Is it right to breastfeed a five year old??
I work in a corporate office and we have a nursery in our office building so that those who can't get babysitters make use of the nursery. It's a new scheme we've introduced for the working mothers in our company. Recently we hired a new human resource manager, who happens to be a mother. She signed up for the nursery scheme and indicated she breastfeeds. But I was mortified to see that the child she's breastfeeding is a five year old boy. Apparently she had trouble conceiving and after ten years of going through 6 miscarriages and three IVF treatment failures, she had this kid. Now everyone in the office is beyond uncomfortable about this but the problem is we can't do anything about it for fear of legal action. We can't fire her, no one has the guts to talk to her about it for fear of being fired or sued. But the issue has been raised and we are in the process of consulting our legal department on how we should handle this. But I would like to know, as I'm not a mother, but those of you that are mothers, did you breastfeed your child until they were that age? Is it technically wrong to do so? I just want to know your thoughts on this as I think it's beyond ridiculous but i may be wrong.
You don't have the guts to talk to her? What are you wanting say, anyway? "You're being weird and we all want you to straighten up and live like we think you should"?
No, there is no harm to either mother or child in breastfeeding. Not at 1 year, not at 5 and not at 10 for that matter. I little (or a lot) different, but no harm is being done.While I did breastfeed two of my children, and loved every moment of it, I suspect there is something psychologically off about a woman that prolongs breastfeeding once her child is physically able to eat solid foods. Breastfeeding is best for a healthy infant -and in most cases best for the mother- but there is more to being a mother beyond the emotional attachment that goes along with breastfeeding. A mother's job is to raise their child to be healthy, and physically and psychologically able to one day leave "the nest". In my personal opinion, to deliberately keep a child on the teat when that child should be eating independently is not a sign of a psychologically rational woman, it is the symptom of someone that seeks to keep their child dependent on them. The exception I would make to this is if the child has a physical condition or disability that makes breastfeeding a medically sound alternative to intravenous or tube feedings.
Yep. I concur.
( And I also breast fed for an entire five and a half years of my life. Three, the first time around and 2 and a half, the second time.)
And I heartily believe in breast feeding!
Just not past @ three years of age.
(Sorry for TMI, Dr. lamb.)
That certainly wouldn't be a group of intolerant, ignorant people I would want to work with, which is obviously the real problem there. You are the ones who should be fired.
I think that you should STAY OUT of the situation. Now that I know the circumstances regarding why the mother is breastfeeding her 5 year old child, that is between the mother & her child, not you & the co-workers. Accommodations can be made so that the mother & child can have privacy. It is none of the co-workers' business that the mother is breastfeeding her child. Give the mother the workplace accommodations she needs, thank you.
I think it is unusual and arguably rather weird. But within the realm of personal choice.
- calculus-geometryposted 10 years ago
0When the boy starts school, it will probably be exposed somehow that he is still being breastfed. The other kids will ostracize him and mercilessly make fun of him, and then he will quickly wean himself and your problem will be solved.
There's nothing legally wrong with breastfeeding your child until they are 5. That's a personal choice. That's surely not something worth firing someone over. Is she doing this in public or private? I work for the State of GA and the WIC department is a huge advocate for Breastfeeding; however, they don't advocate it to that extreme. We do have employees who are breastfeeding counselors that have breastfed their children until 5 and they usually stop when they start school or at least only do it at bedtime. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding until age 2. I think anything past 2 years old is a little extreme but I've read stories about people offering the breast to their teenagers as a comfort more than a meal option. I would be more worried if their 16 year old was driving to the office daily for a snack.
Unusual, yes. Weird? Maybe, but then, who is to define "weird," anyway? Even what constitutes "normal" is a subjective matter.
What's "normal" in one culture is anywhere from odd to taboo in another. In my opinion, the "problem" here is not with how long a child is being breastfed, but with the Western obsession with breasts as a sexual object.
In many (more primitive) cultures, men aren't even interested in breasts, claiming, "...breasts are for babies." And, they are right.
