Maryelle--well said!  I find similar reactions from new moms when they consider
nursing a toddler. When you nurse a baby 12 or more times a day, it is difficult
to imagine "having" to do that for 2,  3 ,4+ years! I tell moms that once you
get past a year or two, you are not "breastFEEDING" so much as "nursing" to fill
needs other than nutritional. And I tell them that picking an arbitrary time to
wean is much like choosing the date baby will walk, potty train, talk, etc.

A question occurs to me, especially for those of you for whom English is a
second language--is there an equivalence between "breastfeeding" and "nursing"
in other languages, or is this just an Americanism? It is such a lovely synonym
here that describes more than just feeding at the breast, and also works for
those who are reluctant to use the word "breast" in public speaking!!!

Have a great day!
Melissa Vickers, IBCLC
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