Bad day? Here, take a breast!
Imagine this: Your 6-year-old child comes home from kindergarten. He or she tells you about the mean kid at school and that it was a bad day. And so to comfort your child, you take out your breast and let him belly up to the bar.
If you are uncomfortable with this image, join the club.
I saw this story on a “20/20″ episode about a woman who still breastfeeds her 6-year-old son because she believes it is a source of comfort and bonding for him. At least one psychologist in the piece raises questions about whether breastfeeding that long may hinder a child’s independence and ability to self-soothe.
I agree. It’s not going to be a pretty picture when that kid is grown up and hunting around for a breast to comfort him after a board meeting goes poorly.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m all for breastfeeding and nursed my daughter for 14 months. I loved every second of it and think all moms who can should give their children (and themselves) this gift.
But how old is too old? Do you think comforting a child with nursing into their school years could harm them? Or is nursing older children a good thing?