I really don't have anything against a 7 year old still breastfeeding but, I was just wanting to know... What are your thoughts?
Extended Breastfeeding; Breastfeeding Beyond 3 years
2006-07-31 08:32:53 · 43 answers · asked by steve M 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
At my old job, I had to home visits with families that were low income with children under 3 and/or pregnant moms. One family was Eastern Decent (I think I spelled that wrong), and according to their culture they breastfeed their children until they are 10-12 years old. I know what you are talking about by being shocked. The first time I saw it at a visit with the family (the oldest daughter was 7 and the son was 2.5), I was stunned the mother was feeding both children at the same time! I pretended like I had a call on my cell and had to cancel the visit, I was sooo uncomfortable. I called my boss and told her what had happened and how I felt really odd about having been there while it was going on. I thought it should have been child sexual abuse too. Anyway after talking to the mother about it and understanding their culture/customs, I was alright with it. But the first time, was a shocker!
2006-08-02 19:47:15 · answer #1 · answered by Someonesmommy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I would do a double take if I saw a 7 year old breastfeeding and then go about my own business. Personally, I think breastfeeding at that age is a little extreme, but if it must be done I would think that bedtime would be the best time to do this. Not in public. As for extended breastfeeding I think it is a personal choice.
2006-07-31 08:38:22 · answer #2 · answered by Danielle P 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I can't imagine MY 7 year old still nursing. But that's only because MY 7 year old doesn't want or need it anymore. He weaned when he was 3.5 years old. I nursed one of my daughters until she was 22 months and the other daughter is 3.5 years and still nursing.
I would assume a 7 year old who still nursed wouldn't be nursing very frequently and might even skip days. If the child and parent were happy with it, I think it would be fine. According to Kathryn Dettwyler, the natural age of human weaning falls anywhere from 2.5 to 7 years of age. So that would be the high end of the normal range.
2006-07-31 08:38:16 · answer #3 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think that a 7 year old that is still breastfeeding is crazy. is the kid potty trained? sounds to me that the mother is trying to keep the kid a baby when the kids needs to grow up a bit. what would the kids at school say if they knew. its an embarrassment to the child.
the mother is not doing her child any favors and is trying to instill the apron strings pretty hard.
2006-08-01 17:47:24 · answer #4 · answered by lodeemae 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never seen a kid of that age breastfeeding. I would most likely say something to the kid and maybe to the dumb mother too. I think momma2mingb who admitted to breastfeeding her son at 3.5 years of age is just as bad.
This is in no way beneficial to the child.
2006-08-03 20:43:22 · answer #5 · answered by no nickname 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The whole point behind breastfeeding is to offer the child nutrients and antibodies that can't be duplicated in man-made formulas, and for the mother and child to form a special bond. By seven years old, that bond has long since been established, and breast milk is no longer a nutritionally necessary part of their diet, as they can eat anything an adult can eat and can acquire adequate nutrition that way. Much past the first year of age, there is really no point to it. Sounds like borderline sexual abuse to me.
2006-08-02 16:12:00 · answer #6 · answered by ?princesshousewife? 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
There is nothing wrong with breast feeding your child. Extended breastfeeding is great. 3,4,5 is fine, but 7 seems a little old and might involve too many sexual overtones. But the situation could have a reasonable explanation. Don't jump to conclusions without all the facts.
2006-07-31 08:41:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think it is pretty normal to do in 3 world country's... but I think in an industrialized society as America it would be morally insane to breastfeed your child at 7 years of age!
I know is more common too in tribal communities... I saw a movie in my anthropology class where children breastfed until they were 9 years of age!
2006-07-31 10:12:58 · answer #8 · answered by Braidynsmama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
3 or 4 fine but beyond 5 is ridiculous. After 5 it is for the mothers fear of letting go. The are no longer toddlers it is time to comfort them with hugs and bond by doing activities and talking. There is the impact of friends finding out to deal with that could harm the child socially to worry about
2006-08-01 22:06:38 · answer #9 · answered by Rachel 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not really a good thing. What's going to happen when that kid turns 15 or 20?? Wow!!! Never seen such a thing. Personally I think after the kid is too big to sit comfortably in your lap, it's time to wean! Heck, most babies are using sipper cups by 3 years old!
2006-07-31 10:03:50 · answer #10 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