uhh... breastfeeding an 8 year old??

[Ashley8806]

What I think of when I think of an 8 year old breastfeeding, is how it is affecting her social life.... what do her friends think? Would her friends parents let them hang out with her if they knew this was going on in the home? I feel 8 is too old to be attached to the breast. I'm all for breast milk, and I find it amazing that she still has milk to produce after 8 years, however.... I feel the breast at this age is not appropriate, and she should try expressing into a cup if she still wants her daughter to have the milk.

Its unlikely that her friends are even aware, I have jus stopped breastfeeding my daughter (27 months) and she only had one feed in the Morning. If children grew up to know that Breastfeeding was normal, instead of Formula and Cows milk, her friends reactions wouldnt even be an issue

Why should she have to express her milk for others peoples views? Would YOU change the way you lived because somebody else didnt like it?

To be honest, I'm really tired of this cows milk debate. People have grown up on cows milk for years. I said that I agree breast milk is best, but being attached to the boob at 8 years old is not, in my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I know if my daughter was friends with someone who still breastfed at 8 years old, I wouldn't want her seeing that. They could play at our house, etc, but I wouldn't want her over there to see it, is all I'm saying. And no, I wouldn't change thew ay I lived because someone didn't like it, but I also wouldn't publicly broadcast it for all of this debate either.

 

[LoraLoo]

What I think of when I think of an 8 year old breastfeeding, is how it is affecting her social life.... what do her friends think? Would her friends parents let them hang out with her if they knew this was going on in the home? I feel 8 is too old to be attached to the breast. I'm all for breast milk, and I find it amazing that she still has milk to produce after 8 years, however.... I feel the breast at this age is not appropriate, and she should try expressing into a cup if she still wants her daughter to have the milk.

Its unlikely that her friends are even aware, I have jus stopped breastfeeding my daughter (27 months) and she only had one feed in the Morning. If children grew up to know that Breastfeeding was normal, instead of Formula and Cows milk, her friends reactions wouldnt even be an issue

Why should she have to express her milk for others peoples views? Would YOU change the way you lived because somebody else didnt like it?

To be honest, I'm really tired of this cows milk debate. People have grown up on cows milk for years. I said that I agree breast milk is best, but being attached to the boob at 8 years old is not, in my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I know if my daughter was friends with someone who still breastfed at 8 years old, I wouldn't want her seeing that. They could play at our house, etc, but I wouldn't want her over there to see it, is all I'm saying. And no, I wouldn't change thew ay I lived because someone didn't like it, but I also wouldn't publicly broadcast it for all of this debate either.

My point is, if breastfeeding til 5, 6 etc was seen as the Norm, if everyone did it, if we were raised that way, it would be seen as normal as going to get a cup of cows milk. Society has made people view extended breastfeeding this way.

 

[Ashley8806]

And another argument that I don't quite understand - is that some of you are saying she probably doesn't do it that often - just as a comfort thing or once a day. But are also stating that this is better than cows milk, etc. If she is really only getting one a day or a comfort suck, then surely she is getting some other form of milk also? Either that, or she is really nursing more than that. A lot of these arguments contradict each other.

 

[Ashley8806]

What I think of when I think of an 8 year old breastfeeding, is how it is affecting her social life.... what do her friends think? Would her friends parents let them hang out with her if they knew this was going on in the home? I feel 8 is too old to be attached to the breast. I'm all for breast milk, and I find it amazing that she still has milk to produce after 8 years, however.... I feel the breast at this age is not appropriate, and she should try expressing into a cup if she still wants her daughter to have the milk.

Its unlikely that her friends are even aware, I have jus stopped breastfeeding my daughter (27 months) and she only had one feed in the Morning. If children grew up to know that Breastfeeding was normal, instead of Formula and Cows milk, her friends reactions wouldnt even be an issue

Why should she have to express her milk for others peoples views? Would YOU change the way you lived because somebody else didnt like it?

To be honest, I'm really tired of this cows milk debate. People have grown up on cows milk for years. I said that I agree breast milk is best, but being attached to the boob at 8 years old is not, in my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I know if my daughter was friends with someone who still breastfed at 8 years old, I wouldn't want her seeing that. They could play at our house, etc, but I wouldn't want her over there to see it, is all I'm saying. And no, I wouldn't change thew ay I lived because someone didn't like it, but I also wouldn't publicly broadcast it for all of this debate either.

My point is, if breastfeeding til 5, 6 etc was seen as the Norm, if everyone did it, if we were raised that way, it would be seen as normal as going to get a cup of cows milk. Society has made people view extended breastfeeding this way.

I understand this, but unfortunately that's just how it is. You are going to have people for or against anything, everyone has different views. And a lot of it has to do with location also. I know here if someone saw an 8 year old breastfeeding, it would probably make news and cause all kinds of a debate. But in other locations around the world, it might not be that way.

