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Originally Posted by sammie18  I think its gross only because of how old she is! I dont think toddlers should be breast fed either its just not right lol Babies ok kids no |
I think it's a bit harsh to say it's wrong to breastfeed toddlers. I mean, I personally intend to breastfeed Anna up until she is around 15 months, when she may well be toddling around!
It is only in Europe and America that this idea babies need to stop breastfeeding at 6 months has come to be so popular that anything else is considered abnormal or 'wrong'.
UNICEF has long encouraged breastfeeding for two years or longer, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is now on record as encouraging mothers to nurse their babies for at least one year, and as long after that as both mother and baby desire. Breastfeeding to 3 and 4 years of age has been common in much of the world until recently, and breastfeeding toddlers is still common in many societies outside of Europe and the USA.
Breastfeeding beyond 6 months, and even up until 2 or so years has fantastic health benefits such as a stronger immune system, and contrary to popular belief, the nutritional benefits of breastmilk are not limited to the first six months of nursing.
There is of course the added bonus to extended breastfeeding of the strengthened 'bond' between mother and child and the enjoyment that both can get out of breastfeeding - why stop a good thing (within reason)? There is also evidence that children who wean themselves (i.e. who naturally stop breastfeeding, between 2 - 4 years) are more independent and more assertive and sure of that independence.
Now, I'm not saying that I would be too pleased to see a mother breastfeeding her 8 year old. This does churn my tummy just a little! However, I don't think it is our place to judge... I'd rather not comment on this aspect of the thread myself.
But as far as breastfeeding a toddler goes, there is nothing wrong with that at all! I mean you don't need to do it in public; it's not like a toddler is going to have a large amount of breastmilk at this stage - it's probably going to be one feed in the morning and one before bed. I can't see any harm in that!
