46. My wife chose not to breast feed our daughter after a couple of shots...maybe because I did my own share of breast feeding,he he he. Her uterus contracted just fine :-)

Little Big Man at 2:15PM on May 24th 2008

47. I have to agree with KP on this one. I think this child needs a daddy who will stick around and take care of his mommy so he doesn't have too.
I do also think that there is a great danger in pushing children to "grow-up" to quickly here in America though. Our children are becoming sexualy active way to early in my opinion and there are no longer any strong committments to a lifelong, monogamus committment with one partener. Thats why I have a filipino wife (no I do not cheat on her eather, men.

Little Big Man at 2:16PM on May 24th 2008

48. I didn't even realize that people as ignorant and awful as thinksmart were out there-and I work with the general public! Between my two children I breastfed for almost 5 yrs. straight (2yrs. with the first, 2 1/2 with the second). Never in that time did I consider any of it sexual. The contactions that occur are right after pregnancy. They help to restore you body to normal, and they don't feel GOOD! As far as the endorphins that are released during breastfeeding, that is nature's way of helping you to bond with your baby, ensuring you will take care of it. I have a strong feeling that anyone who finds breastfeeding sexual and not the natural, healthy way God intended us to nourish our children, has issues with their own sexuality. Thinksmart-get yourself to a therapist.

Meilan at 3:07PM on May 24th 2008

49. Even in so-called third world countries the children are breastfed only until 3 yrs. of age. Not every finding that comes out in favor of breastfeeding is sponsered by a pro breastfeeding consortium. In that case almost all doctors would have to be card carrying members then right? Not all British women fry and eat their placentas. The first time I had ever heard of someone doing this was a couple in New York City on DHC. Having a chold nurse is not sexual. In the beginning, after having a child, a woman is advised to let the child nurse for the benefit of both mother and child. It helps the mother's uterus shrink back to its original size faster, and it helps pass along antibodies to the child. You do not pass antibodies to your child for the entire time you breastfeed. It works for the first 6 months or so. I think the woman who is letting her children nurse into elementary school is doing it mostly for comfort. BOth for her and the children. It's most likely a subconscious wish to keep them from growing up also. Making generalized judgements about an entire country of women is wrong. This is one of the reasons that so many people of the world dislike us. They hear newsclips, and see movies, and think that this is the way that Americans are. I nursed my children until they were around 15 months. I know in our culture it is looked down on to do it much longer than year 2 or 3. There is no concreteevidence to prove whether it is detrimental or not to children who are breastfed until they are 11 or 12, but I can say for myself I would have never considered it. I would think that it would most likely produce children who are not going to grow up to become functioning members of society. How can they when they are growing up to depend so much on mom. If something were to happen to her they would be devestated.As it is they will probably be in therapy for most of their adult lives. What wife or husband could ever compete with dear old mom? This is true no matter what country this is taking place in.

caitbe at 10:04PM on May 24th 2008

50. Breasfeeding ur child is not wrong or sexual when they're still infants, but when they become morein dependent and they still do it, THATSJUST PLAIN SICK! I'm 13 yrs old with a 8 month old brother and my mother complains eveyday bc he still wont let go of breastmilk. It's not natural for a child to still do that beyond a couple of months. And before I start getting slammed bc I'm only 13, think about, when a child gets older, they become more independent, and by breasfeeding them for more than a certain amount of time, u r slowing down their development. 2 year olds should be out exploring, and waaayyyyyyyy beyond holding their own things, NOT still clinging to their mothers breast.

Kira at 11:23PM on May 24th 2008

51. As for the #14 post by thinksmart:

Firstly, how does breastfeeding become a sexual thing? The primary biological function of a breast is NOT to incite lust in a man! It is to feed offspring! So you are projecting your socially-instilled views into the discussion. If you think of breasts as sex organs, then yes, YOU will see something sexually-oriented in breastfeeding. I highly doubt that most mothers who breastfeed see this as a sexual activity. And FYI, menstrual cramps are ALSO the result of uterine contractions. Are menstrual cramps somehow inherently sexual now? Is giving birth to a baby sexual? They are REPRODUCTIVE, but are they SEXUAL? Do either of these produce pleasure sensations equivalent to sexual climax?

I challenge your fundamental outlook about female breasts. You are a product of a sexualized society that views the breast in a way divergent from it's actual purpose. You project that view onto breastfeeding mothers (and cite biological evidence WITHOUT providing a reference) and yet you shoot down OTHER scientific studies done on breastfeeding vs. bottle-feeding babies. You might want to look at those studies again...as well as how cultural influences have shaped you to view women.