 

[LoraLoo]

And another argument that I don't quite understand - is that some of you are saying she probably doesn't do it that often - just as a comfort thing or once a day. But are also stating that this is better than cows milk, etc. If she is really only getting one a day or a comfort suck, then surely she is getting some other form of milk also? Either that, or she is really nursing more than that. A lot of these arguments contradict each other.

Not really, no. I can only talk from my experience but Amy has never had cows milk or any other type of milk...up until 6 weeks ago, just one breastfeed in the morning.

 

[LoraLoo]

What I think of when I think of an 8 year old breastfeeding, is how it is affecting her social life.... what do her friends think? Would her friends parents let them hang out with her if they knew this was going on in the home? I feel 8 is too old to be attached to the breast. I'm all for breast milk, and I find it amazing that she still has milk to produce after 8 years, however.... I feel the breast at this age is not appropriate, and she should try expressing into a cup if she still wants her daughter to have the milk.

Its unlikely that her friends are even aware, I have jus stopped breastfeeding my daughter (27 months) and she only had one feed in the Morning. If children grew up to know that Breastfeeding was normal, instead of Formula and Cows milk, her friends reactions wouldnt even be an issue

Why should she have to express her milk for others peoples views? Would YOU change the way you lived because somebody else didnt like it?

To be honest, I'm really tired of this cows milk debate. People have grown up on cows milk for years. I said that I agree breast milk is best, but being attached to the boob at 8 years old is not, in my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I know if my daughter was friends with someone who still breastfed at 8 years old, I wouldn't want her seeing that. They could play at our house, etc, but I wouldn't want her over there to see it, is all I'm saying. And no, I wouldn't change thew ay I lived because someone didn't like it, but I also wouldn't publicly broadcast it for all of this debate either.

My point is, if breastfeeding til 5, 6 etc was seen as the Norm, if everyone did it, if we were raised that way, it would be seen as normal as going to get a cup of cows milk. Society has made people view extended breastfeeding this way.

I understand this, but unfortunately that's just how it is. You are going to have people for or against anything, everyone has different views. And a lot of it has to do with location also. I know here if someone saw an 8 year old breastfeeding, it would probably make news and cause all kinds of a debate. But in other locations around the world, it might not be that way.

Its not something I would do personally, but I dont see a problem with anyone else doing it. It's not causing anybody else any harm and its still benefitting the child. I doubt that she walks round the supermarket feeding her

 

[Ashley8806]

And another argument that I don't quite understand - is that some of you are saying she probably doesn't do it that often - just as a comfort thing or once a day. But are also stating that this is better than cows milk, etc. If she is really only getting one a day or a comfort suck, then surely she is getting some other form of milk also? Either that, or she is really nursing more than that. A lot of these arguments contradict each other.

Not really, no. I can only talk from my experience but Amy has never had cows milk or any other type of milk...up until 6 weeks ago, just one breastfeed in the morning.

I just know that my 3 year old drinks milk with each meal, and some inbetween. So to me it would seem as though they aren't getting the recommended amounts of calcium, etc, unless monitoring other foods closely to make sure they get what they need

 

[Lightworker]

What I think of when I think of an 8 year old breastfeeding, is how it is affecting her social life.... what do her friends think? Would her friends parents let them hang out with her if they knew this was going on in the home?

I would like to think that by 8, if I was still BFing, I would have a child that was confident and secure enough in themselves not to care what their friends thought about their preferences, much less allow their friends to dictate what is right for them.

I wouldn't stop my child from doing something on the basis of "What would your friends think?"

 

[Lightworker]

In Mongolia, this woman would be celebrated as the best example of a mother, her children would be reputed to be the luckiest among all the children.

See how different cultures view this?

Just awesome. x

 

[Eve]

Expressing gets harder as time goes on , and not everyone can easily express anyways. Expressing might not be an option. Either way, it's not hurting you so in the end there shouldn't really be a problem... kwim?

 

[Lightworker]

It feels like a repeat of the other thread on extended BFing, and yet I can't leave it alone lol

 

[xemmax]

Expressing gets harder as time goes on , and not everyone can easily express anyways. Expressing might not be an option. Either way, it's not hurting you so in the end there shouldn't really be a problem... kwim?

Exactly. If you don't 'agree' with it then don't do it - simple. It really isn't anyone's business other than the child and the mother if an 8 year old is breastfed.

 

[Blah11]

And another argument that I don't quite understand - is that some of you are saying she probably doesn't do it that often - just as a comfort thing or once a day. But are also stating that this is better than cows milk, etc. If she is really only getting one a day or a comfort suck, then surely she is getting some other form of milk also? Either that, or she is really nursing more than that. A lot of these arguments contradict each other.

Not really, no. I can only talk from my experience but Amy has never had cows milk or any other type of milk...up until 6 weeks ago, just one breastfeed in the morning.

