It’s interesting that one of the main problems people have with breastfeeding is that some folks do it for too long. As my readers know, I start to feel a little weird about the endeavor once the child is old enough to verbalize her hunger. But what’s the big deal? I mean, if no one’s being hurt, why should I be uncomfortable with it? I know that Leah intends to breastfeed our next child until age two, just like Ava. As I recall, Ava was pretty much ready to give up the teat by two. Even so, we were the ones who decided when the milk train would leave the station, not Ava. How long would she have persisted, given her druthers? It’s weird to think of her breastfeeding now; I’m sure Leah would come up with a word other than “weird.” (Clicking through below will bring up an image that may not be safe for work, depending on how…militant you feel about breastfeeding.)
I guess my worry is that letting a child decide when to cease breastfeeding might not actually be in the best interest of the child, developmentally. Nutritionally? Sure, great idea. Breast milk is good stuff. But what about that first play date, when your preschool friends come over? Snack time rolls around, and there you are, hanging off mommy’s breast while your pals have string cheese, crackers, and apple juice. Even if the kids could deal with it, you know there are parents who can’t.
It’s sad, really, that any aspect of breastfeeding should be a matter for public concern. Kids — not to mention parents — have enough to worry about in those first five years of life without feeling ashamed or defensive about something so natural.