Breastfeeding until 8

[delphmoon]

I agree that breastfeeding isn't just about milk- it is about comfort, reassurance and that 'specialness' between mum and baby.

I do think that by the age of 8 though, a child needs to be taught new ways of finding that comfort, that 'specialness' with mum. I don't think continuing to breastfeed an 8 year old to give comfort is the answer IYGWIM.

[toomanyshoes]

I agree that breastfeeding isn't just about milk- it is about comfort, reassurance and that 'specialness' between mum and baby.

I do think that by the age of 8 though, a child needs to be taught new ways of finding that comfort, that 'specialness' with mum. I don't think continuing to breastfeed an 8 year old to give comfort is the answer IYGWIM.

I agree.

[Shanti]

I agree that breastfeeding isn't just about milk- it is about comfort, reassurance and that 'specialness' between mum and baby.

I do think that by the age of 8 though, a child needs to be taught new ways of finding that comfort, that 'specialness' with mum. I don't think continuing to breastfeed an 8 year old to give comfort is the answer IYGWIM.

Although I can see where you are coming from and I personally, know that I don't want to be BF a child of that age either, at the end of the day, who are we to judge that Mother and child?? It's none of our business really what others do if it doesn't impact on us directly, there is no harm. kwim?

[onthefly]

I think it's a bit hard to judge what is strange or weird when we as a culture tend to force or encourage very early weaning. What if we all bf'd freely and let our kids decide and our modern lifestyles didn't get in the way, and so on... maybe it wouldn't be at all unusual for kids to wean at 5+.
I just don't see how there can be a line in the sand where this side is ok, and this side is not, you know?

[mrsmac]

Can you imagine what some cultures say about those people who FF from a young age- maybe in Mongolia there are threads about how weird that is LOL

[Shanti]

I think it's a bit hard to judge what is strange or weird when we as a culture tend to force or encourage very early weaning. What if we all bf'd freely and let our kids decide and our modern lifestyles didn't get in the way, and so on... maybe it wouldn't be at all unusual for kids to wean at 5+.
I just don't see how there can be a line in the sand where this side is ok, and this side is not, you know?

Well said Marcellus you always have a better way of saying things than I do!!

[delphmoon]

I agree with Delphmoon.

On a side note, after 8 years wouldn't you just be gagging for a good glass of wine and a really spicy curry XD

I totally agree LOL

I don't really see the problem - if they're all happy, then it's all good... It's kinda harsh to tell a young child they can't have a certain kind of comforting anymore, no? We all grow up and move on at our own pace. Some kids suck their thumbs well into primary school (I know a certain young lady who had to be weaned from her thumb at the cusp of high school).
I guess I just don't see the harm.

I don't see any harm either I just personally don't see it as being necessary. If an 8 year old child is using bfing as a form of comfort (because it certainly wouldn't be for nutritional purposes) it kind of interferes with development don't you think- both social and emotional development? Thumb sucking, blankets, and other special items are weaned over time- just like breastfeeding.

[onthefly]

Yeah, that's true Delph. But those thumbs, blankies etc are necessary to the child, right? So how do you decide, that's it, you need to stop this now? I don't know the answer - maybe I'll have to figure it out one day

[delphmoon]

If the 8 year old is still breastfeeding for comfort purposes I think we have to think how it impacts on the child. Will the child be teased? will the child develop emotionally? Will the child still complete milestones in his/her early social/emotional development when the child is relying on the booby for comfort instead of looking to the outside world also eg talking, using and sharing expression, learning conflict managment skills, problem solving

Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, a wonderful experience. An experience for mum and baby, but maybe not mum and pre teen. Just coming from a developmental perspective I think its an issue I think you would decide to stop something when it becomes an issue for your child..

It is very difficult because yes- culturally it is absolutly acceptable to breastfeed for long periods of time. It really does challenge ones beliefs when thinking about things such as this. I just asked DH what he thought about it and he said it sounds more like mums having a hard time letting go of her child...hmmm, interesting...

Just my own personal opinion though