Nursing ... when to wean

I recently made a trip to an urgent care facility for a skin rash on my hands, arms and legs that was not going away.  While the nurse practitioner was discovering the cause, determining a diagnosis and prescribing a solution she mentioned she wanted to give me an oral steroid.  I asked if that would be okay for me to consume if I was nursing.  She said no, her policy is if she would not give it to the baby she will not give it to the nursing mom.  So instead she prescribed an ointment.  She continued by asking how old my baby was, I mentioned that she will be turning 1 at the end of the month.  She followed up with when do plan on stop nursing, I told her at this time I was not sure.  I said that I was not worried about it, she still likes and wants to nurse and so we will just see how things go.  She responded with, "Well after a year there is little to no nutritional value for them, so you could and should stop during the summer, I don't ever recommend stopping during the winter months."  What was I suppose to say, I did not agree at all.  I could tell that she was very set in her ways, like to talk and would not listen to me if I even tried to justify nursing longer, so I did not bother waisting my time and words, especially since I was late returning to work. 

So instead of her getting an earful, you get to hear me on my soap box!  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing exclusively for the first 6 months and, "babies should continue to breastfeed for a year and for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and baby. Breastfeeding should be supported by your physician for as long as it is the right choice for you and your baby."   And according to the World Health Organization, "exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond." 

American Academy of Pediatrics - Source.
World Health Organization - Source.

So really my biggest issue was her telling me there was "NO nutritional value" in continuing to nurse.  There are so many nutritional values for me and my baby.  It reduces my risk of breast cancer and helps me maintain a healthy weight loss post baby.  Breastmilk contains cancer fighting agents, helps prevent childhood (and even adult) obesity, it produces antibodies if I become sick so that my baby will not get sick.  If my baby gets sick she prefers to strictly nurse, it is comforting to her and it can help her get well better than any medicine.  I don't care how long a mother and baby choose to nurse as every situation is unique and mother and baby need to make that choice.  One day of nursing is better than to never nurse at all.  What is important is to realize that if one chooses to nurse past 6, 12, 18 months, it is still beneficial to the baby because the baby is still getting nutrients from the breastmilk.  

As with most parenting issues, this is your decision and you have to do what is best for your baby so don't feel the need to stop nursing due to cultural or Pediatrician recommendation.  Do your research, make an educated, baby based decision.  Remember Mimmie knows best and feel confident and comfortable with your choice. 

Labor Positions

My Birth Story noted some positions that I found to be comfortable during labor.  I modeled the positions I found from this diagram, some of my favorites were: row 1, column 2 & 3; row 2 column 1; row 3, column 1 & 4; row 4, column 1 & 3.  Every labor is different so don't take my word for it, try what works for you and whatever helps you relax and be comfortable!