Breastfeeding Past a "Normal" Age
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Dont complain to me, Im only saying what others wont say to your face.
Breast feeding should be done at home. No one wants to see you do it in public, no matter how beautiful and natural you think it is. If you do it outside of the house, people WILL talk about you behind your back. Especially when you whip out your boob on the counter of a store at the mall and your kid starts sucking. Cover yourself up at least.
An example of this behavior is when your child is old enough to walk over to you, pull up your shirt and TELL YOU that theyre hungry. Mothers, when your babies grow teeth, its time to wean. Your boobs are not just for your children, theyre YOURS. At some point youve stopped doing it for the child, youre doing it for you because something's missing in your life and you need to feel close to someone. Maybe you miss the days when they were teeny and little. Give the poor kid a break. Let them grow up.I know some of you advocates out there want to smack me but you normal people, take a look at this:
One woman said when asked about breastfeeding her two year old, "There's the beauty in feeding an older child: there is no second guessing - she tells me just how important my milk is to her, how it "makes everything better."
My child turned four at the end of September; her need to breastfeed seems to have dramatically declined, although, yet again, this may change. Feeding her is a wonderful time we have together and no matter how busy I think I am, it makes me sit down and be with her. She has lots of skin-to-skin contact with me, which I now know is important for neurological development. I've learnt that the natural age of weaning is closer to six years - when the first permanent molars appear - than six months."
Another woman said:
"I had the hardest time weaning my first two kids, but I knew they didn't really need it anymore, I did. I missed the closeness and one on one time I got with them while nursing, but it was short-lived. Who is being comforted more at 6 yrs old, the mom or child?"
And another:
"I'm still breastfeeding maybe once a day, which I'll cheerfully admit is probably more for me than DS."
Yet Another:
"I say, if he can make his own peanut butter sandwich, grab an apple and pour himself a cup of skim milk from the refrigerator, he doesn't need to suckle my breast for comfort; definitely not for nutrition.
If "I" need him to suckle at my breast for comfort and bonding issues; Then "I" have a problem."
And one last, sickening one from cnn.com:
"So why would a mother have her son taken away for refusing not to breast-feed? Well, listen to this, the boy was removed from his home for six months when he was 5 years old. He's now 8. He is back with his mother in Illinois, who still breast-feeds him. The mother vows to continue until the boy decides to stop."
Self weaning has got to be the dumbest thing Ive ever heard of. Its YOUR body yet youre going to let the CHILD decide when theyre finished breastfeeding? Why dont you allow them to make the decisions in the house also? Let them get a job and pay the bills too.
Also, check out this latest tidbit I found about women orgasming during breastfeeding. No wonder some women continue to do it well beyond age 2.
"Possibly because childbirth has historically not been under the control of the medical profession, there are many important experiences of childbirth and postpartum that haven't made their way into the medical literature.
Many women who breastfeed have the experience of feeling aroused, and even having an orgasm, while breastfeeding. But because this is something researchers haven't studied, and it isn't a regular part of the education of mothers-to-be, many women experience this and then feel silent shame or guilt, as if there is something wrong with them. But there is a very clear reason for the experience and women neither need to feel shame or embarrassment about it which is caused mostly by a lack of information.
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates ejection of milk from the nipples, and its release is triggered by breast stimulation. But oxytocin is implicated in many other physiological processes. It is involved in contractions of the uterus (both during childbirth and during orgasm), as well as being associated with the feeling of relaxation and satiation following orgasm.
It is thought that this is the reason that breastfeeding may produce feelings of sexual arousal and orgasm. And the experience is far from rare.
In a 2000 study of breastfeeding women, 40.5% of the participants reported feeling sexually aroused at some point during infant suckling. 16.7% reported being aroused frequently during breastfeeding."
You can find this article at: http://sexuality.about.com/od/anatomyresponse/a/orgasm_breastfe.htm#
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Comments
YOU DON´T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. "WHO" SAY BRESTFEEDING IS GOOD FOR 2 YEARS
I think you made sense if nobody else does. My daughter was never breastfed and guess what she is healthy and has devoloped ahead of schedual. Who would have thought this was possible with all these mothers screaming that it can't happen. I guess she is a miracle baby or something. Must be because thousands of angry mothers must be right.
