For those of you who voted for option 1, are you seriously ok with an 11-year-old, or older, BFing?
To me, the bigger questions is "why do we care if a woman and child decide to engage in extended breastfeeding?"
Can you really not look past that and picture a teenager BFing and form an opinion about that? Extended BFing is on thing, BFing an adult (hey, why cut it off at a teenager if we're all enjoying it?) is another.
I BF for a year, and I know there are benefits to extended breastfeeding. I do think there is an age where it's not in the best interest of the mother or child to continue the BFing relationship. I think this age is different for every child and that age could be from birth on (ie - if the mother has trouble producing milk, or even if the mother doesn't want to breastfeed).
I don't think there are many cases where it's in the beset interest an older child (say 7, since that was the age mentioned in the OP) to continue BFing. To figure out what that age is, I (the BFing mother) would ask myself these questions:
Are there benefits (emotional, psychological or physical) to nursing my child at this age?
And are there any possible negative affects (emotional, psychological, physical) to nursing my child at this age?
When I felt it was no longer beneficial to either one of us, I would lovingly end the BFing relationship and move on.
When it comes down to it, it really IS no one else's business. The only time I think it becomes someone else's business, is if the child is being abused (physically or mentally) by the relationship. And I don't mean that it's ok to intervene just because you think it's "weird".
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
Am I the only one who thinks it's okay to any age, as long as they eventually start putting the BM in a cup, and there's not some 20 year old kid with his head up mom's shirt?
Wait, regular or sippy? 'cause this could open a whole new subject here.
Am I the only one who thinks it's okay to any age, as long as they eventually start putting the BM in a cup, and there's not some 20 year old kid with his head up mom's shirt?
Wait, regular or sippy? 'cause this could open a whole new subject here.
Well depending on age, they can start with a sippy if they're young and then transition to regular.
I think you missed the joke.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
Am I the only one who thinks it's okay to any age, as long as they eventually start putting the BM in a cup, and there's not some 20 year old kid with his head up mom's shirt?
Wait, regular or sippy? 'cause this could open a whole new subject here.
Well depending on age, they can start with a sippy if they're young and then transition to regular.
I think you missed the joke.
This, I meant it as a joke, "how old is too old for a sippy cup?"
I'm stunned that there was even 1 vote for breastfeeding is never ok. Good thing you didn't live before the age of formula, your poor baby would have starved.
Am I the only one who thinks it's okay to any age, as long as they eventually start putting the BM in a cup, and there's not some 20 year old kid with his head up mom's shirt?
Wait, regular or sippy? 'cause this could open a whole new subject here.
Well depending on age, they can start with a sippy if they're young and then transition to regular.
I think you missed the joke.
oh Sorry, I think my brain is numb from reading 6 pages of arguments
I can't say I blame you, it gets pretty intense at times.
For what is worth, I'm tottaly pro-big flower (as long as it is proportional to the head like in you siggy). If I ever have a DD she is so going to wear them.
For those of you who voted for option 1, are you seriously ok with an 11-year-old, or older, BFing?
To me, the bigger questions is "why do we care if a woman and child decide to engage in extended breastfeeding?"
Why do you care if she cares? I'm not taking a stab at you, I'm saying that this reasoning can go on indefinitely.
She cares, is her prerrogative.
I think that you are missing my point. She is upset at the thought of a teenager being BF when those decisions really aren't anyone's business. I EBFd, but did I ever jump on anyone that FF? No, because it isn't any of my business. Just as someone BFing a seven year old isn't my business.
IMO, those are decisions to be made within a family and I don't see why people feel the need to get worked up over it.
It is not normal to BF a 7 year old. That is more about the mother's addiction to BF and inability to let it go than anything. Flame away.
So what about the fact that when a child is left to self wean the average age is 2-7?
so if your lo is not weaning by 2017 you will just go with it?
I'm not talking about me and my child. I might have a certain age in mind for what is ok for US. That doesn't mean that someone that is nursing a 7 Is not " normal". Because studies and science show that if a child is left to self wean that age could easily go to 7. Just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean it's not normal or that it's because the mother is doing it for herself.ETA- hence why it is referred to as child led weaning.
It is not normal to BF a 7 year old. That is more about the mother's addiction to BF and inability to let it go than anything. Flame away.
So what about the fact that when a child is left to self wean the average age is 2-7?
so if your lo is not weaning by 2017 you will just go with it?
I'm not talking about me and my child. I might have a certain age in mind for what is ok for US. That doesn't mean that someone that is nursing a 7 Is not " normal". Because studies and science show that if a child is left to self wean that age could easily go to 7. Just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean it's not normal or that it's because the mother is doing it for herself.ETA- hence why it is referred to as child led weaning.
Right, maybe in a third world country where nutrition is scarce. But here, it is not normal. I'm all for self weaning but there is a point that I think it's time for Mom to go on with her life, kwim? These women nursing really old kids have a problem and are setting their kids up for issues (like how will that go over with the other 2nd graders?)
