We’re coming up fast on two years and still going strong. Aside from the obvious benefits of cuddles, closeness and connection, here are some of the things I’ve learned - and some things I LOVE - about nursing a toddler.

10. They get it. They understand that what you’re doing for them is awesome, and they appreciate it SO MUCH. Nursing a baby is great but they don’t really know what’s going on. Toddlers get it, and they dig it. They know that NOTHING else comes close.

9. They come up with their own names for nursing. We called it “nursies” for 18 months but then one day Zoebelle decided it was called “mimis” and it stuck. If I call it “nursies” by accident, she gives me a dirty look and proclaims “MIMIS!” in a tone that says I should have known better.

8. They nurse their babies, too. Stuffed animals, babydolls, bath toys, you name it - Zoe lovingly holds them up to her chest and makes yummy sounds for them. She does this so tenderly that it melts my heart. Then, when they are done, she often drops them to the floor without a care.

7. Sometimes they demand that you give mimis to their babies. I’ve tandem nursed Zoe and a walrus this week, Zoe and a babydoll, you name it. I love that she wants to share.

6. Mimis are the ultimate mood-mender. Tantrum, skinned knee, bad fall, sad moment - a few minutes of mimis and the smile is back on her face and all is well. She even says “all better!” after she pops off now. Mimis really do make it all better.

5. Mimis help with difficult transitions. Getting into the carseat after doing something fun is always hard, but if I sit next to her in the back seat first and we have mimis, then she goes in happily. It’s better than battling a screaming demon.

4. They can begin to understand nursing-related limits, like “not now - in a few minutes” or “we can’t have mimis on the other side right now, it’s got an ouchie.” Zoe amazes me with all she is able to comprehend these days. I’m hoping this will help us should we decide to night-wean after age 2 (still considering this).

3. They are QUICK. It’s amazing! I remember 45 minute nursing sessions when she was a newborn, but now she drains a boob in a few seconds flat. The only exception is when I nurse her to sleep - some nights, this seems to take an eternity.

2. Instant nap. I can nurse her down for her midday nap in no time. Getting her to unlatch and roll away so I can get up and do mommy things while she naps is another story. But at least I know she’s getting her good sleep!

And the #1 best thing about nursing a toddler… you can just enjoy it. You don’t have to worry about their survival depending on it anymore. She eats at least one good meal a day, plus lots of snacks (some healthier than others), and she turns down plenty of other good healthy foods. I know she’s getting enough to eat and that my milk is just the icing on the cake - extra nourishment, hydration and immune boosters to balance it all out and give her every possible advantage. I remember all too well stressing over her newborn feeds and worrying that she wasn’t getting enough to live or thrive! But guess what - she was. :)