Nursing Mamas

Kirsty Duncan is a children’s picture book author that lives in Cheshire, UK.

Her latest picture book, “When We’re Ready” celebrates longer-term breastfeeding and co-sleeping and has been endorsed by Emma Pickett and Lucy Webber, both of which are highly respected IBCLC Lactation Consultants in their field.

The book follows Kirsty and her daughters breastfeeding journey, with relatable milestones throughout and is the first I have encountered to truly be a celebration of the toddler nursing journey without a push to wean, or weaning being the end result.

In episode 12 of Weaning It, I sit down with Kirsty to learn more about her breastfeeding journey and how it led to the creation of “When We’re Ready.”

Comment “POD” and I’ll send you the direct link, or head over to the link in bio!

PS - Check out the podcast notes for a unique discount code for pod listeners!

In a world full of opinions 🌍💬, remember that the decision to wean is deeply personal, belonging only to you and your child. 🤱❤️

When the time feels right for both of and you're seeking guidance or support, know that I'm here, ready to lend a helping hand with love. 💖✨ Your journey, your pace, your choice. 🚼👩‍👧‍👦

Let's chat in the comments - what feelings does weaning bring up for you?

In episode 11 of Weaning It, Erin breaks down YOUR big feelings, and how they feed your desire to wean (even if when you aren’t really ready).

And of course, she provides a solution to breaking the pattern.

Can you relate to the 3 phases of the cycle? Tune in to find out!

Simply comment “POD” and I’ll send it your way 😎

It's possible to wean just one breast at a time! 🤱

Yes, you read that right. Our bodies are truly magnificent, adapting to the unique rhythm of our breastfeeding journeys — including the quirks of our """"slacker b**b"""". 🦸🏼‍♀️💕

So go ahead, embrace your asymmetrical journey, let each side pave its own path to weaning. The beauty in motherhood lies in its diversity, where even the smallest of victories make a significant difference. 💖

Comment below if you have one side that is your stronger producer.

✨Success Story Alert!✨

Met with a client recently who, with her husband's support, decided to try night weaning over a long weekend.

Spoiler: It was a triumph! 🎉 While she was initially hesitant, fearing it wasn't the slow, gentle approach we often talk about, it turns out her little one was more than ready for the change. 🌜💤

Remember, every journey is unique, and sometimes, progress comes faster than anticipated. It's all about readiness and the small steps that lead to big milestones. 🚼👣

Thinking of night weaning but unsure where to start? Drop ""BEDTIME"" below for expert tips! 🎧💡

Are you a toddler nursing mama who regularly feels like you NEED to wean, but don’t actually know where to start?🤔

And you feel guilty for taking away something your child loves so much?

And you are touched out but have a hard time knowing how to handle your child’s big emotions without nursing?

And you worry about how you will parent when your most valuable parenting superhero tool is gone?

I see you, and in fact, I was you!

My name is Erin and I am a veteran extended nursing mom. At 4 1/2 years old, my daughter Avery had her last beautiful nursing session.

She shed no tears, but actually smiled at the end. It was a moment of celebration and growth for us both.

And I now I want to share this experience with you through the Gentle Toddler Weaning Online Course…

A 2 hour on-demand recording covering 5 key points (including night weaning) to make your weaning experience an EASY one.

What would your life look like if you were able to be weaned in 3 months?

Imagine fewer meltdowns...

More connection with your child…

More sleep for the both of you.

But to be clear, this is not a magical cure. Your child will still have a meltdown in the middle of a store for not buying them a toy - but at the end of the seminar you will have new parenting tools in hand to be able to handle the situation without the b**b.

The Gentle Toddler Weaning Method:
Keeping the love when the milk goes away

Are you in? DM me to get the course! 🤗

Let's talk about the language of breastfeeding! 🍼💬

""Natural-term"" often implies a universal ""ideal"" duration, potentially leaving moms feeling judged. What about considering ""responsive breastfeeding"" instead? It's all about tuning into both your baby's needs AND your comfort. It's a partnership, and the choice and timing should respect both parties. 🤱💞 Isn't it time our conversations mirrored this nurturing journey's mutual nature??

