BFing 8yo...amazing story

[only1mica]

Hi all

This may be a little controversial but I thought I would post this in a positive way...so we can celebrate BFing :yes: albeit different strokes for different folkes.

Here is a link for the video http://emuse.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/17749

I BF an almost 11 month old and I would like to feed hopefully until she self weans...

To be totally honest I was a little weirded out by it......but then I read what the mother thinks and I am amazed...so I thought I would share.
http://www.shazzie.com/raw/articles/extraordinarybreastfeeding.shtml

[V8]

Woah, i think BF is great, but i wouldn't go that far!

[Shanaynay]

Unfortunately my computer is old and crappy and I can't see the video. I will watch it at Uni on Wednesday.
I did read the article thought and I thought it was fantastic. What a down-to-earth woman :)


The human body biologically expects to breastfeed for up to about seven years of age ~ the universal age for losing the milk teeth. There is so much anthropological and scientific evidence to show that this is what our body needs and expects, regardless of the culture, climate, race or status we are born into. I totally agree with that too :thumbsup:

[punkbaby]

Same i think 8 is too much.....consdering my dd has just turned 9 and going through puberty you have to draw the line somewhere

For those who do do it though good on you , not for me though

[OM]

I think it is wonderful she is still breastfeeding but I think I would be wondering why my child at that age feels the need to have that comfort if that makes sense?

[Oblena]

I'm not sure if I will be BF DD at that age, but the video made it look a whole lot more natural and loving than the story on 60 Minutes last year.

After reading her article I can see her point of view even more. I think her disappointment with how the story was twisted would only be 5 x in the case of the 60 minutes people. No matter how natural things are (or you think they are) there is always someone to make it seem odd - especially in th media. I must admit I had no idea that BF could go on this long. I honestly thought that they stopped at 12 months and went straight to cow's milk.

It was nice to hear BM's taste described as DD can't tell me yet

[Mum&bubs]

Woah! 8 years old! Good on her!

I don't think I'd be able to last that long though. Breastfeeding a 2 year old is hard enough.

[allysophia]

Truly inspirational!!

I especially like: It is impossible not to be passionate about breastmilk and breastfeeding when you truly know of its benefits. There is no other product on this Earth capable of nourishing our body, brain and immune system like mother's milk

[Rainbowbrite]

I don't think I'd be able to last that long though. Breastfeeding a 2 year old is hard enough.

I agree with you there :yes:

I loved how that was filmed though, it just really looked lovely.

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

Good on her,she seems so confidant and dosnt care what people think.

Thats the way i like to see it.

Maybe one day bf will be more accepting.

I don't think id be able to bf for 8 yrs though,id want my body back.

[Nowhere]

Good on her, if thats what she chooses to do then thats great as long as the child is getting the nourishment she needs then thats the main thing

[SilverStarfish]

Umm no. Not for me or my children... :no:

[allysophia]

I think she's inspirational! Whether or not its for me or not. How selfless!

[mumx3littlies]

Umm no. Not for me or my children... :no:

Ditto

[vanillabean]

Umm no. Not for me or my children... :no:

Same....

[Nowhere]

its not for me either


i dont see how its entirely selfless she obviously likes doing it, i wonder if the child would get picked on at school for it, i hope not but kids wil pick on one and other for anything

[AM]

It is amazing. I am allowing my boys to self wean, I wonder how old they will be?

[miss ani]

truly amazing, although probably not for us. my mum BF my youngest sister until she was 3 and used to get negative reactions. :thumbsdown:

[OJandMe]

I loved how that was filmed though, it just really looked lovely.

personally I think it looked kind of strange.... a huge kid like that sucking away.....

not for me.... but each to their own.

Just kind of freaks me out a bit.

2 years old... ok. 8?? That's a bit different.

[tootiredtosleep]

There's no way I could do it, but it didn't weird me out..
The whole family seemed comfortable with it and that's the main thing.

[tickle]

Just a reminder to everyone that this thread is in the Celebrate Breastfeeding section. Please refrain from posting negative comments in this thread.
Thanks. :)

[mellyg]

WOW.. I must be honest and say that when I saw the title I thought 'You have to be kidding'.. I have an 9.5month old who is still BFing and I have never dreamed of BFing until she is 8.. But after watching the video and reading her article as she said herself it is almost as if it is unnatural not to do it.. She made it seem so beautiful and nuturing..