It's funny how people get so upset over one persons opinion. I have great boobs. In fact, they look like "post surgery boobs" without the surgery. Thanks for being concerned though. :)
JESI-Many sources say breastfeeding is healthy until age 2, in fact, many say its healthy until age 6. Haha! Who knew? Im just giving you quotes from pro and con moms.
Agro, my daughter is 9 and is well ahead of schedule also. She was learning ahead of her age by 1st grade. She is also just plain amazing but Im sure that is partly because she is mine.
Well, Agro Donkey, if you had breast fed your girl maybe she wuold be a Nobel-prize some day. Maybe not. Obviously she can grow up without breastmilk, but in this competitive world we live in, I welcome anything that makes our children stronger and clever. And you know, breastmilk has those special kind of fatty acids that help their little brains develop.
Ok, I see the miracle, let me congratulate you both. Then, would you be so kind to explain me that if your boobs and your child are so perfect, why are you so concerned about breastfeeding? You should just don’t care about that… There must be some trauma hidden that makes you criticise lactating women… Or maybe you are a man.
Now THAT would be an interesting sight! I have the right to think its wrong, just as you do to think its ok. Im not saying no one should do it, only that there should be limits. Do YOU think its ok for a 4 year old child to breastfeed? Why must there be some "hidden trauma" for me to have an opinion? You certainly have one, maybe you have a "hidden trauma."
"Breast feeding should be done at home. No one wants to see you do it in public, no matter how beautiful and natural you think it is."
Nobody wants you to write this post either
"If you do it outside of the house, people WILL talk about you behind your back."
That´s because there are intolerant people like you. Fortunately most people support me when seeing me breastfeeding my nearly 3 year old son.
Ana from Spain
No one said you *had* to read it either. :) Intolerant huh, thats a big word. Did you have to look it up? The people you think are supportive are definitely talking about you behind your back. 3 years old is a child, not a baby. It almost seems like abuse to continue on past a certain age.
I think Ive figured out that my theory is correct. All these moms getting upset just goes to show that the truth hurts and perhaps they are doing it more for themselves "because its just easier" or "i want to feel close to my 4 year old" than for the child. Maybe they see this in themselves and they didnt want to admit it. Oh well, at least I still have my figure. :)
Looks like you hit a nerve bettiegurrl. I beiieve in breastfeeding - and that is really the intented purpose of them (feedbags not funbags). But like you said, only up to a point. The Pediatrics Academy recommends one year. And it can be done modestly and decently. Nobody really needs to see the breastfeeding boob unless mom wants them to be seen. There are plenty of private places even in public that breastfeeding can be done without making others like you uncomfortable. I think we should support a mother's decision to feed their baby anyway they choose - but I do think it's weird to hear a child asking for the boob - and those pictures, yuck!!
And I agree with you wholeheartedly. Breastfeed your kids for all I care, I just dont want to see it. There comes a time though when we need to step back and think, am I doing it for myself or the child at age 4/5/6/7/8 whatever.
Yeah, that picture freaks me out as well.
"Intolerant huh, thats a big word. Did you have to look it up?" Not necessary, I´m quite smart and multilingual ;-).
If anybody is talking about me behind my back because of breastfeeding my son, I don´t care at all. I´m confident enough to have my own opinion and do not need everybody´s approvement.
"It almost seems like abuse to continue on past a certain age." It might do- for someone ill-minded.
You can think of me as intolerant and ill-minded but I think of people who breastfeed their children past a certain age as psychologically trashing their child. Will you still be doing it when your child is 5 and in school?
"Cover yourself up at least"
I invite you to come on holiday to Spain and see all the english booze binging teenager having sex in public places with someone they´ve only known for an hour and tell them "Cover yourself up at least".
Now thats a whole 'nother issue there.
