Weaning It: A podcast for toddler nursing moms

This episode is brought to you by the free Extended Breastfeeding Quiz. Did you know there are 5 stages to toddler weaning? Curious to find out which stage you are in now? Go to www.nursingmamas.com/quiz to find out. You'll get tips based on exactly where you are in your toddler nursing journey today! Episode Summary Chanti Zak is an extended nursing mom of 3 and my personal quiz creating coach! She is the creator of The Empathy Marketing Ecosystem and the Spill the Tea newsletter. She's a quiz funnel strategist, email marketing master, and coach that's obsessed with psychology, interactive marketing, and getting brag worthy results for her thousands of students and clients. Chanti's irreverent marketing wisdom stems from a decade spent helping online business owners grow their lists and their bottom lines. In her spare time you can find her hanging with her 3 kiddos, milking her cow, or learning how to shuffle. Go take her GrowthType quiz to experience her magic and unceasing perfectionism firsthand at chantizak.com/growthtype Resources Free Extended Breastfeeding Quiz - ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ Gentle Toddler Weaning Course - ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ Connect with Erin: Email: erin@nursingmamas.com IG: @erin.nursingmamas

This episode is brought to you by the Nursing Mama's Social Circle.  Do you feel lonely in your toddler nursing journey?  Do you wish you knew others going through it too?  The Social Circle is your virtual support group that includes a private app for chatting between 2 monthly live calls with Erin.  For $19/mo, it's the most cost effective way to meet with Erin and find your weaning tribe.  Subscribe at www.nursingmamas.com/socialcircle ⁠www.nursingmamas.com/socialcircle⁠ Episode Summary Erin breaks down her frustrations about the term "baby led weaning," and how it is misleading for nursing moms.  She provides an alternative name that would provide less confusion and explains specific things you can include in your child's diet that are needed that breast milk is lacking for older children. Q&A of the Day:  From Hannah: My 22 month old stopped waking in the night, but he wakes at 5am and wants to be on the boob til 7am. Wins & Whines of the Week: - 35 person Christmas party - Audio books - Main line back up Resources Free Extended Breastfeeding Quiz - ⁠HERE⁠ Gentle Toddler Weaning Course - ⁠HERE⁠ Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - ⁠HERE⁠ Connect with Erin: Email: erin@nursingmamas.com IG: @erin.nursingmamas

Summary In this conversation, Kristine (@birth.injury.coach) shares her experiences with pregnancy, postpartum, nursing, and healing from prolapse. She had a smooth pregnancy and worked out regularly; however, her birth was traumatic, resulting in tearing and hemorrhaging. She had no expectations for nursing but was pleasantly surprised when her daughter latched right away. Kristine experienced prolapse symptoms early postpartum, but with time, patience, and self-rehabilitation, she was able to heal. She also managed to fit in training for a half Ironman triathlon while nursing, utilizing gym childcare and home workouts during nap times. Kristine emphasizes the importance of adjusting expectations and not comparing oneself to others. In this conversation, Kristine and Erin discuss Kristine's experience as a toddler nursing mom. They talk about the challenges and joys of breastfeeding, the emotional process of weaning, and the importance of self-care for postpartum moms. Kristine shares tips for moms struggling to find time for exercise and emphasizes the need to adjust expectations and start small. She also highlights the privilege of being a nursing mom and the gratitude she feels for nourishing her child. Kristine now helps new moms with their postpartum care through in person and virtual workout sessions. Episode Links Kristine's IG : @birth.injury.coach Kristine's Email: kristine@mamaprojectllc.com Leave and Apple review - HERE Weaning Resources - Take the FREE Extended Breastfeeding Quiz - HERE - The Gentle Toddler Weaning Course - HERE - The Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - HERE Contact Erin Email: erin@nursingmamas.com IG: @erin.nursingmamas

If you are like Erin, then you may be feeling pressure to start holiday traditions that will be part of your children's lives for the next couple decades... But your stressed out nurser may have other ideas. In today's episode, Erin breaks down three common ways your breastfeeding toddler may responds to the changes around them this month, as well as 3 tips to handle nursing and weaning until the new year. Q&A of the day: How much milk is too much?? Wins & Whines: Construction, Instagram detox, Moana 2, and parenting with anxiety. The Gentle Toddler Weaning Course is the perfect thing to add to your holiday wish list! Learn everything you need to know about weaning to feel prepared, and even excited to move into the next stage of parenting. Add THIS LINK to your gift list now! Contact Erin Email: erin@nursingmamas.com IG: @erin.nursingmamas

