Time magzine

AmandaP678 · May 2012

What are your thoughts about the cover?

JennV514 · May 2012

I thought it was ridiculous, the way they tried to sexualize breastfeeding. I did not care for the picture at all. The mother was on the Today show and said she's never Bf her kid like that, but she knew what they were trying to do. Shock and get people talking. As far as extended bf'ing, I could care less how long people Bf their kids. It's none of my business.

lucylea · May 2012

I am personally a supporter of extended breastfeeding, but that photo was way sensationalized and may have actually done more to hurt the cause. It just perpetuates the stigma that nursing a toddler is weird and awkward, which it doesn't have to be.

AmandaP678 · May 2012

I think if they had them in a more natural nursing position (lying down/sitting) it would be better, but the fact that they have the kid standing on a stool? And That poor kid when he's 15, he's probably going to be traumatized.

lachulavista · May 2012

lucylea:
I am personally a supporter of extended breastfeeding, but that photo was way sensationalized and may have actually done more to hurt the cause. It just perpetuates the stigma that nursing a toddler is weird and awkward, which it doesn't have to be.

i agree

starsjaime · May 2012

I personally think it's ridiculous to breastfeed any child at that age. Why is it necessary? I'm sure I?ll get flamed, but that's my honest opinion! Whatever people want to do is there decision and that is fine. But my opinion is that you are crazy to breastfeed your child past the age of 1. Plus, i think that kid was an obvious brat on the today show. Once again, my opinion! Smile

lucylea · May 2012

starsjaime:

I personally think it's ridiculous to breastfeed any child at that age. Why is it necessary? I'm sure I?ll get flamed, but that's my honest opinion! Whatever people want to do is there decision and that is fine. But my opinion is that you are crazy to breastfeed your child past the age of 1.

I won't flame you and won't try to sway your decision as I think everyone tries to make the best decision for their individual family in this situation, but while its not necessary breastfeeding past 1 is very beneficial to both mom and baby. https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/ We will continue to nurse until at least 18 months if possible, so call me crazy, it won't be the first time! :-)

LnR70707 · May 2012

I think it did more harm than good and that cover was obnoxious. I was feeding DS so I was just part listening from the kitchen, but what mother would ever agree to pose like that with your child?!? That picture will follow that poor kid for years. And I also don't get extended BFing beyond 2 or 3. Beyond that age, I really wonder how much of it is the child wanting to nurse or the mother almost pushing it.

JessandIgli · May 2012

I actually was breastfed until I was 3. I'll probably get flamed for this, but it's not something I share with many people because honestly, I'm kind of embarrassed by it. This isn't something that is true for every mother that does extended breastfeeding, but my mother was always extremely overprotective and nervous about everything. In my case, I think the extended breastfeeding was more for her than me. But, I know that's not the case with everyone.

That being said, it is a personal choice and what a mother wants to do is none of my business. I do, however, think the cover of Time has to be one of the most ridiculous ones I've ever seen.

katie4253 · May 2012

starsjaime:

I personally think it's ridiculous to breastfeed any child at that age. Why is it necessary? I'm sure I?ll get flamed, but that's my honest opinion! Whatever people want to do is there decision and that is fine. But my opinion is that you are crazy to breastfeed your child past the age of 1.

Plus, i think that kid was an obvious brat on the today show. Once again, my opinion!

The World Health Organization recommends 2 years. So, basically you are shitting on the entire world's medical opinion. Yes, you can have your opinion, but you are straight up wrong. Extended breastfeeding has benefits.

katie4253 · May 2012

also, for the record, I am not a fan of the cover. Not because the pic of her bfing bothers me. But, because they found the oldest looking 3 year old they could find. Put her in a position that she never bfs in and tied the entire artile to APing. I consider myself an AP and it bothers me that they fit all APs into that mold.

officiallyoutnumbered · May 2012

Flame away but BFing a 3yo is just plain wrong. Why? Most information says till 12months of age, some say 2 years but 3? He should be getting ready for preschool not attached to moms teet! Plus like some of you mentioned this toddler could potentialy be tramatized thanks to this picture. Of course mommy can always make him feel better by offering him a boob when the other school kids tease him.

officiallyoutnumbered · May 2012

Oh and the picture is ridiculous, wonder how they set it up. Ok mom stand here, Timmy get up on the chair and take a drink them look at the camera don't smile just drink. Oh wait that one didn't turn out, same pose and drink again. What if he wasn't hungy at the time??? Was he then just latched on for no reason?

jlsimon56 · May 2012

I was mostly disappointed by the title actually. It implied to me, that if you don't BF your kid to 3yo+ and aren't following the AP ideals, then you aren't a good mom. I try not to label myself or my family, but I am pretty sure we do some AP stuff but some not....(I actually want to read up on it a little more) but I feel like a failure! Correct me if I am wrong - can you still consider yourself to be an AP parent if both parents work FT outside of the home?

