Last night David and I watched 20/20. I sort of wish we hadn't because now I'm all skeeved out, though I did find it fascinating in a train-wreck sort of way. So I'm trying to get rid of my heebie jeebies by passing them on to you, my loyal blog readers.
The show focused on some little-known aspects of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding. What really geeked me out was a segment on American mothers who breastfeed their children way past the toddler years, even into adolescence.
Say it with me: "Eeeeeewww!" I'm sorry, but I am just so bothered by the idea of an eight or nine-year old child climbing onto mom's lap for a little sip. The mothers insist that it is normal and healthy, but frankly, I can't see how it is at all healthy for a child to be breastfeeding at such an age. This is long past when you should be having discussions about bodily privacy, modesty, appropriate behavior, etc. You cannot tell me that it is appropriate for an eight-year old to have a philosophical discussion with his mother about how much he loves her breasts only to have her lift her shirt for his snack.
Blech! I am so grossed out.
There comes a point when the breasts need to be put away, as much for the child's benefit as the mother's. Perhaps these mothers should invest in a comfort object like a blanket or a teddy bear? I just can't see that it's emotionally healthy for anyone to breastfeed into their grade school years. Can you imagine the reaction if the other kids on the playground found out you were still using your mom's boobs for your after-school snack?
I may be out of step as far as the rest of the world is concerned (according to the 20/20 report, average weaning age around the world is four-years old), but I think one or two years of breastfeeding is plenty. Anything beyond that is just plain icky.
Sorry to be all focused on boobs lately. For those of you who are squirming whilst reading my blog, I promise I won't say anything more about breastfeeding for at least a week. And I won't even tell you what the other 20/20 segments were about.
Trust me, you don't want to know.
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9 comments:
Well thanks a lot Bon, now I am officially grossed out. Where were the fathers in this?
I actually made a retching sound when I read this post. Yuck!
I looked at the other topics and ew.
And I think it's the mothers that need a security blanket. Ick.
Bonnie. I'm offended. I plan to nurse Bennett until he's at least 9. Ha ha ha. That's hilarious. I really just don't understand how that scenario would go. "Mooooom! I'm thirsty! Give me some milk!". "Georgie, don't talk to me that way. Say please." Wow. That could get interesting.
Wow, and previously I had thought 3 was pushing it... and now I Do want to know what the rest of the segments were. I like reading your opinion pieces, they always make me laugh, or want to throw up.
That's just icky...makes me feel a little less weird for still nursing my 2-year olds, though! Which personally I don't think is WEIRD, just not quite the norm it seems.
And yeah, now I am a bit curious about the OTHER segments! Thanks for sharing, yet again, Bonnie ;)
You are a crack up Bonnie...and I agree.
I can't believe I just watched that. I feel a little queasy.
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