Ksenia: Breastfeeding Toddler
The birth of our daughter completely changed my life. She is the biggest miracle for me…
When she was born, I felt overwhelmed despite all the preparation. While I had heard about mom's intuition, it didn't seem to kick in during those first crucial months.
I was determined to breastfeed and fortunate to settle this process, though it was not an easy journey. I truly believe it helped me connect with my daughter and become the caring, loving parent I wanted to be.
There's something profoundly beautiful in simply holding and cuddling her during these times. Breastfeeding was our answer to everything - it soothed, comforted, healed, and hydrated her, giving us both a sense of closeness and joy.
Originally, I thought we'd stop breastfeeding by her first birthday. But when that time came, it was clear neither of us was ready. I cherished breastfeeding my baby and felt a strong bond during these moments.
When others suggested it was time to stop, I got defensive. I wasn't ready to let it go. I realized that the length of our breastfeeding journey was a choice only I could make, guided by my instincts and her readiness.
By 18 months, breastfeeding took a natural downturn. I couldn't believe how smoothly and naturally everything transitioned, leaving me with a sense of gratitude and the joyful anticipation of uninterrupted, healthy sleep.
However, around 21 months, a bout with rotavirus led to a temporary regression, making breast milk the sole tolerable sustenance for about a week. She continued demanding more milk for two more months, echoing the patterns of a one-year-old.
I was feeling incredibly tired, but from the start, I knew I had to act out of love for my little one – it was all much harder on her than it was on me. It dawned on me that this was a crucial time in her life when she needed me the most.
So, we gently and gradually began to reduce the number of feedings again. We started by eliminating feedings outside the nursing room, eventually keeping only those before sleep and the night feedings. Currently, we're slowly phasing out the nighttime feedings, and she's already waking up less frequently.
I can feel that our breastfeeding journey is coming to an end, and honestly, I'm a bit nostalgic. It's another milestone in her journey to becoming an independent person. The bittersweet truth of motherhood is that while my love for her grows every day, so does the realization that she needs me a little less each day. And I must accept this and support her on her path.
For me this photoshoot captures the essence of the last moments of this journey. And for that, I am truly grateful!
1.The biggest challenge of breastfeeding a toddler... is the lack of uninterrupted sleep for over two years.
2.The most rewarding part of breastfeeding a toddler... is knowing I always have the best tool for soothing and healing her with me.
3.Being a mom, I rely more on... love. To me, the most important aspect of raising a child is to act out of love for my daughter and to support her in all her endeavors.
Ksenia wears The Optimal Set in Sunset shadow and The Optimal Set in Sun sparkle.