I just know that my 3 year old drinks milk with each meal, and some inbetween. So to me it would seem as though they aren't getting the recommended amounts of calcium, etc, unless monitoring other foods closely to make sure they get what they need

Actually, I'd say that was a lot of milk Besides, they can get calcium from other dairy products like cheese and yogurt as well as food like salmon, almonds, oatmeal, tofu etc

 

[Laura2919]

Nobody has pushed breastfeeding aside as something wrong or not right. Some just feel uncomfortable at the age. If you wish to do it then thats good, great for you and your child but some dont and thats ok too.

By making breastfeeding the norm would mean making cows milk not the norm and then those who cant breastfeed for whatever reason pushed to feel like they are doing something wrong. Its a double edged sword. I know how good breastfeeding is, I didnt want to breastfeed because the thought of two babies was scary to say the least so I expressed and topped up with formula until I could establish a flow as I didnt see the girls for 5 days so it was hard, when they came back closer to me they lost my milk and I ended up switching to formula then from formula was cows milk, its worked well for us and my girls drink a 4 pint of blue milk a day.

 

[smokey]

alright well i guess families can do whatever they want and if they lived in the middle of nowhere, outbacks or wherever, i wouldn't say a word about it but i just think 8 is too old. i would have been embarrassed had my mom shown up with her breast at school, for instance. I may be ignorant but that's an image that came to mind.

Better to leave them at home??
Im sure its not a case of feeding as often as a small baby would so ther is no need for a mother to have to go to their school to breastfeed them. more often its a case of a comfert thing in the evening.

TBH its not for me but thats my own personal hangup, but at the end of the day who cares.
Its another family doing somthing that makes them happy, its not hurting anyone else as long as bother mother and child is happy let them get on with it.

Yes I can imagine the child getting comments from other children but im sure if it realy bothered the child that much they wouldnt still be doing it, lets face it as most of us know you cant force a baby or a child to breastfeed if they just dont want to.

 

[smokey]

And another argument that I don't quite understand - is that some of you are saying she probably doesn't do it that often - just as a comfort thing or once a day. But are also stating that this is better than cows milk, etc. If she is really only getting one a day or a comfort suck, then surely she is getting some other form of milk also? Either that, or she is really nursing more than that. A lot of these arguments contradict each other.

At 8 years old why would this all mean the child has to be having more milk then say one feed, how much milk do people drink??
Just because breast is better then cows milk doesnt mean you cant have both.
LO had breast (while I could still do it) and formula, he now has formula and cows milk.
He realy loves his milk he still has 18oz a day and sometimes some cows milk with his lunch if we are out so why cant a child have say a breastfeed in the evening to gain all the extra vitamins from it and still have a glass of cows milk during the day?Or even just having a feed in the evening and not having any cows milk at all, not all children like the taste of cows milk, I cant stand it it makes me heave but thats because I was allergic to it as a child so just dont like it now.

 

[special_kala]

My opinion on this is that to me it is verging on wrong. The natural weaning age is what 5/6 so at 8 surely it has to be forced to a certain extent.

Yes breast milk is great, made for humans but it is for babies. There is a age where a child does need to be more independent and breast feeding at 8 doesnt actually seem all that natural to me.

I do think that just because something is breast feeding it doesnt make it ok. Its normal and natural for babies t comfort suck....would it be ok and accepted for a 8 year old to have a dummy? no it wouldnt.

 

[LoraLoo]

My opinion on this is that to me it is verging on wrong. The natural weaning age is what 5/6 so at 8 surely it has to be forced to a certain extent.

Yes breast milk is great, made for humans but it is for babies. There is a age where a child does need to be more independent and breast feeding at 8 doesnt actually seem all that natural to me.

I do think that just because something is breast feeding it doesnt make it ok. Its normal and natural for babies t comfort suck....would it be ok and accepted for a 8 year old to have a dummy? no it wouldnt.

I really dont think it would be possible to force an 8 year old to Breastfeed xx

 

[Ashley8806]

I just feel that people have a hard time accepting that others may view things differently than they do. It's not worth an argument, people just need to realize that others may find it uncomfortable, and some may find it perfectly acceptable. Either way, to each their own.

 

[special_kala]

My opinion on this is that to me it is verging on wrong. The natural weaning age is what 5/6 so at 8 surely it has to be forced to a certain extent.

Yes breast milk is great, made for humans but it is for babies. There is a age where a child does need to be more independent and breast feeding at 8 doesnt actually seem all that natural to me.

I do think that just because something is breast feeding it doesnt make it ok. Its normal and natural for babies t comfort suck....would it be ok and accepted for a 8 year old to have a dummy? no it wouldnt.

I really dont think it would be possible to force an 8 year old to Breastfeed xx

I think that a big lack of encouragement to be dependant would be at play here.

When i say forced i mean more the mother fighting to BF by not encouraging independence i guess.

I kind of think of those mother/child relationships where the mother hasnt let go so they end up with a very dependant adult....kind of like that film pysco? (im not saying this kid is going to be a seriel killer its just the only example i can think of to show what i mean ish)