If the mother is not uncomfortable, then she should be left alone; it's her choice and her business.It is beyond the limit of what is practically and naturally necessary. By five the child has all his teeth, for goodness sake! She should not be left alone. She should be helpfully encouraged to stop for the sake of freeing the child's psyche from her insecurities. She needs to have faith in his strength and robust health. SHE needs to develop a positive attitude. Otherwise, her fear based attitude will transfer to the child and possibly even become a deeply sub-conscious entrenched emotion. Ask any child psychologist!
For the sake of the child's psychological health, the mother needs to stop. Children are not born to remain dependent. Their love of independence starts early and continues for the rest of their lives. To encourage this infantile dependence is absurd and ridiculous.
Furthermore it will not be acceptable to co workers and other mothers. She should be told that unless she stops she will loose her job. If she does not stop, do whatever it takes to fire her.
The Way I see it.Do you think a 5 year old child is cooking their own supper? Then the dependence is not from breast feeding, but from being too young to feed himself.
The question is, is he actually getting any breast milk?
Why would that even be a question? Women have fed their children for millenia far longer than 5 years - why would they dry up in modern times?
5 years old is A BIT OLD to breastfeed a child. A child at 5 years old should be WAY BEYOND breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should stop at 1.5 years. Breastfeeding a child at 5 is beyond infantilizing a child.
“Breastfeeding should stop at 1.5 years old.” Based on... what? The WHO recommends breastfeeding until at least 2.
I nursed my daughter until she was a little over 3. It was what was best for her. She was a high needs baby and it continued on to her toddler years. I weaned her when she was a bit more independent and I’m very happy to not have rushed it as she’s now an extremely confident and independent kid. I absolutely hated breastfeeding for the last year that I did it so it certainly wasn’t based on my preferences.
Five years is past what I’d be comfortable with, and I can’t imagine the nursing aversion someone would feel after nursing for that long, but I believe no one knows what their child needs more than his or her own mother. So she gets to choose when weaning is appropriate, end of story.
I also don’t understand why it would be embarrassing for a 5 year old to still be breastfeeding. I don’t think that’s something that would just pop up in casual conversation among kindergarteners. When my daughter was 3 she was only nursing once a day before bedtime so it’s not likely the child would be nursing to the extent of an infant where the mom is gonna show up at school and whip a boob out in front of his/her friends.
I look at it this way: breastmilk is beneficial for as long as you choose to give it. Replacing it with cow’s milk is a huge downgrade and the only reason it happens is because mothers usually dry up/get tired of nursing so they move on. If a mother is happy and able to continue giving it then... isn’t that a good thing? At some point it probably becomes inappropriate to nurse directly from the breast but that’s up to the mother and child. Some people think breastfeeding a newborn baby is gross. Some people think breastfeeding past six months is gross. You’re never gonna please everyone, why not let people just do what they’re comfortable with?
Oh, and I know this thread is old but I find it absolutely RIDICULOUS that anyone would ever want someone fired over breastfeeding. Unless she’s breastfeeding a coworker on company time it’s none of your damn business.@ Aime, I see your point & concur. I see nothing wrong with breastfeeding a toddler of 2-3 years of age. They are technically babies & need mother-child bonding. I also feel that firing a breastfeeding mother is a bit .......DRACONIAN. Women, particularly mothers, in the workplace have human rights. If a mother was fired for this, she could file a lawsuit with EEOC, a local, or state human rights agency & she would have a probable case regarding discrimination. She can't be fired for breastfeeding her child, this is ILLEGAL & the company will be held liable.
If he is getting breast milk, the mother just might be really lazy. She just doesn't want to fix food for him. Or mess up her kitchen...
or wash dishes.
Maybe they could fire her based on her bad work ethic.I really wonder if you like women at all.
I am concerned about the psychological health of the child. it is not right to encourage infantile behavior past the point that nature deems it necessary.
I find it odd that you think she might be lazy, or not want to prepare food for him or not wash the dishes. If she is a human resources manager she is probably educated and intelligent. Perhaps she has researched the benefits of breastfeeding and believes it is best for her child.
Cultures in Africa are known to breastfeed older children.
- PrettyPantherposted 10 years ago0
In quite a few cultures, women breastfeed their children up to 5 to 7 years of age. She should be allowed to follow her personal preference. It is not harmful to the child and does not affect her work any more than breastfeeding an infant, probably less since she would not need to breastfeed as frequently.
Why should anyone else care, and what possible reason could be used to fire her?Q. which cultures?
