Are North Americans "bad" parents?

Question

According to the World Health Organization, mothers should breastfeed their children until they are 2 years of age. Obviously this isn't possible for all couples (painful breastfeeding, adoption etc), but are North American couples wrong for stopping breastfeeding earlier for convenience (to go back to work, because it is hard to work around the schedule etc)? I am not asking this for personal reasons, just more curiousity, because up until recently, I thought you were supposed to wean your child at 9 months - 12 months. (see links: http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html , http://www.lalecheleague.org/ )

Answer 1

There are some of us out here that don't wean at 9-12 months. I'm nursing a 3-year-old and an 8-month-old at the same time. I also cosleep with my kids, cloth diaper them, and carry my youngest on my body quite a lot. Oh, and we're also vegetarians! :-) I know I'm not the norm though, because most moms I meet think I must be some kind of wakko - but really I'm just a normal gal. I was formula fed, and in a crib/playpen, and all the stuff we're used to seeing.

I do happen to think that a lot of North Americans are into "convenience" parenting, and that a lot of mothers give up or don't even try to breastfeed simply because they view it as "too hard". I agree that it can be difficult, I had issues initially, but sought the help of a lactation consultant before giving up. I think people try to "train" their children, and turn them into "self-sufficient" beings long before they are ready. In my experience, a child that has reached true confidence and true independence looks completely different than one forced into it.

Answer 2

I have recently discovered the same thing. Also have found studies that say a childs body still has the special enzymes for digesting mothers milk for something like 5 years, suggesting that they are DESIGNED for extended breastfeeding. I breastfed my daughter for a full year, then ended up regretting that I didnt go longer because she got sick, and I also missed the cuddling. With our future children, I plan on breastfeeding for a full year again, then weaning off the breast, but still continuing to pump my milk for their health. That way, baby AND mommy can have a bit more freedom, and I can have more time for our older child, but baby will still get all the great benefits. I think its a great compromise :)

However, I dont look down on moms who are unable to breastfeed. Neither my mother or grandmother were physically capable of nursing, and they both desperatly wanted to. Back then, doctors didnt know how to fix the problem. On the other hand, there are people like my sister in law. She only made it a week of nursing before she gave it up so that she could sleep in and daddy could bottle feed on weekends. Personally, I think that sucks. Being a parent is about going the extra mile and making sacrifices. It may suck sometimes, but the rewards are in the sweet smiles and hugs.

I believe babies are meant to be breastfed and that any mom who is capable, should. Its what nature intended and what is best for them. With all the knowlege we have of its benefits, there is really no excuse anymore except when it is truly impossible. Its like, I would never choose to carry my child in the car rather than put her in a carseat, because it "takes more time" and is "more difficult". Like jeez, suck it up and put out the extra effort!

Answer 3

I don't feel that breastfeeding or not determines a good parent. I also don't believe that geological location has anything to do with parental abilities. I did breastfeed both my boys while working full time until they were one year old...at which time my sons each decided they did not want to nurse anymore and self-weaned. While I don't believe that a mother who chooses not to breastfeed somehow doesn't care as much as one who does breastfeed, I do believe most of these mothers choose not to breastfeed because of lack of information and support on the issue. Most are extremely defensive about their decision not to breastfeed, but the majority of reasons I've personally heard are not strong.

Answer 4

I think breastfeeding till 2 years old is a bit extreme and I don't care what the studies show. But like the first responder said, some are some are not. To say that people are bad parent's because they don't breastfeed till some scientists say they should is a pretty vague analysis.

And lets not forget Dr. Spock who's kids turned out bad (I think one committed suicide) and he apologized for his book and parenting advice down the road.

Answer 5

Well considering that there arent millions of screwed up North American people I think it's ok. I think 2 years is way too long to breastfeed. A lot of kids start walking when they are 9 months. As soon as they are walking is when the breast feeding should end.

Answer 6

I am not a bad mother and have never breast fed and do not work at all outside my home! I just do not like breastfeeding and all my children did wonderful on similac and never have had health problems! Some women just do not want to breast feed! Plus, my husband and mom took part in bottle feeding and I could always keep up with their milk intake and they all slept all night by 3 months being very contempt! Breast nor bottle feeding can determine a good mother or not! And I live in Louisiana, where most do breast feed!

Answer 7

It is a question of personal beliefs about parenting. My neighbor for example, breastfed her kids until school age. ( a little over the top for me). But no one is a bad parent if they choose to not breastfeed. I've never heard of anyone having a bad go at life because they where not breastfed. I was unable to breast feed my daughter because she was 2 months early, and was too small to latch on properly. And it's safe to say that she is a healthy 53 lb 4 year old with no allergies.

Answer 8

If the job of parenting actually ended at breastfeeding, then I'd have to say yes. But, since there's a whole 17 years of parenting left after that, I think it doesn't matter as much as all that.

Answer 9

2? Now we are a progressive society. In 3rd world countries you may out of need have to breastfeed till the child is 2. Not enough food to go around.

For the US I only have one word when thinking about breastfeeding till the age of 2.....TEETH!

Answer 10

9 months is already excellent! As far as breastfeeding goes, the longer the better... even just 1 months is already some benefits for the baby.