Why do people have such a problem with mothers nursing toddlers or preschoolers?

Question

I am curious as to why so many people think it is wrong to nurse my 2 year old.

OK- some more details- first off he is not exclusively breastfed- he eats and drinks a wide variety of foods including cow's milk once in a while.
My ped thinks it is great, she nursed her own for 3 years. My nursling is healthy and independant. He is securely attatched to me.

Answer 1

I think it's time to stop breastfeeding when the child can unhook Mommy's bra with one hand!! LOL Just Kidding it's your choice!!

Answer 2

By two years of age the majority of children should probably be in the weaning process. While breastfeeding into the 3rd or 4th year (or beyond) will probably not be right for most families, don’t forget that our most serious breastfeeding problems are 1) not starting to breastfeed at all or 2) weaning too early (before six months). A good guide is to use the second year of life as a target for weaning.

After you have stopped breastfeeding, you may feel sad that about giving up the bonding time with your baby. To help ease this transition, make it a point to spend even more quality time with your baby, and remember that weaning is just a natural part of growing up.

Answer 3

Because our society hasn't been exposed much to that--and are uneducated about the benefits of breastfeeding! Why give a kids cow's milk when they can have milk made just for them!I only nursed my son until 14 mos and am currently nursing my 9 month old. I am considering weaning around 16 months and then pumping so she can still have my milk.

Answer 4

I believe our world has a lot to do with it. Our society is learning to accept that a lot of women nurse now. For many years nobody nursed. I use to get looks when i nursed my son or daughter in public when they were little. That was like a year or two ago. It's going to take a while for people to accept it and others may never accept it. I think a lot of people think once the child is 1 they should stop, it's your chiolce and you should let others make the decision for you. I know its hard but i dont think society is going to change.

Answer 5

Probably because when a child can walk up to you and get your boob out to get a drink on it's own then it's kind of gross. I think it's for the mothers benefit not the childs. I thought you were only supposed to nurse or bottle feed until a child is a year unless there are other circumstances. I am happy to see women breast feeding at least we know that these women are bonding with their children . But we do not live in a society where children have to depend on their mothers for nourishment until they are 6 years + We are Fat Americans and we have enough food to go around. I don't think the person asking the question gave enough info for us to go over all the possibilities. I think babies should be fed in a quiet place, breast fed or not. Maybe we wouldn't have so many kids out there that don't know whether they are coming or going ( and not bonded with their parents) if everyone would stop feeding their kid on buses and in mall and in movie theaters. I could go on and on and I'm getting off subject so I'll quit!

Answer 6

Because our backwards society can't accept the fact that breasts have a primary purpose of feeding babies and small children. We have hypersexualized breasts to the point where we can no longer see the real purpose of the female breast.
I will probably not be breastfeeding my child when she is 2, but that's my personal choice. I see no problem with a person deciding to.
Edited to add: In response to some of the other posts, the original poster never said she was EXCLUSIVELY breastfeeding right now. She's probably just supplementing.

Answer 7

I don't think it's wrong, but I know a woman who was still breastfeeding her two year old all the time while she was pregnant, and even after. That, I think, was a little extreme, but, breastfeeding is a personal decision that only a mother can make. I wish I could have breastfed my first child, but I say do what works for you

Answer 8

I think nursing until around age 2 is acceptable...though I also think that nursing toddlers should nurse in private...they should be fine to have their sippy cup to go to the mall whereas a small baby may need to nurse on the bench.

Nursing past age 2 often seems to become more of the mother's choice than the child's. The moms that I know that nurse older children (one a 6 year old) claim that their children want to...but you can tell that mom is sending them the message that they should still want to.

I have nursed all my children up until about age 2...by at age 1 they all had sippy cups and only nurse at bedtime at home.

Answer 9

I nursed both my kids but the thought of a child who can eat off of a plate with a spoon and fork and drink from a cup and who could go to preschool soon and can ASK for his mother to whip out her breast.......just seems wrong. I have a friend who nursed for quite a while and I have to ask.......why? The child is getting the appropriate nourishment during his/her 3 meals and snacks a day......the attachment could come back and bite you soon. To each his own, but you did ask the question. One more thing, I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public, but if I saw a woman breastfeeding a 2 year old in public, that would be gross. Preschoolers have absolutely no business nursing...period. They are in school learning how to read and write and should not be nursing from their mother's breasts. Soon they should not be seein their parents naked either. You asked. I have a 2 year old and can't imagine seeing that in public. Again, don't get mad, you asked for opinions.

Answer 10

If you are referring to Americans-the majority of them are prudes who'd be fine seeing Britney's boobs on a cover but god forbid a mother is nursing a child. I know the world health organization recommends to breastfeed till at least 2, I've also heard in other societies the average is 5.

Answer 11

I don't judge people for what they do and I don't think any way of feeding your child is wrong, however a doctor will probably tell you that the child should be on some sort of solids as well. A two year old needs more than just breastmilk. As long as your feeding him, it's fine by me.