But even after saying this I really dont think that that is for me.. I am positive that my children will feel loved and cared for from all the cuddles they receive without my boob.. But good on her and anyone else who feels comfortable in doing this..

[Lozie]

Wow the benifits of full term Bfeeding are great! I wonder if i express for the boys when baby comes they will still be getting all that good stuff, I mean i dont want to chuck them back on the boob with baby being a boobie monster as well but if i give them Breastmilk as a drink or on cereal would it be as benifical?

[AM]

Wow the benifits of full term Bfeeding are great! I wonder if i express for the boys when baby comes they will still be getting all that good stuff, I mean i dont want to chuck them back on the boob with baby being a boobie monster as well but if i give them Breastmilk as a drink or on cereal would it be as benifical?

That is a great idea! And yes, it is still of great benefit at any age.

There are places in the world who give breastmilk to immune compromised people and sick elderly as medicine.

[mellyg]

Wow the benifits of full term Bfeeding are great! I wonder if i express for the boys when baby comes they will still be getting all that good stuff, I mean i dont want to chuck them back on the boob with baby being a boobie monster as well but if i give them Breastmilk as a drink or on cereal would it be as benifical?

:yes: It would have to be as even though there are benefits from them sucking the boob to get their breast milk, a lot of the benefits are what is actually in your milk.. It would help to keep their immune system at a great level of strength..

[miss ani]

That is a great idea! And yes, it is still of great benefit at any age.

There are places in the world who give breastmilk to immune compromised people and sick elderly as medicine.

when DD first popped out, and was scratching her little face all the time, i used to express a little colostrum and dab it on her scratches... they healed up in no time!

[millymoo]

Amelia had conjunctivitis at 3 mths and I was given drops but told breast milk would clear it up too.:thumbsup:

[ikis84]

I liked this comment...


The worldwide average for weaning is 4 years and 2 months of age.
I'm no mathematician, but I can assure you that you don't get an average like that if the majority of people are weaning at 6 months of age.

[my_lot]

i just showed my 8 yr old and 10 yr old dds that video.

10 yr old said "oh thats gross!" (but everything is to her!)

8yr old (who asked to taste b/milk soon after baby 4mth old was born- the baby she watched being born) said "oh she is 8? hhhmm- that mummy would have to drink a lot of water"

[Lozie]

Yay! I'm just having great ideas now! Could use boobie milk in baking:D and if Caleb is still having bottles when Bebe gets here he can have boobie too in his bottle! Wow my boobies will be huge:eek: lol. So looking forward to it!

[Becteria]

i have to admit, when i first read the OP i thought, oh gross, heres that women from 60 minutes. but reading her thoughts instead of being shown excerpts of an interview has made me eat my words. I regret that thought. I actually think she has changed my perception of full term feeding.

I wonder how long i will last with Hendrix. Maikyra self weaned from breast at 9 mths but was having bottles as well as i was back to work at 6 weeks.... Hendrix is another story......... i'd like him to wean himself without havin a bottle.

[becstar]

Each to their own, I don't like to judge others for their parenting decisions.....she is obviously a caring mother and loves her kids and they are happy.

I am breastfeeding my 6.5 month old......i have no idea how long for.....could be another month, could be another year, but not another 8 (!!) because I have problems with breastfeeding and struggle with it daily (supply issues, awkward feeder) but I am doing it for my baby. I will do it for as long as I can but not for 8 years......

Bec
xx

[Ashleigh<3]

I don't think the age should matter.
Adults drink cows breastmilk.
What I do worry is about how kids may treat the breastfed child.
In saying that, it wouldn't stop me.
I just don't think I have the energy to breastfeed that long.
Full respsect for anyone who is willing to do it.
Good on you. :thumbsup:

[Mum&bubs]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but have you all seen the comments people have left her? And they are labelling her 'weird lady' calling her a child molester and a sicko :shame: :shame: :shame:

[Lozie]

I know! i read some of them those ppl obviously dont know whats good for 'em. How rude to judge her like that, maybe someone should post her other story, so they can see the benifits of Boobie milk. I am even gonna feed it to Dh lol i'll sneak it into his coffee:devil6::laughing: it will make him big and stong hehe he rekons it tastes nice anyway he wont mind:D

[BlueGin]

It was mentioned that some people would be more comfy feeding an older child breastmilk via a cup, I think that's more my style too, just wondering though; would the milk still change to suit the baby? Or does the baby need to be sucking to get it to change?
Same question for when it is given to the elderly and/or immunocompromised, anyone know?
I was thinking the other day when suffering re-engorgement that it would be great to have something like a milk pick up van from the hospy, so that days when you have extra it could go to bubbies who need it!

