7 Arguments Against Breastfeeding Past Two Debunked
/
Photographer credit - Nicole diGiorgio, Sweetness and Light Photography- Pictured here is Paala Secor /blog
Breastfeeding is amazing. So amazing that it not only provides nourishment, it provides comfort and security too. It's a natural pain killer, antibiotic, medicine, and more. The benefits don't stop because the child had a birthday. That is why The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until the age of two OR beyond. [1] Breastfeeding is already a highly debated and controversial topic to begin with, but many people can't seem to wrap their head around the fact that some mothers would continue breastfeeding their child after age two. Some people even have a problem with a mom choosing to breastfeed past six months! There is absolutely no evidence based information that breastfeeding past a certain age is harmful, only evidence showing that it's beneficial. I have heard all the arguments against breastfeeding and I have listed most of them here along with debunking those arguments and proving them to be a non factor on why a mom should stop breastfeeding past a certain age.
* "The kid will get bullied at school."
Funny, because I do see bullying going on, and it's usually by the people saying that the kids will get bullied, except they are bullying the mom. They seem so concerned about the child being bullied, yet all the while, they are doing the bullying themselves. So they are absolutely right, the uneducated people of the world may bully the kid, but since when do our fears about what other people think or what they might do or say, keep us from living the life we want to live?
* "She can just pump and cup feed."
That's usually one of the main arguments people try to make against moms who nurse past one or two. Which time and time again as been debunked. Breastfeeding is not just about the milk. Think of it as a bottle. A toddler being attached to a bottle, isn't the milk they are attached to it's how they are getting it and with exclusively breastfed kids it's directly from the breast. So pumping the milk would be irrelevant. Some women do not respond well to a pump. It either causes them pain or they don't get much out. It could also have a negative effect on their supply since nothing in the world could duplicate human suckling exactly.
* "The kid will need therapy because this most certainly has to be traumatizing."
What exactly is the traumatizing part about allowing the breastfeeding relationship to continue? Breastfeeding only works if it's mutually desired. Which means both mother and child are choosing it. Unless a mother is force feeding their child breast there is nothing traumatizing about it. It's natural and it's the way nature intended babies and kids to be fed.
* "That just can't be normal or right!"
Actually it is normal and it is the right way. We as a society have changed our outlook and views on what is considered to be, "Normal." Biologically speaking the natural weaning age is seven or eight. Over time it changed, but it's actually a very normal way of life. It may not seem normal , but it very much is.
* "There is no benefits breastfeeding a child after age two.
"That is incorrect and there is a massive amount of information proving that breastmilk will still benefit no matter the age. Even body builders are getting in on breastmilk benefits and paying a pretty penny to get their hands on some. Just because a child can get their nutrients from other food sources it does not mean that they wouldn't still receive the amazing benefits breastmilk has to offer.
* "Once the kid can ask for it they are too old to breastfeed."
I'd love to know how this conclusion was made. I'd love to know what scientific based evidence this argument has. I will wait. Whether or not the baby, toddler, child can "ask for it" is not relevant. Do you know babies, yes babies "ask" for their milk as soon as they are born? Being able to communicate their needs and or wants is not a valid argument against breastfeeding. In fact, that is all the more reason for a mom to continue breastfeeding, if she so chooses because clearly the child still needs that comfort and security met.
* "Breastfeeding past two is sick and perverted."
Where do I start with this argument? First of all there is nothing sick, perverted, or sexual about breastfeeding. I would have to question someone's intelligence and mindset to see anything sexual about a child breastfeeding. If the end of the world came and the only way that child could be nourished is from breastfeeding, would you still feel that way? I think not. People who think there is anything sexual or perverted about breastfeeding are the problem. That way of thinking is terribly wrong and hurtful. The biological purpose of a breast is to sustain human life and provide nourishment that no other milk can provide. Now can breast be sexual? Sure, but that is subjective. Some people find elbows and feet sexual, but do we call a mom perverted for touching elbows with her kid? No. So knock that off.