For tips on creating a harmonious nursing experience for you and your toddler, Comment ""POD"" below! 🎧✨

I'll send you a link to ep. 1, which breaks down the basics of how to make your toddler nursing relationship more responsive to you and your child's needs, rather than feeling demanded of all. the. time.

As a parent, I've come to realize that one of the most profound acts of love is allowing our children to embark on the journey of self-discovery without the weight of our own expectations. 🌱🌟

It's a delicate balance, cherishing their uniqueness while resisting the temptation to mold them into a mirror image of ourselves. Our children are born with their own dreams, passions, and identities waiting to unfold, like seeds planted in the fertile soil of possibility. 🌈💫

By letting go of preconceived notions and embracing their individuality, we create an environment where they can thrive and blossom into the fullest expression of themselves. 🌸🌟

It's a gift we give not only to them but also to the world, for it is through authenticity and self-discovery that true greatness is born. Let us nurture their potential and celebrate the beauty of their unique journey. 💖🌍

Nurturing your toddler through breastfeeding should be a bonding experience, but if it's leaving you feeling distant or drained, it's a signal to reassess.

Experiencing burnout or frustration is common, yet it highlights the need for a shift in your approach. Your feelings matter and finding a solution that supports both you and your child's wellbeing is crucial. If you're grappling with these emotions, don't navigate this alone. Reach out for support; I'm here to help with a free 15-minute consult. Drop a comment for the link! 💌

In episode 10 of Weaning It, Erin is joined by Ashley Boltz!

Ashley is a mom of 3 and is currently nursing her 18 month old twins girls. She breastfed her son through 16 months and has started the process of slowly weaning her girls.

She shares her everyday life and relatable mom content as a 2 mom family on instagram ⁠.

Enjoy!

This year, PRIDE matters more than ever. It can feel scary for the trans community and the people who love them to know who are safe and will be supportive.

I hope that those who need to hear this message find it in their feed and know that they matter.

Let's celebrate the diversity of human experiences, dismantling stereotypes, and embracing the power of love and inclusivity. 💪🏼🌈

Celebrating my daughter's 8th birthday 🎉 brings a poignant milestone in our journey.

She's reached a turning point, having been breastfed for half her life till now. The swift passage of the last four years highlights the fleeting nature of childhood and the evolution of our mother-child relationship💕. As we step forward, the breastfeeding phase getting farther away in our rearview mirror, it’s clear that some connections, forged in those early, tender moments, are everlasting ❤️.

Parenthood is truly an incredible voyage of growth, love, and new experiences. I’d love to hear about your own parenting milestones this year!

While we often associate nursing with heterosexual, cisgender women, it's essential to recognize that individuals across the LGBTQ community also breastfeed. 🤱 🌈

Inclusive language is vital to respect their diverse experiences. Gender goes beyond physical appearance, and individuals throughout the LGBTQ community have the ability to lactate 💪 Understanding and affirming gender identity is crucial for mental well-being.

Let's treat others as we hope our own children will be treated, fostering love and acceptance. 💙

Share if you agree! 📢🌈

🌈 2024

Breastfeeding in the first year is a labor of love 💞

And breastfeeding beyond a year can bring some expectations (from you and others) about how nursing will change. Slowly, over time, you will start to see your child shift from their baby stage into true toddlerhood, but during the transition, you can expect certain things to adjust in your breastfeeding routine.

Transitioning away from the breast doesn't mean an immediate end to your milk supply. Your body is incredibly adept, allowing for longer intervals between feedings without ceasing milk production. 👶🏼🍼

Breastfeeding will become an even more powerful tool in your parenting arsenal, capable of soothing and bonding in unparalleled ways. ✨

For those navigating the waters of extended nursing for the first time, comment QUIZ and I will send you my free quiz that will give you even more information based on the stage of toddler nursing you are in!

In this episode of Weaning It, Erin gets candid about the life lessons she is taking away from her 30s, and how motherhood had an influence on every aspect of her life.

Listen in as she breaks down her 5 biggest life lessons that she will take with her into her next decade.