[Ashleigh<3]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but have you all seen the comments people have left her? And they are labelling her 'weird lady' calling her a child molester and a sicko :shame: :shame: :shame:

That's so sad and pathetic.

:(

[SorenLorensen]

this may be a very simplistic view but TBH i dont really care how long someone bf their child, as long as they dont expect me to do it (im a formula mum anyway), and dont try to feed my child, then really it does not effect me in anyway.

[Rainbowbrite]

ok im gonna add.. i think i'd be more for it if it were boobie milk in a cup IMO 8yr olds shouldnt be on their mothers boob.
im all for breastfeeding. i've exclusively bf all of mine(dd's 1&2 self weaned at 11&9months) and love it but i think a line needs to be drawn.. after all how would people think with an 8yr old on a bottle?! it would be 'why isnt s/he using a cup?' anyway thats my opinion..

Umm, just wanted to comment on this. I'm still feeding my 2yr old daughter & am pregnant. I have NEVER been able to express, I just can't get anything, whether by pumping or hand expressing. Maybe she is the same?!?!

I can guarantee you right now, that if I ever had a child that for whatever reason could not eat solid food, I would breastfeed them for as long as humanly possible.

I commend that lady for doing it :yelclap:

[mama2cierra]

im amazed at this child who is 8 and hasnt given up on the boob yet!! all the self weaning stories i have heard have been between 1 and 3 years old! wow

[mama2cierra]

did anyone else notice that the title of the clip is called weird lady? but most ppl who have answered this thread think she isnt

[Shanaynay]

Finally got to watch the video.

I think it looked like a lovely time the 8yo was having iwth her mummy :)
Some 8 yos are more grown up than others, iykwim. She still very much looked like a little kid and it looked natural, her mum feeding her.

shezi - I say the cutoff age is when the child says so. Usually you would expect it around 7 yo or so.... but as I said some kids are 'older' or 'younger;' than others of the same age iykwim...

[neostudded]

I was BF until I was 5 then my mum weaned me, I can remember BFing it was the best feeling.I would never dream of not giving it to Julius I hope to BF him until he is at least 3, hopefully longer :fingerscrossed:

I dont believe I have being damaged for being BFing for so long.

[AM]

I was BF until I was 5 then my mum weaned me, I can remeber BFing it was the best feeling.I would never dream of not giving it to Julius I hope to BF him until he is at least 3, hopefully longer :fingerscrossed:

I dont believe I have being damaged for being BFing for so long.

That's awesome!

I hope my two remember being breastfed...All part of normalising the fact that breastmilk is the optimum way to feed your bub!:thumbsup:

[Sheer Bliss]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but have you all seen the comments people have left her? And they are labelling her 'weird lady' calling her a child molester and a sicko :shame: :shame: :shame:

They are the sick ones IMO - leaving comments like that. I have heard friends call it 'peverse' after seeing a baby that was 'well over one, if she's going to do that she should do it at home - only of a morning or night' (their words - NOT mine) walking up to mum & lifting shirt asking for boob. Don't they understand that as a breastfeeding mum it is NOT a sexual thing?? Breast are actually there to feed your baby, not to be sex funbags (that's just a bonus :p ). TBH b/f an 8yr old is not for me & i probably would have to look twice (or more) if i seen someone doing it. But you NEVER know anyone elses life/situation - so how can you really judge?

[Milliner]

Wow what a great read, there is so much great information in that article. Good on her!!!!!!! :yelclap:

[lachys_mama]

My cousin is about 14 now and she breast fed until she was 5. I thought it was wonderful that her mum would do that for her even though she used to get frustrated. Occassionally she would even go up to the school at lunch time and feed her. My cousin is now a bright successful student and is happy and never once did it really seem that odd to me, she was happy, her mum was happy enough to do it for her and in her own good time she stopped. *shrug* each to their own i guess. I am still sorta mourning my sons self weaning even though ds stopped when he was 9 months, I still leak a little colostrum to this day but have since found out that i couldn't feed him anyway as my milk was contributing to his lactose intolerance problem... good on this lady and more power to her and her daughters

[stellarella]

I thought the video was lovely.

