Posted on 01/02/2009 6:45:46 PM PST by NCjim
Robyn Paul, her husband and their three children look like the classic American family -- until you find out that Tiernan, their kindergartner, is still breast-feeding.
Many people are shocked by the idea of nursing a child who is nearly 6 years old, but Paul remains determined to do what she says is best for her child.
"In this culture, breasts are viewed as sexual," Paul said. "We use breasts to sell everything from beer to motorcycles, then a toddler is in mom's arms nursing for what they're supposed to be used for and everybody freaks out."
...
Paul said she usually breast-feeds Tiernan at home when he needs comforting.
"They're running around and playing," she said. "Once they get beyond 3 years old they're not nursing but a couple of times a day."
Although some might consider a pacifier a more socially acceptable way to comfort their child, Paul said she would prefer that her child receive comfort at her breast.
When Tiernan needs comforting, he will ask his mother for "nummies," his word for breast-feeding, Paul said. "We've had conversations about what it tastes like and he says it's very sweet," like vanilla ice cream, Paul said.
She is happy with the choice she made, she said, but she would never force it on somebody else.
"All I'm trying to do is let people know that it does happen, that it is perfectly normal," she said.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
Yes, it is the decision of this particular family. It is pretty safe to bet that none of us would have had much to say about the subject if the mom hadn’t gone and told ABC news all about it. At that point, we are free to use our common sense and make a judgment.
Ben and Jerry’s coming up with an icecream from mothers milk.
I’m sorry but there is somethng wrong when a child this age is still nursing. I think Mommy needs another baby!
Just when you think there’s nothing new and bizarre to learn about Muslims...
I find it comforting too...
food critic.. haha.. mercy
mom.. ur a little sour today... please lay off the cheap wine...
Cut the cord, lady! He’s growing up whether you like it or not!
Whatever works, I guess. I nurse mine till they’re about 3, which I’m sure grosses alot of people out.
The real problem here is that in ten years, this kid’s going to be hearing about this whenever a classmate googles his name. Mom should do her thing but maybe keep it out of the national news...
Uh..what about all the velcro shoes. There are a lot of grade school kids who cannot tie their shoes because parents do not want to take the time to teach them. Just wanted to give you my pet peeve. Don’t even start me on training wheels...sheesh.
I keep thinking of the photos from the Erin Brockavich thread last night. That I could maybe understand.
Try to teach the meaning of ‘clockwise’ to a kid with a digital watch...
I find it creepy at that age.
I’m in my 50’s and I don’t have a problem pulling the old lady’s blouse up and latchin on... whats the big deal
OK, I don't know what the best age for weaning is, but it's way before the this point.
Yep.
People have been drinking cow’s milk for thousands of years and survived.
People have been drinking cow’s milk for thousands of years and survived.
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