I'm still breastfeeding my 2.5 year old - getting negative remarks

[UsernameTaken]

Because they’re highly sexualized and forgot that God made breasts for feeding. Just ignore them. Only a moron would criticize a mother for breastfeeding her child. Tell them to continue hiding behind their cellophane wrappers and cardboard-box-dinners and mind their own business…in a nice way of course

I deal with the same looks of disgust when people learn I drink milk from my family cow. I say, “I’m sorry it’s not cooked and half-rotted on it’s journey across the country despite a dairy being a few miles away — like the stuff you drink the store. Here, let me leave a glass out for you for a month like the stuff you’re accustomed to.”

ummm, maybe you need to read about it before you start calling people morons. No child NEEDS to breastfeed past 6 months…so, many mothers who continue breastfeeding into toddler-hood do it for THEMSELVES and THEIR need to feel needed and important…no matter how much they want to act like it’s for their child.

Secondly, throughout the ages, women in civilized places did not…DID NOT breastfeed in public…if they were the type of woman who had to be social, they had wet nurses.

I love when people say God made breasts for feeding, so why the big deal about seeing it in public??? Ummm, since breasts are “only” for feeding, then I guess vaginas are only for delivering babies, so why not just allow people walk around exposing their vaginas…or why not just start peeing in public as well…“it’s natural”, right?

If someone wants to breastfeed their child throughout their toddler years, that is their right to make that mistake…but, if you don’t want people to be offended when they see you, then don’t do it in public…have some respect and consideration for others…have some modesty.

 

[JGMendes4049]

ummm, maybe you need to read about it before you start calling people morons. No child NEEDS to breastfeed past 6 months…so, many mothers who continue breastfeeding into toddler-hood do it for THEMSELVES and THEIR need to feel needed and important…no matter how much they want to act like it’s for their child.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to six months, and continued breastfeeding along with solids up to and beyond two years.

 

[KellyPalmer]

I know this thread is kind of old but I just wanted to post that it’s so important to have the support of like-minded people. Nearly all of my friends practice full-term breastfeeding. To me, it’s totally normal in my life to see mothers breastfeeding up to age 6. I am currently “still” nursing my 3.5yo. I have breastfed all three of my children for years each. What a blessing for children and mothers – to use our bodies in accordance with God’s design and plan. Just as it would be hard to live a life with anti-Catholic sentiment all around us, it can be hard to live with anti-BFing sentiments all around us. Sure, they “support” BFing but only on their terms. Reminds me of my protestant brothers and sisters who support Christianity but only on their terms, rejecting the fullness of the faith. Full-term nursing is right and just. It may not be for everyone but it not be shamed.

 

[newlywed8]

ummm, maybe you need to read about it before you start calling people morons. No child NEEDS to breastfeed past 6 months…so, many mothers who continue breastfeeding into toddler-hood do it for THEMSELVES and THEIR need to feel needed and important…no matter how much they want to act like it’s for their child.

 

[FriendlyFace]

I am disappointed that I have to keep my breastfeeding a private thing…everytime I mention to someone that I’m stil breastfeeding my son (2.5 years) they look at me with disgust…like I’m doing something wierd.

It’s disappointed (with society’s general view of extended bfing) b/c I’m giving him nutrition and love and I only do it at home in his bedroom (before bed). I keep it a secret for the most part.

Why are people so grossed out by it?

I know these discussions often turn heated, but you’re not or weren’t doing anything wrong. I’m sorry people are or were being nasty to you about it. For whatever reason, breastfeeding makes people in this country very uncomfortable. I don’t really get it, but then again I think of breasts as being primarily for feeding babies and small children.

 

[UsernameTaken]

UsernameTaken;10164832:

Completely false. If you wean a baby at six months, you would have to continue with formula for the next six months. Babies should be exclusively breastfed for at least six months, and breastfed in combination with some solids for the next six months. Then, as the previous poster said, the WHO recommends two years minimum. I suggest learning a little about how humans are designed to feed their children.

Also false, have you failed to notice all the images of the Theotokos breastfeeding? Or all the pictures of women breastfeeding in public before the 1950s?

Did the wealthy at times look for ways to seperate the way they fed their with concoctions such as sugar water? Definitely, but it was not healthy and many babies got sick. Babies are designed to be fed by human milk for a few years. Much of the world’s population is lactose intolerant and can’t just go onto cow’s milk.

No offense, but that is the oddest thing I have ever heard. Vaginas are intimately private because they also have many other purposes, such as marital relations. Breasts are mammory glands, they are in fact designed to feed babies. Our culture has sexualized them, and that is fine, no problem with that. That is why we cover them up and don’t walk around topless. But when a woman is breastfeeding you see less breast than you would with most of the bikinins on the beach today, so not understanding the problem.