MillerMadness · May 2012

If it's not your child and not your boob, MIND YOUR OWN! The child will nurse if he feels it's something he needs, comfort and nutrition. She even said he was self weaning. Most of the world breastfeeds for more than the first year, in the States I think it's this way because breasts have become a sexual item not a nutritional one.

The title is what I really had an issue with, what are they trying to imply?

As for calling the child a brat, thats just rude and honestly bitchy. Let me see your 3 year old sit still and quiet in that environment.

hecallsmecat · May 2012

I think it's just weird that it looks so unnatural. How often do you stand up with a child on a stool in front of you to BF? They could have let them sit on a couch and do it naturally, but I guess it had to be sensational to be affective. They effed that right up.

I am completely insulted by the title of the article. Am I less of a woman because BFing didn't work out for me with DD? Will I regain my womanly-ness if I successfully BF my new baby?

I would love to say something bad about the person who planned that cover, but you know what - it's been on TV and every board on this website is talking about it, so it's pretty genius I guess in terms of magazine sales. What it has done for extended BFing, I can't really say, but probably not much.

bethm03 · May 2012

katie4253:

starsjaime:

I personally think it's ridiculous to breastfeed any child at that age. Why is it necessary? I'm sure I?ll get flamed, but that's my honest opinion! Whatever people want to do is there decision and that is fine. But my opinion is that you are crazy to breastfeed your child past the age of 1.

Plus, i think that kid was an obvious brat on the today show. Once again, my opinion!

The World Health Organization recommends 2 years. So, basically you are shitting on the entire world's medical opinion. Yes, you can have your opinion, but you are straight up wrong. Extended breastfeeding has benefits.

I feel like this is kind of rough. If breastfeeding is recommened until 2 then fine but the kid is almost 4. Everyone knows breast feeding is best but who actually wants remember doing it?! I sure don't. That can't be good. At that point you should be teaching kids about being touched inappropriatly and how do you teach the difference between the two??

lucylea · May 2012

bethm03:
At that point you should be teaching kids about being touched inappropriatly and how do you teach the difference between the two??

I was coming on to comment on something else, but I can't let this one slide. Really? You think you can't get a 4 year old to know the difference between inappropriate touching and nursing?! My 4YO watches me nurse DS multiple times a day and obviously knows the difference.

To the PP who said the kid was a brat on the Today show, I finally got a chance to watch the segment and I honestly can't see what you are talking about. We are constantly getting compliments on how well behaved DD is and I'm not sure she could have done that well. The kid was most likely up at the crack of dawn to get prepped for the show, his mom's attention has been diverted from him for most of the morning, and now he has a bunch of strangers and TV cameras pointed at his face. He asked quietly to get his mom's attention and I think she handled it very well. At that age a tantrum is very typical and he didn't do that!

bethm03 · May 2012

lucylea:

bethm03:
At that point you should be teaching kids about being touched inappropriatly and how do you teach the difference between the two??

I was coming on to comment on something else, but I can't let this one slide. Really? You think you can't get a 4 year old to know the difference between inappropriate touching and nursing?! My 4YO watches me nurse DS multiple times a day and obviously knows the difference.

To the PP who said the kid was a brat on the Today show, I finally got a chance to watch the segment and I honestly can't see what you are talking about. We are constantly getting compliments on how well behaved DD is and I'm not sure she could have done that well. The kid was most likely up at the crack of dawn to get prepped for the show, his mom's attention has been diverted from him for most of the morning, and now he has a bunch of strangers and TV cameras pointed at his face. He asked quietly to get his mom's attention and I think she handled it very well. At that age a tantrum is very typical and he didn't do that!

Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

Timshel17 · May 2012

bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
At that point you should be teaching kids about being touched inappropriatly and how do you teach the difference between the two??

