But why does breastfeeding have to come at the expense of other forms of comfort? Why is a blanket ok, but not a breast? They are both relying on something that they could be teased about if their friends knew.

Also, lets remember the child in question is 8. I would imagine both mother and child could miss a feed without it impacting negativly in any way on supply. I know this was true of my twins at 18 months. If feeding is only for comfort then it will happen when the child needs it which will be most likely at bedtime. I fail to see why this would stop the child socialising with others, or going to school if that is what the parents choose to do. One of my good friends still breastfeeds her 5yo, yet he manages to go to school and none of his friends know, or care, that he still gets milk from his mum. Why would they even ask?
I don't see why breastfeeding should be replaced by something else. I didn't give my children blankets or toys to cart around constantly just because they wouldn't be on the boob anymore. I don't think having weened my children and stopping ds1 having a dummy by the time he was 2 makes me harsh. I don't think that an 8 yo should have a blankie either for that matter. Maybe I am harsh?

Of course a 5 year old won't be asking other kids at school if they BF, it isn't something you expect kids that age to do. However, I would question why do the 5yo's friends do not know? Children talk... does he think it is something he should not mention at school?