Breastfeeding 18mth old baby?

Question

Why is something that comes so naturally to some looked upon by the majority of society as gross and perverted. What do you say to people who make it obvious that they disapprove of breastfeeding especially in public

This wasn't an invitation for abuse. I was after support from other mum's who share my passion for nurturing their babies not narrow minded people who make many mothers feel inadequate for the choices they make for THEIR child. By the way, I am always discreet & am teaching my daughter breast-feeding manners.

Answer 1

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up until age 4. Most of us that live in industrialized countries can't even imagine that, but those women and children in developing countries that don't have access to things like proper nutrition and safe drinking water, extended breastfeeding is the best thing a Mom can do for her little one.

I don't think nursing at 18 months is too old, or even later, if that's what is right for you and your baby. Think of all those days that toddlers just "pick" at their food and seemingly eat virtually nothing. Those are the days that you KNOW you're doing something useful....at least she's getting some good nutrition from the breastmilk!

You'll eventually wean, when you're both ready. As far as what anyone else is concerned, just tell them....."You parent your child the way you see fit, and leave me alone to parent MY child the way I see fit."

Good luck to you!

EDIT: A lot of people seem to have issues with a child that has teeth...ie: think that the child will bite. I know from experience, they CANNOT bite and nurse at the same time, it's impossible. And my children quickly found out, if they wanted to continue to nurse, they couldn't bite.

Answer 2

I don't understand them either. I breastfed/feed all three of my kids and do it anywhere they need it. I don't see what the problem is if we aren't exposing ourselves for all to see. I as well as any breastfeeding mother, do it very discreetly. Babies have to eat too and some people are unable to pump or can't afford one. If anyone confronted me about it, I would stand my ground. There is nothing wrong with it, nothing gross about it, it's the absolute best thing for them. So if they don't like it, maybe they should move away from the person breastfeeding. Congratulations on breastfeeding that long!! It's soooooo good for them.

Answer 3

I am not a mother, but I do agree with you, it is a natural thing which has to be done quiet regularly. Women should support each other and not frown down on each other. There is NOTHING disgusting about breast feeding. Somehow I would think that men are the biggest culprits. If it were men who had to do the breast feeding it would probably be ok to do it in public. Carry on breast feeding with pride, ignore all those narrow minded people out there.

Answer 4

I think a lot of people view women's breast as a part of the body that is for sexual pleasure not for feeding babies. It is common in many countries of the world that are underdeveloped and no big deal there. I breast fed my daughter also until she was 18mths because she would not take a bottle whatsoever but I never just whipped my boob out totally exposed in public. I always covered it/her with a blanket or whatever. I would give them a dirty look right back and if they said anything tell them how much healthier she is then bottle fed babies. (My daughter never even had the sniffles the whole time)

Answer 5

18 months old is not too young to still breastfeed. I nursed my son til he was a tad bit after 18 months old.

People frown upon nursing a 3+ year old. It's not that it's gross or perverted, just something not normally done in this society. Nursing is a beautiful thing, it's natural... however, by age 3-4 a child really shouldn't be nursing anymore.

I never had a problem with seeing women nurse in public. If she's not actually showing off her whole breast, then there is no problem. I nursed in public, wasn't uncomfortable about it, and nobody ever challenged me about it, so I didn't have to say anything. I think, though, if someone had told me to go to the bathroom to nurse my son, I'd have told them to come with me and eat their meal there as well. ;)

Answer 6

I shouldn't think it's breastfeeding in general that people object to, more the age of the child. I find anything beyond 6/7 months a bit odd personally. There's no reason to stop the baby from having breastmilk though, just express it and give it in a bottle (or at 18months, a beaker). It's like when you see a 4 year old in a pushchair with a dummy/bottle/comfort blanket. It's just silly. Let them grow up for ****s sake.

Answer 7

ignore about bottles. He can surely drink from a cup at his age. be confident he's eating a form of solids to make certain he's getting the foodstuff he needs. Then artwork on eliminating one nursing consultation at a time. contact l. a. Leche League, they could have a lot of information for you from women who've been the position you're. in case you imagine the nursing is mostly for convenience fairly than foodstuff, attempt some new techniques of providing convenience - this is a sturdy time to get the daddy better in touch inclusive of his son. study books to him, supply him a blankie or filled animal to carry. Rock him in a rocking chair, sing to him. in actuality you want to create a warmth, nurturing bond that makes him experience guard yet that does no longer incorporate nursing.

Answer 8

Good for you for maintaining that connection with your child and getting him/her off to a great start in life!

Other people have problems because they have bought into the image of the breast as something that's only sexual and as "Daddy's toy." They've been brainwashed by tabloids and Victoria's Secret ads and have forgotten that the biological purpose is to feed babies! Unfortunately, since our society doesn't even see breastfeeding a baby as the norm any more, people who have never been exposed to nursing toddlers just don't understand that it is HEALTHY and NORMAL and GOOD and RECOMMENDED by all the major health organizations in the world.

AAP says the MINIMUM time to nurse is 12 mos.
They say that it's good up to 3 years and beyond!
AAFP supports nursing siblings of different ages.
WHO says the MINIMUM is 2 years.

Answer 9

I think bf'ing children is a wonderful thing, however, I think there HAS to be a cutoff point.
It is meant for infants!.........not children that are walking around and can just ask for a drink on demand.
Sometimes I think mothers take it too far and don't wean their children because "they" are getting the pleasure from it.
I know ppl that have bf'd their children way into toddler-hood and to see a big kid WITH teeth go lift up her mother's shirt and ask for drink is absurd!
Have you seen that video of the lady in England still bf'ing her 8 yr old dd? It's awful to see that big ol' chunky girl lay on the couch(and take the whole length up) and suckling her mother's breast.
I've seen another lady w/3 yr old twins open up her shirt and let each twin stand in front of her and nurse right in the waiting room of the Dr's office.(guess what my 7 yr old thought of that)???
IF you are going to choose to do it for that long at least do it in private. The rest of us should not have to be witness to these big children suckling a breast NOR explain to our own children why other kids are sucking on their mommy's boobies.

Answer 10

I can't even fathom anyone disapproving of breastfeeding any child under 2, so I have never identified any reaction as other than positive.