I never thought twice about whether or not to breastfeed my children.  I figured that’s what breasts are for and it’s what’s best and it’s free so I didn’t need any additional convincing.  I also didn’t know what challenges would lie ahead but I was up for it in order to provide the best for my baby.

I knew my grandmother breastfed her six children but she’d had alzheimer’s by the time I had my first daughter and couldn’t provide any support.  Besides her, I have a cousin who breastfed one of her daughters past 3 years.  That cousin really encouraged me and helped me to become comfortable nursing my baby in an environment where I’d never seen or heard of anyone else breastfeeding.

My goal has always been to nurse my children at least 2 years.  My husband’s family is West Indian and his grandmother always encourages me to do at least 2 years of breastfeeding.  She proudly told me that she did it with her 5 children.

My first two daughters nursed until they were between 16-18 months old.  I didn’t know back then that the birth control pill and patch that I was on would change and deplete my milk so my goal was not quite met with either of them.

Now that I’m practicing the Fertility Awareness Method ( http://www.tcoyf.com ) my 17 month old is still going strong.  I believe she will definitely be still nursing when she turns two.  I’m committed to doing it even longer if she wants.  There, I admitted it!