The jury's out on how long a child should be breastfed, but I think it's quite crass of you to assume that mothers breastfeed for primarily a sexual reason and not an emotional, nutritional, or child-bonding reason.

Ang at 11:31PM on May 24th 2008

52. It's sad to see how many people are ignorant of the benefits to extended nursing. Admittedly, I've never nursed an 8 year old, but I don't see the harm to it, either.

Some links that might help (pay close attention to the ones by Dr. Dettwyler, especially!):
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-links.html

Even babycenter, a fairly mainstream web site for parenting (mostly American parents go here) has a lot of positive things to say about extended nursing:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_extended-nursing-is-it-for-you_8496.bc

The World Health Organization recommends nursing for a minimum of 24 months, and not just for third world countries. From http://www.unicef.org/programme/breastfeeding/feeding.htm:

"For women who are known not to be infected with HIV, and for women whose infection status is unknown, protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding, together with appropriate complementary feeding, for up to two years of age or beyond. "

Note: That's two years or beyond!

Even the fairly conservative American Academy of Pediatrics is officially supportive of extended nursing, although individual doctors may or may not encourage their mothers to follow the recommendations that the AAP gives. From http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3b100/6/1035:

"Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.100"

and

"It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.104"

Note that it says at LEAST 12 months and for as long as mutually desired, not done BY 12 months, as many people seem to think.

Other interesting articles I found while looking for WHO guidelines...

http://life.familyeducation.com/nursing/infant/36045.html?page=2

http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/breastfeeding/after-three.html

I understand that nursing at all, and especially past young infancy is unfamiliar to most americans. But formula is very new compared to the human race and hopefully it will continue to gain acceptance as there are countless benefits to it. Please consider reading these links and thinking about the information they have. Children's needs for comfort, whether by pacifier or breast, don't magically vanish at 364 days old. Breastmilk doesn't suddenly turn to soda, either. The benefits contiue for as long as the mother and child pair are content to continue that aspect of their relationship. And when they're not, it's over and that's okay too :)

Sandra

Sandra Mort at 1:25AM on May 25th 2008

53. I think that it is perfectly natural to breastfeed a baby, but not beyond the age of two. That woman who is breastfeeding her eight year old is totally off her rock. She needs to encourage her children to grow and develop. Plenty of hugs, kisses, and encouraging words... those things should be the source of comfort that those kids are feeling. They are too old to be sucking on mom's breasts.

LisaS at 2:03AM on May 25th 2008

54. As a mother currently breastfeeding, I find #14 offensive. I derive no sexual pleasure from feeding my son. That person needs to actually read an article before they descide to put their opinion out there. Even the damn formula ads in magazines admit that breastmilk is best for babies.
However, that said I will agree that the entire practice of "extended nursing" seems a little off. I do not think that it is right to have a school-age child feeding from your breast. That seems a little sexual, and even my European friends have agreed. I am a complete supporter of breastfeeding and make sure to tell ALL pregnant women I know the benefits of it, but passed a certain age this seems to be more for the mother than the child. And I would love to see some research on the long-term PSYCHOLOGICAL effects that these children have.

MotherTwice at 3:05AM on May 26th 2008

55. Um, Americans do this too. I was breastfed until I was 5 years old and I have an IQ of 143.

Hayley at 4:19AM on May 25th 2008

56. I think some of the posters here need to educate themselves a bit more!! I have worked as an OB RN and a Pediatric RN. First of all, any indvidual or entity can post anything they want on the internet, whether it is fact or opinion, and call it "educational". A person above posted several "research sites" about breast feeding,none of which are backed up by medical professionals, clinical trials, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, or the National Institutes of health. A responsible parent will be guided by the recommendations of the AAP, the WHO, the NIH, your child's own Pediatrician, and plain common sense.

There is uncontroverted,scientific data which states that the natural immunities and valuable nutritive properties of BF take place within the FIRST SIX MONTHS OF LIFE. Women unable or unwilling to commit to 6 months of BF are encouraged to do it for at least one week following birth, as the colostrum that "lets down" before mother's milk comes in contains a "concentrated form" (although obviously not as beneficial over the longterm of 6 months)of many of the same BF benefits that come from the first 6 months of BF. From 6-12 months the positive effects of breastfeeding include bonding, a sense of security for the infant and mom, convenience for the mom, a sense of satisfaction for the mom that her milk was a life-affirming, natural staff of life for her baby, provided by her body as nature intended it to be, and it allays fears about possible "harm" to her baby from formula.

For the record, prepared baby formula has been around for 50+ years, has constantly been refined and improved over the years, and it is safe for infants. While studies absolutely prove that BF is more beneficial for babies' nutrition, health and later developmental and cognitive patterns, there isn't any proof that formula feeding is detrimental to a baby (if properly mixed, stored and fed).

