Cover Causes Controversy

[Jimmy Choo]

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?

[tunatartare]

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

[Jimmy Choo]

Originally Posted by KLPDaisy

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

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!!

[tunatartare]

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.

[DeltAlum]

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.

[Jimmy Choo]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

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!

[33girl]

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.

[Drolefille]

I'd say until the teeth mean that breastfeeding becomes breast-gnawing

As long as you can is good. The benefits to the baby outweigh any inconvenience (imo) and so are the emotional benefits to yourself.

[ISUKappa]

Originally Posted by ecupidelta

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

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.