Wow, you have a lot going on here, and I am sure it wiill continue! I pesonally was bottle fed, since it was so not cool in the 70's and i am perfectly brilliant. :) Seriously, my children were not breast fed due to a medical condition of mine, but they are fine, healthy and extremely intelligent. I think women should do it if they want to, and not made to feel bad if they don't choose it.
And after 2 years, call it off. Really, that photo is creepy.
Waiting for them to decide they are done is like me waiting for my 4 year-old to decide when she has had enough chocolate ice cream.
For some reason I try to approve comments and theyre not showing up. Sorry about that. I totally agree with you amy-a 4 year old doesnt have the decision making skills to make up their mind about something as important as this.
Ana~ What if your child decides they dont want to stop and theyre 8 years old? Is that going to be ok with you also?
Seems like a fairly logical and straight-forward hub to me. A lot of people are uncomfortable with indiscreet, public breastfeeding, and breastfeeding a five year old? How is that not inappropriate? Kudos for the really creepy photo that made me laugh awkwardly and uncomfortably. I'd expect nothing less from a fellow portlander.
That´s the reason why you are the country that takes more prozac, the one that suffers more obesity and to finish with, the country that is always looking for wars....congratulatios for your ignorance but, don´t judge, after all your not an example to follow?
I am not an expert on the topic, but would say one thing, Battiegurrl sure knows how to fight for her cause and opinions. I liked your confidence girl...err..not sure if I can call you that. Dont mind if I cant :-)
Wow, this is an interesting one. Lots of comments (huge surprise!) I agree with the points that breastfeeding should be done as modestly as possible when in public. We had a woman feeding her child in church the other day. Everyone noticed, including my husband. And yes, when the child can ask for it by name, it just doesn't seem right. 2 years ought to be more than long enough. Personally, I wouldn't want my kids remembering being breastfed by me. Now, that photo. WOW.
Eiraldi- I have no idea why youre bringing that up. Is it because the mom who BF her 8 year old lives in the UK? Who cares where she lives? Its still wrong to have a kid hangin off leftie boob and the husband swingin from the right.
Stooge-confidence or craziness, Im unsure. :) You can call me Alley.
Steph-My 9 yr old daughter saw part of that bf video and she just stared like What the?!
Alley... I would rather call that confidence win brownie points from you :-)
bettiegurll, you sure got people's knickers in a knot with this one! BRAVO! Applause! Applause! Personally, I think BF is only appropriate for infants, meaning if it can walk, it's too old to be sucking from anything but a TippeeCup. My kids were mostly bottle fed, and the bottles went away...poof, never to be seen again...shortly after their first birthdays. One child was breast fed for 3 weeks, stopped because I caught a cold that threatened to become pneumonia. Oddly, that's the point she began sleeping thru the nght, from 7:30 p.m. till 7 or 8 the next morning. (Her pediatrician, dad of 4 that never slept thru the night until 3 months, was sooo jealous.) She now has a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Public Policy, so BF for greater intelligence is a moot question in our house.
As for those who think children should still be BF at age 5 and beyond, how does this work once they're in school? Does Mom toddle over to the school for lunchtime feedings? Or is this the after-school snack? ??? Sorry, but Moms who need the skin-to-skin contact from BF a 5-yr-old have ISSUES galore. Read the Mom Manual. A GOOD parent raises a child to be INdependent, not DEpendant. Keep your bra ON and cut the apron strings, for gawdsakes!
Great hub!
Oh my god JAMA! You have me rollin over here! You said it! AHAHAHA! "toddle over to school and afternoon SNACK!
I agree that some children are breast-fed too long, but I don't think there is a problem with doing it in public. Whether you like it or not, it is a very natural thing. You shouldn't have it sagging out in public, but there is nothing wrong with it. You're acting like it's a terrible and shameful thing to do. What do you think all the mothers did before baby formula was produced? Were they eating chicken breasts when they were two-days old?
By the looks of your avatar, you probably do not have children. If you do, that is unfortunate for the child. You ought to post something that you know a thing or two about and not bash others for doing something totally normal, natural and right.
