Product Description

The classic handbook for mothers who breastfeed their children past infancy in an updated expanded edition. Norma Jane Bumgarner puts the experience of nursing an older baby or child in perspective, within the context of the entire mother-child relationship. She cites biological, cultural, and historical evidence in support of extended breastfeeding and shares stories gleaned from thousands of families for whom breastfeeding and natural weaning have been the norm.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23105 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 308 pages

About the Author
Norma Jane Bumgarner, mother of four and grandmother of three (and still counting,) is a La Leche League Leader Alumna who served as a Group leader, then Area Coordinator of Leaders for Oklahoma, and later as a Regional Administrator of Leaders for Latin America and the West Indies. Recently graduated with a Masters in Journalism, she serves as an adjuct instructor at the University of Oklahoma.

Customer Reviews

Very informative writing on a rarely written about subject
A welcome source of support and positive reinforcement for nursing mother's whose happily nursing babies are quickly approaching their first birthday. As people question when the baby will be weaned, we can seek the words of Norma J. Bumgarner for support. Even now, in October 1998, as the American Association of Pediatrics recommends nursing through the first 12 months and as long as mother and baby feel it is beneficial, there is still not very much support for mothers who nurse toddlers. I read the book when my son was 7 months old to learn what nursing a toddler would be like. The book enlightened me. Now that my son is 14 months old, I have re-read the book. Norma writes realistically and in a down-to-earth manner. I recommend this book to anyone currently nursing their baby. I understand the book is to be revised soon. I would like to see more interviews of mothers telling their experiences. The thing I've learned the most is that every baby is different, and every nursing style is different. While some toddlers nurse many times during the day for very short periods of time, others nurse infrequently. The book should also acknowledge that all toddlers are not comfort-nursers. I especially liked the chapter which dealt with how to deal with negative criticsm from others and the debate of whether to keep the nursing relationship a secret or not.

A wonderful book
I nursed all four of my children as toddlers and delight in recommending this nurturing book. While long-term breastfeeding becomes more popular in the US, Europe and Canada, there is still some confusion and unease about the topic. This book provides a reassuring nod to all mothers who are breastfeeding their toddlers. Filled with practical tips, real-life stories, quotes from experienced mothers and glorious photos, it is a joy to read.

Handy pointers about typical toddler-feeding issues such as that annoying twiddling, handling your child's verbal public request to nurse, dealing with critics, night-nursing and weaning.

If you currently are nursing your toddler, or if you are considering the journey, this book is worth owning. I have included a recommendation for it in my new book, Gentle Baby Care: Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby.

-- Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution.

Must read for any nursing mom...
I loved this book because it was so nice to actually see someone write black on white that it is perfectly ok to want to continue nursing beyond 12 months and even during pregnancy. It also helped me overcome the weird feeling I always had when my in-laws and parents questioned my belief in child-led weaning. Read it! It's a wonderful book.