Breastfeeding a 7 year old... yea

farrellashleigh · August 2009

So this is on the Doctors right now. I'm sorry but WTF.... this lady is saying it's normal to breastfeed between 2 and 7 years... um yea no. If they can ask for it you need to be done my god!

I know extended breastfeeding is controversial and I have no problem with feeding as long as possible (maybe 12-15 mos if you can) but I'm sorry 2-7 is INSANE.

The lady keeps saying that we get grossed out because the "breast is seen as a sex symbol" ummm it is way beyond that. And what about the fact that breastmilk is NOT enough food for a 7 year old are you serious???

Sorry I gotta say if you're breastfeeding that long, it's all about YOU, has nothing to do with your child or benefit to your child, and you are lying to yourself if you think otherwise.

ToledoDeux · August 2009

farrellashleigh:
And what about the fact that breastmilk is NOT enough food for a 7 year old are you serious???

While I'm not personally comfortable with breastfeeding anyone older than a toddler.....I hardly think the only thing the 7 year-old is getting for nourishment is breast milk.

Jocelyn0415 · August 2009

I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

lovesazzie · August 2009

I just saw this too. I honestly can't imagine BFing until 7, but I wouldn't consider 2 "insane".. Hmm

sjp · August 2009

This is not somthing i plan on doing, but many cultures consider this normal--in fact even here, I know a handful of women who breast fed from 2-5. Also at 7, the child is not only on breast milk, they eat other things too--breast milk is just a supplement.

kimberly.kent · August 2009

If that upset you, then you should have seen one of the classic Dr Phil episodes a few weeks ago. A mother was allowing her 9 year old to breastfeed because she wanted to "try it" when her younger brother was born. Now she just whips up her shirt when her daughter asks for it.

lovesazzie · August 2009

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

Indifferent Seriously? Judgy much? FWIW, the rest of the world recommends BFing until 2. Whatever you do yourself with your child is wonderful, but judging people who BF until 20 months is not ok in my book.

jessloveschase08 · August 2009

7 is pretty bad... I saw an episode of the Tyra show once where this 8 year old was talking to Tyra about how she loved breastfeeding and how she was normal...

farrellashleigh · August 2009

kimberly.kent:
If that upset you, then you should have seen one of the classic Dr Phil episodes a few weeks ago. A mother was allowing her 9 year old to breastfeed because she wanted to "try it" when her younger brother was born. Now she just whips up her shirt when her daughter asks for it.

O-M-Gawd! so wrong on so many levels... Tongue Tied

5dogs · August 2009

.....

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

While I personally won't be breast feeding until my LO is 7, the average world wide weaning age is not 12 months (WHO recommends 2 years+). SO breastfed until he was 3 & I did until I was 2. We're normal, well adjusted people... you may personally feel uncomfortable with it but to describe it as "insane" is a low blow.

Jocelyn0415 · August 2009

sazzie:

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

Seriously? Judgy much? FWIW, the rest of the world recommends BFing until 2. Whatever you do yourself with your child is wonderful, but judging people who BF until 20 months is not ok in my book.

I never said anything to her because that would be rude. It's her baby, her choice. I'm not saying it's wrong by any means. Like I said, to each their own, but I just personally thought it was a little long.

madameladauphine · August 2009

I totally agree! My Mom bf me until I was almost 3 years old, and she admits that it was because she didn't want to give up that bond. Ummmmm there are other ways to bond with a 3 yr old in my opinion!

farrellashleigh · August 2009

sazzie:

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

Seriously? Judgy much? FWIW, the rest of the world recommends BFing until 2. Whatever you do yourself with your child is wonderful, but judging people who BF until 20 months is not ok in my book.

I don't think she's being judgemental... 20 mos is probably longer than the average in the US. Being a pediatric nurse I can say that I only remember 2-4 patients that breastfed beyond 15 months in all my years there. (with the average being 6 months) So it may seem out of the ordinary for a lot of people. It's definitely not something I would do, I'm hoping to get to 9-12 months if I can. But I am a firm believer that if they can ask for it, it's time to stop... but that's just me. People are always going to form perceptions it doesn't mean they're being judgemental.

Jocelyn0415 · August 2009

farrellashleigh:
sazzie:

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

Seriously? Judgy much? FWIW, the rest of the world recommends BFing until 2. Whatever you do yourself with your child is wonderful, but judging people who BF until 20 months is not ok in my book.

I don't think she's being judgemental... 20 mos is probably longer than the average in the US. Being a pediatric nurse I can say that I only remember 2-4 patients that breastfed beyond 15 months in all my years there. (with the average being 6 months) So it may seem out of the ordinary for a lot of people. It's definitely not something I would do, I'm hoping to get to 9-12 months if I can. But I am a firm believer that if they can ask for it, it's time to stop... but that's just me. People are always going to form perceptions it doesn't mean they're being judgemental.

