"Rod for your own back"

How many times do we, as mothers, get told we are creating a "rod for your own back" from "helpful" friends and acquaintances?

Everybody is an expert when it comes to parenting, and many cannot help themselves but to "share their knowledge"......and I put my hands up, if I meet a mother who is breastfeeding her baby, I do go all out to tell her what a wonderful thing she is doing, and give what I think is helpful advice if asked!

It has got me thinking though, has Stanley become this "rod" that everyone talks about?  The short answer is 'No'.  Perhaps, had I not made the decision to bed-share, or extended breastfeed I may be unhappy with the situation, but the truth is these decisions make life very easy indeed.  For instance Stanley fell asleep last night in what must be a world record for him, 90 seconds! This was 90 seconds of breastfeeding before he unlatched and fell asleep.  He never fights his sleep at bedtime, he is more than happy to head upstairs, clean his toothy pegs, read a short story and snuggle up with Mummy and comforting breast milk, then drift very peacefully off to sleep.  Bedtime in our house really is lovely, however, without a quick breastfeed I have no idea how bedtimes would change.  I think those days  may not be too far away, but I am in no rush for this to change; for like everything else it will be a natural transition. 

Parental expectation, I believe, plays a huge part in how we perceive our children.  At no point in time have I expected Stanley to be weaned, or "sleeping-through" in his own bed at a certain age, so there is no disappointment on my part that we haven't reached this stage.  I know it will come in time, but of course to those outside looking in on my life, many would still perceive Stanley to be this "rod" for my back.  Ultimately though I know the benefits to Stanley in choosing to "still" provide him with comfort at my breast and the luxury of sharing the family-bed, and that is enough for me.