Breast feeding an 8 year old???

[Evanescence]

Ok, just saw this on my AOL news page. There's a growing debate about breastfeeding children OVER the age of the norm-- 1-2 yrs old. Some people are doing it up until the children are 5-6 and older. In fact, there's a whole society of people who do it..and enjoy the bond.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB1WdWjwv14&eurl=http://www.parentdish.com/2009/02/19/breastfeeding-how-long-is-too-long/

This lady's story is right here...she still feeds her 8 yr old when she asks for it.

Full story here:

http://www.parentdish.com/2009/02/19/breastfeeding-how-long-is-too-long/

So, is this alright if a mother and child agree its OK and continue? Or should the authorities step in and stop it?

I say let them go...dont do it in public, but feel free. There appears to be no harm in it...

[Aussie3rddayfan]

I just ate dinner, E... :rolleyes:

[SueQ]

Anna's dad remembers nursing when he was little....apparently his mum nursed all 6 kids for at least 4 years...he was a bit peeved when she began to nurse his newborn brother but wouldn't allow him...He's from the Middle East, by the way, so it was very natural there.....

[Evanescence]

They claim that kids that are breast fed longer, are smarter by far than other kids that are not. Good for the mums and kids if they want that type of closeness with their kids...

I think its weird, but then again look at our crazy world. All kinds of Hollywood stars getting cosmetic surgery and what not, NIP and tucks... :D

[Pouye]

Ok, just saw this on my AOL news page. There's a growing debate about breastfeeding children OVER the age of the norm-- 1-2 yrs old. Some people are doing it up until the children are 5-6 and older. In fact, there's a whole society of people who do it..and enjoy the bond.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB1WdWjwv14&eurl=http://www.parentdish.com/2009/02/19/breastfeeding-how-long-is-too-long/

This lady's story is right here...she still feeds her 8 yr old when she asks for it.

Full story here:

http://www.parentdish.com/2009/02/19/breastfeeding-how-long-is-too-long/

So, is this alright if a mother and child agree its OK and continue? Or should the authorities step in and stop it?

I say let them go...dont do it in public, but feel free. There appears to be no harm in it...

I'm a strong advocate of breast feeding. God knows best, and He created the best feeding system on earth for babies. Anyone who is embarrassed by someone breastfeeding a child should have to get counseling, because there is nothing more natural on the face of the earth -- AND -- it has been done in public for longer than history has been recorded and in every tribe and nation on earth.

In many places on earth, women go topless -- and bare breasts aren't considered nudity. The Bible mentions breastfeeding in several places, and never in a negative way.

“The wicked snatch a widow's child from her breast; they take the baby as a pledge for a loan." Job 24:9

My wife breastfed (modestly, of course) in public, up until about 15 months old (my daughters pretty much weaned themselves by then).

It is not uncommon for kids in other countries to breastfeed until they are 5 years old or older. Usually, a child will be weaned much earlier if another child is on the way. It is the last born who often breastfeed the longest. Moms just don't like to see their last born children grow up! I once saw a boy of about 8 in the village (last born of nine children) who still occasionally breastfed.

For health reasons, breastfeeding is a great source for both full and later supplemental nutrition. Thousands of children die each year because they aren't breastfed (for whatever reason). And it is EXTREMELY rare for a woman to find it impossible to breastfeed. I only saw one case in Papua New Guinea (she had double inverted nipples), but even this was overcome. In many countries there isn't an alternative, so either baby dies or mom figures it out.

Rock

[Evanescence]

In the west, anything that is different or out of our norm, is considered perverted or weird. Its ridiuclous.

I was researching a female phenomenon which I cannot speak of...bt I stumbled upon some facts about how women's sexuality was thought of just 100- 150 yrs ago..and its absurd. So many assumptions and goody mindsets.

I think its odd but to each their own. Breast feed your children and be close with them...thats what is most important. But do not spoil...

[mcgreen311]

I was researching a female phenomenon which I cannot speak of...bt I stumbled upon some facts about how women's sexuality was thought of just 100- 150 yrs ago..and its absurd. So many assumptions and goody mindsets.


Well, I have an idea of what you are speaking to, and I would say that it is less of a "goody" mindset than of, um...patriarchal discrimination, I suppose. If you go back to medieval literature, for example, women (as a generalization) tend to be classified as evil, unintelligent, and incapable of anything else.

[/hijack/rant] :D

[Pouye]

Well, I have an idea of what you are speaking to, and I would say that it is less of a "goody" mindset than of, um...patriarchal discrimination, I suppose. If you go back to medieval literature, for example, women (as a generalization) tend to be classified as evil, unintelligent, and incapable of anything else.

[/hijack/rant] :D

This is one of the most radical statements ever made (and still is!), and it comes from someone in a culture that was just as you mentioned above:

"There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians—you are one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28-

Rock

[mcgreen311]

This is one of the most radical statements ever made (and still is!), and it comes from someone in a culture that was just as you mentioned above:

"There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians—you are one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28-

Rock

That is definitely one of the things that has helped me to re-engage with Christianity in my moments of apathy - to think of Jesus (I know you're quoting Paul) as a true radical. Although, God did create them male and female with a sort of inherent hierarchy in the order of their creation...don't quite know where to take that.

[ausgirl]

I wonder where your breasts end up after breastfeeding for 8 years!? Eeeeewwwww.
(I know I may get in trouble for this,so if it gets deleted so beit).

[SueQ]

I wonder where your breasts end up after breastfeeding for 8 years!? Eeeeewwwww.
(I know I may get in trouble for this,so if it gets deleted so beit).

As long as they are still producing milk they may not be going as far south as you might expect...As I said earlier, my ex's mother nursed each of the 6 kids for at least 4 years each....that's 24 years! (They're spaced 4-5 years apart....nursing did work as a contraceptive for her!)