Friday, May 11, 2012

Breastfeeding a Three Year Old?

If you haven't heard about the new Time cover you haven't seen the news lately.  I have seen every news station reporting on the controversy of this article.

Here is the cover photo in case you haven't seen it:


http://blogs-images.forbes.com/forbeswomanfiles/files/2012/05/time-cover-breastfeeding.jpg

Yes, this is an almost four year old standing on a chair sucking on his mom's boob.  I realize Time was likely going for shock value just to get publicity and more sales.  We know the publicity part worked. 

Please tell me I am not the only person who thinks that breastfeeding an almost 4 year old should be against the law and considered child abuse (sexual or otherwise).  How can anyone possibly think this is okay?  Besides the fact that this child will likely have SERIOUS emotional and sexual issues when he is grown this is just wrong!  I heard one of the news reporters refer to this as attachment parenting.  And Dr. Sears apparently recommends that mothers breastfeed their children "as long as possible".  So what is a good cutoff age Dr. Sears... 10?  18???  I just cannot fathom doing this TO my child.  Side Note - he also recommends that infants sleep with their parents.  (Refer to my last post for more on this.) 

The worst part about this article is the big headline that reads "Are you mom enough?"  Meaning that because I chose not to breastfeed my oldest son I am not mom enough?  Meaning that because I am unable to breastfeed my adopted son I am not mom enough?  Give me a freakn' break!  

I do believe that it is a mother's choice on whether she wants to breastfeed or not.  But you have to cut the cord at some point.  My opinion is when a kid can pose for the camera while sucking on your boob means the cord should have been cut a LONG time ago.

Jewels*














2 comments:

  1. Hi Jules! I've been so busy lately, I haven't been good about commenting... but wanted to say I'm here and reading!

    I have a real problem with this, too. And I don't know when it's the right time to wean a child. James and I only made it about 4.5 months before my new job made it impossible to keep nursing him. I probably would have liked to make it to 6 months, but frankly it doesn't matter. For me, the worst thing about this cover (besides the image of a kid my son's size with a boob in his mouth!!!!!!!) is the headline. The last thing moms need is help feeling like they aren't "Mom enough." I would wager that every mom feels like this, every day, in some shape or form. Wouldn't it have been nice for Time to run an article about the wonderful ways that Moms change the world for the better, instead of going for the sensational image and ass-hole headline?

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    1. I'm so glad you did comment Katy. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing to cyber space but it's good to know people are actually reading my random thoughts. :)

      I couldn't agree with you more about moms already feeling like they are not enough sometimes. I think it's important for us to remember we should all be encouraging each other as moms that we are good enough for our children.

      Have a great day!!!

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