Exactly. I never judged her. She's my friend and whatever she does with her baby is her decision. I just always felt weird when we would be sitting there having a conversation and her son would walk up, pat her breast, and say, "Please?" I'm only planning to BF for a year, but if you want to do it for longer then that's your choice.

farrellashleigh · August 2009

5dogs:

.....

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

While I personally won't be breast feeding until my LO is 7, the average world wide weaning age is not 12 months (WHO recommends 2 years+). SO breastfed until he was 3 & I did until I was 2. We're normal, well adjusted people... you may personally feel uncomfortable with it but to describe it as "insane" is a low blow.

Agreed, the world rec is 2 years plus but you have to keep in mind the nutritional deficiencies in most parts of the world outside of the major areas- US, Europe, Australia, etc. Their recommendation is highly based on the fact that there isn't as much access to nutritional options outside of breastmilk...

And I'm sorry, call me judgemental or whatever but it IS insane to be breastfeeding a 2nd grader....

julygal · August 2009

For those saying "if they can ask for it then they are too old" I just thought I would throw out there they can ask for it at quite a young age. DD at around 9 months would ask/sign for milk. I guess you could argue that signing is different than asking, but I really don't think so as she was still requesting my milk. By the time she was 10 months she would not only ask for milk but pull at the neck of my shirt. At that age she is well within the age recommendation of BFing.

Mrs.tlcS · August 2009

julygal:
For those saying "if they can ask for it then they are too old" I just thought I would throw out there they can ask for it at quite a young age. DD at around 9 months would ask/sign for milk. I guess you could argue that signing is different than asking, but I really don't think so as she was still requesting my milk. By the time she was 10 months she would not only ask for milk but pull at the neck of my shirt. At that age she is well within the age recommendation of BFing.

The rooting reflex is "asking" for milk. I guess you shouldn't BF at all, cuz it would be totally creepy for you to BF a newborn. Confused

Beaming_Bride · August 2009

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

That's always been my motto, too. I cannot think of a single reason why a school-age child should still be consuming breast milk.

whidbeymomma · August 2009

My ex FIL was BF until he was like 6... He was the youngest of 12 kids and grew up in a 3rd world country... NOT something I will do! I wasn't able to BF my DD after 4 months because of my newly diagnosed thyroid condition. They needed me to start meds right away. It was definately hard to separate then but she turned out alright (other than began getting ear infections around that same time...). I plan on BFing this LO for about a year.

BlairWaldorf · August 2009

There is a strong distinction between BFing even a 3-year-old vs a 7-year-old.

There is also a strong distinction in the BFing of young children in 3rd world countries where nutrition can be scarce vs a 7-year-old in a middle class American home.

At least, IMHO. ::curtsies::

Gina1221 · August 2009

farrellashleigh:
sazzie:

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

Seriously? Judgy much? FWIW, the rest of the world recommends BFing until 2. Whatever you do yourself with your child is wonderful, but judging people who BF until 20 months is not ok in my book.

I don't think she's being judgemental... 20 mos is probably longer than the average in the US. Being a pediatric nurse I can say that I only remember 2-4 patients that breastfed beyond 15 months in all my years there. (with the average being 6 months) So it may seem out of the ordinary for a lot of people. It's definitely not something I would do, I'm hoping to get to 9-12 months if I can. But I am a firm believer that if they can ask for it, it's time to stop... but that's just me. People are always going to form perceptions it doesn't mean they're being judgemental.

Yes Yep! I think people who LOVE to call others out all the time on being judgmental are just as guilty of being judgmental. Either way it's an opinon. Whatever! I've been on this board too f-ing long. Come on baby!

TeamV · August 2009

If an older, school-age child wanted the breastmilk and the mom wanted to continue to provide the nutrition to them......couldn't they at least pump and give it to them in a cup?

etude de la vie · August 2009

farrellashleigh:
So this is on the Doctors right now. I'm sorry but WTF.... this lady is saying it's normal to breastfeed between 2 and 7 years... um yea no. If they can ask for it you need to be done my god!
I know extended breastfeeding is controversial and I have no problem with feeding as long as possible (maybe 12-15 mos if you can) but I'm sorry 2-7 is INSANE.
The lady keeps saying that we get grossed out because the "breast is seen as a sex symbol" ummm it is way beyond that. And what about the fact that breastmilk is NOT enough food for a 7 year old are you serious???
Sorry I gotta say if you're breastfeeding that long, it's all about YOU, has nothing to do with your child or benefit to your child, and you are lying to yourself if you think otherwise.

