.
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I’m nursing a toddler and after managing just 2 weeks with my first (severe PND, very little support amongst other things being the reason for that), it is a very special relationship! ‘To the Mom of a nursing toddler couldn’t have been better timed. Sleep has been rather hit and miss lately and the pressure to stop nursing from well meaning others can really get a Mama down. Your article was just what I needed. Thank you.
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The winners of the giveaway were notified last week, but I haven’t heard from them. Dahlia and Krystal, please get in touch so I can get you your books. WendyWisner78@gmail.com.
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