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and so on this episode of Weaning It, Erin sits down with her friend Caitlin LoCascio-King who is a veteran breastfeeding mom of 4, a lawyer and business woman, and breast cancer survivor. Caitlin shares her four different breastfeeding experiences, two of which extended beyond a year.  She then explains how her family's cancer history prompted her to begin getting routine mammograms before 40 every 6 months, and how doing so caught her aggressive cancer before it was too late. She shares her experience having a double mastectomy earlier this year, and how having been a breastfeeding mom influenced her perception of her surgery. Caitlin urges us all to start getting mammograms at 40 years old (I just got my first one yesterday!!), and shared the following two non-profit organizations that are creating items for women recovering from surgery: Pockets of Hope BCalmed Inc If you or someone you know goes through breast cancer surgery, these are amazing resources and items that you can gift to them.  You can find Caitlin on Instagram @cllk09. I am honored to have five 5 start Apple reviews of the show! But having more will help our audience grow. After listening to this week's episode would you go here and leave a review?   IG: ⁠@erin.nursingmamas⁠ (DM me and say hello!) Take the Extended Breastfeeding Quiz - ⁠HERE⁠ Join the Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - ⁠HERE⁠ Purchase the Gentle Toddler Weaning Course - HERE Book a 15 minute consult - ⁠HERE

Erin critiques a Motherly article on gentle parenting and questions if a gentle parenting backlash is on the horizon. Like most fads and trends, gentle parenting can be taken to the extreme and be so distorted it no longer resembles its original form. She provides 3 tips to decide if parenting advice is a good fit for you, and when to see additional help. Next, she discusses how to apply gentle parenting techniques when your toddler hits, and how to look at their hitting through a new lens (spoiler: they're not mad, they're scared). Q&A of the Day Cassandra asks, "I've done a little research on this but can't seem to find any information for toddler aged breastfeeders. Does my hormonal cycle impact my child through my breast milk? I have noticed that on my really difficult hormonal days my toddler also really struggles. It's like she has PMS too! Of course this could be from her picking up on my mood, but I have long wondered if she's receiving hormones through my milk?" Wins & Whines Powdered vitamins, homework, feminism Resources/Links The Gentle Toddler Weaning Course - HERE Read the Motherly Article - HERE My go-to Gentle Parenting Book - HERE Kids powdered vitamins - HERE Adult powdered vitamins - HERE Let's connect! IG: @erin.nursingmamas (DM me and say hello!) Take the Extended Breastfeeding Quiz - HERE Join the Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - HERE Book a 15 minute consult - HERE

In this conversation, Ciera Greene discusses her experience as a toddler nursing mom and her role as the owner of Fit4Mom South Orange County, a fitness program for pre and postnatal moms. She shares her thoughts on extended nursing, the emotional connection it creates, and the privilege of being able to provide nourishment and care for her child. Ciera also talks about the benefits of Fit4Mom, including the opportunity to connect with other moms, the focus on mind-body connection, and the specialized training for prenatal and postpartum fitness. She emphasizes that it's never too late to start prioritizing self-care and strengthening the body after childbirth. Resources Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - HERE Follow Ciera Greene on Instagram - HERE Find a Fit4Mom class near you - HERE Follow Erin on Instagram - HERE Questions? Email Erin at erin@nursingmamas.com

Ever feel lonely in your extended breastfeeding journey? I polled my audience on Instagram, and here were the results: - 53% of respondents feel lonely in toddler nursing all the time - 34% sometimes - 13% don't really feel lonely Sadly, it is extremely common, especially as an extended nurser to feel isolated and alone. Some of you may not know another toddler nursing mom, and others may be navigating judgement from others for your decision to continue nursing. In today's episode, Erin deep dives the latest Surgeon General's Warning that being a parent is bad for your mental health - including feelings of loneliness. She reviews the suggested solutions and provides her own thoughts about which are a good idea, and which will just add more work on our mom plates. Ultimately, the key to loneliness is community. Listen in as Erin discusses the latest Nursing Mamas resource - The Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - A monthly based subscription community with: - 2 monthly group zoom sessions - A private community off social media to share your wins, questions and cheer each other on - Perfect for moms in any stage of extended nursing; from newbie looking for advice, burnt out mama struggling with breastfeeding boundaries, or moms nearing the end and needing support to land the plane. - Starting at only $19/mo, this is the most cost effective way to get in-person support with Erin while also meeting fellow toddler nursing moms! -Go to ⁠www.nursingmamas.com/socialcircle⁠ to register. Episode Links - The Extended Breastfeeding Quiz - ⁠HERE⁠ - The Surgeon General's Warning about Parental Mental Health - ⁠HERE⁠ - Nursing Mamas' Social Circle - ⁠HERE⁠ - Only Murders in the Building - ⁠HERE⁠ - The New Menopause - ⁠HERE⁠ Love the show? Leave a review HERE! Contact Info www.nursingmamas.com erin@nursingmamas.com IG: @erin.nursingmamas

