Breastfeeding Past 1 Year

I always knew that I was going to breastfeed. I was completely determined, which was a good thing because it's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. When I was a baby, my mom breastfed me, and I self-weaned at 10 months. So, I figured that I would probably be breastfeeding my own daughter about that long...so that was my goal.

As it goes with parenting, though, best laid plans go awry, and goal posts are constantly being moved. This is how I found it with breastfeeding: the 10 month mark came and went and my gal was showing no signs of slowing down. Since I found breastfeeding to not only be quite convenient, but also bonding, I felt no reason to slow down, either.

This image of us breastfeeding was also shared on
Take Back Postpartum,

     which seeks to normalize a diversity of postpartum 

        experiences and help women love their bodies.   

And now here we are: my daughter is 15 months and we are still going strong!! I'm very proud. But there are lots of things about breastfeeding after 1 year that are different from newborns and infants, so I figured, hey, I'd share my experience so that others could relate, commiserate, or maybe even get some answers.

Let's talk facts
The worldwide average for weaning is 4 years old. I know lots of moms who breastfed as long. So there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding until you and/or your baby is ready to stop. It's a personal decision. But breastmilk continually changes to give your growing tike the nutrients and immunities they need. Don't EVER let someone tell you that "if they can ask for it, they are too old." First of all, it's no one's business, and secondly, it's just plain false. Breastfeeding is the gift that keeps on giving. I've continued to lose weight and feel amazing, and I know I am nourishing my daughter.

I also find it to be the best (most effective) comfort for upset feelings, boo-boos, nap time, and bedtime. While my daughter doesn't breastfeed as much during the day at this point, she does enjoy touching base with me throughout the day and leaning in for some quick milk. And, despite still breastfeeding like a champion, she's also quite a terrific eater. She eats three solid meals a day, and sometimes a snack.


Let's talk teeth & tweaking
Ugh. The biting. It happens. It's not quite as bad as it sounds (surprisingly), but requires swift intervention. The thing that I have found the most helpful is when she bites (which, I'm sorry to say can sometimes be on purpose), is that I put her down and say "I guess you're not hungry." And it upsets her, and so she stops. I have also found the biting thing waxes and wanes. I'll have a couple weeks where she gives me trouble with it, and then she stops for a couple months.

Another annoyance can be nipple tweaking. OUCH! I am slowly breaking my daughter of this habit. I was interested to learn that the tweaking thing actually serves a purpose; it stimulates letdown in the breast they are eating out of. Ah, nature, sometimes you are a devil! Haha. Of course, it's not comfortable, so I don't encourage the behavior. You can help break it by holding your baby's hand, or offering them a blanket to twist instead.

Jokes!
I was surprised to learn that my toddler JOKES with me while breastfeeding which is sooooo funny. She'll take my nipple and say "nom nom nom" like she's eating food. It's hilarious! These little moments between us are so sweet, and I know that someday they will gone. With her getting older, there is no telling when she'll be ready, so I just enjoy the little things while I can!

It eases worry 
There are times when my daughter doesn't want to eat table food because maybe she's sick or teething  or whatever. When this happens, I find that breastfeeding eases my worry because I know that her nutritional needs are being met--what a relief!

She's a pro and so am I 
At this point, we are both breastfeeding pros. I remember in the beginning, I had to think about what to wear for easy access, or I would cautiously look around in public. Now? I hardly think about what I wear, or how to nurse in public. We are both good on the go, at home, and just about anywhere in between! We've hit a sweet spot.




So what has your experience been like breastfeeding your older baby? Please feel free to share in the comments section below! 

Hello 30!

Today, I am 30 years old. While some people might be wallowing or lamenting, I'm super excited. I have always wanted to be 30. For me, it seems like an age that has experience behind it, and I suppose I always thought that when I got here, I would be considered an adult. I don't know if I particularly feel like an adult or not--in fact, sometimes I feel 16!--but nonetheless, I am really happy to be here.

I was going to write a post that 30 focused...something about things you should've done by 30, or thing you should be over by 30, or whatever. But the truth is, in my now 30 years of experience, the whole "shoulds" and "maturity" things can be highly overrated. And while I enjoy being my bossy self, I don't want to tell anyone what they should be doing.

So instead, I'd like to tell you about 30 things I've done in my 30 years. Maybe you can relate, and maybe you can't, but it's my blog and my birthday, and I'm in a sharing mood. So...here we gooooooo!

