the science of extended breastfeeding

[annaica]

Have you ever known anyone to breastfeed a child up to 5 years? From: http://mobile.associatedcontent.com/article/1446245/natural_weaning_age_science_of_extended.html?cat=25

The witch-hunt against extended breastfeeding is a popular internet phenomenon. Although more and more mothers are opting to continue breastfeeding beyond the first or second years of life, American culture is rife with people who find the practice sickening, unnatural, or even abusive.

While many accredited and influential organizations--like the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, and La Leche League International--support breastfeeding for a minimum of one to two years, and thereafter as long as is mutually desired, popular culture still treats extended breastfeeding with stigma. This is especially the case when extended breastfeeding is "extreme" and goes beyond two to three years.

Breastfeeding mothers may be confused and flustered by pressure from outside groups to wean prematurely, especially with so many misinformed sources claiming that extended breastfeeding is "unnatural". Lactating moms might find themselves scratching their heads, wondering just what the natural age of weaning from the breast actually is. To find the answer, "lactivists" should look to the example set by other mammals.

Catherine A. Dettwyler, a scientist with Texas A&M University, made conclusions about the natural age of weaning as follows:

Natural Weaning Age by Dental Eruption: *5.5 - 6 years*

[Ally_ness]

That is very interesting. I have a 15 month old who is still going strong on bf but lately we have been feeling the pressure to start weaning. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband who even did research himself on the subject matter. I hope one day society will be more accepting of mothers and their breastfed children. On a side note it is very interesting to read about the history of weaning and how different it was before the invention of formula.

[mjp2707]

I used to think you should wean at 1. My 14 month old is still nursing with a goal of no less than 2. My dh finds it uneseccary but no one challenges my decision even my friends who don't think moms need to bf at all. When I speak about it I come off knowledgeable and confident. As for my dh he knows when he can do research a prove to me that there are no benefits to ebf then we can talk but obviously that's not happening.

[annaica]

It is very interesting! And it is awesome that your hubby even did research!

Quoting Ally_ness:

That is very interesting. I have a 15 month old who is still going strong on bf but lately we have been feeling the pressure to start weaning. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband who even did research himself on the subject matter. I hope one day society will be more accepting of mothers and their breastfed children. On a side note it is very interesting to read about the history of weaning and how different it was before the invention of formula.

[collinsmommy0]

My friend is still nursing her almost 4 year old & her 1.5 year old brother. She limits nursing for her older one to be only at home though.

I plan on bfing for awhile but I'm sure my family will start pressuring me over the holidays - good thing we are allowed a beer or two!

[ShortThumbs]

I personally don't see myself nursing past one year old. This is for several reasons:

1. It friggin' hurts and I hate it.

2. See number one.

And also, for me on a personal level, I believe that there is a natural period of growth and separation that a child travels, away from his or her mother. In some cases—not all—I find extended breastfeeding to be more about what the mother finds fulfilling and less about what is most appropriate for the child. But that's just me. And by extended, I mean 5, 6, whatever. Yes by dental growth it may be true that they get their adult teeth at 5-6, but also they lose an inborn suckle reflex much earlier than that. 

However, I would have no problems pumping for my child and giving my milk instead of cow's milk. But that's less about me and more about cows. ;)

[Mrs.Kubalabuku]

It is actually common in third world countries to nurse until the child is up to 8 years old, as it is one of the easiest sources of nutrition for the growing child.

People need to mind their own.

[boom_maker]

 haha, "extreme" cases of nursing beyond 2 and 3 yrs of age.

[collinsmommy0]

A conversation between me & a (gay) friend who is supportive of bfing

Him: did you hear? Mayim bialik nurses her 3 year old! Isn't that crazy?
Me: no, that's awesome! Bm is really good for you.
Him: she's a neurobiologist! Dont you think it's.....weird?
Me: there's a lot of research out there now saying its really good for the baby! And if a neurobiologist has done her research, she knows all about that!
Him: okaaaaaayy...so will you nurse that long?
Me: IDK. Probably.

Lolololololololol

[annaica]

I just seriously laughed out loud... that is great.

Quoting collinsmommy0:

A conversation between me & a (gay) friend who is supportive of bfing



Him: did you hear? Mayim bialik nurses her 3 year old! Isn't that crazy?

Me: no, that's awesome! Bm is really good for you.

Him: she's a neurobiologist! Dont you think it's.....weird?

Me: there's a lot of research out there now saying its really good for the baby! And if a neurobiologist has done her research, she knows all about that!

Him: okaaaaaayy...so will you nurse that long?

Me: IDK. Probably.



Lolololololololol

[mommytotwonow]

i have a 6 year old and can not imagine still nursing him