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 ...
Wait til it’s her turn to bring snacks for his soccer team.
This is just plain creepy. Putting it in perspective:
When I was 6 I was kissing the girl who sat next to me in first grade, on the cheek. She protested each time. Of course she didn’t protest -too- much. LOL (That was over 40 years ago)
And yes I even remember her name.
No I won’t post it.
Let me see if I can one up ya...I had a neighbor’s kid over and he asked me how would the dishes get clean if the dishwasher broke!!! Pansy.
Must be related to Bobbie Dooley.
Ditto that.
His therapists will be very wealthy
The fact that she discussed what it tasted like with him makes me wonder what else she asked him. Just freaky! What does her husband think?
I nursed both my boys - they were about 13 months old when they stopped. They were already drinking from a cup, the first from 6 months old and the second when about 10 months old. When they started lifting my shirt and pointing at it, that was the end. It didn’t seem to bother them when the store was closed. At that age they’re easily distracted with something else. They were satisfied being comforted in other ways.
6 years old IMO is excessive and has little to do with nutrition or comforting and everything to do with Mom’s need to keep doing it.
No trading food at lunchtime with that kid.
There are people here who will be happy to tell you how bad you were, no matter what you choose to do.
My wife nursed our children for a fairly long time, but had to stop the first when she had a long-term breast infection, so she decided to stop with the 2nd so as to not take any chances.
I’m not sure society will support 6-year-olds breastfeeding, but until they are in school, I don’t see it’s anybody’s business.
This kid could earn his mom a lot of beads at Mardi Gras!
“What does her husband think?”
I would be willing to bet you dollars-to-donuts that there is no husband in the picture.
OK. Forget that. First line of article says “husband”.
Hey, nobody ELSE reads the articles either!
Imagine breastfeeding stops about the time the kid gets his first teeth.
I nursed both of mine ... my son until he thought it was funny to bite.... at age 6 months. I figured he could learn to use a cup then.
I read that PETA wrote a letter suggesting just that.
The kid is six. He has teeth. Maybe you mean permanent teeth?
His current teeth are called milk teeth.
LOL - that’s what I think, too.
Okay, I’m a guy, but I would have figured teeth would have been all the motivation a mother would need to get the little dear on a bottle or cup. Obviously not always the case.
Yeah. I know. Its gotta hurt. Then again, maybe she doesn’t mind or dare I say maybe she likes it.
Sick but maybe true.
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