It is not a mistake. It is natural. Again, just educate yourself. Modesty, I agree with, but again, you see less breast when breastfeeding than you do when wearing a bikini. I also suggest you never travel outside of the US. When in Europe or the Middle East it is very common to see women casually breastfeeding in public and no one thinks twice.

Yeah, because we totally need to do what Europe and the Middle East are doing…good point.

 

[FriendlyFace]

Yeah, because we totally need to do what Europe and the Middle East are doing…good point.

Jesus spoke about breastfeeding like it was just a normal part of life and I’m pretty sure it was normal to breastfeed till three back then. Certainly 2 Maccabees 7:27 would suggest that the Jews less than 200 years before considered it normal/typical. (But, leaning close to him, she spoke in their native tongue as follows, deriding the cruel tyrant: “My son, have pity on me. I carried you nine months in my womb, and nursed you for three years, and have reared you and brought you up to this point in your life, and have taken care of you.”

That’s still the norm in many parts of the world, and Americans can be downright weird about breastfeeding. I’ve seen people here get mad at women for breastfeeding what were clearly infants under six months of age. E.g. A co-worker of mine complained about how disgusting it was that a young mother was breastfeeding a small baby in the store. To me it’s just another symptom of what’s wrong in our culture. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be such an abnormal sight that people freak out about it, and if people weren’t contracepting so much and aborting their children, there would probably be a lot more mothers breastfeeding babies out there, and no one would have the “luxury” of considering it weird or gross or upsetting.

 

[Crescentinus]

It’s because of one very simple reason.
Seeing as the United States already had the Sexual “Revolution” (read: oversexual devolution) and it strongly influenced American culture, breastfeeding is now seen as something erotic and as a reaction to it, disgusting. In reality, breastfeeding has nothing to do with sexual intercourse.

 

[epan]

From the CDC:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

There is plenty of research to show that breast feeding is beneficial.

 

[Cathhsmom]

ummm, maybe you need to read about it before you start calling people morons. No child NEEDS to breastfeed past 6 months…so, many mothers who continue breastfeeding into toddler-hood do it for THEMSELVES and THEIR need to feel needed and important…no matter how much they want to act like it’s for their child.

Secondly, throughout the ages, women in civilized places did not…DID NOT breastfeed in public…if they were the type of woman who had to be social, they had wet nurses.

I love when people say God made breasts for feeding, so why the big deal about seeing it in public??? Ummm, since breasts are “only” for feeding, then I guess vaginas are only for delivering babies, so why not just allow people walk around exposing their vaginas…or why not just start peeing in public as well…“it’s natural”, right?

If someone wants to breastfeed their child throughout their toddler years, that is their right to make that mistake…but, if you don’t want people to be offended when they see you, then don’t do it in public…have some respect and consideration for others…have some modesty.

Since you evidently have no problem insulting people with your opinions, I have none with telling you that you are an ignorant person when it comes to this subject. Get some education about the benefits of breastfeeding and the recommendations on how long to breastfeed before spewing your venom about moms who are just doing their best to take care of their children.

 

[Serap]

ummm, maybe you need to read about it before you start calling people morons. No child NEEDS to breastfeed past 6 months…so, many mothers who continue breastfeeding into toddler-hood do it for THEMSELVES and THEIR need to feel needed and important…no matter how much they want to act like it’s for their child.

Secondly, throughout the ages, women in civilized places did not…DID NOT breastfeed in public…if they were the type of woman who had to be social, they had wet nurses.

I love when people say God made breasts for feeding, so why the big deal about seeing it in public??? Ummm, since breasts are “only” for feeding, then I guess vaginas are only for delivering babies, so why not just allow people walk around exposing their vaginas…or why not just start peeing in public as well…“it’s natural”, right?

If someone wants to breastfeed their child throughout their toddler years, that is their right to make that mistake…but, if you don’t want people to be offended when they see you, then don’t do it in public…have some respect and consideration for others…have some modesty.

Can I please have your address so I can sit outside your house and breastfeed my 3 year old son?

 

[Serap]

Since you evidently have no problem insulting people with your opinions, I have none with telling you that you are an ignorant person when it comes to this subject. Get some education about the benefits of breastfeeding and the recommendations on how long to breastfeed before spewing your venom about moms who are just doing their best to take care of their children.

 

[Serap]

newlywed8;10165430:

Yeah, because we totally need to do what Europe and the Middle East are doing…good point.

What you should have said is: I believe that you sir, are a TROLL

 

[marymary1975]

Wow, this is a long thread, however I haven’t read all posts but just answering to Serap’s original post, I don’t see anything wrong with breastfeeding her 2.5 year old. He is still little and he is receiving nutrients. To me breastfeeding a toddler is Ok, but I personally would not agree with breastfeeding 4 years old and over that.