She hits topics including dividing labor (what didn’t work after kids came), sharing her body with her children, anxiety, identity, career changes, self-worth, confidence in parenting, and more.

Like what you hear? Please leave a rating and/or to help more extended nursing moms find the show!

Most people believe that nursing begins exclusively after childbirth. But lactation can work in other situations too.

A person can resume milk production after weaning or even if she has never given birth or been pregnant.

Lactation is stimulated by the hormones prolactin, progesterone, and estrogen. Increasing prolactin levels through ni**le stimulation, like suckling or expressing can trigger the body to begin to produce milk after weaning, although additional hormone treatment may also be needed.

Lactation can occur without being pregnant! 💕

Parenting is freaking hard ❤️...
.. especially if you are trying to raise your children different than you were raised. But sometimes our own personalities may naturally lean towards one of the more extreme parenting styles.

Are you a people pleaser? Then you may lean more to the permissive parenting style.

Like to be right? Then you could fall more often into the authoritarian style.

Both of these styles are based on fear - either our fears about how others will perceive us, or others' fears about how we will react.

I think for many of us who are trying to find the middle ground like the idea of gentle parenting because it leans into love, not fear. I lean into connecting with my child through play to gain cooperation, rather than bribes or punishments.

And within the toddler breastfeeding relationship, children who LOVE their milk, need extra assurance and connection with you, which doesn't come through fear and separation.

It can be hard to figure out at first, but how we choose to guide our children shapes their world and ours. 🧒👧

Moving away from extremes and towards a more gentle, positive parenting approach can get you where you want to be.

This method encourages a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding, and communication.💕

It's about parenting from a place of love, not control or fear, allowing both parent and child to grow together, respond thoughtfully to each other, and foster a nurturing environment where everyone thrives.🏡

Want to learn more about gentle parenting? Comment ""ME” and I will send you my free 4 Pillars of Gentle Parenting Guide!

If you’re struggling to breastfeed your toddler, it may be time to set some boundaries. 🤱

Toddler breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not obligated to continue if it’s no longer working for you.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to extended breastfeeding, so ultimately the decision is up to you. 🥰

However, there are a few things you can do to make toddler breastfeeding more manageable.

For example, try setting a limit on how long your toddler can breastfeed each day. 🤗

By setting limits and becoming more conscious of your body, you can help make toddler breastfeeding more manageable and enjoyable for both of you.❤️

Not sure if boundaries are right for you? Comment "BOUNDARIES" below and I'll send you my free QUIZ that breaks down which extended breastfeeding stage you're in (hint: Needing boundaries is stage 4!).

When nursing becomes a nibble challenge, comfort can quickly turn to concern. 🤱👶

One mom's journey with her strong-willed 2-year-old reveals it's not just about "no biting." Consistency is key! 🕒✨

Establishing a clear breastfeeding routine reduces anxiety, setting up peaceful naps without the nip. It's not punishment, but connection—understanding needs and curbing behavior with compassion. 🤗

If biting has you baffled, let's connect. Share your story and for more tips on positive boundaries, drop a comment for my free 5 Toddler Nursing Boundaries guide! 👇

If you're considering night weaning your toddler, there are a few things you can do to make the process go more smoothly. ☺️

Most older toddlers are now getting their nutrition primarily from food. That’s not to say that breast milk isn’t also providing amazing value to their diet!

But by this age, it is safe to work to transition your child to get most of their nutrition during waking hours. This is easier said than done though.

If you are ready to get your sleep back, but want to do it gently, follow this guide to help you and your child have as smooth a transition as possible.❤️

This can still take several weeks, but being consistent and not giving in (because for real, isn’t it sometimes just easier to give them the b**b?) will be key to night weaning. 🤗

Check out these books specifically written for nursing toddlers:

- Bo***es Go Bye-Bye - A Weaning Story
- B***y Moon: A weaning book for toddlers.
- Sally Weans from Night Nursing
- Nursies When the Sun Shines: A Little Book on Nightweaning

Already night weaned? Comment with your tips for mamas in the thick of it below!

