Totally strange comment about bfing

I just had to share this one...

It came from a family member who bf her DD until 12 mths and then weaned her. Her DD is not much older than mine. They were here on the weekend and surprised that I was still bfing my 17 mth old and that apart from bm she only drinks water.

The comment was "aren't you worried she isn't getting enough calcium?"

I said, not really, there's plenty of calcium in bm and on top of that she eats cheese and yoghurt as well. (Not to mention all the other goodies that are in bm, but that's for another discussion with said family member!)

But I mean to say, how can you think there's calcium in cow's milk but not in human milk? Where do you think babies get their calcium from if they're bf?

Am I being a bit harsh? Or is there a bit of a perception out there that you have to wean to make sure your child is getting a balanced diet?

Have to say, I love this family member to bits and think she's a great Mum, so I'm not trying to be judgemental!

I "think" some people actually have no idea what is in breastmilk aside from good antibodies... I think alot of people don't think of it as a form of "milk" at all, ykwim? There just isn't a label where they can see what is exactly in the milk so they can't understand it. Its so hard to discuss when they can't have proof as to what is exactly in the milk at this age.

I couldn't have said it any better than Christy. Spot on matey! Maybe us extended BFing mums need a big sticker to put on our boobs! (and it would have to be a very big sticker, probably twice as big as the info label on a tin of artificial milk!) Infact, it would make a good T-Shirt concept for the ABA.

ETA: oh and well done Jennifer! :) :clap:

I agree that people have no idea. I mean - WE don't really have any idea either, but we trust that our bodies are providing the right type of milk for the right age!

hehe.. like the sticker idea.. maybe have it fading down into teeny illegible writing to show that the list goes on and on. And on each ingredient it should say 100% RDI !! hehe. (aah.. well.. for the first 6 months anyway when that's all they have ;) )

Isn't it funny how even amongst pro bf mums there is the perception that you stop dead on 12 months! I must admit I stopped feeding Erin at 13 months and felt kind of funny as if I'd left it a bit long!!! Now Riley is still bf but I tend not to tell people cause of their negative reactions.

Oh I tell 'em now Christine LOL and I welcome negative reactions. All I have to say is that the WHO recommend BF until 2 yrs and then i add that my baby didn't get half as sick with the flu as the rest of the family... if they are going to continue being negative (they don't at this point) then I'd ask them if they would prefer my baby not receive the antibodies? Honestly people should live and let live... where's the weight of evidence against extended BF? Anti extended BFing believers should make an intelligent argument or none at all.

I've had around 5 people ask me this week "how long are you supposed to breastfeed for?" and look at Jovie (she's only 9 months!!) I say that the WHO recommends breastfeeding until 2 years. Then they ask "how long are you going to do it??" my answer is always, as long as we want.

I had this young teacher at school tell me "i think it'd be nice to bf until about 9 months"WTF?? She's got no kids needless to say! I pointed out that if you feed until at least one you never need use formula or bottles and its much easier as well as healthier.
I have had a few friends surprised that I didn't stop at 1. One lady said but that means you can't go away overnight without him. I said where the heck would I go and who would I leave him with anyway!!!

MrsMac, Tom is still bf and will be 11 months next weekend when I leave him with DH overnight to go to Melb to visit my new niece. That's what breast pumps and sippy cups are for!

I think those toddler milk ads have a lot to do with it. If you believe the ads then the only thing that provides the right nutrients after 12 months is the sugary toddler milks. Just as well WE know better!

I hear ya! i just gave a lecture at work on breastfeeding and attachment parenting and the WHO states that breastfeeding a child at 2 years still provides a third of their nutitional intake, a third of their protein needs, 95% of their vitamin C and other vitamins (can't remember the %) and antibodies. Of course it is much higher the younger the child.
beckles

Heheh about the person thinking babies/toddlers wouldnt be getting enough calcium from breastmilk!!!

Actually, I was at mothers group recently and some of the other mums were talking about how they were trying to wean their bubs off booby, but that they werent sure how to do it. I know one of the mums was talking about how she wanted to get that tablet which stops your milk so that she would just wean her bub "cold turkey" and have nothing else to worry about like engorgement or blocked ducts and whatever else happens when you just stop bf. Each to their own I suppose... but I am guessing that now her bub is having solids she believes that BF is no longer needed...?

I'm not intending to be at all judgemental, but it strikes me as kind of sad for that baby who's mum just wants to wean 'cold turkey' (the one Karina mentioned). Not because of what the baby is missing out on nutrients-wise, but to have that special bonding time suddenly taken away IYKWIM.

Like I said, I don't want to be judgemental, as I know as well as anyone how hard BFing can be, and that people have their own reasons for weaning. I just think it's sad for that bub to have to stop so suddenly.

Gosh, I think that all came out wrong!

Nah, it didn't come out wrong :) I know what you mean and I agree.

Sezjm, I was thinking exactly the same thing when she said it.. and to be honest I really struggled to not say pretty much exactly what you just said.. but i thought it best I didnt say anything to her beacuse quite a few of the other mums were in agreeance with her and I dont want to feel uncomfortble or be ostracised within the group, lol.

ok sorry, I think I just totally went off topic!

I am also still breastfeeding my 17 month old DD and at her 12 month check up with the CHN was told the very same thing!! I said I was giving her yoghurt and cheese and she told me she needed more calcium and that she should be drinking cups of cows milk! It's so amazing the attitude of so-called professionals towards extended breastfeeding. None of my friends are still BF and they are totally supportive but all of the baby clinics I have been to have been a lot less than helpful. I was very adamant about BF from the start (and even stayed in hospital a couple of extra days to be sure it was estalished) but it's really no wonder people who are unaware of all the benefits don't go through with it because of all the negativity.
Jennifer, you are doing a wonderful thing for your child and should be very proud!

Thanks Amber, but I'm shocked that you had the same kind of a comment from a health professional. Just as well there are so many of us better-informed Mums out there trying to educate them all!!

Good on you girls, and thanks for all of your comments.