At the end of the day, whether a mother chooses to breastfeed for six days or six years, the only right choice is between the mother and the child breastfeeding. There is no recommended age cut off age for when a mom should no longer breastfeed. The weaning age is a personal choice and no one should be bullied into choosing something based on someone else's comfort level.
9 Common Struggles Breastfeeding Moms Face...
/
Making the choice to breastfeed is sometimes just the beginning of a long and windy road for moms. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's time consuming, sometimes you worry, and the list goes on. Not to worry though because having breastfeeding struggles does not make you any less of a mom and it doesn't mean you're not cut out for breastfeeding. I wanted to make a list of some of the most common struggles moms have with breastfeeding so you can see you're not alone!
1.) "Will I even be able to breastfeed?"
Many moms start to doubt their own body's ability to produce milk for their baby before baby is even born. I encourage all mothers to go into breastfeeding with an "I not only can, but I will breastfeed my baby" Breastfeeding is 10% milk 90% determination.
2.) "How is the latch? I don't think my baby is latched on correctly." Normally hospitals have International certified lactation consultants on their staff so if you are doubting the latch please request to see an LC and she should be able to walk you through it.
3.) "My nipples are so sore and cracked does this ever go away?"
Unfortunately, many women do get sore chapped nipples, but normally it does end up going away. You could have sore nipples due to a poor latch, the type of bra you're wearing could be irritating them. In the meantime, you can use stuff like Fairhaven Health's Nipple Nurture Balm to give you some pain relief.
4.) "I think I have low milk supply how can I boost it?"
I think milk supply is one of the biggest struggles I see moms stressing over. It's only natural to worry about how much baby is getting since you can't actually see and measure the amounts. Breastmilk is all natural there is no labels, directions, or measuring cups. Before going to Fenugreek and supplements try some natural approaches such as skin to skin, co-bathing, drinking water, breast massage, etc. If you honestly feel like you are not making enough milk please seek assistance from a lactation consultant.
5.) "How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?"
This sort of goes hand in hand with milk supply. We have become so reliant on measurements and labels so it can be a scary feeling not knowing exactly how much milk your baby is getting. So long as your baby has plenty of poop and pee diapers and is growing, and seems content/satisfied after they nurse you shouldn't worry too much.
6.) "I can't seem to find a comfortable nursing position."
Yes, sometimes something as little as how to position yourself while breastfeeding can be tricky. Try a different position each time you nurse until you find one you and baby are most comfortable with.
7.) "I'm a shy person the thought of breastfeeding in public in front of other people gives me serious anxiety."
I have found that while there are many people out there who do not support breastfeeding most moms do not encounter any problems. The best thing for you to do is remind yourself that your baby needs to eat whether in public or at home if someone has an issue with breastfeeding that is their issue. If someone stares just give them a little wink they tend to look away after that. Also, take comfort in the fact that it is a woman's legal right to breastfeed in public wherever she is authorized to be. If a confrontation does occur take comfort knowing that the person confronting you is in the wrong both legally and morally.
8.) "I really would love to have a beer or glass of wine, but I'm afraid it might get to the baby." This is a huge concern for breastfeeding moms. The truth is there are safe ways for a breastfeeding mom to consume alcohol. It's really important that moms inform themselves with facts. Alcohol passes through your milk and does not accumulate therefore, there isn't even a need to pump and dump , unless doing so brings you some comfort.
9.) "It seems like all my baby wants to do is nurse. Why does my baby always want to nurse?" Breastfeeding isn't just about the milk. A lot of the time a baby will nurse for comfort or security. Babies have a natural desire to suck whether they are hungry or not. It's okay that your baby wants to comfort nurse try to suck in those moments and bond.
8 Reasons Why Breastfeeding Is Not Offensive
/
I have listed eight reasons why breastfeeding is not offensive. Here they are:
#1.) The definition of breastfeeding is when a baby suckles milk directly out of a woman's breast. Which means being offended by breastfeeding is being offended at a baby for eating. How in the world could any human being with a heart find anything offensive about a baby eating?