Yeah you're right I need to start thinking about my parenting decisions and how his peers will judge him on it and let that be the deciding factor.
I find a 6/7/8/9/10 year old BF to be odd. I would probably give them the side eye but that is all. I wouldn't say anything to the mother or kid. Would I lose sleep or worry about the kid? Nope.
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It is not normal to BF a 7 year old. That is more about the mother's addiction to BF and inability to let it go than anything. Flame away.
So what about the fact that when a child is left to self wean the average age is 2-7?
so if your lo is not weaning by 2017 you will just go with it?
I'm not talking about me and my child. I might have a certain age in mind for what is ok for US. That doesn't mean that someone that is nursing a 7 Is not " normal". Because studies and science show that if a child is left to self wean that age could easily go to 7. Just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean it's not normal or that it's because the mother is doing it for herself.ETA- hence why it is referred to as child led weaning.
Right, maybe in a third world country where nutrition is scarce. But here, it is not normal. I'm all for self weaning but there is a point that I think it's time for Mom to go on with her life, kwim? These women nursing really old kids have a problem and are setting their kids up for issues (like how will that go over with the other 2nd graders?)
Yeah you're right I need to start thinking about my parenting decisions and how his peers will judge him on it and let that be the deciding factor.
Good luck!
Do you really think that the other 2nd graders are going to know that he/she is still BFing? I know kids talk but I highly doubt a 2nd grader is going to go to school and say, "OMG, last night's BFing session was amazing!"
I also don't understand the comment "it's time for Mom to go on with her life." How is BFing hindering her life or her child's life?
Re: Clicky Poll: How old is too old for BF?
bahahahaha i know right ? I'm sure BF is like liquid gold to them with the benefits and everything for a pre-teen.
that bar is not for the 11+ option LOL
ETA: nevermind, I read that wrong
Yes I am. Logically I understand a child will self wean before that but I accept extended breastfeeding at any age.
Seeing that an 11 year is highly unlikely to BF (especially in public)... sure why not?
Apparently it's so common preteens are walking up to their mothers and unhooking their bras in public.
To me, the bigger questions is "why do we care if a woman and child decide to engage in extended breastfeeding?"
Why do you care if she cares? I'm not taking a stab at you, I'm saying that this reasoning can go on indefinitely.
She cares, is her prerrogative.
This concept (who has rights to form opinions) is like a merry-go-round of knives!
I BF for a year, and I know there are benefits to extended breastfeeding. I do think there is an age where it's not in the best interest of the mother or child to continue the BFing relationship. I think this age is different for every child and that age could be from birth on (ie - if the mother has trouble producing milk, or even if the mother doesn't want to breastfeed).
I don't think there are many cases where it's in the beset interest an older child (say 7, since that was the age mentioned in the OP) to continue BFing. To figure out what that age is, I (the BFing mother) would ask myself these questions:
Are there benefits (emotional, psychological or physical) to nursing my child at this age?
And are there any possible negative affects (emotional, psychological, physical) to nursing my child at this age?
When I felt it was no longer beneficial to either one of us, I would lovingly end the BFing relationship and move on.
When it comes down to it, it really IS no one else's business. The only time I think it becomes someone else's business, is if the child is being abused (physically or mentally) by the relationship. And I don't mean that it's ok to intervene just because you think it's "weird".
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
Wait, regular or sippy? 'cause this could open a whole new subject here.
I think you missed the joke.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
This, I meant it as a joke, "how old is too old for a sippy cup?"
Wonder how that would go.
aww, thanks!
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
I can't say I blame you, it gets pretty intense at times.
For what is worth, I'm tottaly pro-big flower (as long as it is proportional to the head like in you siggy). If I ever have a DD she is so going to wear them.
I think that you are missing my point. She is upset at the thought of a teenager being BF when those decisions really aren't anyone's business. I EBFd, but did I ever jump on anyone that FF? No, because it isn't any of my business. Just as someone BFing a seven year old isn't my business.
IMO, those are decisions to be made within a family and I don't see why people feel the need to get worked up over it.
OK, so it is normal to drink milk from a cow's tit, but not ok to drink milk from a human's tit?
Aren't we the only mammal that willingly chooses to drink milk from another mammal?
If I produced enough breast milk I would be pumping right now and giving DS my milk instead of cows milk.
I did not vote in the pole because I did not breastfeed, & around here that means my opinion on the subject doesn't matter.
Agreed!
:edit:
I have a feeling no one will read this far, so nevermind.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
I find a 6/7/8/9/10 year old BF to be odd. I would probably give them the side eye but that is all. I wouldn't say anything to the mother or kid. Would I lose sleep or worry about the kid? Nope.
Do you really think that the other 2nd graders are going to know that he/she is still BFing? I know kids talk but I highly doubt a 2nd grader is going to go to school and say, "OMG, last night's BFing session was amazing!"
I also don't understand the comment "it's time for Mom to go on with her life." How is BFing hindering her life or her child's life?