Ep 294: What Extended Breastfeeding Really Looks Like - A Real Talk Guide with Erin Harris

Birth With Power

Dr. Nicole C. Rankins

Parenting, Kids & Family

4.9 • 637 Ratings

🗓️ 29 April 2025

⏱️ 52 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What if you're not ready to stop breastfeeding but you're burned out from the constant demands? Or maybe you’re thinking of breastfeeding beyond the baby stage? In this episode I'm talking with Erin Harris, a certified lactation educator and the creator of Nursing Mamas, about the very real and rarely discussed world of extended breastfeeding.

I am so excited to talk about this topic because I’ve never talked about it before and honestly, I haven’t really heard that much about it, and I suspect the listeners will feel the same. If you’re nursing past that first year, or thinking about it, this episode is a must listen!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What extended breastfeeding actually means
How Erin’s personal journey led her to supporting others
How to recognize breastfeeding burnout
What the four emotional stages of extended nursing look like
How to tell when it’s time to wean — for you or your toddler
What the real benefits and challenges of toddler nursing are
Why boundaries are essential for extended nursing
How toddler nursing compares to infant nursing
What it’s like to breastfeed a baby and a toddler at the same time

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode294

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Transcript

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0:00.0	What if you're not ready to stop breastfeeding, but you're totally burned out from the constant
0:05.2	demands? Or maybe you're thinking you really want to breastfeed for a while, a year or even
0:09.8	beyond. In this episode, I'm talking with Aaron Harris, a certified lactation educator and creator
0:15.4	of nursing mamas about the very real and rarely discussed world of extended breastfeeding.
0:22.8	Aaron shares her personal journey, expert insights,
0:25.9	and how setting boundaries can actually strengthen your bond with your toddler.
0:30.5	If you're nursing past that first year or thinking about it,
0:33.7	this episode is a must listen.
0:44.9	Welcome to the Birth with Power podcast where knowledge is power and power transforms birth. I'm Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankin's mom of two and practicing
0:51.3	board certified OBGYN with over 20 years of experience and nearly 2,000
0:56.1	births attended. I've seen firsthand how the hospital system can leave women feeling unheard and
1:02.4	uncertain, but that doesn't have to be your story. Here, you'll get the knowledge, support,
1:07.6	and strategies to take charge of your birth experience so you can walk into
1:12.0	the hospital feeling calm, confident, and empowered. Note, this podcast is for educational
1:18.1	purposes only and it's not a substitute for medical advice. See the full disclaimer at
1:22.9	Dr. Nicole Rankins.com forward slash disclaimer. Now let's get to it.
1:35.8	Pregnancy can be overwhelming, but your inbox doesn't have to be. The Birth with Power Brief is my free weekly newsletter with expert tips, real talk, and support you can actually
1:43.2	use. No pressure, no preachy advice just a breath of fresh air
1:49.4	in your inbox every Thursday come join me at dr. nicole rinkins.com forward slash email
1:58.2	hello there welcome to another episode of the podcast. This is episode number 294, whether it's your first time listening or you've been here before you know I'm glad you're spending some time with me today. Today's guest is Aaron Harris, a certified lactation educator and the creator of nursing mamas.
2:17.4	Aaron holds two master's degrees in health and family communication and blends that expertise
2:23.1	with her own over four-year nursing journey to support moms in extended breastfeeding.
	...

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