Do you think it's wrong for mothers to breast feed their child beyond the age of two?

Question

I have known two women in my life that have continued to breast feed their child beyond the age of two, and in each case, the child was a boy. It seems to me that they are no longer doing it for the sake of the child but for themselves. I think it's ridiculous. What do you think?

If it's a matter of nutrition, then the milk can be pumped then fed through a sippy cup. As far as world wide weaning ages, that may only apply to nations where nutrional needs are lacking through other forms of nutrient due to the economic situation of families or even the availability of other foods, not to mention culture. However in such areas as the United States, Canada, China, Japan and the United kingdom people are pretty much able to supplement a toddlers diet without depending upon breast milk.

Answer 1

I think these parents are over doing it. My friend has a daughter who is 18 months and still is breastfed, the little girl walks up to her mommy and lfts her shirt! I'm sorry but I think that is wrong, 12 months tops and then teach them to drink from a cup or something

Answer 2

This is a personal decision for people to make and I personally thing there is nothing wrong with it. We here in the States nurse significantly less time than most other countries. The WHO is actually recommending that the minimum time be 2 years. I understand not everyone can nurse (especially with today's employers being so parent unfriendly for the most part) or wanting to nurse but there are countries where children would nurse until the age of 4 or older. Think of how much closer some of the European families are compared to the US. However in the end it's up to a family to decide for themselves.

Answer 3

I don't think it is wrong at all. Personally, I believe in child-led weaning. I think you have to watch the signs your child gives to let you know he/she is ready to wean. I nursed my older son until he was 22 months. I started actively weaning him off around 21 months because he showed signs he was ready. I am currently nursing a 13 month old who is already showing signs of readiness to wean. He is a much more independent and active and I have started to wean him now. Different children have different needs and it's a mother's job to address those needs accordingly. It's when the mother puts her own needs (the closeness, the need to hold onto the "baby" times) ahead of the child, that there is selfishness involved and even then I don't believe it is malicious.

The United States is one of the only countries who views breastfeeding past the age of one as controversial. Other countries advocate breastfeeding until ages 3 and 4.

I think it is sad that we have sexualized women's bodies to the point that someone could view nursing a toddler as abusive.

From the moment of conception, most women will spend the rest of their lives wondering if they are doing the best thing, the right thing, the healthy thing for their child. We second guess ourselves and so we turn outward, to other women for support. I find it sad that instead of support, there is only judgement to be found.

Answer 4

Obviously at age 2 our children turn into cow's an require cow's milk./sarcasm

Sorry but lactase the enzyme that digests lactose doesn't begin to decline until between the ages of 3-4. Which means lactose (milk) is meant to be a primary part of diet at least that time. The other benefits of breastmilk -the nutrition, the immunological benefits, the calming hormones, the bonding, the skin-to-skin contact do not suddenly stop because a child turns a certain age. In fact, breastmilk becomes MORE nutritious with more nutrients per oz as the baby ages.

If the American Academy of Family Physicians, Health Canada, and the World Health Organizations all say children weaned before age two have increased risks of many things do you think at 2 years, 1 day there is NO benefit?

And finally, ultimately, it is none of your business. They are doing what they think is best for their family. Are they on here ranting because you didn't provide your child with optimal nutrition past whatever age you weaned at, despite the scientific evidence it is best? No, they respect your choice. Respect theirs.

Answer 5

It is a comfort thing really, and yes, boys seem to have a harder time weening then girls. My daughter naturally stopped feeding around a year, all on her own. Up until one year of age, the child is still getting the majority of nutrition through the breast (or formula), and you can actually not feed any solids until then too if you choose (not that anyone does that anymore!) I was willing to breast feed until she weened herself, it just happened to be early.

Answer 6

Isn't that called Attachment Parenting? I couldn't see myself doing it, but I don't think it's "wrong". I think our culture here sees it as being wrong. I think in hard-core Attachment Parenting folks make the issue child-led . . . wait for the child to decide when to wean him/herself off. Everyone rolls their eyes criticizing how others parent their child . . . well, this is another one of those issues. It may be ridiculous to you, but for them they feel it's what's best for their child. If you had said beyond 4 or 5 . . . yah, I would have answered differently.

Answer 7

If i were able to breastfeed, i am part of the 5% of the population that does NOT produce breastmilk, then I probably would have continued providing my kids with breastmilk past the age of 2. I think I would have chosen to pump and provide it that way however instead of actually having them at my breast. While I have come to terms with not being able to breastfeed I have to say i am still jealous of the women who ARE able to. Its a personal choice that shouldn't be judged by others.

EDIT: I am also in agreement with Heather R, my children drink soy milk, we do not drink milk that is meant for another species.

Answer 8

The thing is is there a need? once they are eating other food they are getting all nutrition anyways,another important thing its not just breast milk think what extra nutrition are they getting from this milk for them to continue........its actually a personal choice

Answer 9

Medical evidence backs up that after the age of one, the nutritional needs of the child change, and breastfeeding becomes inefficient. My pediatrician recommended a follow-up formula instead of infant formula for my son with milk allergies because of this. You are right, the child no longer needs this, but it seems to be an attachment issue for the mother.

Answer 10

I think it's gross to feed your child milk that comes to a COW'S boob as opposed to your own. It's just America that thinks it's gross because to America, breasts are for sex, not for children. The worldwide weaning age is over 4 years old.

Answer 11

That's nothing.. I had an aunt who breastfed her twin boys until they were almost 6!!!! No joke. Can you even imagine...

Obviously, it's someone's personal choice. I agree that at a certain point there needs to be weening. Both of my babies have weened themselves by 10 mos. so I have no poblems. But I can't imaging bf my babies past 12-18 mos. Once they can walk & talk and communicate, it just becomes a little uncomfortable.