In this episode of Weaning It, Erin sits down with Abbie Knapton; a mom in longterm recovery from addiction, an expressive arts trainer, certified peer recovery specialist, and mom of two extended nursers. Abbie discusses the intersection of sobriety and motherhood and opens up about her journey to sobriety before kids and how it has shaped her parenting experience. We delve into the pressures of "mommy wine culture" and explore the underlying unmet needs of moms that play into it. Whether you're navigating similar challenges or simply interested in a candid conversation about the realities of motherhood and addiction, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for moms everywhere. Episode Links - Take The Extended Breastfeeding Quiz HERE - Follow Abbie on IG HERE - Contact Abbie at abbie@peacelove.org - PeaceLove.org - Rally 4 Recovery RI - Weber Renew - Find an AA meeting near you HERE - Find out more about Al-Anon HERE

New to the pod? Welcome! I invite you to take the free Extended Breastfeeding Quiz to learn which stage of toddler nursing you are currently in, as well as to provide you with specific tips based on where you are in your nursing and weaning journey. Click HERE to get started! August 1st kicks off World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month. In this episode, Erin discusses: - The themes of each - Why advocacy matters - Her own experience re-entering the workforce - Why making even small changes for those who come after us can be a big deal! Q&A of the day from Janine: "Do you think I can still nurse my child to sleep at night but then still cut out night nursing? I don't want to confuse her, but I'd love if I could nurse her to sleep still." Wins & Whines of the week: Gluten free bread, cool weather, the Olympics becoming more breastfeeding friendly, and her dirty garage. Episode Links: - World Breastfeeding Week - National Breastfeeding Month - Olympic Committee Will Provide Breastfeeding Athletes Hotel Rooms - Gluten Free Bread - Mr. Ferris and His Wheel - children's book - Book a Consult with Erin - Find Erin on Instagram - say hello!

Kirsty Duncan is a children's picture book author that lives in Cheshire, UK.  Her latest picture book, "When We're Ready" celebrates longer-term breastfeeding and co-sleeping and has been endorsed by Emma Pickett and Lucy Webber, both of which are highly respected IBCLC Lactation Consultants in their field. To purchase When We're Ready, head over to ⁠www.kirstyduncanwrites.com⁠ and enter promo code WEANINGIT at checkout for 10% off your total purchase! The book follows Kirsty and her daughters breastfeeding journey, with relatable milestones throughout and is the first I have encountered to truly be a celebration of the toddler nursing journey without a push to wean, or weaning being the end result. In episode 12 of Weaning It: A podcast for toddler nursing moms, Erin sits down with Kirsty to learn more about her breastfeeding journey and how it led to the creation of her new book. Kirsty shares her journey of becoming a mom and her unexpected extended nursing experience. She discusses her fertility journey, including IVF, and how it influenced her decision to breastfeed. Kirsty also talks about the positive birth experience she had and the healing aspect of breastfeeding. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and listening to your gut when it comes to breastfeeding and co-sleeping. Kirsty highlights the need for support and understanding from friends and the importance of considering the well-being of both mom and baby in the breastfeeding journey. The conversation explores the anxieties and emotions that come with the weaning process, as well as the challenges of parenting and navigating toddlerhood. It highlights the importance of validating children's feelings and allowing them to express their emotions. The book 'When We're Ready' is discussed as a tool to introduce the topic of weaning and celebrate the joys of breastfeeding. The conversation also touches on the privilege of being a toddler nursing mom and the special bond that develops through breastfeeding. Take the Extended Breastfeeding Quiz HERE Show Notes: HERE Website: www.kirstyduncanwrites.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstyduncanwrites Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstyduncanwrites Emma Pickett (IBCLC Lactation Consultant) Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emmapickettibclc/ Illustrator of the book instagram (Sungsu Heaven):  https://www.instagram.com/sungsuillustration/ Link to the Illustrators Fertility Instagram page:  https://www.instagram.com/fertilit_arty/