I was coming on to comment on something else, but I can't let this one slide. Really? You think you can't get a 4 year old to know the difference between inappropriate touching and nursing?! My 4YO watches me nurse DS multiple times a day and obviously knows the difference.

To the PP who said the kid was a brat on the Today show, I finally got a chance to watch the segment and I honestly can't see what you are talking about. We are constantly getting compliments on how well behaved DD is and I'm not sure she could have done that well. The kid was most likely up at the crack of dawn to get prepped for the show, his mom's attention has been diverted from him for most of the morning, and now he has a bunch of strangers and TV cameras pointed at his face. He asked quietly to get his mom's attention and I think she handled it very well. At that age a tantrum is very typical and he didn't do that!
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

Seriously? First, she didn't say she BFs a 5yo anywhere... But that's not the point. You say "That's how that mommy feeds her child.". There is a huge difference between having sex with a 4yo in the room and breastfeeding. BFing is NOT sexual.

lucylea · May 2012

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.

katie4253 · May 2012

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I don't give a crap what you tell your kid. Figure out how to talk to your kid. The fact that you are comparing BFing to sex makes me think that not only are you ignorant, you are actually just not that smart.

Louis CK's advice on gay marriage seems suiting in this situation.

bethm03 · May 2012

lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.

Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

katie4253 · May 2012

bethm03:
Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate

Why, because YOU said so? Well, then I guess that mom should just stop doing what she thinks is right.

bethm03:
It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's people like you who make people feel bad about their parenting choices...

bethm03 · May 2012

katie4253:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I don't give a crap what you tell your kid. Figure out how to talk to your kid. The fact that you are comparing BFing to sex makes me think that not only are you ignorant, you are actually just not that smart.

Louis CK's advice on gay marriage seems suiting in this situation.

Shitty kid? I think you took it a little far. Why does someone have a shitty kid because you don't believe what their parents believe? I thought adults could have a disscusion on here. You are sooo rude. I don't bash you and your kid when I don't agree with your beliefs. I actually prayed for your child because I know you had a very rough delivery. So please don't be nasty because I think it's not right to breastfeed a four year old.

katie4253 · May 2012

bethm03:
katie4253:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I don't give a crap what you tell your kid. Figure out how to talk to your kid. The fact that you are comparing BFing to sex makes me think that not only are you ignorant, you are actually just not that smart.

Louis CK's advice on gay marriage seems suiting in this situation.

Shitty kid? I think you took it a little far. Why does someone have a shitty kid because you don't believe what their parents believe? I thought adults could have a disscusion on here. You are sooo rude. I don't bash you and your kid when I don't agree with your beliefs. I actually prayed for your child because I know you had a very rough delivery. So please don't be nasty because I think it's not right to breastfeed a four year old.

Uh, I didn't call your kid shitty. I was posting something that was said by a COMEDIAN about a topic in which you are acting the same way. "What am I supposed to tell my 8 year old". Clearly the relevance of this posting has been lost on you.

It is not another woman's responsibility to make a decision that makes you feel comfortable because you don't want to talk to your child.

losmitty · May 2012

Here's what I LOVE about it:

Even if it is over-sensationalized due to awkward positioning and such, it puts bfing and AP out there. The photo wasn't some "crazy hippie". And now with all the under educated people making statements about extended bfing, the WHO recommendations are being brought to the frontline. Maybe it is making the ideas a little more mainstream.

Here's what I dislike:

They did set it up awkwardly. I think (unfortunately), in our country, a photo of a woman bfing and child in any position with out a cover would have gotten plenty of press. They set a battle up between AP moms and conventional moms with the "are you mom enough" title. And even as a extended bf supporter, the kid never chose to be a national punchline or ahem, "lactivist". That's not fair to him.

indika236 · May 2012

katie4253:
also, for the record, I am not a fan of the cover. Not because the pic of her bfing bothers me. But, because they found the oldest looking 3 year old they could find. Put her in a position that she never bfs in and tied the entire artile to APing. I consider myself an AP and it bothers me that they fit all APs into that mold.

The kids seriously looked like he was 7. I have lots of friends that breastfeed their 2 and 3 year olds, so this was not shocking to me. What shocked me was the Keith Ablow article on Fox news this morning that made breastfeeding sound like a sex act. I posted it on the working mom's board, but it really pissed me off. Here's a link if anyone wants to read it.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/05/11/time-magazine-cover-forget-breast-what-about-boy/

JennV514 · May 2012

Are you for real with this?? Katie wasn't calling your kid shitty...

