Have any argument you want about breastfeeding. However, I can also say that urinating is so natural. There are private places I could go to do that, but man if I gota go, I gota go! Right? Genitals have dual functions. They can be sexy, and they are also used as a health function. It couldn't be a health hazard if you're letting go in a sewer or something and not on ground where someone else can walk. The difference is? And seriously, do you really think the Taco Bell dining room or neighborhood park is germless enough to give your baby a healthy meal? Sick.

I feel the same about breastfeeding in public, than I feel about people changing their children's diaper in public. You can do something natural and be discrete about it.

Besides, people in this world are so messed up in the head, that I'm sure there is a pedophile on every corner. Why would you want to breastfeed in public when there could be some sicko watching and getting turned on by that?

I'm not offended by that mag cover though. Nothing real offensive about it. I've seen worse on other magazines sold in like CVS or something.

Thank you. I thought I was the only person who felt this way.

I'm not sure I will want to breastfeed in public per se, but if I'm out and about and it's time for baby to eat, I do NOT want to be feeding said baby in a bathroom. I don't think it's comparable to excretory functions. There isn't anything unsanitary about breast milk.

People who "whip it out" in ANY situation are lacking on class but the majority of women who breast feed in public do it rather discretely. You probably wouldn't even be able to tell without taking a second look.

And sometimes not even then.

Well, if you walk up close and squint maybe... :p

Nice to know you're into that sort of thing.

The 'dual-purpose' argument is pretty thin, I'll agree, but the health concerns are legitimate - urinating into a sewer is not really similar to feeding on a park bench, and defecating has no comparison whatsoever.

Also the 'germ' argument is patently ridiculous - is the Taco Bell dining room sanitary enough for you to eat? Is the park nice enough for you to have a picnic? Do you bleach out your kitchen every 30 minutes? Babies should be protected, but you're way out of control here.

Holy fucking crap.

First - PEDOPHILE. Would not be turned on, then, by ADULT BREAST. Jesus. Maybe you mean "Pedo with a food fetish?" Even that's retarded.

I just can't get down like this, it doesn't really apply to any argument against public breastfeeding.

The thing that manages to get overlooked in this whole thing is that some people were upset by the cover (please don't flame me, I'm just stating what has been covered on the news) and never read the actual article that the cover was promoting. The topic was "Why don't Women Breastfeed Longer?"
I read the article and it was actually quite interesting.

So here's a question for the GC community: How long is too long?

If you can ask for it, you're too old to get it.

Ideally (and I think as recommended by the AAP) mothers should breastfeed for the first year. I personally think anywhere from 12-18 or so months is acceptable, and even potentially up to 24+ months provided that nursing is not the child's main source of nutrition by that point (which would really be okay because breastmilk is the best food you can give to babies, but by that time they should be able to eat table food for every meal.)

But really, for those of us who had a low milk supply and weren't able to nurse exclusively, even *some* breastmilk is better than none.

So my final answer is: as long as you're able/willing.

I have seen that before!!!! A kid went up to her mom and stated that she was hungry, lifted her mom's shirt, and proceeded to nurse. She was about 5 years old. I swear I'm not lying!!

I once saw a 9 year old boy on the subway sucking on a pacifier. His mom tried to take it away from him and he started crying, screaming, and kicking like you would not believe.

How long is too long?

In terms of a male, when he get's married, it's his wifes problem.

Just kidding. It's an old joke.

That's funny DeltAlum! :D

My mom nursed me for quite a bit longer than was the norm at the time, I believe. Then again I didn't have teeth till I was a year and 3 months so that might have been a little different. :)