A. In other cultures like India and parts of Asia and Africa, Mum breastfeeds until 5-7, because of the nutrients.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life- … z2vLKVJrAd
Most children I read about self-weaned at about 4 and a half. This may be a throw back to ancient times when food sources were scarce. I really do not think a child past three needs to nurse for nutritional or psychological reasons. The mom should break free like I saw one of my mother cats do. When the kitten became a year old, the mother had to run away in order for her old kitten to leave her the heck alone.
It's very doubtful that there is a physical need to nurse. But it is even more doubtful that there is any harm being done, and probably still some good from transference of immunities. So why quit? Because it is no the norm in the US? Seems a poor reason...
Well, I 'm not alone:
Negative themes / Other people's opinions:
"Mother’s needs: Mum doesn’t want to let go/wants to baby the child or not let him grow up/”needy mother”/Mother’s attachment issues/doing it for the mother’s needs, not the child’s.
Evangelical mothers proving a point: Detrimental to the child. Promotes physical dependency in the child /confusing signals to the child/attachment issues.
Child’s needs: Child doesn’t want to stop and mother doesn’t want to upset the child/”needy” child/comfort for the child (negative – i.e. shouldn’t use this for comfort if going to school.)
Society’s needs: I feel uneasy/ don’t feel comfortable seeing an older child breastfed / society is not comfortable with it/taboo/ Boobs are too sexual in our society/like sex…it’s not for public consumption.
Nutritionally unnecessary: Nutritionally not necessary beyond a certain age/not necessary in a developed country/if she is in a country where food was an issue I could understand.
Just plain wrong. Inappropriate : “if they can speak, bite or climb into Mummy’s lap and help themselves then perhaps it is time to stop”.
http://www.babymanualnotincluded.com/blog/?p=115More:
"However, I would worry whether the breastfeeding is for the benefit of the child or the mother’s emotional needs once the child is of school age. I also think that parents have a responsibility to be mindful of societal expectations once their child is socialising on their own (eg. school, nursery). Whilst I am pro parents challenging stereotypes and perceptions I think they need to be mindful of the potential negative impact this could have on their child (eg. being deemed ‘strange’ or rejected by peers)."
"I think that breast feeding for too long may result in overly dependent attachment to the mother, and difficulty meeting the developmental challenges of separation. I also wonder about the impact on the relationship of the child with their father, and the parents’ relationship."
http://www.babymanualnotincluded.com/blog/?p=115
I wonder how the conversation with the legal department will start, " We have a woman who works for us who has a five year old in the daycare. Unfortunately she still breast feeds him and it's making the rest of us really uncomfortable. You see WE think it is most unusual and in OUR opinion it needs to stop. We are all too afraid to have an adult conversation with her regarding her personal choices. So do you think you could talk to her for us and if not, can we fire her?" Are you serious? This is has to be one of the most ignorant reactions I've heard of regarding breast feeding! Unless she has her son suckling at her breast while she's talking with a client in her office,I say leave her be! As for your concern to her child's well being, it sounds to me like he is very well taken care of! Honestly, there are far more important and alarming issues regarding child welfare than the mother who's personal choices include breast feeding a 5 year old! You know what makes me uncomfortable, ignorance!
It is beyond common sense to breastfeed past @ three.
A boss can fire anyone based on whether he wants the person (a breast feeding woman, in this case,) around or not. It's his place of business. If this is not the case, heaven help America.
TWISIShe breastfeeds openly in the nursery and on one or two occasions she's been seen breastfeeding in her office, that's why it was referred to legal department. I'm not in the legal department so I have no idea what they will discuss. It's not that we are afraid to talk to her, people prefer to keep their jobs than risk it all for a breastfeeding woman.
I can understand referring to your legal department on advice as to whether or not they can implement a ruling regarding nursing her child in the office areas of the business. However, firing her to avoid being made uncomfortable or because you don't agree with her lifestyle is just plain wrong! But, I guess that's just the way society is these days. We're all bullies, we infringe our beliefs and believe ours are the right and just ones and if you do not follow suit, we will push you out one way or the other! Maybe the easier course of action for everyone would be to close the nursery, then everyone wins, no lawsuit, no breastfeeding issues, and no-one feels uncomfortable!
