Ummm... my 8 yo wants to BF!!

My DD is 8. She has watched my feed DD with great interest and we have talked about how amazing and clever a woman's body is to produce BM which contains all a baby needs. She has tasted my BM on a spoon and she loved it... sweet, apparently.

Last night we climbed in the bath together, DD1, DD2 and myself. I often feed DD2 in the bath and last night DD1 was lying beside me and turned her head and latched on! I gently removed her and explained that 'boobie is for the baby'. We talked about how DD1 is a big girl and can eat anything, how the food she eats provides all the nutrients she needs and we need to save the BM for DD2 who is only just learning to eat.

I think there are a couple of issues here, the first is a bit of jealousy that DD2 spends all this time snuggled up close to me, feeding. I make sure DD1 still gets plenty of my time and physical affection, but snuggled up on my chest obviously looks pretty good to DD1! The second issue is that she simply likes the BM and reckons it's yum! Maybe this is the result of being unable to BF DD1 when she was a bub - now she wants her turn!

Good lord, all I can think of is that 8 yo BF girl in that documentary... 'I think mummy's BM is better than melon's'!!!

So, have I dealt with it ok? Should I be saying anything different? Because although BB has changed my view on extended BF... 8 is a little late to be starting!!

I think you dealt with it fine. Maybe offer her some milk in a cup and see if it is just the taste she is interested in?

(on another note.. how sweet)

Oh what a sweet little girl.

I think you handled it very well, it must have been a shock! You've done a great job at explaining to her.

If you're not comfortable to let her have a try, you could express for her and let her snuggle up to you while she drinks maybe?

Fwiw, I think it's a pretty normal thing for older siblings to show that kind of interest.

Good luck with whatever you do.


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I think you handled it well. It is a passing phase in her life and explaining why the BM is at the moment best for Miss P will most likely be enough for her. Maybe after you have feed Miss P give her a clothed chest cuddle.

Just wait, in a few years the thought of breast feeding will be something "Yuk" :)

Thanks, ladies. It's nice to have reassurance that I dealt with it ok... Lots of snuggles with DD1 tonight so she knows she is just as important and snuggable as DD2!

If yo'ure not comfortable with that, then it's a good way to deal with it. Lots of cuddles for sure.
Honestly, I reckon if you gave her a go, she'd *maybe* give a little kiss and then that'd be it.

I'm gonna be cheeky and say eat something that will make it taste yuk and then give her some ;)

I am joking of course.

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Good lord, all I can think of is that 8 yo BF girl in that documentary... 'I think mummy's BM is better than melon's'!!!

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i had to chuckle at that!!

i think you did everything perfectly. ihave a fe probs with dd1 and she is only three, but not feeding anymore. :)

sounds like you are approaching it with love and understanding. If she wants the taste, expressing some for her might be a good idea (can't get a healthier drink!). I like the idea a PP had to let her drink it from a cup whilst having a snuggle.

Does she like helping you with the baby? Does she like to help you cook a meal? or a cake (or something simple)?

Keep up the good work NICKLE

I remember wanting to breast feed when I was an older child while watching mum breast feed my youngest brother. I would have been about 4 though. I remember being desperate to do it and I think it was a jealousy thing. I can sort of remember wanting to do all the baby things like have a nappy change, sit in a high chair etc. I think it was all about being nurtured. I remember mum being firm but kind about it, letting me have a taste as you have done and me loving the sweet taste of the milk.

After mum told me I couldn't breast feed from her as it was only for the baby, I was a little put out but got over it pretty quickly. My mother was pretty good at understanding what was behind my desire and trying to let me act out the baby stuff in other ways as well as (I am sure but can't remember exactly) giving me extra attention and nurturing in other ways. The way you described you handled it reminds me very much of what my mother said and brought back a flood of vague memories of the time. I think you have handled it very well. Keep in mind that your daughter is 8, I was only 4 and I remember very vividly the moment and exchange. I am sure your daughter will too so your gentle explanation will help her form a good memory of respect and understanding about the place breast feeding has in our lives.

You can use this desire of hers to make a special ritual of nurture for the two of you as she is at an age where a bond like that will be appreciated. Maybe you could set up a special daily massage for her, some hands on contact and one on one time for just yourself and her. If you incorporate some special scents she chooses, some candles and some cuddles, she might feel that breast feeding is a poor second alternative ;)