What an odd response.

losmitty · May 2012

katie4253:
bethm03:
Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate
Why, because YOU said so? Well, then I guess that mom should just stop doing what she thinks is right.
bethm03:
It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.
Actually, I'm pretty sure it's people like you who make people feel bad about their parenting choices...

Go you.

genekelly · May 2012

I plan to BF past a year, at least at night but hopefully LO will be self weaning by 2. I thought the pic seemed aggressive and in your face instead of cultivating a mature dialogue. (I have to say I thought the mom was not my mental image of someone who would be EBFing. Guess I need to broaden my view!)

In reading some online comments in other forums, I do hope that noone remembers that little boy's name when he starts school or esp in middle or high school.

Manda422 · May 2012

bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.
Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!

bethm03 · May 2012

Manda422:
bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.

Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!

A dumb *** really? Geez I get that you don't agree with my opinion but I haven't called anyone any names. What is your problem!

damabo80 · May 2012

Manda422:
bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.
Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.
I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!

You had best wear a condom, because at exactly 700 (or maybe 365) days old bfing turns from a way to comfort/nurture your child into a ludicrous sex act.

Personally, I'll bf up until 699 days only. Because on that 700th magical day my child's brain will automatically become that of a dirty old man's. Gotta watch Out for that 700th day of life.

But since DD was born two months early, does that mean the sexuality of it is delayed by 2m? I'll have to ask my pedi....

jesstellina · May 2012

indika236:

The kids seriously looked like he was 7. I have lots of friends that breastfeed their 2 and 3 year olds, so this was not shocking to me. What shocked me was the Keith Ablow article on Fox news this morning that made breastfeeding sound like a sex act. I posted it on the working mom's board, but it really pissed me off. Here's a link if anyone wants to read it.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/05/11/time-magazine-cover-forget-breast-what-about-boy/

I actually agree with the main point of the article. I bristled when I read that the lady is a model. It makes me think that she likely did not have her son's well-being in mind when she posed for the picture. He mentioned that nursing was an intimate thing between mom & child, which I agree with. Intimate =/= sexual or inappropriate. It means it's something sweet and special between people who love each other.

MillerMadness · May 2012

Manda422:
bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.
Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.
I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!

AMEN

katie4253 · May 2012

bethm03:
Manda422:
bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.

Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!
A dumb *** really? Geez I get that you don't agree with my opinion but I haven't called anyone any names. What is your problem!

No, you haven't. But, you have also decided to completely ignore reason. So, I'd say my previous assessment was correct.

bethm03 · May 2012

katie4253:
bethm03:
Manda422:
bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.

Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!

A dumb *** really? Geez I get that you don't agree with my opinion but I haven't called anyone any names. What is your problem!

No, you haven't. But, you have also decided to completely ignore reason. So, I'd say my previous assessment was correct.

So am I being called a dumb ignorant b*tch because I'm in the minority here or because I compared it to the aproppriateness of having sex in front of your kid? I can't believe the flaming I have gotten on here over this. Even if you don't agree with me, I know that I'm not alone in my opinion. Why were these people on the news? Because it's controversial. Do you call everyone names who doesn't sgree with you? I am not going to respond to anymore of your nastiness. I'm curious what your husbands think. Ask them if they want you to breasfeed until lo is 4. I promise they think it's weird. It's obviously a family decsion but I have NEVER met anyone who has breastfed their shild past 2. I guess I am shletered.

aliska · May 2012

My brother and I were breastfed until 3. It was not our main source of food. It was mostly at night, and I don't remember it. My brother and I are smart, independent adults.

I like that extended breastfeeding is becoming more mainstream.

I don't like that the cover has created a new mommy war...mother your child in your own way and leave everyone else alone.

katie4253 · May 2012

bethm03:
katie4253:
bethm03:
Manda422:
bethm03:
lucylea:

bethm03:
Really? What do I tell my 8 year old when she sees you breastfeeding your 5 year old? It's ok up until a certain point but after that it's not right. And most kids do know that breast feeding a BABY is ok. I'm referring to breastfeeding a child who is old enough to remember it. Do you have sex with your baby in the room? Some do but you probably would not in front of your 4 year old who's is old enough to ASK what is going on. Point is this borders on inappropriate.