No.
Unless...no!!! Kindergarten lunch just would not be comfortable.For hundreds of thousands of years, humans have been breastfeeding up to around 7 years of age, in all different types of cultures. There's nothing wrong with it. They usually wean themselves, or get kicked out of mom's lap when a new baby comes along.
I've heard WIC say's it's OK up till they start school, no problem. After that, it's really just a social issue for the kid. If the mom encourages it past that, it might be a problem. But as far as I know, kids generally wean themselves when left to it.
And breastmilk IS best for a growing brain.Just what we need. A nation of women nursing their seven year olds.
Each to their own. It won't happen anyway… its not part of what is common to most psychologically sound women living in a civilized non-third world society.I don't care anyway. I don't plan on having any babies. I personally would think it was strange to see a woman breast feed a 7 year old. But is it wrong, I doubt it. Hardly anyone would do it anyhow.
It is wrong for the child! He will be ridiculed, made fun of and be a target for finger pointing, giggling and shame... through no fault of his own…
his mother's!
A four year old is the most intelligent, gentle yet strong little person. Breast feeding is below him at this grand stage of development. There is nothing more beautiful than a weaned four year old.That's probably true. It's a cultural issue, though, not a biological one.
But still, I probably shouldn't even be putting in my two cents, as I don't have any first hand knowledge.and you do it with such authority… don't worry, I will be your check.
(...as long as my PC happens to be on HP.)That's fine I need all I can get.
You know me, I have and opinion on everything. My brain just doesn't want to shut it off sometimes.Me either.
I think its called addiction to presenting opinions through keyboarding on HP. HP enables us so darn well, doesn't it?I don't know. I spent all day away from HP, and I was going on and on about everything with my bf and his parents. Usually I'm practically silent. Everyone was happy when I took a Valium and finally shut up:)
Hypomanic, I'm sure of it. Someone also tried kicking me off my high horse today, so I've had a few lessons in humility recently. Have they sunk in yet? I'm not so sure.ohhh…
I am a crab. I love children and small creatures. I have a new kitten. A Tabby. Named him Timothy.
(PS. I think you should just put duck tape on your mouth so you don't have to take Valium. Isn't that a bit old school, anyway?)About the Valium- doctor's orders. I am bipolar, schizoaffective, and have generalized anxiety disorder. One doctor is also trying to convince me I have PSTD as well. One thinks I might be epileptic, although scans of my brain have ruled that out I think. I tell her that I'm sure I don't at least have PSTD, because I haven't experienced any traumas. In a nutshell (pun intended), they don't know what the heck is wrong with me. So I take the drugs as ordered. I take an antipsychotic. I take Valium for severe insomnia (I only sleep about 4 hours a day, and that is spit up in hour long segments, etc.) It's the only thing that even works slightly for sleep. I get about six hours when I take it. I can't take any anxiety meds because they can't be taken with the Valium. I don't even have real anxiety lately, just constant racing thoughts and hyperactivity. A small dose of Valium helps me to calm down so I can function. My doctor won't put me on a mood stabilizer until I get this current round of hypomania (which may be mania by now, I can't tell) under control. I need a new doctor I think. She isn't even a psychiatrist or psychologist, just a nurse practitioner. I am thinking of taking a "vacation" for a few weeks, now that I have insurance. I know of a nice place I can go, where they have real doctors, and I can work full time for a few weeks on getting my situation stabilized. I like it there too. Been there twice, for a couple weeks each time. I don't think I'm really crazy, I'm just having a spiritual experience. But it's better to be safe than sorry, and practical at the same time.
I hope you find a good doctor and get it all worked out soon Jane.
Please do not take this the wrong way, JS. Do you think your parents were typical teens of the 70's and did a little too much... of well… you know. everything we were doing back then… It is hard to trace the human population to see what effects the next generation. If you could answer this question objectively it might add to the research. If not, thats understandable. You have enough annoyances to deal with.