#2.) Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, stuffing your mouth with a double cheese, extra mayo burger is all simply eating. You happen to eat burgers and some babies happen to eat from a breast. Tomato tomato , right?
#3.) Not everyone finds breastfeeding beautiful, not everyone wants to see it, I get that, but just because you happen to see something you would have rather not saw it doesn't make it offensive. I do not find people who eat with their mouth open beautiful and I don't want see it and guess what I do? I don't look because it's their legal right to enjoy their meal however they decide to consume it just like it's a woman's legal right to breastfeed however she wants.
#4.) Breastfeeding is what kept mankind alive since the beginning of time, so being offended by breastfeeding is like being offended by the air we all breathe.
My 4 Year Journey Breastfeeding My Daughter- She Will Wean On Her Terms, Not Mine...
/By: Sara Waldhorn
My breastfeeding Journey is by far the most miraculous journey I have experienced. I never planned on even being a mother who exclusively breastfed her child. I organically fell into it. I guess the best place to start is at the beginning of my daughters life almost 4 1/2 years ago.
From the moment Layla Rose was born her favorite place to rest, sleep, play and relax was on my breasts. It is her comfort zone, it is where we both feel the most safe in this big crazy world. It is our special time where we are in our own little bubble.
I was very fortunate in not experiencing any difficulties with nursing. Layla Rose had no problem latching on, and thankfully I never got any infections or had low milk supply. Nursing, for me, was easy. I enjoyed nursing. Nursing in the beginning bonded us closer and closer. I started reading forums on breastfeeding mothers which led me to discover the world of attachment parenting. I read in one attachment parenting article that we are the only mammal that puts our baby in jail (a crib) to sleep (baby Cubs and lions sleep nuzzled up on there moms, that to me made me feel so uneasy on how most of American mothers raise there kids. For once in the early months of motherhood I finally felt I had a parenting method I agreed and identified with. Also, at the time I started to feel angry at some of the most popular parenting advice and methods us American mothers are molded to believe. I felt so very taken advantage of by all the baby registry checklists on making me believe I would need everything from a bouncer to a swing to 3 different strollers to 4 more other vibrating, musical bouncer products that advertise a happy well rested newborn. Hey as a new mother the 1st thing everyone warns you about is no sleep!!! Here's the secret, they're right.... If you rely on the walker, bouncer, crib, jumper ect. Layla Rose hated them all, we were unhappy, I almost felt I was expected to use these things, but all she wanted was me. And guess what that's healthy and normal and okay and normal. I got a carrier and called it a day.
Once I got over that hump in the road I focused on my breastfeeding. According to the media again, my breast milk was not enough. She now needed rice cereal ect. My daughter hated it. I unnecessarily worried. I would get advice from mothers to top her off with formula, now I know she never would need that. What I had was enough. I guess what I'm trying to say is I second guessed everything I did the 1st year, because what felt right to me was not the norm here in America. The crib, the bottles wasn't for us. I identified with the attachment and gentle parenting world. I felt like it was where I best fit in or what would best describe my parenting ways. I only wish sooner I found more advice, support and information about the parenting philosophy I felt best identified with me. Because then I would of never had to go through the 5 minutes I let my daughter cry it out the night I hired a sleep trainer (advisor) come to our house. (I was influenced by my peers). I realized then what the hell is wrong with letting her fall asleep on my boob? What's the big deal. This is what works for us. Yes I still nurse my 4 1/2 year old on demand. On demand these days is much different to what was on demand when she was a newborn. I never understood the whole schedule thing when it came to nursing. When I'm thirsty I drink water, not because it's 3 pm. I felt I would do the same for my daughter.
