What would have happened to these children if mom wasn't breastfeeding?

Question

http://tinyurl.com/sgdxv

I saw a response to a breastfeeding question stating that over 6 months was too old for breastfeeding in this person's opinion. These children are 4 years and 7 months old. What would have happened to them if mom decided that 6 months was 'good enough'?

Don't forget to read the article. This family was stranded in a snowbound car for most of a week. Mom nursed both children during this time.

Cara M - I agree. I am breastfeeding my 2.5 years old and if I was in that situation I'm a mother first and foremost and you better believe that my 13 year old would be taken care of, too!

KitKat - the connection here is that if she wasn't breastfeeding at all both those children would have had nothing.
Now, I'm not purposely trying to bash formula feeding. I am just pointing out another benefit, a drastic one but a benefit all the same.

Answer 1

Actually the America Pediatric association recommend breastfeeding for at least 12 months after that as long as it is mutually desired. I breastfed my son 27 months due to food allergies.

I think the woman did what she had to do to keep her children alive and all the power to her. We as mothers are very resourceful and will give up our lives for that of our children. Who cares if she wants to breastfeed her child until he's 7 its her child and her choice. I think if any woman out there was in her shoes would have done the same thing!

Answer 2

I was very impressed with the mother that she was smart enough to breastfeed both kids. If you were stranded with nothing, wouldn't you have breastfed your kids? She was lucky enough to have been breastfeeding - and it does take some time for the milk supply to "dry up" completely. So even if she was stopping the process, once the need is there, she would have started lactating again.

And I know people who breastfed for more than a year. It's a perfectly good source of food and nutrition for your baby. I wouldn't put anyone down for doing it for 6 or more months.

Answer 3

I think it's an absolute miracle that she was nursing and was able to provide for her children while they were stranded. She can truely say that breastfeeding saved their lives.

jdecorse25 -

"Nothing drastic?" You mean you think a 4 year old and a 7 mos old could survive a full week of being stranded in a remote, cold location with no food?

The AAP recommends that you nurse EXCLUSIVELY for the first six months and then CONTINUE to nurse for AT LEAST the first year with the addition of solid foods. They state.....

"Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection.Breastfeeding should be continued for AT LEAST the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child."

And they go on to state.....

"There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."

Answer 4

Yes. That is great. There is actually a story (I watched it on the discovery channel) that a woman who did breastfeed had her children with her stuck out in a snow storm. They all also survived for a week living off of snow and baby food that they had reserved.

Not saying that breastfeeding was not a benefit but it has been done without breastfeeding.

Answer 5

completely regular. quite if it is close to to feeding time. it is like your breast understand, that is time to feed. LOL I used to have spontaneous allow-downs each of the time, even into the eighth or 9th month positioned up partum. i'd have them if I heard slightly one crying, or if i change into crying or my thoughts were quite intense. My one son change into 8mos previous at the same time as his dad and that i married. I had a spontaneous allow-down at the same time as strolling down the aisle!!! LOL it is thoroughly regular. purely wait till years down the line, once you've not nursed slightly one in a lengthy time period. Then someone you understand has slightly one and also you get a wiff of that new infant scent and hastily.. what i opt for to call, a "ghost allow-down" takes position. LOL

Answer 6

Nothing to drastic would have happened. I breastfed my son until he was just over 1 year old. He's fine today. The recommend that you breastfeed until 6 months old. Meaning a minimum of.

Answer 7

well obviously this was a different kind of situation but otherwise 4 years old is definitely way to old, 7 months is ok still though, they probably could stay breast fed almost up to one year if the parent so chose to but after that they should start getting them on solids

Answer 8

Wow that is amazing! I would've done the exact same thing. That is an awesome story :)

Answer 9

You are talking about a case of life and death here..I dont see the connection.