My "avatar?" No. That is me. How does one go about looking like they dont have children? I do. And how is it unfortunate for her? Why is it because I have an opinion and I do know a thing or five about breastfeeding. Thanks for trying though. Good effort.
You forgot one ... breastfeeding burns lots of calories. Might that also be a motivation for continuing too long?
It does but apparently not enough, have you seen the mom that did it for 8 years? Shes not exactly small. And neither are the kids who are breastfeeding, theyre both on the chubby side. Breastmilk has a lot of fat in it.
Ohhhh!!! Alley, so funny!!!! Good depicture...sorry for going back to the same topic but it´s really amazing....Told me your society is really hypochritical and Wow!!! It´s more than that.....really I think pharmatheutical laboratories eat your minds, it reminds me of the " Truman´s Show"!!!! Here in Spain, as Ana said, is quite different, ufff! We breast feed in the beach or in a park or wathever your baby decides is hungry!!! Of course you don´t have to offer a show but it´s simply natural and, overall, BEAUTIFUL, TENDER. Hahhh!!! And I´m too slim so, if breastmilk has a lot of fat in it MAYBE I ASK MY MOTHER TO BREASTFEED ME AGAIN, I´M 32!!!!!! HAH, HAH!!THAT WOULD BE TOO OFFENSIVE FOR SO AND SO GOOD FOR MY BODY!!!
Are you for real? You make no sense. Maybe read what you wrote (a few times) before posting. Spell check is so wonderful.
Why are you even talking crap about the states? No one even brought that up. Also, hypocritical can be used to describe any person, anywhere in the world. You my dear are being judgemental for calling basically everyone in the US a hypocrit. Go breastfeed your ten year old. I hear her calling for "boobie." Oh Im sorry, what do they call it in Spain? Guess what? It doesnt matter WHAT country you live in, breastfeeding an 8 year old is just disgusting.
regardless of everyones criticisms and comments, (and you did make some pretty blatant accusations), i found the hormonal part to be rather interesting, something i had no idea about before hand. thanks!
Annette- I did make accusations, but that is just my style. I wasnt trying to hurt anyone. This is just how I feel.
It WAS interesting! I had no idea this sort of thing happened. In all my research on the subject Ive also found that some women actually orgasm during childbirth. What a trip. Having had two children, that is the LAST thing Id be trying to accomplish during birth. :)
oh my god a single topic and ladies up in arms and a lady braving it all.man hub pages is happening lol
The breast is best. There is a large body of evidence for the superiority of breast feeding . Most women can do it very discretely in public. You have taken comments from the most extreme breast feeding advocates and ascribed them to most breast feeding women. No fair. You seem to have issues with breast feeding in general.
Honestly, breast is not "best." That is your opinion and the opinion of so called experts. A bottle did my girl well. Shes not sick, shes had one ear infection in 9 years. She's 95th % in height and 75% in weight. I wonder what the experts would say about that? I dont have issues with Bf'n. I dont care if you want to BF. What I do have a problem with are parents who let their children call the shots and make decisions that a child shouldnt possibly make. Those are the children who are acting like brats when you go out in public. The parents who dont take parental responsibility. Thats what I have a problem with.
I've seen a show where a mother had a 7 year old still being breastfed. Sorry but the point of breast feeding is because the baby can't eat solid foods.
But once a baby starts eating with utensils i think its time to stop.
It disturbs me with mothers out there thinking its ok. Are you joking? thats borderline incest. soon you will have parents saying they taught their kids sex and its hard to ween them off that too.