I fell hard, hit my head and have never been the same. A concussion really screwed up my sleeping patterns. Everyone should realize how wonderful a good sleep is. It is the best gift the human body can give the soul. Believe me I know. Did you ever have a head trauma / injury?No, nothing like that. That I know of anyway. I don't think my parents ever did drugs. My mom admitted to smoking pot a couple times, didn't like it. My dad's only had things like malaria pills in the army/VietNam. This stuff only started happening a few years ago. Kind of out of the blue I think. I was relatively normal till then. Some issues with socialization and dealing with people, but that's about it that I can think of at the moment. Maybe slight autism perhaps. I have trouble reading people/socializing.
Well, meditation has helped me and continues to help cure me. I am finally feeling back to normal. It has been an entire year! Augh! I wish you the best on your recovery / journey. They say will-power affects a cause better than any other technique. "I am well" is what my father taught me to say... I resisted at first, but discovered, it works.
Obviously you've never worked with a classroom full of four year olds. I wish more four year olds had been breastfed (or breastfed longer) instead of being raised on formula, gummies, frozen pastries, lunchables, juice bags and various other items disguised as food. I am daily 'mystified', at what parents feed their children. Parents have their children addicted to sugar and they form a dependency on the sugar high. Nothing beautiful about it at all.
In response to the OP, I don't see it as anyone's business but the mother and her family. While beyond an age that I breastfed my sons, it doesn't indicate any future dependency issues for the five year old. Certainly there are no grounds for legal pursuit. She was hired to do her job, leave her alone.I worked in a Montessori classroom full of three and four year olds while working on a Montessori Certificate. In a true Montessori classroom you will see what I am talking about. My mentor produced many videos to reveal the principles of Montessori in action. Unfortunately, they were all misplaced during a move. They were priceless. I am beyond sad about losing them.
I don't see it as a reason to fire the woman. And I do think a lot of people are bothered by breastfeeding out of pure puritanical hangups. There is nothing sinful in a breast; the only thing "dirty" about them resides in the dirty mind of the one seeing sin where none exits.
My personal concern in the child, and I guess my feelings are in part based on something I heard one woman say. She was breastfeeding her son after he was five years old and when I asked why he wasn't on solid food she replied she couldn't bear the idea of "losing" him. I left it at that, but I couldn't help but think she was letting her own fears intrude on the child's normal development.
As far as the sugar subject goes, those curious about what breast milk is composed of, particularly the lactose sugar content, may wish to read http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/392766Good link.
The sugar in breast milk is not processed...that fact makes all the difference. Table sugar is so processed it acts like a drug in the body, robbing it of vitamin B12 etc.
(The book Sugar Blues explains the effects of processed white sugar. Macrobiotic philosophy claims that evolution is negatively affected when the mother consumes processed cane sugar while pregnant. Luckily there are many healthful substitutes today. The best is brown rice syrup.)Most children start on "solid food" at 6-12 months. Breastfeeding until the age of AT LEAST one is recommend. Breastfeeding until two is preferable because children can rarely digest the proteins in cows milk until 18 months or older.
Which is an interesting question... why is it assumed that drinking from a cow's teat is somehow better than drinking from a human's? Does it bother you to drink a glass of cows milk?
It's the physical act of breast-feeding a 5 year old that is making everyone uncomfortable. It should probably be questioned why that is. I would say probably that it has to do with everyone assuming that a woman's breasts are for sex and a cows teats are for nourishment...We're okay with slurping the liquid from the breast of another species but it's icky if it's our own? That's pretty messed up.
It also implies that we are sexualizing children over infant age... just saying.
If you put a cow in a bikini next to Fabio no one would ever drink milk again.Most of us, (who have been/ are mothers,) are concerned about the effects on the child.
That's not what I'm seeing. I'm seeing how most are concerned about what society will say.
But yes, you are completely right, I don't have any kids and if I did I wouldn't be concerned about them.
The majority of no votes come from mothers here. Would you, did you nurse past three? If no, why not?
No, actually I didn't breastfeed past three. I didn't bf my first. In one case, I was pumping and tube feeding so my milk dried up...The other ones quit when they weaned themselves. Did you want to know their age to the day? I don't remember. My daughter was walking and talking in complete sentences though. So, I guess I could have just ripped the boob out of her mouth and told her she didn't get it because other people thought it was icky.
Edit: As a beside, my daughter has Autism and most of her therapists believe that her bonding/social skills would have been far less advanced had we not practiced attachment parenting.
