Are you breastfeeding a toddler?

[DisneyPhD]

Did any one see the advertisement preview for super nanny last night? It sounded like she was giving the mother a hard time for nursing. She said, your 14 mth old is attatched to you like a kola bear. If I don't see it, can someone please post what happens? If so, I will be very disappointed in super nanny!!

DH and I saw it and just looked at each other. I said "that is not going to go over well on Mothering.com" He just laughed.

I have to admit it bugged me too. The "get that girl a bottle line" really bothered me. Why would you wean a 14 month old to a bottle anyway????? Nurse or give them a cup!

I think it can be good to put limits on nursing older kids for some people. I never had that issue, but I did have a friend who had to set down some ground rules. I guess I will have to see the show and what they say.

 

[cats7494]

Did any one see the advertisement preview for super nanny last night? It sounded like she was giving the mother a hard time for nursing. She said, your 14 mth old is attatched to you like a kola bear. If I don't see it, can someone please post what happens? If so, I will be very disappointed in super nanny!!

I am going to have to watch for sure! I hope it was taken out of context somehow. I usually like supernanny.
I still am amazed by comments by people sometimes! Even my doctor said something about nursing so long at my last physical!

 

[flminivanmama]

I have to admit it bugged me too. The "get that girl a bottle line" really bothered me. Why would you wean a 14 month old to a bottle anyway????? Nurse or give them a cup!

lol exactly! why first START a bottle at 14 months??

my twins were 15 months when my youngest was born and one of the main reasons I never tried to give him a paci was that I sure as heck didn't want one of them picking it up! LOL

 

[hannahsmomma]

I heard that comment and was completly blown away. It looked like the baby was in a sling and they are probably attachment parents. I was like, "she is only 14 months old!" I wish more moms had animal like instincts when it came to mothering there children.

 

[bless7ings]

DH and I saw it and just looked at each other. I said "that is not going to go over well on Mothering.com" He just laughed.

I have to admit it bugged me too. The "get that girl a bottle line" really bothered me. Why would you wean a 14 month old to a bottle anyway????? Nurse or give them a cup!

I think it can be good to put limits on nursing older kids for some people. I never had that issue, but I did have a friend who had to set down some ground rules. I guess I will have to see the show and what they say.

Yeah, like I would wean to a bottle at 14 mths, even after 6 mths! Thats what I remember the Dr.s as saying to start trying them on a cup!

My husband and I also looked at each other and said it wouldn't go over too well. When is it supossed to be on? And the time?(eastern)

 

[DisneyPhD]

I am hoping that the preview makes it look worse then it is and she (Jo) isn't anti attachment parenting or breastfeeding. If she is she is going to be getting some very negative feedback. What is wrong with a sling????????? My DD was pretty much attached to me 24/7 when she was 14 months old. It didn't bug me that much. While I pretty much let her nurse when she wanted to we did have limits (like if I was doing something else, or no snack nursing, no biting etc...) It seems to me like it is an boundary issue.

I want to watch but part of me doesn't want to. I think I might be getting pretty mad. I normally like supper nanny (or Nanny 911.) At least it works to make families work more positively. I guess we will have to wait and see. I think it is tonight at 8:00 or 9:00.

 

[amarberry]

I haven't posted on this thread for a while, but I saw the Supernanny thing. My goodness that sort of stuff makes me mad! I just remember nursing DD a couple of months after she turned a year old and thinking how much of a baby she still was. This brings me back to my weaning pet peeve...why is 12 months some magic number that makes people think you've nursed "long enough!" Argh!!!!

 

[chobie]

These last couple quotes were exactly what I needed to hear. I felt bullied and guilted into trying to breastfeed. I even had someone confront me about it at my grandfather's funeral...someone I'd never met. I tried and it was horrible. I wept everytime it was time for her to eat. I could not find help. I even went to a consultant who couldn't seem to help. I gave up at 2:00 in the morning and switched to bottle feeding. I would like to try with my 3rd, but terrified of what it could be like. And yes, I am one of those who would feel embarrassed and run for the blanket cover. Maybe my ****ies just don't work!!! What do I do the next time?

First of all--stop beating up on yourself. Give it a try with your third, but know that if it does not work out, or you do not like it, you can quit at anytime. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Go to the sites suggested by DisneyPhD. And as far as the embarrassment issue, cross that bridge when you get there. First see if the BF is going to workout, and its no shame if it does not, then worry about covering up. Most of us were embarrassed at first, but after feeding my first every two hours around the clock for the first 6 months, I quickly got over that. Don't be alarmed by that last sentence, most babies do not eat that often, mys second one did not. He also took a bottle here and there whereas my first would have none of that. All babies are different, as are moms.

 

[cats7494]

After watching the Supernanny last night, I decided to lodge a complaint with ABC. I was offended by the judgemental remarks. Jo (the "supernanny") admonishes the mom for her terrible parenting skills saying "She's 14 months and you've got her attached to you like koala bears!" and "If she's not on her hip, she's hanging off of her breast."