1. Traveled to Europe with my mom.
2. Breastfed my baby for over a year (WOOOO! Go us!)
3. Been with my husband for 12 years--married for five!
4. Had a natural childbirth experience.
5. Seen over 100 concerts in 3 countries (35 of which were Phish shows).
6. Auditioned for the local TV station....twice.
7. Not been given the job by the local TV station...twice.
8. Traveled to Europe with my best friend.
9. Failed...more than once. (Always a good learning experience!)
10. Been a massage therapist.
11. Been an office manager.
12. Worked for myself as a writer.
13. Been a stay at home mom (maybe my favorite job so far!)
14. Self published a novella. (Careful, it's awfully STEAMY!)
15. Made my own mayonnaise.
16. Developed a lactose intolerance later in life...boo!
17. Had shingles (I totally don't recommend this one!)
18. Given up dairy, and actually liked it.
19. Been in several stage productions, including my dream role as Juliet.
20. Owned chickens for the past couple of years.
21. Canned with my mother and mother-in-law, learning a ton about preserving food!
22. Learned how to let go, whether it's in friendships, or love, or family.
23. Had my own podcast--which was so fun, and something I hope to do again soon!
24. Learned new depths of love as I walk down the road of life, both in marriage and family.
25. Lived in the city, and in the country. (Country suits me best!)
26. Slept under the stars.
27. Stayed up all night so many times that I no longer feel the need.
28. Had a lot of great pet over the years, and fostered a healthy love of animals.
29. Lived with lots of interesting roommates! (Just typing that made me smile!)
30. Made lifelong friends, and formed a community of friends and family who make my life so incredibly rich, I know that I am lucky lucky LUCKY!

As I look at my list, I am so happy to have had all these experiences. I am so incredibly grateful for the things I have had, and the great things coming in my future. I love a quote I once heard--and you've probably seen it floating around the Internet-- "Do no regret getting older, it is a privilege denied to many." I like it because it helps keeps impermanence in perspective.

Also, one more thing...ever since I had my daughter, I understand the importance of my birthday for my own mother. So, I also want to say THANK YOU to my mom--for all her hard work bringing me earthside. I love being alive, and I love sharing this life's journey with her. So happy birthday TO ME and MY MOM. I hope you all have a great day today, and every day! 

BLT {Inspired} Flatbread Recipe

I like things that sound hard, but are really very easy. Like making your own flatbread from scratch. It sounds like it would be time consuming, but really, it's so simple. Like, you can make it when you are chasing after a one year old simple. I appreciate that kind of simple, don't you?

I have been positively obsessed with this flatbread for about four months. As in: I make this every week. I originally found the flatbread recipe on Pinterest, which you all should know by now is like my favorite place to get new recipes. So. Many. Pictures!

I've tweaked the recipe over time, and now it's all mine. It's my answer to pizza, which, since giving up dairy, I miss so very much. Now, I barely remember that I miss it because this flatbread is the best ever.

Also worth the mention, you can make the dough a couple of days ahead and let it hang out in the refrigerator. Isn't that awesome? In addition to that, this is also one of my 15-month-old daughter's favorite dinners. I make her a smaller, individual flatbread and she goes to town on it!

Now, obviously you can top your flatbread however you want to. My topping combo is mostly just a suggestion. So I'm mostly writing this post so that you can get in on this awesomely awesome flatbread recipe. Good anytime of the year with a variety of topping, your tastebuds and family will thank you for making this!

BLT {Inspired} Flatbread Recipe 

Time: Active: 15 minutes Inactive: 2 hrs | Makes 4 Flatbreads | Difficulty: Easy (ish) 

You Will Need: 

Flatbread: 

2 teaspoons sugar 

2 teaspoons yeast 

1 cup of hot water 

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 

cornmeal for dusting

Toppings: 

4 (ish) tablespoons mayo 

2 cloves garlic 

8 slices of bacon, sliced up into pieces  

Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 

Fresh basil, chopped 

Blue cheese (optional)

Avocado, sliced 

Method: 

In a small bowl (or mason jar), mix your sugar and yeast. Add the hot water, and stir. Allow it to sit for five minutes until it forms a foamy "head." 

In a medium bowl (I like to use my glass bowl that has a lid) place your flour. Add the foamy yeast water to the flour and mix with your hands until a dough is formed. Knead the dough to come together, but don't over mix. When it's a good ball of dough, cover and allow it to rise for 1 hour. 

When it's risen for the hour, punch it down and knead a bit. At this point, you can divide it into four equal balls, or you can do that later, your choice. Cover again and allow it rise until you are ready to use it. If you are making this ahead, you can also put it in the refrigerator at this point for up to two days! 

When you are ready to bake it: 

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Flour your hands and surface. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin and place on a cornmeal dusted sheet pan. 

To top: 

I like to make a pseudo-garlic aioli by mixing the mayo and garlic. Divide it amongst the flatbreads, spreading evenly. Then go ahead and top your flatbreads however you like best; again, these are just suggestions and I like a variety of flatbread toppings (like bbq sauce, chicken and onions!).

Then, throw these suckers in the oven and bake about 15 minutes.

Serve with a salad, glass of wine, and eat in the company of those you love!