The point of this is I just wish someone told me, there is no magic product that will keep baby sleeping or fuller longer. The magic is the bond between you and your baby when they are suckling away (or bottle if boob is not an option for you). The magic is your warm skin against there's. When people ask me how long am I going to nurse for I feel like asking them when is the next time you plan on having sex. It's my business. I don't cover when I nurse, do you eat with a blanket over your head?
I'm finally 100% confident on the methods I choose to use when it comes to raising my kid. I'm not worried about when she will decide to stop. I know she's not going off to college still drinking boobie or getting one last sip of boobie right before she says "I do"
She Also most likely won't have any right before she goes off to prom (my sarcasm gets the best of me). It's already gradually stopping on her own terms. She announces daily that she stopped boobie! I say everyday that's great honey! You're such a big girl. Then later on when she's tired after a long day of activities at preschool she announces I'm not stopping I tricked you! It's her way of slowly parting with what was the center of her baby years...The boobie!!! On the days I feel she will never stop, and yes I get those feelings, I think back to potty training and walking. We parents can't rush those milestones, why rush breastfeeding and sleeping through the night. Why rush babyhood?
What's the race/rush for?
I love being a mother! Being a mom is so fun, so rewarding! I think my daughter is the best most incredible human being, just like the rest of the mothers out there feel about their off springs. I don't think I'm better by any means for parenting the way I do. I just feel that the way I parent is not advertised or talked about enough. Basically, we need to promote it more. It's okay to let your kid go at his or her own pace when it comes
To nursing, the potty, sleeping by themselves ect. My daughter is bright and intelligent and does not have separation anxiety. People sometimes suggest I'm doing her a disfavor for not "being the parent" and making her stop just because I said so. This little girl turned my world upside down and I seriously never wanna come down!
7 Reasons Why I Cover When I Breastfeed & Why It Has Nothing To Do With You...
/I don't cover because I think breastfeeding needs to be hidden. I don't cover because I have shame. I don't cover because I'm trying to consider your comfort. Well, what other reasons why would you cover?
1.) I cover because my baby gets easily distracted so to avoid the painful niplash I choose to cover so she can focus on eating. I wish my baby wouldn't get distracted over the littlest noise, but she does, so that is where we are at.
2.) I cover because it's what makes me feel the most comfortable. My comfort with covering is not because I'm afraid of confrontation or someone around me being uncomfortable, I just get really bad anxiety and I'm able to relax when I'm covered. A relaxed mama means more milk and a happy baby.
3.) I cover because on real sunny days it provides us with shade. It also helps during the colder climates to keep my baby warm.
4.) I cover because my baby covers herself. Sometimes my nursling will pull my shirt over her head and keep it that way the whole nursing session. If she wants to be covered then gosh darnit she will.
5.) I cover because it helps my baby fall asleep.
6.) I sometimes nurse in a bathroom because my baby likes the echo of a bathroom. I've fed him in the bathroom of a restaurant because he was hangry and that was the only place/way to calm him. Even if I'm home, I'll take him crying into the bathroom to calm him.
7.) I cover because my shirt happens to cover me on it's own and that works for us.
As you can see from the reasons listed on why I choose to cover or even at times nurse inside of a bathroom , I'm not doing so because I'm trying to hide the fact that I'm breastfeeding, nor do I feel like it needs to be hidden for other peoples comfort. I don't cover because I think it's classier or because I think it's modest. I don't cover because I'm afraid of showing a little skin or side boob. I do it for the comfort of my baby and myself. Any choice I make regarding how I feed my child has nothing to do with you. I do not base my decisions thinking about how other people, complete strangers even, will feel about it. I cover because that's what I need to do for myself and my baby to have a happy and thriving breastfeeding relationship. Whether a mom chooses to cover or not they should be supported either way. Breastfeeding can get stressful at times especially when out and about the last thing a breastfeeding mom needs to worry about is trying to conduct herself in a manner she thinks will appease others. The only people she needs to worry about appeasing is herself and her baby. I don't cover for others because I know whether I cover or not there will still be someone not happy about it.