At 12 months, if a mom decides to wean her baby from the breast, the baby should go straight to a sippy-cup. This promotes beginning motor skills, early coordination, and a beginning sense of independence.

BF from 12-24 months is at the mom's discretion, perhaps for the same reasons she did it from 6 to 12 months. There is some validity to the theory that breastfeeding for up to two years may in some cases provide some immunity to food allergies later on.

The WHO and other medical professional individuals and organizations recommend breast feeding for UP TO two years, not for AT LEAST two years, as someone mentioned above.

Maybe in England it is culturally accepted to breast feed babies beyond the toddler stage, but face the facts about the US: A picture posted on the internet of an 8-year-old child sucking his/her mother's breast would be arousing to child pornographers, who get off on sexual acts between adults and children, and incestual relations. Check with your local law enforcement or your child's pediatrician to see if that activity in this country, in this day and age, wouldn't at least warrant a DCF home visit.

As young as 4-5 years old, children can have primal sexual feelings. Boys at this age get erections, and girls start to realize that things like sitting on the arm of the couch and moving around "feels good". Kids that young don't make sexual associations, but at the age they begin to notice and ask about the differences in male and female bodies they DO start to make those associations, and short explanations they can understand at their level and language are warranted, and it's time for mom and dad to "cover up" when in the presence of their opposite-sex child. (Keep the b.s. about "wholesome family nudity" to yourself, or move to Sweeden or Amsterdam where it's the cultural norm. It isn't here in the US ... but that's an opinion and not a fact).

By 8 years old, unless he/she lives in a bubble, they have been exposed to at least some natural wondering, sexual innuendo in the media, education, loss of innocence by info passed on to them by older kids, or actual cognitive understanding of sex. Check out the Disney Channel's Family Viewing choices, and many "G" rated movies, and note how many of these have sexual insinuations. Our culture bombards kids with confusing messages, doesn't it?

Ms.-BF-my-8-year-old-from-England is ignorant about the ways she's harming her little boy. A mom, above all others, has the responsibility to protect her child's dignity. Why doesn't she just talk about this practice of hers in print media? We all get the picture without having to view it. It seems like the picture is just to shock and titillate (no pun intended) those who see it. And many have seen it! WHY IS THE CHILD'S FACE TURNED TO THE CAMERA, AND NOT THE AWAY FROM THE CAMERA? We'd be able to tell he was 8 from the back of his head and his size. This poor kid has had his picture splashed all over the place, will be recognized by many and will be subject to ridicule and humiliation from playmates and classmates, and strangers, and will be shunned by kids whose parents think he is a deviant who might influence their kids. Additionally, he may grow up with a breast-fixation (no, NOT the same type of appreciation a self-proclaimed "breast man" has for the female form in the context of a healthy sexuality), or an Oedipal complex (an unhealthy and unnatural connection to his mother which will be a negative factor in every other relationship he ever has).

This is too long and too preachy. There's a simple solution for this mother of the 8-year-old, one that will satisfy her supposed desire only for her son to get the natural benefits of her breast milk, and put to rest the sexual connotation she denies exists, and here it is:

GET A BREAST PUMP!!! For about $200, she can purchase a compact, efficient, long-lasting, AC/DC pump. She can pump and pump to her heart's content!! (and get her "jollies"... isn't that an ENGLISH term?) She can pump at home, at work, in the park, at the mall. She can store the breast milk in the fridge, and even freeze it for later use. If she gives the cock-and-bull story about not being able to afford a breast pump, hasn't she been able to save up for one over the last 8 years? Social service agencies will actually GIVE them to moms wanting to BF but can't afford a pump... I'm pretty sure they wouldn't give one out for an 8-year-old though. Hey!! How bout the first 200 people who read this story each send her $1.00?? She had no problem splashing her face, her breast and her son's face all over the world... maybe she'll give out her address too.

The above is all from the child's perspective. From the MOM's perspective, any woman who says BF has no connection to her whatsoever in a sexual way is lying, in denial because she thinks it's shameful, doesn't know what sexual feelings are, or does not have the same nerve endings in her breasts or the first 3 inches of her vagina. Why is manual or oral stimulation of a woman's nipples usually considered foreplay to sexual intercourse? Because nipple stimulation in that sexual setting causes heightened sexual awareness, which leads to increased blood flow to the clitoris and labia, which leads to moisture (which nature intended as natural lubrication for intercourse). Your nipples don't know if it's your lover sucking on them, or your child. Early in the baby's life, while mom and baby are just getting used to BF, these feelings are suppressed by worry about the baby getting enough milk, painful uterine contractions caused by the suckling, cracked, painful nipples, depression/elation caused by hormonal rush, engorged breasts, painful post-partum hemorrhoids, etc. etc. Those feelings go away eventually. EIGHT YEARS LATER, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT MOM IS FEELING GOOD. Also, why do physicians and midwives, who treat women who have gone past their due dates, recommend as the first non-interventive measure, stimulation of the nipples? By yourself, by your partner, by standing in the shower with the water directed at your nipples? That stimulation causes your uterus to contract, the contracting causes release of a natural hormone called oxytocin, and in some cases, this causes a little "jump-start" to labor.

