Time Magazine goes for shock value cover

[Zivic-Bubac]

oh this cover is offensive alright!.....offensive to two of the major religions in the world that forbid breastfeeding after 2yrs....

I didn't know that. I guess Christian religion is not against it?
My sister was BFing her son until he was 2.5 years, I was telling her she had to stop with it bcos it was pure torture for her ( he was asking to be BF in public or during the night) and it WASN'T necessary for him.

I weaned my daughters when they were 11 mo and 12 mo. I think DD2 would BF longer if I allowed, but for me it was important it was me who weaned them, not the other way around.
I'm planning to BF this baby for a year as well.

I've noticed that moms who have boys tend to BF them longer, at least it is the case with moms I personally know ( except for our baby sitter, she nursed her boy for 2 DAYS and then she switched to formula bcos that way she can get a good night sleep when is DH's shift to feed him)

( BTW I'm not sure what 'crunchy' means something all together natural and organic I guess?)

I'm always trying to do what's best for my children and I believe all moms do. I believe the WHO recommendation was BFing for a year, but maybe my info is not accurate which wouldn't be a surprise

[Ribbons]

I'm always trying to do what's best for my children and I believe all moms do. I believe the WHO recommendation was BFing for a year, but maybe my info is not accurate which wouldn't be a surprise

WHO's recommendation is (up to) two years or longer:

"Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.... Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."

WHO | Breastfeeding

No, the Christian religion is not against breastfeeding past two years (most of the EBF mothers I know are Christian, actually). I cannot speak for any other religion so not sure which ones are implied there.

And yes, "crunchy" means natural/organic-type mamas

[jils04]

I just don't like it when mums are made to feel lesser bcos they couldn't bf. I was a bottle fed baby, mum didn't have milk that was enough for me so was she supposed to let me starve ? I have a great constitution , hardly ever get ill and have a uni degree so I guess it was ok for me.
I personally love bf, its easy, quicker, good for bub but some ladies can't for all sorts of reasons. My sis is very very fair and very sensitive,she used to bleed profusely, even pumping pink milk in the bottle. Its not worth that much pain and suffering.
The ad was wrong cos its about womens choice and that took us back 30yrs !!

[Yuzu]

Yeah, I have to admit I hate telling people that I bottle feed. It embarrasses me when I have to explain (over and over) that I can't breastfeed. You'd be surprised at the number of moms who treat you like...crap...because you don't breastfeed. I had a former friend tell me, "Well, you could if you really wanted to."

Moms should support each other.

[atomic sagebrush]

You know, I wonder if there would be any comment at all to an almost 4 year old still using a bottle? Probably not. Our society is still pretty backwards when it comes to breastfeeding.

I think there can be tho - right?? I've seen people make remarks about a kid being too old for a bottle/binky/sippy cup too. People always have SOMETHING to say, whether it's about your kids' gender, what they're wearing, eating, drinking, doing, watching, and so on.

Life is short, to each their own!!!

[auroara78]

Yeah, I have to admit I hate telling people that I bottle feed. It embarrasses me when I have to explain (over and over) that I can't breastfeed. You'd be surprised at the number of moms who treat you like...crap...because you don't breastfeed. I had a former friend tell me, "Well, you could if you really wanted to."

Moms should support each other.

Yep couldn't agree more. I can't BF (and i've tried both times) because of a right breast issue and I'm starting already to have pangs of wishing I could when this new babe is born, but I probably won't try because the issue is the same and would be the same result again. I really do hate when instead of being supportive, other moms say "well if you really wanted to, you *could*"

Actually, no, I physically can't, and unless you're my doctor, bug off!

The thing that disturbs most about this is the headline...it makes my blood boil, and i agree it takes us back!! Also the photo was designed to be very controverisal and it works as it upset me to the fact that they are trying to portray that child as older than he is! When I first saw it, I thought the boy was 6-7 years old! And the pose is not loving and motherly, the mother looks very defiant...I don't like the suggestion that she is somehow better than me or other moms because she is BF'ing that long!

I am totally 100% for BF'ing, for the record.

[ChasingButterflies]

I haven't even read the article, probably should, but the cover is doing exactly what it was intended to do. Gain attention from shocking people. Job well done Time, you've certainly done that! I don't think someones breastfeeding relationship (or lack there for for that matter) is anyone's business but their own, I personally am not comfortable nursing a baby beyond the 2 year mark but that doesn't mean I should force my own comfort levels with nursing onto someone else. I know of several kids who nursed till they were 3, 4, and 5. They aren't teased at all now that they are in their teens - it's not even a topic that comes up.

I also agree with those who are upset by how they've been treated, or seen others treated because they choose not to breastfeed. Being a Mama is hard enough, we are great on our own with the mama guilt for things we wish we'd done, or hadn't done as we raise our littles - we don't need others doing it for us! I wish the "mommy wars" would just stop, we really do need to learn to support & love each other better.