Now, I am really sorry about the coments Serap received but I think that those comments may be a consequence of what I call the “breastfeeding radicals.” I think there is too much breastfeeding radicalism in this country, just look at this thread!!! You mention breastfeeding and women engage in a war! It seriously blows my mind! But, to me breastfeeding radicalism is what usually prompts people to think and react like that: stuff like if you don’t breastfeed you are hurting your baby, women breastfeeding children that are 7 or 8 years old, women taking breastfeeding to Time magazine, all that radical stuff shocks people and unfortunately they see a woman breastfeeding a toddler and they maybe think you are one of those radicals. I don’t know, just guessing as to why the comments. Again, I don’t see anything wrong with it, as long as he is eating his solids properly, don’t worry too much about it.

 

[Faith0]

Do what you think is best…I breastfed all my boys up until around age 1. That was a personal decision. There are many moms that don’t breastfeed at all for a variety of reasons. Is one going to judge them? No. Every mohter does what is best for them and for the child. God Bless!

 

[Kit15]

Now, I am really sorry about the coments Serap received but I think that those comments may be a consequence of what I call the “breastfeeding radicals.” I think there is too much breastfeeding radicalism in this country, just look at this thread!!! You mention breastfeeding and women engage in a war! It seriously blows my mind! But, to me breastfeeding radicalism is what usually prompts people to think and react like that: stuff like if you don’t breastfeed you are hurting your baby, women breastfeeding children that are 7 or 8 years old, women taking breastfeeding to Time magazine, all that radical stuff shocks people and unfortunately they see a woman breastfeeding a toddler and they maybe think you are one of those radicals. I don’t know, just guessing as to why the comments. Again, I don’t see anything wrong with it, as long as he is eating his solids properly, don’t worry too much about it.

Mommy Wars are the utter pits and they only pull us all down.

Just. Feed. The. Babies.

Seriously. Forget everyone else! You’re the parent of your own child. Not Ms. Know-It-All A. Sanctimommy who can’t mind her own business. Is your kid healthy? You have a strong bond? Thumbs up! You’re doing great! Just do your thing. You don’t have to answer to or apologize to anybody for feeding your kid in the way that works best for both of you.

 

[Kindness]

I have three kids. I nursed my eldest until she was 5, our middle child until she was 2.5 and our son until he was 4.5. They are all normal, healthy, well-adjusted and still pro-nursing. My eldest daughter (age 12) has a strong memory of when she was about 2 or 3 rocking in her toddler rocking chair when it suddenly broke and she ended up on the floor in a heap. She ran to me crying and I sat down and nursed her. She says it is one of her happiest memories. She said it tasted of Mommy.
I also used the word “Mama” for nursing and it definitely helped especially with my demanding son who would ask for Mama in all kinds of situations. Everyone thought he was adorable (little did they know what he was really pleading for).

Every mom mothers differently but breast feeding a toddler or pre-schooler is not a big deal. I say claim back those bountiful breasts from the clutches of pornography - why is it that everyone feels they can have a say in what a mother does with her breasts? The whole thing is ludicrous. Viva Boobies!

 

[EasterJoy]

I’ve heard:

“If they can ask for it, they are too old.”

“If they can eat a steak, they are too old.”

These are not the comments of someone who wants to open their mind to new possibilities.

“What we’re doing is well within historical precedent and current practice. Since no one asked your opinion, let’s change the subject, shall we?”

Repeat as necessary without further explanation, but otherwise leave it at that.

 

[Serap]

I have three kids. I nursed my eldest until she was 5, our middle child until she was 2.5 and our son until he was 4.5. They are all normal, healthy, well-adjusted and still pro-nursing. My eldest daughter (age 12) has a strong memory of when she was about 2 or 3 rocking in her toddler rocking chair when it suddenly broke and she ended up on the floor in a heap. She ran to me crying and I sat down and nursed her. She says it is one of her happiest memories. She said it tasted of Mommy.
I also used the word “Mama” for nursing and it definitely helped especially with my demanding son who would ask for Mama in all kinds of situations. Everyone thought he was adorable (little did they know what he was really pleading for).

Every mom mothers differently but breast feeding a toddler or pre-schooler is not a big deal. I say claim back those bountiful breasts from the clutches of pornography - why is it that everyone feels they can have a say in what a mother does with her breasts? The whole thing is ludicrous. Viva Boobies!

Good for you! kind mommy

 

[Serap]

These are not the comments of someone who wants to open their mind to new possibilities.

“What we’re doing is well within historical precedent and current practice. Since no one asked your opinion, let’s change the subject, shall we?”

Repeat as necessary without further explanation, but otherwise leave it at that.

he’s now 3 and I’m still bf’ding him before bed. He loves it and it calms him down and readies him for bed.

He’s a sweetie…love him so much. I’ll do it until he no longer wants it.