Do you struggle with swinging between loving extended nursing and feeling touched out, burnt out, and ready to wean Now? Then this episode is for you. In this solo show, Erin breaks down the emotional cycle of the extended breastfeeding mom - a 3 phase cycle she has created based on listening to hundreds of toddler nursing moms discuss their nursing journeys. She explains what they phases are and how to break the cycle for good. Go to www.nursingmamas.com/blog/cycle to see the visual supplement of the emotional cycle. Q&A of the Day: Ashliegh says the one thing that would make her breastfeeding experience better would be if her toddler didn't do gymnatics while nursings. Relate? Listen in for Erin's solution Wins & Whines: My 40th birthday party, Inside Out 2, and extracurricular activities Links The Extended Breastfeeding Quiz: HERE The Basics of Breastfeeding Boundaries Mini Course: HERE 5 Toddler Breastfeeding Boundaries Guide: HERE Book a 30 minute consult: HERE Cindy Alexander - Check her out HERE!

Ashley is a mom of 3 and is currently nursing her 18 month old twins girls. She breastfed her son through 16 months and has started the process of slowly weaning her twins. She shares her everyday life and relatable mom content as a 2 mom family on instagram @lovedby2moms. This episode is brought to you by the free Extended Breastfeeding Quiz. Click here to learn which of the 5 stages of extended breastfeeding you are in today!

In this episode of Weaning It, Erin reflects on her biggest life lessons of her 30s and what she is looking forward to most in her 40s. Becoming a mom first at 32, and again at 35, the last 10 years have had major changes to every aspect of life - marriage, career, and parenthood. Tag along as Erin deep dives the 5 biggest takeaways of her baby-making era. Sponsored by: The Extended Breastfeeding Quiz Extended breastfeeding has 5 stages. Which are you in now? Take the FREE Quiz to find out!

Kavisa Cyprian Wood is an extended nursing mom of two boys. Her parenting journey though started with adopting two young girls, followed quickly by her first biological child the next year. Can you imagine having your first nursing experience include two young toddlers running around? Professionally, Kavisa is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Prenatal Yoga teacher, and the business owner of Nourishing Justly. Kavisa believes that every family's breastfeeding journey is unique and requires support that is compassionate and tailored to their specific needs and goals. She uses evidence-based practices that prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of both the parent and the child. Her work is focused on promoting justice, health equity, and community well-being. She lives in Sacramento, California with her husband and 4 kids. You can learn more about Kavisa, book a consult, or purchase her course at https://www.nourishingjustly.com Enjoying Weaning It? Please rate the show and/or leave an Apple Podcast review so others can find it!

This episode is brought to you by the Abiie Beyond Junior High Chair. Do you have a toddler that is too big for your old high chair, but wiggles around in the adult chair because they are now too low for the table? Do you struggle with daily spills that leave stains on your furniture? Then this toddler chair is perfect for you. The seat and foot rest are fully adjustable, the tray can be removed so it converts into an extra seat at your table, and it is the nicest looking high chair around. We've used two for over 4 years and counting! Check it out here. In this episode Erin covers: - the 3 most common mistakes parents make when trying to adjust the bedtime nursing routine - tips on what to do instead - Q&A of the day: Which should you do first? Wean, cut the pacifier, or potty train? - Erin Wins & Whines of the week: Morning timers, rearranging her living room, and summer childcare Episode Resource Links The emotional cycle of the breastfeeding mom

Strong-willed children have a deeply rooted need to feel connected and in control. In the toddler breastfeeding relationship, this can create a recipe for burnout as you try to meet your child's demands for milk. Learning strategies that can help you stay connected while also keeping loving boundaries is key to finding a balance in the relationship. Danielle Bettmann is a Positive-Discipline certified parenting coach who empowers parents to crack the code of their strong-willed child's personality, meet their deepest core needs to improve their behavior, and find new levels of patience. An early childhood educator, certified teacher and home visitor, Danielle now equips parents from all over over Zoom! Instead of inadvertently inviting defiance by using traditional tools or playing "whack-a-mole" with short-sighted reactions, families get on the same page and learn how to cultivate cooperation while being KIND + FIRM at the same time! Host of the well-loved podcast, Failing Motherhood, she's passionate about eliminating shame from parents' vocabulary, reminding them they are the parent their kids need. She is also a mom to two daughters, wife of 14 years to her high-school sweetheart, and an avid fan of sunshine and coffee. You can find Danielle in all the following places: www.Instagram.com/parent_wholeheartedlywww.failingmotherhood.comwww.parentingwholeheartedly.com/unapologeticwww.parentingwholeheartedly.com This episode is brought to you by the Toddler Nursing Made Easy online course. Do you have a boob-loving child whose upsets at hearing "no" have you at a loss of what to do next? Does your strong-willed toddler dictate where, when, and how long a nursing session is? Do you often feel touched out and have a hard time setting breastfeeding boundaries with your toddler? Are you and your child not ready to wean, but can't go on as you are indefinitely? Then this is the course for you! To learn more, head over to www.nursingmamas.com/easy PS - Danielle is one of 3 guest experts in this course too!