She is challenging the pre-concieved notion of the 'freako, sicko' mother which is what some people like to picture when they think of extended BFing. But this mother is nurturing, loving, extremely intelligent and very normal. They seem like loving, caring and very close family. How can that be wrong??

Children develop and mature at different rates. One daughter Bf til 5 but the other daughter obviously needs that comfort still.

I dont know if I would be comfortable myself BFing that long, but I really cant say until the time comes and I see how my son has matured.

Those girls look like well adjusted, loving and intelligent children. They love their mothers breasts and speak fondly of them and it can only be a positive experience to teach girls about what breasts are REALLY for.

I agree with the mother. We do live in a sad world.

Go BFing mummies!! We are growing gorgeous, loving children. :yes:

[christen]

I dont want to offend people here and i appologise in advance i do, it is unintentional.

Did anybody notice that those kids were homeschooled? Veronica said that once they were out in the wide world she wouldnt be breastfeeding them anymore, does that mean that there is a possibility that the little one will feed into her teens?

Do you think they would have self weaned ealier if they were surrouned by other children in a public school environment?

[stellarella]

Possibly, however the first daughter only BF til 5 so I think its more to do with the individual child.

BFing a child for that long IS a selfless act.

I am so sick of hearing people say that it is about the mother.

I LOVE BFing because my son LOVES it.
It is always led by him.

If he didnt LOVE it anymore then I would cease to love it aswell.

Mothers are intuitive and it is highly offensive to suggest that a mother would want to or even be capable of forcing or coercing a child to BFed. Children have a will of their own.

How many mums who say it is for the mothers benefit are full term BFers??? Just out of interest. Full term in this instance means after 2 years or there abouts.

[youngones]

I'm BF my 8.5mth DD and never ceased to be amazed by the attitude I get from some people. I recently started back at work part time and am finding the expressing, on top of working and still carrying the load at home to be very tiring. Instead of being supportive, most people I meet tell me I should start comping, or just wean her, as she doesn't 'need' it now anyway.

A friend of ours BF her only child until the age of 7 and the kid has never been sick. She was a bit of a miracle bub and so her mum wanted to do everything she could to ensure the future health and vitality of her child. Said child is a happy, well adjusted kid who goes to a normal school and has sleepovers and best mates like every other child and none of their friends think they're weird.

I resent people who say "That's just wrong" or "When they can ask for it, you should stop" or "That's sick", or "That kid is going to grow up with a complex". I usually just say that I think it is a matter of choice and they are often quick to agree, but not before they've spat out an objection or negative opinion.

I think that what is sick is that our society has sexualised a lovely, functional part of the anatomy to the point where it is considered "deviant" to do what is completely natural. Breasts are sexual yes, but that doesn't, for a minute, stop them from being functional. My breasts belong to me, not my DH, DD or anyone else and I think that men who believe that their partner's breasts exist for their entertainment need to be encouraged to leave their adolescence behind.

What else is sick is feeding ourselves and our children genetically and chemically modified foods to account for discrepancies in our diet that have come about because of our culture and our lifestyles. Perhaps if we demystified breasts and BF more, we wouldn't get the (pardon the pun) tittering from grown men when they see the cover of National Geographic and we wouldn't end up with insulting, base competitions like the trash currently being promoted by Zoo Weekly.

Did anyone hear of that refugee who kept herself and several others alive for weeks on her breastmilk alone? What an amazing thing to do for your fellow humans. They owe their lives to her - would a First world woman think to offer that?

From a personal perspective, I want to BF my babies (hopefully there will be more to come) until at least around 15-18mths, despite the challenges that I face with a job that requires me to travel. My company and my boss is hugely supportive of me, which in turn wins them my loyalty. I don't for a moment think a child who is BF beyond this is going to have problems and I certainly don't think that their mother is deviant.

Just because I won't or can't do it, doesn't mean I have to find fault with it - good on her and others like her and while I'm at it, good on all mums who can't or won't BF, but are supportive of those who can and do and for BF mums who support those who can't or don't.

We're all in this together and we're all just doing the absolute best we can :hugs: .