This is a perfect example of entertainment influencing negative trends in child rearing/breastfeeding. Go to http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html to lodge a complaint if you wish to do so.

 

[Juliet25]

After watching the Supernanny last night, I decided to lodge a complaint with ABC. I was offended by the judgemental remarks. Jo (the "supernanny") admonishes the mom for her terrible parenting skills saying "She's 14 months and you've got her attached to you like koala bears!" and "If she's not on her hip, she's hanging off of her breast."

This is a perfect example of entertainment influencing negative trends in child rearing/breastfeeding. Go to http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html to lodge a complaint if you wish to do so.

Thanks -- I just wrote them. Stupid "super" nanny.

 

[Briar_Rose]

I didn't get to see the Nanny episode. What was the end result? She didn't actually get the mom to stop or decrease BFing did she?

I am the odd man out here. My DD is 18 months old and still BFing, however at this point I wish she was not or would at least cut back to once or twice a day. I work full-time an hour away (not by choice mind you), and feel like most of the time I am with her is spent BFing. I also have very little support for extended nursing. No one in my family, even extended family, made it past 6 months. DD is a very strong-willed toddler and has no desire to stop nursing or cut back. I want to be able to cuddle her without BFing sometimes.

The PP made me think of my first weeks of BFing and the nursing classes I took at the hospital. One thing I wish they would tell you is that it may hurt and it may be difficult but it will get better, and also what to do if you do have problems. I specifically asked the lactation consultant teaching the class about plugged ducts and mastitus (sp?), and she said to call a lactation consultant and quickly changed the subject. Well even after meeting with several lactation consultants I had bleeding and pain and I eventually realised I had plugged ducts and read up on what to do myself. Those first weeks were awful but then everything was wonderful or at least fine. Lactation consultants/instructors seem to try so hard not to scare people off that they refuse to admit that it is probably going to be difficult at first. From my experience more moms quit early on than don't try at all.

 

[ines248]

Yes, I saw super nanny last night, too! The nanny does not understand what breastfeeding really means.
To me it:
Reminds me of the good old days.
Breastfeeding not only the fast way to feed a child but also made me go back to my original weight before I was pregnant three times. I ALWAYS had plenty of sleep time, no need to go into the kitchen and waste valuable sleep time looking for pots, warming milk, or cleaning bottles, etc.
I breastfeeded all my 3 children, and I`ll gladly do it again if I had to.

The advantages of breastfeeding a baby are so many and great!
I am still enjoying the advantage that I returned to my original weight after I breast feed all my kids. Also, I don`t remember when was the last time I was at an emergency hospital. Do you think that maybe not only breastfeeding babies are more healthier, but also breastfeeding moms get healthy benefits from breast fedding. Or maybe my mom breast feed me when I was a baby, too, and that explains why I am so healthy! Thank You Mom. I love You!

Update:I complained to ABC on behalf of me and my teenage daughter (future mom) who was watching the show with me.

 

[JerJan]

I just wrote them my letter of complaint!! I won't be watching that show anymore!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I had a feeling Supernanny might be discussed on here! Had to put in my two cents, of course!

I watched the entire show.
I think Supernanny definitely helped that family overall, but...her attitude about breastfeeding really ticked me off!
So I wrote an e-mail to ABC expressing my displeasure in general terms, and asked for the contact information for the show's producers.

My major complaint is that although Jo didn't come right out and SAY that she disapproved of extended breastfeeding, she certainly did praise the mother for having made the decision to wean (cold turkey, yikes!) and be more "detached". Ugh. She also went on and on about how the child could develop normally now. Total ignorance on Supernanny's part, and not acceptable to me at all! If the mother wanted to set some nursing limits, Jo certainly wasn't the person to help her. She made it sound like the EBF was only for the mother's (abnormal) benefit. Um, hello?!?!?! Breastmilk is the most important thing I give my now 28-month-old son, healthwise! I hope that woman's local LLL contacts her or something, heh. Part of me thinks there's no way in heck she really quit nursing completely like that, in one day. Can't wait to see how many complaints they get about that show!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I posted this same thing on another Dis thread about this topic, but wanted to cross post it here in case there were any mothers out there reading that might be in the same situation as the mother on the show.

I think the situation could of and should of been handled better, with better long term results.

If it was me giving the mother advice (and keep in mind as a MSW and a mother I have more qualifications then Jo does.) the conversation of the top of my head would of went something like this.

1st I would of asked the mother about her feelings are about breastfeeding. What was working for her, what wasn't. What she wanted to change and why? Explore what was working and what she liked about breast feeding her child up until this point. Why she would like to wean and what she will miss (Joe did this, but not as much as needed, she really had her own agenda and reflected is distaste for extended breastfeeding.)