This episode is brought to you by live The Gentle Toddler Weaning Seminar. This live session covers everything in Erin's Gentle Toddler Weaning Course, but with the engagement of fellow toddler breastfeeding moms, and a special Q&A session with Erin following the seminar. The webinar will be on Wednesday April 17th, 2024 @ 10am PT // 1pm ET via Zoom. In this episode Erin covers: - What gentle parenting is (and isn't) - Concrete gentle parenting strategies to use with your breastfeeding toddler to help manage meltdowns and increase connection - What to do when your child cries when you say "no" to the boob - Q&A of the day: Ann asks, "Can I stop pumping at work and still nurse throughout the day when bub and I are together?" - Erin's Wins & Whines of the week: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and school fundraisers Episode Resource Links - Hand in Hand Parenting Podcast - Free Gentle Parenting Resource Guide - Breastfeeding Boundaries Mini Course - The Gentle Parenting Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Nicasha Martin is a single mom of 3 including identical 3 y/o twin girls and an 11 month old baby boy! She nursed the twins beyond 2 years, and is currently breastfeeding her baby with no end in sight. Nicasha has a Master's degree in Public Health, is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and social media mama sharing her life and all the things she's found helpful in motherhood and breastfeeding. You can find Nicasha on Instagram @nicashaplusthree

This episode is brought to you by The Gentle Toddler Weaning Course. Use Promo code "PODCAST" for $10 off. Welcome to episode 3! Erin covers the following: - How to think beyond time and length of breastfeeding as a measurement of success. Download the free guide to assess your REAL breastfeeding goal HERE. - Q&A question of the day: Nikki asks, "Anyone still breastfeeding at 3 years and struggling to get your energy and body back without taking supplements that are not safe while breastfeeding? Hormone imbalances and lack of vitamins making it hard to lose weight, sleep, and low libido." - Erin's Win & Whine of the week

Erin Spahr is an extended breastfeeding mom of 2 boys - the first nursed for 3 years, and the second for 5, for a combined total of 8 years of breastfeeding! We dive into her experiences, including strategies for night weaning, handling public nursing a toddler, the perks of toddler nursing, and what she used to help guide her sons to the finish line to successfully wean on their terms. Professionally, Erin is a licensed therapist, mother, intersectional feminist, podcast host, and maternal mental health advocate. Erin uses a feminist lens in her work with mothers and strives to help mothers free themselves from oppressive societal expectations and find more self-confidence and self-compassion. She hosts the Feminist Mom Podcast where she discusses the intersection of feminism and motherhood with inspiring guests. Erin sees clients in her private practice (available to folks in North Carolina and Maryland). She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two kids. You can find Erin on Instagram @feminist.mom.therapist, and she is the host of the Feminist Mom Podcast. Episode Resources: Nursies When the Sun Shines by Katherine C. Havener Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy Sponsor by: The Gentle Toddler Weaning Online Course

Welcome to the first episode of Weaning It! To get started, Erin breaks down the difference between on-demand breastfeeding, gentle toddler breastfeeding, and gentle weaning. She also answers listener Joanna's question about dealing with all or nothing kids. How do you commit to giving up a feed when you're still on the fence about weaning yourself? Want to learn more about what stage of extended nursing you are in now (and steps to get where you want to be)? Go to www.nursingmamas.com/quiz to take Erin's free quiz! This episode is brought to you by Nursing Mamas, your one stop resource for all things extended nursing.

New free episodes of Weaning It drop every 1st and 3rd Thursday on all podcasting platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. If you like what you hear, please click that Follow/Subscribe button so you'll be the first to see new episodes. And also, please leave a rating/review! It will help other extended nursing moms find the show. You can also head to www.nursingmamas.com/podcasts to listen to all episodes and get the show notes. Do you have a unique breastfeeding experience you would like to share on the podcast? Or just want to say hello? Follow me on Instagram @erin.nursingmamas and DM me!