One actually believes that the rise of autism can be attributed to the lack of parental bonding and physical contact that is typical of today's society... That's interesting to note because autism ISN'T on the rise in those pesky third-world countries where parents and children sleep in a communal bed and breastfeeding REGULARLY occurs up until 5-7 year old.
Edit 2: What the hell do teeth have to do with it? I've never been bitten. You must have been doing it wrong.
And, that is because you know what's best for other peoples children?
Please tell us then, about what effects exactly are you concerned? Keep in mind this little tidbit from the American Academy of Family Physicians:
"It has been estimated that a natural weaning age for humans is between two and seven years. Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection, better social adjustment and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the decrease in their risk of breast cancer. There is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to mother or child."Culturally and psychologically, it is another matter. Nature has designed the child and we must work with nature. Nature dictates the stages of unfolding development. When most of the baby teeth are in, around the age of three, it would stand to reason that nursing is no longer appropriate. Now, if someone by some chance does not have an earthling, but instead, an alien-suckling who does not grow teeth by the age of four and five, then by all means, keep up the nursing!
Culturally it is a major problem, but then so is feeding an infant. Lots of people all up in arms about a boob in public.
Psychologically is another matter, though. What evidence can you provide that it harms either one psychologically?Wilderness, this has already been discussed by many of us. See above.
It is beyond common sense to continue nursing after the child can eat! End of story. Whenever common sense is violated it can be deemed as icky.
Common; "1 occurring, found, or done often; prevalent: Dictionary."
common sense: meaning, sense which is common to all.In this case common sense would me uneducated opinion. Like the opinion of any person walking down the street who has never bothered to read up on anything but is trusting what every other person who has also not read up on anything says.
Like eating bright green foods on any day except St. Patricks day. Like putting tattoos over the majority of one's body. Like crashing every new car you get for the sheer thrill of it. Like wearing a yellow frock to a funeral. Or a heavy coat on a summer day. Like showing up to someone's party wearing a house coat or a bath robe. Like wearing a wig to bed. Shall I continue?
When we were first talking about this, it was a random subject without a name or a face really. I think once someone has shared that it is personal to them, it's unkind to continue on, don't you?
If you are referring to me, it's not personal to me except that I have boobs, kids and an opinion. I think at least one of those conditions apply to everyone else in this thread.
Even ED?
Oh... sorry, I just saw the "at least one of those"
Total waste of a post.
(you can erase it and replace it with a period rather than get that "deleted" edit.)
But it is apparently irritating to others...
1. Stop replying to yourself.
2. You aren't making any sense whatsoever. Common or not. Try sticking to the conversation. This little random word salad posts of yours mean nothing to anyone but you. I believe someone called you on that not too long ago.
Sense which is common to all: For instance, who would wear a yellow frock to a funeral? a bathrobe to a party? a heavy coat on a summer day? eat bright green cupcakes on any day but St. Patricks day? Wear a wig to bed? Raise a horse as a house pet, in the house? (which a woman did and had to put the poor horse down in the end.)
Anyway, it is an interesting question. Those who did nurse past five need to weigh in. If they claim they did not suffer at all, in any way, I would be convinced.No, I don't think you would. It would still be "icky" and therefore not fit for the common people.
The mis-interpretation of the word "common" is your badness. My concern is that the child is not becoming independent. And you are the one wishing people would act with more independence! LOL! Would you be convinced if it contributed to those wanting to rely on Welfare?
Just kidding.
I'm sorry, but "It is beyond common sense to continue nursing after the child can eat! " is not evidence of psychological damage to either child or mother. Neither is " Whenever common sense is violated it can be deemed as icky." - it's hard to get further away from evidence than a statement that something has an "Eeeww" factor to it.
Were you under the misconception that either is actually evidence, or trying to deflect a request for evidence supporting your claim?Boy, are you a stickler! Anyway, it is an interesting question. Repeating: "Those who did nurse past five need to weigh in. If they claim they did not suffer at all, in any way, I would be convinced."
KLHWell, yes. To simply believe any claim made on these forums would quickly give rise to madness. Evidence is always helpful.
Madness? You think so???? I have got to stop. That does it! Yikes. Oh the karma.
Common sense? You are dictating what is common sense?
Why don't just admit this is all about intolerance and ignorance on your part rather than making up a bunch of nonsense?