Just a note here: a few years ago, there was a story that made the news (I forget what state), abt a young, single mom with no one to turn to advice. She wanted the best for her new baby, and was breast feeding. She called a "hotline", said she had had a "sexual feeling" a few times during breast feeding and asked, is this normal? Should I stop breast feeding? The "hotline" operators were mandated reporters of child abuse, and some operator in their wisdom felt this girl was using her baby to obtain sexual gratification. The girl was asked enough personal details to identify her, and her baby was removed from her care. It gives one something to think about.

Back to the delivery, after the baby is out, the uterus continues to contract, naturally and by administration of the synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. It's given by injection or IV. These contractions are called "after pains", and they hurt a lot; the more babies you have delivered the tougher they are as it takes more contracting to get your uterus back close to its pre-preg size. These contractions are extremely necessary in order to deliver the placenta and afterbirth, to pass clots and pieces of retained placenta, both of which can cause hemorrhage, extreme pain and/or infection requiring a D&C.

That's my rant. The misinformation some people have, especially moms (!) means we all need to get educated more about our bodies and how nature intended them to work.

I feel sorry for that little English boy :(

Ruth at 5:54AM on May 25th 2008

57. Ok i certainly understand wanting to breast feed your children but thats during a certain amount of time when they alot of something for there survival in like the first year of there life but wants they can drink COW milk or goat or artificial what ever and can eat plenty of food that gives them those vitamins and things they dont need to breast feed any more as any doctor will tell you from no matter what country your from feeding them regular things and foods plus brestfeeding them is giving them to many vitamins and minerals they are just gonna pee them out any way and im sorry if i find it a little disturbing seeing a 9 year old latch on to a womans breast but if your gonna do it draw a line with the drawing pictures and nameing them and playing with them and acting like you own them and the mother seems a little to happy about the fact they except your stretch marks and things or that nature its all just a little weird to me

nikki at 2:29PM on May 25th 2008

58. thinksmart, you really aren't too bright. I have four children and breastfed them all. Three quit by themselves within the first 12 months but one chose to continue until age 3 1/2 although the last year it was more a comforting thing than a nutritional thing. First, there are many, many advantages to breast feeding for both the mother and the baby. Yes, after childbirth our bodies are made in such a way that nursing our child helps the uterus to contract so that there is less chance of hemmorrhage, thus saving many womens lives before today's modern medical care. It does not translate to orgasm, trust me! Not once in a total of 6 years of nursing my children did I experience an orgasm, but I have a friend who did. She said there is a WHOLE lot of difference between nursing uterine contractions and orgasm! While no guarantee, nursing reduces the chance of another immediate pregnancy, again before modern times this helped naturally space childbirth 2 years apart and again saved the lives of many women who otherwise, would have given birth every 10 months. Breast feeding burns a huge number of calories helping women get their bodies back in shape sooner. Breast feeding passes immunities from the mother to infant thus reducing infant illnesses and SIDS. And breast feeding provides a comfort to the mother and the child that a bottle never can. Mothers milk provides the perfect nutrition for a human child, cows milk and formula can only come close. As for the intellect, I don't know, but I can tell you that the lowest IQ among my children is 136 and the highest 197, all tested in proffessional settings. But I think the intellect may come more from the closer interaction between breastfed children and their mother than from anything passed in the breast milk, so there is no reason that bottlefed children cannot follow suit. Overall, I would say that you were bottlefed and had a mother who didn't pay a lot of attention to your early childhood education...genius you aren't!

falling at 9:48AM on May 25th 2008

59. If she wanted to give her child breast milk, she could pump it into a cup.

les at 8:25AM on May 25th 2008

60. thinksmart, you're an idiot. And obviously have never nursed or witnessed a child nursing. Breastfeeding has nothing to do with sex. Period. It's not pleasurable in a sexual way whatsoever, and women who choose to nurse their children for however long aren't doing so for some kind of sexual gratification. For many women, it's even painful. I think this woman has taken it a bit too far, but that doesn't make it some kind of sick sexual thing, merely a cut-the-umbilical-cord-already kind of thing.

WendyinNC at 9:13AM on May 25th 2008