As you might know, Toddler B (my first child) was not a breastfeeding champ. Due to her extreme special needs, she was a very challenging eater. She never wanted to latch. In fact, she would scream as if in pain every time I got my nipple near her.
Back then, this killed me. Knowing what I know now, however, I understand- she hates putting things in her mouth. It's a miracle that we ever got her to take a bottle! A lot of our therapy now focuses on getting her used to oral stimulation.
Which makes this especially hilarious: When Baby S was born, she breastfed. A lot. And Toddler B was right there, looking on. About three days in, as I settled down to feed Baby S, Toddler B settled down with Daddy- to breastfeed.
Seriously. All of a sudden, she moved into the same position as Baby S, put her head in his "boob" area, and started to suckle with her eyes closed, just like the baby.
Hysterical!
At one point, I tried to give her my breast. She looked at me like I was nuts, then laid her head on my shirt and pretended to suck. Apparently, she knew that she was just pretending. Maybe she wanted the closeness, the cuddles? Or maybe she wanted us to know that she could do it too, if she wanted? Who knows.
At almost seven months, she still does it occasionally. To me, to Daddy, and to Grandma, mostly. It never fails to make me smile.
This seriously brought tears to my eyes. That is a sweet and adorable story.
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