I personally won't be breastfeeding my 5 year old, but hypothetically you could tell your 8 YO that I'm breastfeeding, which is the best possible nutrition and what my family has chosen to do. Breastfeeding doesn't "border on inappropriate". Its what nature intended for us to do. Why does some stranger get to set an arbitrary age when breastfeeding is no longer okay? It should be up to each family to make that decision for themselves. Do you go around shielding your child from all the booty shorts and cleavage floating around? I'm guessing not or you would have them in a bubble.

And I can't believe you just compared BF to having sex. You have officially lost a leg to stand on and I will be ending the discussion with you.

Breastfeeding is not sexual but breastfeeding a 4 year old is inappropriate and so is having sex in front of your 4 year old. That was the comparison. If it wasn't at least contoversial they wouldn't have it on the news and on a magazine cover. And you wouldn't be arguing with a stranger about it. If others want to breastfeed their school age kids-do it at home. It's people like this that give breastfeeding a bad name.

I'm on the fence about extended breastfeeding, but people like you make me want to continue breastfeeding for as long as I damn well please. I'd love to whip out a tit right in front of you and breastfeed my DS when he is 4. Oh the horror! What a dumb b!tch!

A dumb *** really? Geez I get that you don't agree with my opinion but I haven't called anyone any names. What is your problem!

No, you haven't. But, you have also decided to completely ignore reason. So, I'd say my previous assessment was correct.
So am I being called a dumb ignorant b*tch because I'm in the minority here or because I compared it to the aproppriateness of having sex in front of your kid? I can't believe the flaming I have gotten on here over this. Even if you don't agree with me, I know that I'm not alone in my opinion. Why were these people on the news? Because it's controversial. Do you call everyone names who doesn't sgree with you? I am not going to respond to anymore of your nastiness. I'm curious what your husbands think. Ask them if they want you to breasfeed until lo is 4. I promise they think it's weird. It's obviously a family decsion but I have NEVER met anyone who has breastfed their shild past 2. I guess I am shletered.

Holy typos. You are the hottest mess I've ever seen on thebump. Yes, you are sheltered. Sheltered and ignorant and really just plain dumb. Yup, I said it. You are lacking basic intelligence to be able to understand things outside your realm of experience. You do realize that extended nursing is quite common in other parts of the world, no?

Oh wait, I forgot, you are the center of the universe and everything muse revolve around you and what you believe.

Now you are bringing a woman's right to bf into the husband/wife relationship? That, comparing bf to a sex act, and asking what you are supposed to tell your child about a woman's decision to BF absolutely disgust me. You and your backwards ass thinking are what is wrong with the world. This has NO EFFECT ON YOUR LIFE, yet you are willing to make people feel bad about their decision because you think it's "icky". The only person who needs to grow the eff up in this post is you.

I would like to state for the record that my kid is mostly FF and wasn't able to BF for any source of nutrition. I pumped for 8 months. Which is proof that you can be supportive of others' choices without experiencing them yourself.

boogerbearoriginal · May 2012

The cover is meant to stir controversy, I suppose if it gets people talking about extended BFing that's a good thing. Personally, I found the "Are you Mom enough?" waaaay more offensive than the picture. I don't care what parenting style you ascribe to, that statement was just inflammatory and obnoxious. The picture itself just looked awkward and staged to me.

As others have mentioned, it is very common to BF through the toddler years. There is nothing inherently wrong with it and a child will wean whether mom wants him/her to or not. For one thing, you can't force any age child to nurse from newborn on up. Also, at some point, typically when adult molars come in - notice I said adult not baby teeth - the ability to physically latch becomes near impossible. So the whole "bfing him to college" thing is really just silly. But lots of kids will wean before that on their own.

What is appropriate behavior is by and large a cultural construct, so to say it's inappropriate to BF a 4yr old really depends on where you are. In some areas of the world it's completely appropriate and expected. I think the point that's being missed is that there are legitimate reasons to keep BFing beyond age 1 and people need to open their minds to that reality. Furthermore, breasts are not sex organs. Their biological purpose is for feeding our children.

Perhaps you can explain to your kid that the woman is BFing her child. Now you tell me how I should explain to my 8yr old why the airbrushed, tanned, surgically enhanced model whose nipples are poking though her bathing suit that barely covers her vagina on the latest FHM or sports illustrated doesn't look like the women he sees in real life? Because no one clutching their pearls about this Time cover seems to worry about how to explain the blatant over-sexualization and sexual exploitation of women in our culture.

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