People Magazine Article about Breastfeeding after 12 Months

[nugov2]

Well, I doubt it too. With such fine examples of "nutrition" as Pediasure, and other fortified toddler foods, you are sure to load your child up on synthetic vitamins enough to make any pediatrician proud!

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Reaffirms-Breastfeeding-Guidelines.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token

The American Academy of PEdiatrics recommends breastfeeding until AT LEAST 12 months, and then thereafter AS LONG AS DESIRED BY MOTHER AND CHILD.

I love the straw man of the World Health Organization only being for those third world countries that we in America don't have to worry about. I mean, gosh, it's not like there an childhood epidemics here, are there. Obesity, food allergies, psssh. We are super first world and healthy here!

From the link:

"Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant. In addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby. In the policy statement, "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk," published in the March 2012 issue of Pediatrics (published online Feb. 27), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby's life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of complementary foods until at least 12 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.

This recommendation is supported by the health outcomes of exclusively breastfed infants and infants who never or only partially breastfed. Breastfeeding provides a protective effect against respiratory illnesses, ear infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and allergies including asthma, eczema and atopic dermatitis. The rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is reduced by over a third in breastfed babies, and there is a 15 percent to 30 percent reduction in adolescent and adult obesity in breastfed vs. non-breastfed infants. Approximately 75 percent of newborn infants initiate breastfeeding. Hospital routines more and more attempt to accommodate the breastfeeding mother. Pediatricians promote the advantages of breastfeeding to mothers and infants, as well as the health risks of not breastfeeding. As such, choosing to breastfeed should be considered an investment in the short- and long-term health of the infant, rather than a lifestyle choice."


STop trying to shame mothers who choose to breastfeed their toddlers. You are only making yourselves look ignorant and uninformed. PERIOD.

Why don't you practice what you preach. Shaming parents and assuming we give our kids crackers and pediasure and pat ourselves on the back saying we are providing a vitamin filled well rounded diet is ridiculous. I also know that McDonald's chicken nuggets aren't healthy even though mcdonalds markets them as 100% white meat. I don't know why you are implying that people who aren't breastfeeding think that grocery store labels are gospel. I mean I did think fruit loops were packed with vitamins and part of a nutritional breakfast with fruit snack (fruit right in the name, they must be good ) with a side of pediasure and we were good to go. Thanks for letting me know those labels were misleading, I am just a dumb American who has been obsessed with impressing my pediatrician.

Can anyone tell me if lunchables are the perfect solution to a healthy lunchtime like the commercials say?

 

[Turn the Page]

When I hear that I always think it means that the kid in question isn't going to have the gumption to go away to college! "He won't go to college. period."

I will confess to having that thought as well lol. I feel guilty about it, but I always think yeah, he can't sleep on his own at 8 why do you think in 10 years he will be ready to live on his own?

I'm a terrible person.

 

[mommysaurus]

That is becoming a popular statement isn't it? Doctors say that about kids who cosleep or are in diapers beyond what is normal. 4 year old not potty trained yet? No need to worry, he won't go to college wearing diapers. 7 year old still sleeping with mom and dad? No biggie, she won't go to college sleeping with mom and dad.

Well I can't judge that because my 8 year old cosleeps. I never planned for that to happen. I used to be one of those people who judged and this is my punishment I think lol. He started out in his own bed. Then we had a lot of stuff happen that I don't really want to get into (criminal charges and terminated rights for his father). I think we both needed the comfort so I started cosleeping. He also began to develop sleep issues (later diagnosed to adhd, asd, and noctural epilepsy) so if he was sleeping better I was all for it. By the time he was in kindergarten I started fighting it...but it was exhausting and I wasn't winning anyway because he'd wake up in the night and get in my bed without waking me. Eventually I threw my hands up and decided in the grand scheme of things it isn't that big of a deal and he will outgrow it eventually. Here I am at age 8 still waiting for the outgrowing of things...lol

 

[CPanther95]

Hmmm. This makes me wonder......If you've been breastfeeding continuously for eight years, are you still burning a lot of extra calories?

You'd have to be.

 

[Jaya]

That is becoming a popular statement isn't it? Doctors say that about kids who cosleep or are in diapers beyond what is normal. 4 year old not potty trained yet? No need to worry, he won't go to college wearing diapers. 7 year old still sleeping with mom and dad? No biggie, she won't go to college sleeping with mom and dad.

Unfortunately, not always true. My granddaughter was a Resident Assistant in college and she had a freshman whose mother spent the first three nights in the dorm with her in case she was feeling lonely and then stayed in town for three weeks to be available. This wasn't a girl who was on the spectrum or had other emotional problems, because she apparently was just fine when mom went back home. It was obviously the mother's problem...

 

[Turn the Page]

Unfortunately, not always true. My granddaughter was a Resident Assistant in college and she had a freshman whose mother spent the first three nights in the dorm with her in case she was feeling lonely and then stayed in town for three weeks to be available. This wasn't a girl who was on the spectrum or had other emotional problems, because she apparently was just fine when mom went back home. It was obviously the mother's problem...