I did breastfeed, on and off, at home, until my daughter was about a year old, (I think--she has a Master's degree and her own secretary now, so it's been a while.) I don't think you are arguing against breastfeeding in this Hub, just breastfeeding for too long, or in public. I do think Americans are a bit prudish, and it's kind of silly, but, hey, it's the way things are, and there are ways to get around it. Most mothers on planes and other places where there will be problems carry a little blanket to cover the baby and everything else. So easy. I do agree that breastfeeding beyond 18 months is a little strange and probably not the best thing for a child. As a parent I know that the hardest and best thing you can do for your little one is to teach him a bit at a time to move away from you and be himself. Weaning is the first step.
bettiegurll, you're so right about PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY being the real issue. If PARENTS would remember to BE parents instead of their child's buddy or friend, there'd be no need for shows like "The Nanny".
bluerabbit, you are sooo right that the BEST thing a parent can do for a child is teach him/her to be independent. Once the cord is cut in the delivery room, that baby is a SEPARATE PERSON, and should be treated as such. Mother birds know this, that their role is to teach a baby bird to FLY, not keep it helpless in the nest for the rest of its days.
I agree there is an age, when it is just not that needs to be done. Is two years old or younger? That would be my limit. Yes, I think there is something wrong with the mothers that go beyond two years, who would want to be lactating still.
I know I spelt lactating wrong!
As for mother's breast feeding in public, it is the whole sexual issue we have with bare boobs. Until, we can see their primary purpose, we well continue to get uneasy with new mom's with a hungry infant.
Anyway, I have never seen a mom go out of her way to put on a show.
dusty-absolutely! I dont think anyone intends to "put on a show" but with the way things are in the US, it sometimes becomes one. Someone refusing to cover up in public can become an issue. Some people dont want their children seeing things like that. Some adults dont want to see it. And Im pretty sure you spelled lactating right. errr...i think... :)
I did what the hell I pleased and felt right at the time regarding breastfeeding, each kid was radically different and it's really nobody's business to tell me what I should or should not do or have done and at what age I should wean my kids. With babies over 8 months it can be pretty much confined to private home or car in most cases. I only care about what people think to an extent because with very small babies you either have to imprison yourself in the house or do it in public some times and not every woman is as self confident as I am.
If anybody said anything to me I said how dare you try to make me feel bad about feeding my baby we are not harming you or anyone else, we are not showing anything, so get a life and if you don't like looking avert your eyes.
Those pictures and videos are only "creepy" because they are not cultural norms in Western culture.I'm sure people in the victorian age would have found bare midriffs and thighs totally inappropriate as well, yet we see them all summer long.
Everything said here other than the well established fact that BF confers benefits to infants under 6 mo, has just been people's strongly held but absolutely baseless opinions without the tiniest shred of science either (a) that extended nursing is harmful to children's psyches, or (b) that doing it for short time or not at all turns them into emotional cripples. So without any science, let's just let people do what they want and leave them alone OK?
Yes, most of this IS opinion. That's what is so great about this country; you can actually have an opinion and talk about it with others.
this country meaning the USA? I think hubpages is international.
Agreed it is totally awesome to be able to express your opinion.
I think some people confuse their opinion with objective reality.
So yea ok, I meant my country tis of thee....I tend to forget that the world doesnt revolve around me sometimes :)
I admit I am guilty of thinking my opinion is fact at times. Other times I dont care to listen to anyone else's opinion at all, Im only human. But I do make an effort to TRY & better myself and was very humbled by some of the comments Ive received here. A good debate can be healthy.
Youre right; it's NOBODY'S business what you do in your own home, car, whatever. But when youre doing it out in public, you make it stranger's business.
Obviously someone isnt going to walk into your home and tell you not to BF your 6 year old. But do it out on the street and youre fair game.
One thing we ALL have to remember is that we are sharing this planet. Some people might be comfortable with seeing a woman bf'ing in public while others may not be.
Breast fedding is good .But not for long time.And not for all countries.if it continues for limit thats ok.Otherwise i think its not ok.it brings healthy body for babies.when they grow up they need extra food.without this when a woman bf'ing in public its not good for her.so i think it should stop as soon as posible after limit time.
I think people have to read this and remember it is one person's opinion. And then they need to ask themselves, why would anyone care what I do with my child as long as she is loved and nurtured?
I don't understand why breastfeeding conjures up these great debates. Formula is scientifically designed to replicate breastmilk. The formula companies advertise this fact. So why are we still questioning if breastmilk is better? Even the formula companies admit that it is.