I wonder if this women ate her placenta too! Sorry... LOL

I agree 7 years is WAY too long.

My cousin's wife is very into the "new-age, herbal, organic" rage and says she will bf until her baby is 5 (baby is currently 14 months) because of the health benefits for the baby, but in the same sentence will talk about how bf keeps you thin...so I wonder if bf is really about the kid anymore??? This is the same person who swore an epidural would cause autism in her baby (despite any scientific evidence showing otherwise) and would go all natural and in the end she ended up with one because she couldn't handle it!

I guess "to each his own"

SeaMama · August 2009

Jocelyn0415:
farrellashleigh:
sazzie:

Jocelyn0415:
I thought it was weird when my friend breast fed until 20 months. To each their own, but I say when he's old enough to ask for it...it's time to stop!

Seriously? Judgy much? FWIW, the rest of the world recommends BFing until 2. Whatever you do yourself with your child is wonderful, but judging people who BF until 20 months is not ok in my book.

I don't think she's being judgemental... 20 mos is probably longer than the average in the US. Being a pediatric nurse I can say that I only remember 2-4 patients that breastfed beyond 15 months in all my years there. (with the average being 6 months) So it may seem out of the ordinary for a lot of people. It's definitely not something I would do, I'm hoping to get to 9-12 months if I can. But I am a firm believer that if they can ask for it, it's time to stop... but that's just me. People are always going to form perceptions it doesn't mean they're being judgemental.

Exactly. I never judged her. She's my friend and whatever she does with her baby is her decision. I just always felt weird when we would be sitting there having a conversation and her son would walk up, pat her breast, and say, "Please?" I'm only planning to BF for a year, but if you want to do it for longer then that's your choice.

I guess I'm super judgemental cause this shiz freaks me out. A kid walking up to mom and asking for the boob in front of other people...wow. Just wow.

SeaMama · August 2009

Mrs.tlcS:

julygal:
For those saying "if they can ask for it then they are too old" I just thought I would throw out there they can ask for it at quite a young age. DD at around 9 months would ask/sign for milk. I guess you could argue that signing is different than asking, but I really don't think so as she was still requesting my milk. By the time she was 10 months she would not only ask for milk but pull at the neck of my shirt. At that age she is well within the age recommendation of BFing.

The rooting reflex is "asking" for milk. I guess you shouldn't BF at all, cuz it would be totally creepy for you to BF a newborn.

P.S. This is the dumbest "zinger" I've ever heard. Seriously - do YOU even buy this argument?

barefootbride2008 · August 2009

farrellashleigh:

The lady keeps saying that we get grossed out because the "breast is seen as a sex symbol" ummm it is way beyond that.

I do think that we get grossed out because the breast is a sex symbol - but I don't see why that is not a good argument. In our culture, the breast IS a sex symbol. Eventually, a child will have a certain awareness of that meaning and given the way that our culture views breasts, it starts to get really creepy to see an older child breastfeeding, whether you think it should or not.

Gina1221 · August 2009

SeaMama:
Mrs.tlcS:

julygal:
For those saying "if they can ask for it then they are too old" I just thought I would throw out there they can ask for it at quite a young age. DD at around 9 months would ask/sign for milk. I guess you could argue that signing is different than asking, but I really don't think so as she was still requesting my milk. By the time she was 10 months she would not only ask for milk but pull at the neck of my shirt. At that age she is well within the age recommendation of BFing.

The rooting reflex is "asking" for milk. I guess you shouldn't BF at all, cuz it would be totally creepy for you to BF a newborn.

P.S. This is the dumbest "zinger" I've ever heard. Seriously - do YOU even buy this argument?

Seriously! That's really reaching!

BlairWaldorf · August 2009

SeaMama:
Mrs.tlcS:

julygal:
For those saying "if they can ask for it then they are too old" I just thought I would throw out there they can ask for it at quite a young age. DD at around 9 months would ask/sign for milk. I guess you could argue that signing is different than asking, but I really don't think so as she was still requesting my milk. By the time she was 10 months she would not only ask for milk but pull at the neck of my shirt. At that age she is well within the age recommendation of BFing.

The rooting reflex is "asking" for milk. I guess you shouldn't BF at all, cuz it would be totally creepy for you to BF a newborn.

P.S. This is the dumbest "zinger" I've ever heard. Seriously - do YOU even buy this argument?

Agreed. Too far a stretch.

instinct vs learned behavior FAIL.

sjp · August 2009

farrellashleigh:

And I'm sorry, call me judgemental or whatever but it IS insane to be breastfeeding a 2nd grader....

yes--definately judgemental

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