Yikes. Perhaps I am abnormally independent or something but I couldn't wait to go to college and get away from my parents for awhile. It wasn't even that I was a "bad" kid and wanted to party all the time or anything like that. I just wanted to be able to hop in my car and run to Wal Mart whenever I felt like it without having to ask permission.

 

[AnnaFloridaLover]

In many Asian cultures, particularly Japan, co sleeping has always been the norm through the school years.

 

[BigAlsGal]

When are they gonna add a puking emoji?

 

[Magpie]

Is there something wrong with me? The original post was about the photos of the children breastfeeding (and while it's the mother's right to offer the pictures, sign consent to have them printed etc, the child has no right as to where the pic. goes, not whether or not to breastfeed a child. It does sound like some people think the photos are going to end with People magazine though and that may not be right.

When my cousin's paedophile ex husband was arrested for kiddie porn (on her computer no less - yuk), she had to view and sign that she had no knowledge of this stuff being on there. She said you wouldn't believe what sickos consider to be exciting. Diaper ads, other peoples' semi naked-kids' pics lifted from facebook, naked-kids' pics from sick photofinishing clerks - pictures that we see as just...kids. Cousin said it's really really upsetting and she didn't take any non-fully clothed pics of their kids after that. Oh no, I don't believe those pictures began and ended in People magazine.

Very few people are campaigning for the end of diaper ads, or critiquing the parents of toddler diaper models, because of the fear a pedophile might find them appealing.

What's next? Wrapping kids from head to toe in cloth whenever they venture out in public, for fear someone might get inappropriately excited by the sight of them?

 

[Turn the Page]

Very few people are campaigning for the end of diaper ads, or critiquing the parents of toddler diaper models, because of the fear a pedophile might find them appealing.

What's next? Wrapping kids from head to toe in cloth whenever they venture out in public, for fear someone might get inappropriately excited by the sight of them?

To be fair, many people argue that childrens beauty pageants are magnets for pedophiles though. I'll admit, that is one reason why I didn't put DD9 in any pageants as a baby. That, and the fact that they promote values I don't put emphasis on and they're expensive.

 

[Magpie]

To be fair, many people argue that childrens beauty pageants are magnets for pedophiles though. I'll admit, that is one reason why I didn't put DD9 in any pageants as a baby. That, and the fact that they promote values I don't put emphasis on and they're expensive.

I was always a little sorry that my daughter couldn't do pageants or modelling due to her birthmark, because she was so outgoing and truly loved to perform. She would have very much enjoyed the limelight, and dressing up. My aunt had all three of her boys in local pageants and they had fun learning little stage routines.

Instead we decided to allow our daughter to sing or play her recorder at pagan festivals, where there's no expectation that everyone will look the same. That was fun!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

To be fair, many people argue that childrens beauty pageants are magnets for pedophiles though. I'll admit, that is one reason why I didn't put DD9 in any pageants as a baby. That, and the fact that they promote values I don't put emphasis on and they're expensive.

I think pageants are different because they make up the children to look like little adults(is there a word for that? I can't think of one) and put them into pseudo adult situtaions such as being a waitress at a diner. That's different than toddlers running around in a diaper while a voice over talks about leakage protection.

 

[mefordis]

I, like probably most of the male Dissers, are only reading for entertainment value. So, ladies, back to clawing each other's eyes out. I'll just be quietly reading and being amused!

 

[Magpie]

Yikes. Perhaps I am abnormally independent or something but I couldn't wait to go to college and get away from my parents for awhile. It wasn't even that I was a "bad" kid and wanted to party all the time or anything like that. I just wanted to be able to hop in my car and run to Wal Mart whenever I felt like it without having to ask permission.

My 18 and 20 year old have chosen to live at home while attending university. I feel rather honored they've chosen to stay, and we try very hard not to infringe on their freedom. I don't ask where they are going, though I do like to know if they'll be coming home and if they'll be late. I knock before opening their bedroom doors, and I only enter if invited. They make their own meals, assist around the house, and contribute financially. They're excellent roommates.

It's nice getting to know them, without having to parent them.

 

[TippeeCanoe]

I wonder how the men feel when their wife still breastfeeds a 3-6 year old? Do they find it hard to transition.....?

I am guessing most of them are no longer married by that point.

 

[alicat8]

All over the world, like in very poor countries where sometimes the option is breastfeed or don't eat, yes it makes sense then. In a rich, first world nation with access to loads of nutritional options, it doesn't make as much sense. Then it starts bordering on the "look at me" vibe. These women get something weird from their preschoolers still using their breasts. It's creepy.

Yes. I breastfed my 2.5 year old because I wanted everyone to look at me. There is nothing I get off on more than shoving how I feed my child down other people's throats. There is nutritional value beyond when you find it comfortable, additional food has nothing to do with it. Clearly I, all of the women in my circle of friends, and the majority of women in my family all have "look at me" mommy issues.

If the body wasn't still meant to make milk for a child, it would stop making milk. The fact that people see anything sexual about it is disturbing.

 

[Planogirl]

I, like probably most of the male Dissers, are only reading for entertainment value. So, ladies, back to clawing each other's eyes out. I'll just be quietly reading and being amused!