Yes, continue regaling us with your stunning ignorance and red herrings. Those are not even remotely relevant.
Of course, why would you even bother listening to a group of physicians? What the heck do they know? You can tell us all about tattoos and wearing wigs to bed to convince us of your common sense.
Then why would you fire her? So she could be an unemployed woman who breastfeeds a 5-year-old? How is that in the child's interest?
Good point. I think you have probably hit the cause of agitation. If people are truly concerned about the psychological effects for the child, there are plenty of parental practices that have much more of a scarring effect on a child than a societal perception that prolonged breastfeeding will produce an overly dependent child/adult. Perhaps in the post above about the mother who was concerned that she would 'lose' her child, the problem was a mental/emotional issue with the mother, not the act of breastfeeding itself.
We still have this overly sexual connection with the breast. The breast was designed to nourish and nurture the child.
More can be read here.
“The average age at weaning ranges anywhere from six months to five years… Claims that breastfeeding beyond infancy is harmful to mother or infant have absolutely no medical or scientific basis,” says Arthur Eidelman, MD, president of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. “Indeed, the more salient issue is the damage caused by modern practices of premature weaning.” Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
Banning breastfeeding in the nursery of the employees own office would be a PR disaster. Firing her for that reason would be a legal disaster.
I agree, but i'm sure corporate America will be creative in the manner in which they fire her. Perhaps she will be late coming back from lunch or something silly! No worries, I'm sure they will cover their tracks because they have full knowledge that firing her for breastfeeding is WRONG!
- april hollandposted 10 years ago0
Breast feeding a 5 year old is ridiculous! I breast fed mine and I have 3 children and let me tell you, that would make me uncomfortable too. 5 year olds are past the toddler stage, for goodness sake they are or should be going into kindergarten! How embarrassing for that 5 year old to be breast feeding when they should be beyond that. Just saying!!
I remember being at a party once where a kid of 2 or 3 ran up to his mom and tapped on her breast. She unveiled the device, no blanket, nothing... and began the process. Although I am forever scarred, it never occurred to me to sue her. I would imagine in other countries, social rules of acceptability are different, considering the scarcity of food. Here in the US... different story. If I had actual memories of breast feeding, I would have to spend a countless amount of money for therapy in order to forget.
You were forever scarred from seeing another woman's breast?
Surely there is a Christian on a nearby thread leaving them self open to insult.
I am forever scarred after watching Rihanna's new music video. Yuk. What happened to her? oh sorry…
Its just a saying, EDead.Would that be the "Pour it Up" video where she does little more than gyrate to really bad music?
I guess it's nothing to some people.
(but having a little bit of ale, is way too much for those who never drink it.)
How about how embarrassing for that 5 year old unpacking a lunchable, a bag of doritoes, gummies and a bag of koolaid. I wish! What do we hold as a standard?
You're totally right... our kids are growing up on crap, but as far as socially acceptable, you have to admit, Doritos is gonna get him punched a lot less than being breast fed when some kids of the same age are playing T-ball.
My daughter's school doesn't allow any sugar. It's a good choice I think.RebekkaELLE:
Breast feeding is indeed the best thing for a child. But then a little honey is good...
a lot is bad.
We could do a whole forum about all the really bad parenting going on today.
Including how children are being fed. It is bad. It affects not only their mental abilities, their physical as well. I , at my advanced age, feel younger than most teens. I can still swim 60 laps in 1/2 hour, do cartwheels and somersaults. Many can't even touch their toes.
(Sorry for TMI, Dr. Lamb.)
Just saying?
What you and the OP are both failing to understand is that this is all about ignorance and intolerance, something you both appear to be exhibiting in spades. Most certainly, aside from your responses here, there are very likely plenty of things people find ridiculous about what you think and how you behave, yet they are probably tolerant and understanding towards you.
You feel uncomfortable? So what? There are lots of things in this world that make us all uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we try and get rid of the people around us who might make us uncomfortable, but instead we should seek to understand and accept people for who they are. If that were not the case, both you and the OP should leave as your intolerant posts here are excruciatingly uncomfortable.
See how that works?April. Thanks for your common sense and very direct answer from a mom who knows.
See how that works?+1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!!!
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