Does your little yogi sneak in a sip in the most inconvenient yoga moments? It can feel impossible to get in self-care and calm when you have a toddler pulling down your shirt. Here are a couple tips to hopefully help reduce this if it bothers you:

- Get them their own yoga mat to be on next to you
- Nurse them before and after your workout session and tell them no milk while you are working out (and then don't give in, as this will confuse them and make them think you didn't mean it)
- Still a problem? Tell your partner, "I need 20 minutes to workout. Can you take them outside to play before lunch or after nap?"
- No partner? Ask a friend to come with their kids and take turns watching them all with each of you gets alone time.

It's hard to sneak away (I know it was for me!). But setting up regular routines and telling others what you need to do it is not selfish. In fact, it is probably the most important component of self-care - that you are worth it.

Kavisa Wood is a mom of 4, extended breastfeeder of 2, IBCLC lactation consultant, and founder of Nourishing Justly.

We talk about her journey into motherhood, weaning her first vs last child, and the work she is doing to help ALL women get lactation care.

Comment “POD” to get the link!

Expanding your family is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities and challenges. As a second-time parent, you have the opportunity to take everything you learned from your first breastfeeding experience and make it even better this time around.🕛🤗

Remember, every baby and breastfeeding journey is different. Just because your first was a b**b monster, it doesn't mean your second will be too. You know so much more now, and you can use that knowledge to your advantage.

Breastfeeding is a journey, and like any journey, it has its ups and downs. But the bond you create with your child through breastfeeding is priceless and will be cherished forever.💕

As a lactation educator, I am here to support you every step of the way. So, save this post and reach out to me anytime you need support and guidance. You've got this, mama! You are doing an amazing job and your children will thank you for it in the future. ⭐️

I believe "don't offer, don't refuse" can be a useful breastfeeding strategy, as long as your child is not asking more than you want to nurse.

This strategy is innocently suggested to extended nursers, often by moms who didn't have a super b**b obsessed child.

If you have been trying don't offer, don't refuse to help reduce the number of nursing sessions, only to find you are nursing more than ever, this strategy may not be working as you'd hoped and something new is in order.

Unsure where you stand? My free Extended Breastfeeding Quiz helps identify your current stage and offers tailored tips. 👇

Ready for clarity and guidance? Comment "QUIZ" and I'll send the link to navigate your nursing journey with confidence! 🤱✨

Weaning can feel physically and psychologically uncomfortable. This discomfort can make you question whether what you are doing is the right thing (because your brain and breasts have now been conditioned to want you to make more milk).

Knowing these things will happen can greatly reduce weaning stress. If either symptom seems to be too intense, I suggest taking smaller weaning steps, like shortening nursing sessions before cutting them completely.

You have been breastfeeding for a long time! It's okay if it takes a little while to get to the finish line.

Not sure if you're ready to wean? Comment ""QUIZ"" and I will send you my free What Stage of the Extended Breastfeeding Journey Am I In? Quiz. Your answers will show you where you are in the 5 stages of toddler nursing & weaning!

Navigating toddler nursing can often lead to surprising encounters, especially with healthcare professionals who are supposed to guide us. 😔

And even though the CDC and AAP support 2 years of breastfeeding and beyond, some doctors still may share subtle signs that their methods run counter to continued breastfeeding.

Be alert to red flags from your pediatrician, such as urging early weaning, discouraging night feeds, or misconceptions about nursing's impact on dental health. 😨

These signals may indicate a lack of support for extended breastfeeding. By 12 months, if there’s pressure for your child to rely solely on solids and dismiss the significance of your nursing bond, it’s crucial to reassess if this is the right pediatrician for you.

Extended breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, and your journey deserves respect and proper guidance on food, sleep, and weaning strategies. 💕

Have you faced unsupportive remarks about breastfeeding from your pediatrician? Share them below.👇

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest pain points for toddler nursing moms: bedtime.

I know deeply the exhaustion and frustration of being the only one who can get your child to sleep; however, there are common mistakes that we make when trying to adjust the bedtime nursing routine that can end up backfiring big time.

And of course, I don’t just tell you what not to do, but tips for what to do instead.

Comment “POD” to get the link directly to your DMs, or head over to my bio now for the show link!