Your post made me laugh. Thanks.

You'll get no clawing from me. I did what wanted to do and didn't and still don't care what others thought of it. I also think that nursing a school age child is weird...

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Yes. I breastfed my 2.5 year old because I wanted everyone to look at me. There is nothing I get off on more than shoving how I feed my child down other people's throats. There is nutritional value beyond when you find it comfortable, additional food has nothing to do with it. Clearly I, all of the women in my circle of friends, and the majority of women in my family all have "look at me" mommy issues.

If the body wasn't still meant to make milk for a child, it would stop making milk. The fact that people see anything sexual about it is disturbing.

If every woman in your circle of friends claims they breastfed into the preschool years, somebody is smudging the truth.

The body will make milk until you stop expressing. We can give men and women hormones and make them lactate, regardless of whether there is a child to nurse. The body's continued production of milk does not mean that your child needs the nutrition, it just means nobody told it to stop. That's how mammary glands work. For more examples see dairy cows and dairy goats. Similar story.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Okay, first, let me say that I do not care if you breastfeed or for how long. You do what's right for your family.

Now, as a biologist, the natural weaning age for a human is between 2-3 years (some studies say 3-4, but there's inherent problems with studying feeding practices with cultures in areas with poor sanitation and low nutrition). Our closest relatives have a natural weaning age between 4-5, which is consistent with a population that is genetically similar, but with, once again, lower nutrition and poorer health standards in general. After that amount of time most women's milk supplies will dry up. The gravy train does not last forever, and it's not supposed to, because if you go longer than that with one kid you are wasting time that could be better spent conceiving, carrying, and feeding a new human. The milk dries up, lactational amenorreah ends, and the female gets knocked up again. Most women who breastfeed their kids longer than this have already conceived another kid before their milk dried up, starting the whole process over (now with 2 or more offspring at the breast). Although it's possible for a woman to feed more than one child in this situation, its not optimal. Once your first child is old enough to obtain all of his or her necessary nutrition from non-milk sources, they should, because if they're not then they're stealing resources from their sibling who cannot get nutrition from anywhere else.

Now, does this mean extended breastfeeding is bad? After one year? No, that's pretty normal. After 3? Not necessarily. It's not nutritionally unsound for people in developed countries who are well fed. Except, of course, to the extent that a breastfeeding individual might become lactose intolerant. Mammals are not, as a rule, supposed to drink milk after a certain age (which is another naturalistic knock against extended breastfeeding). It's just that some of us humans are descended from tribes-peoples who domesticated cattle, and thus benefited nutritionally from being able to break down lactose post weaning age.

Does it have any psychological outcomes for the kids? It could, especially if those kids are otherwise raised in a culture where this sort of thing is not the norm. I don't think that's been studied much. It would have to be a long-term study.

 

[mommysaurus]

Okay, first, let me say that I do not care if you breastfeed or for how long. You do what's right for your family.

Now, as a biologist, the natural weaning age for a human is between 2-3 years (some studies say 3-4, but there's inherent problems with studying feeding practices with cultures in areas with poor sanitation and low nutrition). Our closest relatives have a natural weaning age between 4-5, which is consistent with a population that is genetically similar, but with, once again, lower nutrition and poorer health standards in general. After that amount of time most women's milk supplies will dry up. The gravy train does not last forever, and it's not supposed to, because if you go longer than that with one kid you are wasting time that could be better spent conceiving, carrying, and feeding a new human. The milk dries up, lactational amenorreah ends, and the female gets knocked up again. Most women who breastfeed their kids longer than this have already conceived another kid before their milk dried up, starting the whole process over (now with 2 or more offspring at the breast). Although it's possible for a woman to feed more than one child in this situation, its not optimal. Once your first child is old enough to obtain all of his or her necessary nutrition from non-milk sources, they should, because if they're not then they're stealing resources from their sibling who cannot get nutrition from anywhere else.

Now, does this mean extended breastfeeding is bad? After one year? No, that's pretty normal. After 3? Not necessarily. It's not nutritionally unsound for people in developed countries who are well fed. Except, of course, to the extent that a breastfeeding individual might become lactose intolerant. Mammals are not, as a rule, supposed to drink milk after a certain age (which is another naturalistic knock against extended breastfeeding). It's just that some of us humans are descended from tribes-peoples who domesticated cattle, and thus benefited nutritionally from being able to break down lactose post weaning age.

Does it have any psychological outcomes for the kids? It could, especially if those kids are otherwise raised in a culture where this sort of thing is not the norm. I don't think that's been studied much. It would have to be a long-term study.

You seem like you know what you're talking about.....can you answer the question someone asked a few pages back? If someone is extending breast feeding, gets pregnant, and continues through pregnancy, will colostrum come once the baby is born? Or will mother continue to produce "regular" milk?

It's an interesting question....everyone I know/have heard of stopped breast feeding during pregnancy. Either the supply dried up or baby stopped taking it due to taste change. I've personally never heard of someone breast feeding all the way through pregnancy and then feeding both a newborn and older baby/child at the same time.