I have a son that attends karate class, there is a parent there who still breastfeeds her4/5 year old, I think that is DISGUSTING and not sure what to do, it makes me think of child molestation and I am not sure how to handle it. Part of me wants to call cps on her, I need help and advice, I am not the only one who is bothered by this, is it agains the law????
2007-08-13 15:28:01 · 22 answers · asked by April H 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I feel the need to ad this as it seems some of you are taking this all wrong, I am not against breastfeeding your child, I did it until my son was just under a year, I support that, she does it with a full room of people and children, and only does it to quiet the girl down when acting up, not as a nutritional supplement. And as for the remarks about karate being "disgusting" ect, that has nothing to do with this question and if you wish to discuss it, post it as a question and we will discuss. Thanks.
2007-08-13 15:53:22 · update #1
Contact your state child protection organization and inform them, they will know what to do.
2007-08-13 15:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by Mitchell . 5 · 4⤊ 6⤋
I seem to recall a position paper or something similar from the La Leche League that endorsed breastfeeding until the child no longer wanted to do so. I am not sure that the La Leche League still endorses this practice. I have heard of cases where a child was seven years old and still breastfeeding. I am not aware of this being illegal anywhere and is pretty much a parental choice (although certainly disturbing to the mainstream).
Incidentally, the La Leche League is an international organization committed to the support of women choosing to breastfeed their children. The La Leche League also supports its version of appropriate parenting skills and practices. You may find some answers from their website http://www.lalecheleague.org/ where there are lengthy reports (unverified) on cases such as you describe and the legal outcomes. The webpage is here http://www.lalecheleague.org/Law/LawExtended.html
2007-08-13 22:43:03 · answer #2 · answered by No C 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well, it's pretty repugnant and unnecessary, from a nutritional perspective. In some cultures, breastfeeding through through the toddler years and beyond is rather common in non-urban settings.
I don't think it's molestation. Sounds more like an obsessive mother.
A better approach would be to simply ask her about it in a non-confrontational manner. Try not to be too judgemental (I know it's hard!). Tell her you've noticed that she still breastfeeds, that her child is older than the usual nursing age, and ask if she would mind sharing her thoughts as to why -- are there health benefits, etc. Being direct is always a better policy than whispering & pointing.
2007-08-13 22:42:00 · answer #3 · answered by 2Di4 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are definitely overreacting. While this is something you wouldn't do and it is not the norm, why is this such a horrible act? The child is still getting high quality supplemental nutrition, tailored specifically for their body's needs. The child isn't being harmed.
I find people who would use force against someone else simply because something the other person does is offensive to be morally reprehensible and disgusting. Does that mean I should call the cops on you? Of course not. That would violate my own ethical standard.
My advice: Mind your own business and keep your nose out of other people's affairs. Live and let live.
If you confront her and she doesn't stop, talk to the instructor and if he won't do anything, then find another class to take your son to.
Her reason for doing it doesn't change the fact that IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.
And, if you aren't willing to confront her and tell her it makes you uncomfortable when she does it in front of you, then you're just a coward who wants to let someone else do their dirty work for them!
2007-08-13 22:46:53 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan M 2 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I don't think there is a state law re: age, tried to find one, and will keep looking since you got my attention with this one. I would talk to your Dr. and see if they can point you in the right direction.
It seems that nursing until 2 is what hte surgeon gen. and WHO recommend, cannot find much after that. I will try to do some more searching for you.
A US Surgeon General has stated that it is a lucky baby who continues to nurse until age two. (Novello 1990)
The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of nursing up to two years of age or beyond (WHO 1992, WHO 2002).
Scientific research by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD shows that 2.5 to 7.0 years of nursing is what our children have been designed to expect (Dettwyler 1995).
2007-08-13 22:39:23 · answer #5 · answered by halestrm 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Although you may not agree with the fact that she still breastfeeds her 4 or 5 year old she is still within her rights to do so. There really is nothing the CPS could do.
I would not breastfeed to that age but it is her choice. We all get to make our own decision and just because it may offend someone it does not make it illegal. According to the Le Leche league world wide the average age for weaning is between 4 and 5.
2007-08-13 22:39:06 · answer #6 · answered by Hockeyfan 4 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Unless she is doing it for her own personal gratification in a sexual way than it is not child molestation or abuse. I too find it odd but it is perfectly natural and healthy for the child. But one does have to wonder what kind of effect it has on the childs social skills when if their friends see it happening or if the mother-child bond would become too strong.
2007-08-13 22:45:31 · answer #7 · answered by shootingsportsnw 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Granted 4 or 5 is unusually old for breastfeeding.
Thankfully feeding your child is not against the law!!!
Breasts are designed for feeding babies/small children there is nothing more natural than a woman breast feeding her child. The media and other outlets have turned breasts into sexual objects for a man's sexual gratification.
You should be FAR more concerned, in fact outraged, with the violence, sex, drug use and so on portrayed on TV and in magazines and how those things influence your son.
How about instead of trying to get her in trouble or worse, why don't you act like an adult and tell her that is makes you and others feel uncomfortable and ask her if she could please not breastfeed her child in your son's karate class.
2007-08-13 22:37:38 · answer #8 · answered by thatgirl90 2 · 6⤊ 4⤋
The mom is definitely a weirdo and has some attachment issues. However, to be charged with molestation or a similar crime, the actions involved have to be with the intent of sexual gratification. Personally, I didn't even know that women kept lactating 5 years after giving birth.
2007-08-13 22:44:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Interesting question, I have herd of children breast feeding up to 6 years old, been going on a long time, just not herd of anymore.
Molestation, I don't think so, neglect, possible
2007-08-13 22:32:41 · answer #10 · answered by Doug favors universal insurance! 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Frankly, I find your making an issue of this disgusting. All of your habits are normal, are they? Like letting your 4-5 year old child learn to hit and kick other kids effectively? Is a breast more disgusting than a foot in the crotch?
If the woman is letting her breast hang out and the kid stands there reaching up for it, you may have a case. Otherwise mind your own business.
2007-08-13 22:38:49 · answer #11 · answered by thylawyer 7 · 8⤊ 4⤋