There has been a lot of debate lately about breastfeeding.
First, TIME magazine put a very controversial cover featuring a woman breastfeeding an approximately 4 year old child.
Then, two military moms were featured in the news for breastfeeding while wearing their uniforms.
I was about 3 months pregnant when all of this controversy started and I have to admit it confused me even more. The military mom debate upset me because I don’t believe there is anything wrong with this; however, with the TIME magazine article, I have to admit, the thought of still breastfeeding while preparing my child for school in the fall, scares me. The thing about the TIME cover that angered me was the title “Are You Mom Enough?” To me, it suggests that if you don’t breastfeed that long, or even at all, you aren’t as “MOM” as women that do. And in a country where breastfeeding is already frowned upon in public, this should not be the message being portrayed.
Enough about my opinions on the articles….I knew way before I became pregnant that I was going to breastfeed. My mom breastfeed me and my sister has breastfeed both of my nieces and plans on it once her new baby arrives. I know the health benefits of breastfeeding over formula feeding, as well as the cost benefits (obviously my breasts are free vs paying for formula).
After speaking and hearing some local moms in a variety of FB mom groups I’m in, I know this is one more thing I need to spend a lot of research on. Obviously, anything can happen and there’s always the possibility that maybe I won’t be able to breastfeed at all….(I pray constantly this doesn’t happen)….but my first goal is going to be 6 months exclusively breastfeeding (EBF). This means nothing for my baby except breastmilk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both reaffirmed their recommendations to EBF until 6 months. A baby simply doesn’t need anything beside the nutrients a mother can give during this time. The WHO also has a great article on when to start introducing other foods after 6 months as well.
What are your thoughts/opinions on breastfeeding? What age is too old and why do you feel that way?
Updated 2/13/15 — Interestingly enough as confused as I was at the time of posting this, I am currently nursing my 26 month old while pregnancy with Baby #2. How time changes things!
We're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. 
Heather Brooks says
July 31, 2012 at 4:30 pmBoth my daughters brestfed until 7 months and weened themselves off. I also had to supplement with both, not because of choice, but because I didn't produce enough on my own. Don't be too disappointed if you cannot exclusively breastfeed and are forced to supplement.
Were Parents says
August 1, 2012 at 12:49 amthanks for stopping by and reading!! 7 months is great
NanonymouslyYours says
July 31, 2012 at 5:59 pmI think maybe the reason why the pictures were so controversial is Bc they're pictures. There's nothing wrong with breastfeeding but there's a place and some night believe that it's not somehing that should be photographed. I haven't kept up with these articles so I might be way wrong…I'm just going out on a limb.
Were Parents says
August 1, 2012 at 12:49 amGreat point! Thanks for reading
Anonymous says
August 24, 2012 at 4:45 pmA baby needs either formula or breastmilk until the age of 1. My daughter who is now 9 months old is still being breastfed, and will still be til she is at least one year old. I've had problems producing as well. When she was just born, we had to supplement, but she does not like formula now and won't take it. When I'm gone which is rather rare, my husband mixes some formula in with
Were Parents says
August 24, 2012 at 5:24 pmHi, I'm so glad you found us! We are also on Facebook (facebook.com/wereparents) and Twitter (twitter.com/wereparents). I'm so glad you haven't given up on breastfeeding even with your difficulties. Have you heard about kellymom.com??