Depending on her answers it would go something like this:

The 1st thing I have to say is what a great job you have been doing with Alicia. She is happy healthy and seems to be bonded well with you. You have made it 14 months so far nursing her and that is terrific! Good for you. Nursing is so good for both you and your child, what a wonderful gift you have given her. The benefits of it continue past the 1st year and there isn't a magical time to stop. It can be different for each situation. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child". The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years.


Now form what you are saying you need a break and do not want to continue like this. It is wearing you out.If you want to stop nursing that is fine and I can help you with that or there are other options also. What you want to do here really depends on what is working and what isn't. It does not have to be all or nothing. Setting up limits is fine. As your child grows she will be taking in more and more solid foods and milk by the cup, and nursing can decrease. It is fine to introduce a cup now with milk, water or juice for meals and snacks (depends on what pediatrician suggests and child's needs.) It is also fine to stop anything that isn't working for you. Think about what times you want to keep nursing (like when they 1st get up, before and after nap and at bedtime.) Start dropping feedings that aren't working, distractions and offering other things to eat and do work well. You can also set up rules like "nursing is only when you have your pj's on or in bed." This method will also see that our body doesn't continue to make milk you aren't using and no engorgement. You can also set up rules, no nursing after mommy falls asleep. It is up to you.

Cutting down an nursing and keeping what is working, also keeps breast feeding open for times when she is ill or not feeling well. This can be a great benefit, it is ok to nurse more or less depending on your child's needs day to day.

This age your child is entering is all about limits, and teaching limits with the breastfeeding relationship will be beneficial for both of you.


Now this is all after the fact, but if there are any mothers out there reading that feel like the mother on SupperNanny, this post is for you.

 

[labdogs42]

I didn't watch the show. I used to like Supernanny before I had my son, now not so much. I would have flipped out if I had seen this particular show! I will be writing to ABC along with you guys! Thanks for posting!

 

[toesmom]

I'd love to send a comment to ABC about how this was handled... anyone have an email address for them? thanks

 

[bless7ings]

After watching the Supernanny last night, I decided to lodge a complaint with ABC. I was offended by the judgemental remarks. Jo (the "supernanny") admonishes the mom for her terrible parenting skills saying "She's 14 months and you've got her attached to you like koala bears!" and "If she's not on her hip, she's hanging off of her breast."

This is a perfect example of entertainment influencing negative trends in child rearing/breastfeeding. Go to http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html to lodge a complaint if you wish to do so.

Here is the site.

 

[toesmom]

thanks for the mail address, I sent short note

 

[cats7494]

I posted this same thing on another Dis thread about this topic, but wanted to cross post it here in case there were any mothers out there reading that might be in the same situation as the mother on the show.

I think the situation could of and should of been handled better, with better long term results.

If it was me giving the mother advice (and keep in mind as a MSW and a mother I have more qualifications then Jo does.) the conversation of the top of my head would of went something like this.

1st I would of asked the mother about her feelings are about breastfeeding. What was working for her, what wasn't. What she wanted to change and why? Explore what was working and what she liked about breast feeding her child up until this point. Why she would like to wean and what she will miss (Joe did this, but not as much as needed, she really had her own agenda and reflected is distaste for extended breastfeeding.)

Depending on her answers it would go something like this:

The 1st thing I have to say is what a great job you have been doing with Alicia. She is happy healthy and seems to be bonded well with you. You have made it 14 months so far nursing her and that is terrific! Good for you. Nursing is so good for both you and your child, what a wonderful gift you have given her. The benefits of it continue past the 1st year and there isn't a magical time to stop. It can be different for each situation. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child". The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years.


Now form what you are saying you need a break and do not want to continue like this. It is wearing you out.If you want to stop nursing that is fine and I can help you with that or there are other options also. What you want to do here really depends on what is working and what isn't. It does not have to be all or nothing. Setting up limits is fine. As your child grows she will be taking in more and more solid foods and milk by the cup, and nursing can decrease. It is fine to introduce a cup now with milk, water or juice for meals and snacks (depends on what pediatrician suggests and child's needs.) It is also fine to stop anything that isn't working for you. Think about what times you want to keep nursing (like when they 1st get up, before and after nap and at bedtime.) Start dropping feedings that aren't working, distractions and offering other things to eat and do work well. You can also set up rules like "nursing is only when you have your pj's on or in bed." This method will also see that our body doesn't continue to make milk you aren't using and no engorgement. You can also set up rules, no nursing after mommy falls asleep. It is up to you.

Cutting down an nursing and keeping what is working, also keeps breast feeding open for times when she is ill or not feeling well. This can be a great benefit, it is ok to nurse more or less depending on your child's needs day to day.

This age your child is entering is all about limits, and teaching limits with the breastfeeding relationship will be beneficial for both of you.


Now this is all after the fact, but if there are any mothers out there reading that feel like the mother on SupperNanny, this post is for you.

What a great post with great advice! They should hire you!