Time Cover

[OneHeartOneWay]

I'm not an AP mom, but for the sake of adding to the conversation, The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until age 2. The American Pediatrics Association and/or other similar organizations here have lowered that to make 6 months/ 1 year the "acceptable norm" in American society. From the (limited) research I have done, in most other developed countries, the "acceptable norm" is much closer to 2 than 1. As far as why most/many moms say breastfeeding is enjoyable, it's not because of nipple stimulation or anything like that; the woman's body releases pleasure hormones (endorphines, I believe) while breastfeeding- it's nature's way of trying to help moms be okay with having a baby attached to the nipple every 2-3 hours!

Now, all that said, I breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, and then quit completely at 9 months when pumping became too much for me as a full time working mom. My plan (funny how most parenthood related plans fall by the wayside when the time comes!) was to breastfeed until 1, and continue to pump and give in a sippy cup as long as my supply lasted. I, while recognizing everything I stated above and the proven nutritional benefits, was also "grossed out" by the thought of my baby walking up to me and asking for milk. I'm pregnant again; I guess my plan will be the same as last time, and who knows how long I'll go this time.

I agree that the greater discussion here is that every parent should do what's best for them and their child(ren). I also agree that I take much great offense to the headline than the actual picture- we are ALL "mom enough." and most of all, I agree that I just feel sorry for that kid when he's older and that picture is discovered by his classmates!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by OneHeartOneWay

I'm not an AP mom, but for the sake of adding to the conversation, The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until age 2.

Since it is the WORLD Health Organization, wouldn't they take into account when making this recommendation that safe and healthy formula is really really hard to find and completely out of the price range of mothers in many parts of the world? I mean obviously if you're in the middle of an insect-ridden swamp with no running water it's probably best to breast feed as long as you can. That isn't the case here.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by OneHeartOneWay

I agree that the greater discussion here is that every parent should do what's best for them and their child(ren).

But it cannot only be about that.

Societies have what are considered normative behaviors and laws. If a mother (in societies in which breastfeeding is such a hot nipple topic) said that she breastfeeds her 12 year old child, would people say "well, that must be what works for them, as long as the child is happy and seems healthy"? I think people would challenge this notion that the child is both happy and healthy despite what the mother claims.