Fact: breastmilk is better than formula
Fact: I don't care how other moms feed their children, as long as they are fed and healthy and loved
If as you say, formula is designed to replicate breast milk then how can breast milk be superior to formula? I honestly believe that formula can be just as healthy as breast milk. But thats not even the issue here. The problem I have: women doing it in public, say, in a store I work at, on the checkout counter. How is that NOT inappropriate? Really, nobody wants to see that. It's just like the woman who brought her dog into my store and plopped him up on the counter. And when I gave her a look, she said "you dont like dogs, do you?" Theres an obvious sign on the window that says "No pets allowed." There's also a sign that says "no food or drink." Id say that includes breastmilk. I dont care HOW you feed your baby, just dont do it in front of the world, or breastfeed a child old enough to make its own lunch.
Im not the only one who feels this way.
I breastfed my son until he was 2 years old. My doctor was the one who said it was best for him. I would have quit when I went back to work, but my doctor insisted I continue. I pumped at work and sent that milk with him to the sitters and he breastfed while we were together. I did breatfeed outside my home, but he was totally covered and no one could see what I was doing. You can do it with dignity. I feel it built a strong bond between us, so I am glad I followed my doctors advice. He was never sick and still never gets sick and he is going to be 12 soon. I think it's up to the mother how long she breastfeeds. I think it's perfectly normal for people to do it wherever the baby needs it but it should be done under-cover. (If you know what I mean.) I don't appreciate anyone telling me that he was too old or I did it too long. That is my business. I feel I did what was best for him. It was harder on me than on buying formula and just fixing a bottle and alot more time consuming. But it was worth it! If you don't want to breastfeed your child, don't but let me raise mine the way I feel I should. I trusted my doctors advice and I'm glad I did.
Wow this took on a life of it's own didn't it :) I think your points were good and valid for what it is worth!
I breastfed both of my children until they were 14 months once they started to grow teeth it was over for them. right after i stopped brestfeeding i started giving them whole milk and they are both very healthy.
To nobody in particular:
Ive never been against breastfeeding. Ive never said "dont breastfeed your baby." I just happen to think that there should be limits. There is nothing healthy about breastfeeding a 4 year old, 5 year old, etc. Again, would you give your 4 year old a bottle? Of course not, (Id hope) because its not healthy and its not good for their development. Children are given to us to love, raise, and make independent so they can lead their own lives without being attached by the umbilical cord (there IS a reason they cut that at birth). Breastfeeding past a certain age is pointless, non-nutritional, and in some cases, emotionally damaging. If you want to screw up your kid, go for it, Im sure youll be in good company.
Bettie- I totally agree with you. The thing you have to remember is this: The mother that continually breast feeds into an inappropriate age was PROBABLY exposed to some kind of inappropriate behavior by their parents as well. Unfortunately, some people cannot differentiate between normal and abnormal behavior, and they have no boundaries with other adults, and even less with their kids. Many people do share your view on this, and it is nice to see someone who will not apologize for speaking their mind- just because someone disagreed with you here. Keep it up >.<
Breastfeeding is a personal choice. I happen to believe it's best for children and lends to the bonding between mother and child. I do not think it should be done past the age of 1. To say it should only be done at home. Well, I guess all children should starve until they are in the privacy of their own home then. At least it they are on the breast or bottle. I don't believe a woman should stop breastfeeding because her children have teeth. Babies can cut teeth as early as four months, you genius. I believe that if a woman is going to breast feed in public it's considerate to cover up. That also teaches modesty. There are parts of your anatomy that are your and should be kept private. I also think it's offensive to see a healthy and developmental four year old in diapers or sucking on a pacifier. So in my opinion you and whoever is in total agreement with you is socially retarded and emotionally stunted with no sense of parenting.
