If you know me, then you know my stance on breastfeeding. You likely know my stance on extending breastfeeding. If you don't - I'm for it.
Why am I for it? It is normal. It is healthy. It is a big part of the reason our breasts are there. God gave us breasts to nourish and comfort our children. There is nothing perverse or weird about it. Our society has sexualized breasts to the extent where we feel that breastfeeding beyond a certain age is somehow emotionally traumatizing our children. I'm not saying breasts can't be and aren't sexual, but I am saying that they are so much more than that.
I've written about it before, but I will share again just a few of the great benefits of breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding.
* Breast milk increases in fat after the first year. Do you have a picky or busy toddler? All the more reason to nurse him/her.
*Breastfed children are generally healthier.
*There are countless immune factors that are well worth researching!
*Reduces the risk of several cancers for mom (breast, uterine, ovarian, & endometrial).
*Breastmilk contains HAMLET (a substance which kills cancer)
There are many more...google it!
However, I have a big problem with this photo on the cover of time. I realize they are using this picture for shock value, and I'm certain it will accomplish just that! The problem I have with this photo is that it really doesn't help normalize extended breastfeeding. Yes, my toddler does stand from time to time when he nurses. I do prefer to teach my children nursing manners, because quite frankly, it can hurt if they stand or get too acrobatic. This picture will likely continue to ostracize those of us who are extended nursers. I really wished they had used one of these photos instead.
I will forever treasure the breastfeeding bond that I shared with my children. My hope is that this article will help open the eyes of our culture to see breastfeeding as a normal and healthy way of life. I hope that we can encourage nursing moms and make them feel confident that they are doing something truly wonderful for their babies. It isn't weird. It is normal.
Sources:
http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#nutrition
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dettwyler.html
http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb/nbextended.html
http://healthland.time.com/2012/02/29/why-pediatricians-say-breast-feeding-is-about-public-health-not-just-lifestyle/
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/04/hamlet-substance-in-breastmilk-kills.html
http://www.hygeiababy.com/blog/?p=459
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