11/08/02: Breastfeeding
 

This is Kate, who was on the Dr. Phil show today. Kate has a 20-month old son, a 5-year old daughter, and a 7-year old daughter, all of whom she continues to breastfeed. She doesn't want to deny them her breasts, because when she thinks of saying no, she looks into their pleading big-blue eyes, and just can't say no. The 7-year old says that she really likes the taste.


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http://comp.uark.edu/~dmorton/images/misc/drphil5.jpg

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I used to have a neighbor that did this. I personally think it's kinda dumb, but whatever. They're going to feel stupid talking about it when they get older.

"Yeah, I breastfed until I was 8." Nothing like coming home from school and sucking on mom's big nips for the afternoon snack. Jesus.

ugh. i watched my wife breastfeed and saw how much it took out of her. i cant imagine anyone doing it for that long. and i cant even begin to imagine how hard it will be when this woman decides its time to wean her teenager.

ick. thats kind of fucked up, actually. those kids are gonna need therapy.

~james

I have to agree. 5 is borderline, 7 is just icky.

Here's the actual segment from the show, which includes this:

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth supports optimal growth and development and recommends that chilren be breast-fed for at least 12 months. Thereafter, breastfeeding can continue for as long as mutually desired. Experts agree that the only acceptable alternative to breast milk is infant formula.

I know this is just straight up medical info, but that second sentence stirs up some disturbing thoughts.

Well, I don't think there's anything medically wrong with a person of any age breastfeeding. This is one of those weird situations where everything you're feeling is completely socially invented.

Hell, man, I really identify with these kids, myself. I love breasts. Though I definitely prefer my wife's.

I like boobies too, but this seems bizarre...

I also agree with the initial part of your post. You have been spewing out some rather amazing insight the past few days...you feeling alright? ;)

What do you mean, am I feeling okay? As if amazing insight wasn't my natural state??

I am GOLD, baby! Solid gold.

I spose it depends on your definition of "medical".... in my book there is something wrong, tho I'm prepared to admit that it's socially constructed. What's wrong is that the process of growing up is learning to function independently of your parents. And I really think breastfeeding at such a late age screws up that separation process. Even at 3, my kids took great pleasure in being able to do some things without adult help.

I'd love to see how the kids are doing in other respects. If this woman can't say no to breastfeeding, I wonder what else she can't say no to?

I totally agree. And that's basically what Dr. Phil told the woman. He said that the children had to learn that they won't always get what they want. If she doesn't stand up to them, they'll always be throwing huge fits everytime they want to get their way.