What is wrong with you to discriminate against a baby eating in public? I have seen adults with no table manners and they are allowed to eat in public. The same woman who offends you by breastfeeding at your counter would be somehow less offensive if she popped a bottle in the child's mouth? Who are you to decide what's good for her child? What if I were to tell you I didn't want you to eat vegetables in front of me> That I found it offensive? I'm willing to bet that you'd think I was nuts to think I could impose my views on you. I believe breastfeeding at the age of three, four, five, etc is abuse. If the mother does it because SHE needs it then I think therapy is in order. Our relationship with our children is one that should be cultivated in the direction of sending them out on their own. Not one to make them desperately needy for the "comfort" of the breast. A woman who does this feels something missing in herself. I also think it creates huge issues for the child in his future.
I weaned my baby at about a year, but for about four years now I am still producing milk as my husband suckles from each brest about 20 minutes each every evening - sometimes more on weekends -out of sight of the child, of course
He was breastfed until he was five, and I suppose it give him comfort. It brings me to orgasm - so it is a win, win situation.
Teddypickles~ Wow! I honestly am at a loss for words.
Whatever works for you.
To say someone should stop breastfeeding just b/c their baby has teeth is rediculous. Doctors recommend it for the first year. Most babies have four teeth by their first birthday. People may get all weird about bf in public, but all women have breasts, most men have seen em, and babies have to eat. IT'S THE ONE WHO IS STARING WHO IS THE WEIRDO, and who mothers talk about behind their back! I personally have not be "sroused" by bf, b/c that switch is mentally turned off. Akward at first, absolutely - but not a sexual thing. I do wonder if women who are bf their 12 year old sons have that sensation though. Do you wipe their butt still too? My daughter si turning one in less than a month. BF has been convenient, definitely comforting to her and a bonding time for both of us. It has passed so quickly, and while yes, I will miss it, I will be happy when she gets most of her nourishment from food, so we can move on to the next "boobless" phase.
A pretty annoying/amusing post simply because of it's ignorance and intolerance for different parenting styles and opinions. I have a twelve-month old and I'm still nursing him, though not as often, as he is eating a good deal of solid foods. If I'd stopped nursing after his first tooth I wouldn't have made it past month four. For a twelve month old child, the nutrients from breast milk are still very beneficial since whole milk isn't a complete food like breast or formula.
The reason formula companies say in their commercials and on their packaging that breastmilk is best is because they are required by FDA standards to do so. While formula is a reasonable option for many mothers and meets nutritional standards - breastmilk is a perfect food - made by your body for your baby. While I think mothers in developed countries have better options for nourishing an older toddler or pre-schooler, mothers in third world countries do not and often nurse kids well into their third and fourth years to keep them ALIVE.
Mothers should certainly not be made to feel guilty for formula feeding, but to require nursing mothers to hide in their cars or their homes to feed their children is offensive and doesn't speak well to your intelligence. Of course discretion is appropriate, but I could care less if people such as yourself know what's going on under my blanket.
I will stop nursing my son in the next six months and never for a second will I feel as if I did him a disservice by doing so. Oh and as for your statistics about 40 percent of women orgasming during nursing - I doubt seriously women are making the choice to nurse longer because it gets them off. Get real.
you make a lot of sense. It's true, breastfeeding is natural, but so is sex, and you don't see couples making love in the middle of a public place. Breastfeeding past about a year can be bad for the child growing up, soon his mind will develop and he'll know himself when he wants feeding. Weaning should be done before this happens. Interesting hub, well done!
Hennies Mom- yea Im ignorant. Thats your opinion and your certainly entitled to it. Just as I am mine.
Twisty&hisBrain-Thank you. Your post makes a lot of sense and I didnt look at it that way until you brought it up. Sex is illegal outdoors, maybe bf'ing should be too. After all, theyre both natural acts.
Nursing mum says:
2 years ago
Well, I do not show my boobs when I feed my baby-girl outside home; it can be done without almost any notice. Besides, I think my behaviour is much less obscene than all the women who do top-less at the beach and nobody complains about that.I used to get annoyed with people against breastfeeding… Now I just think: “Well, less competition for my clever girl!”
Furthermore, my boobs are not saggy, as they weren’t before pregnancy… It is just a matter of time, size and genetics. Many women I know have baggy breasts although they don’t have any children… I bet yours are baggy and you where bottle-fed… Poor girl!