"there is now evidence that the longer a child breastfeeds, the higher that child's IQ score and school grades will be in later years, with a dose effect evident even beyond two years of nursing."
For those of you who know me well, I am a huge supporter of breastfeeding. I think it has done wonders in "catching up" my little preemie. But don't get me wrong, it is not for everyone. Some women don't feel comfortable with the whole boob thing, or they can't get past the uncomfortable first few weeks, or whatever other reason they are entitled to have. Then there are always the few men that are weird about sharing. . .whatever. They have they're own issues to work through. Whole other post.
Fortunatly, I have a very supportive husband who has seen first hand the power of breastfeeding. I also have a Mom that is very supportive who breastfed me until I was nearly three. My problem is the other side! I have definately felt more negativity than positivity surrounding my choice to breastfeed my toddler. I am almost sickend by the fact that I have to keep it a secret from other members of my family so they don't think I am "weird". Oh, I am weird alright, you have no idea! But, I absolutely don't think that nursing my toddler is the defining factor.
My question is who decided the appropriate cut-off time for a nursing child to be at exactly 12 months. That is insane to me! Becasue you are now 1 year old, you can no longer go to your mom for nurturing and nourishment. . . because it is coming from her breast? I have switched pediatritions 3 times since Mason has been born because of the furrowed brow looks I got from DR's after telling them I was still breastfeeding. They obviosly haven't been keeping up on their AAP(american academy of Peds) guidelines:
The American Academy of Pediatrics 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... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)
Thus making me question their competency as doctors. So now I have decided to try a doctor who has practiced natural medicine but now is a MD. I have done the research and found nothing but positive reasons for extended breastfeeding, so why the stigma? We are one of the only cultures to be so rigid on the topic, and we have more problems then the majority of the world. What the hell, maybe it is time for me to move to . . .ummm. . . hmmm. I am not sure but I'll give you my address when I go. If I like you that is.
I am done ranting and raving and would love to hear what you think about this whole thing.
Friday, September 23, 2005
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4 comments:
I think people need to do what feels comfortable for them. There really shouldn't be judging.
My first son weaned himself by 1 year of age. I was fine with that.
My second just turned 1 last week and he shows no sign of giving up soon. I am fine with that also.
It really depends on the child. I know he will wean soon because he is becoming more active and has started drinking cow's milk.
I would worry about what other people think. They don't live in your house. You are giving your child the nourishment he needs.
Just to add I am not a breastfeeding nazi. I would like my boobs back and breastfeeding has not been fun for me but it is not about me but what I am giving my child. I support doing what feels right for you.
I was a breast fed baby and I'm told that I act retartded daily?
You can tell by my spelling skills!
I agree with you, competely. I had to wean Hayden at 13 months because I was having pregnancy complications. It about killed me. I hated it, I cried and cried for weeks. It was horrible. I am loking at nursing Finley in a completely different way than I did Hayden. i do not plan on weaning her until she is ready. I don't think nursing a 2 year old is weird in any way. I think it is more weird not to nurse your kid than to extended nurse.
IF you guys were down here... you could see our kickity ass pediatrician. She is a holistic ped and totally supports nursing mothers. She LOVES to hear about 2 nd 3 year olds nursing!!!
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