Nothing 'Extreme' About Breastfeeding a Toddler, Local Mom Says
The much-talked-about Time Magazine cover might have shock value, but breastfeeding shouldn't, says a local parent and business owner.
Time Magazine recently highlighted attachment parenting in an article titled "Are You Mom Enough?" featuring the now infamous cover photo of a 26-year-old mother breastfeeding her 3-year-old son.
Debate sprung out across the Internet with comments chastising the mother for nursing a toddler, the magazine for featuring the photo and the media for making it such a big deal.
The article puts a spotlight on attachment parenting - a form of parenting that often includes baby-wearing, child-led weaning and co-sleeping - which is supported and popularized by Dr. William Sears in The Baby Book.
But attachment parenting is nothing new in Ferndale - or anywhere, says Emily Murray, owner of Modern Natural Baby in Ferndale.
Her store specializes in cloth diapers, natural baby gear, breastfeeding supplies, baby carriers and other "babywearing" needs - all popular among "attachment parenting" moms and dads.
"Attachment parenting is not extreme," Murray emphasized. "It's the way people have parented since the beginning of time and the way much of the rest of the world parents. Only Americans see this as 'extreme.' "
As for the photo, Murray says she believes it may have been intended to shock - but that there should be nothing shocking about breastfeeding an older baby or toddler.
"I'm happy that breastfeeding a 3-year-old was shown in the photo, however, I was not crazy about how the photographer posed the picture, as she likely holds her baby and sits while they nurse at home," Murray said of the photo, which features the boy nursing while standing on a chair. "I think Time was looking to shock people and that isn't the way attachment parenting or breastfeeding should be displayed."
And while the photo has sparked a debate about what many call "extended breastfeeding," Murray says she doesn't believe that term is appropriate.
"I don't like the term 'extended' nursing, because it's completely natural to nurse a 3-year-old, as children naturally wean themselves somewhere between ages 2 and 5," she said.
Murray said the response to the photo has been "awful."
"I nursed my own son until he was 2 1/2 and the comments have basically called me incestous, pornographic, abusive, etc.," she said. "And nursing my todder was the exact opposite.
"It was a loving, beautiful relationship that will benefit my son for the rest of his life."
Diane Dengate
8:28 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Americans are so gullible. OUr economy is in a mess, there are people dying in the streets of Syria, there is unrest and change in Europe - so many issues that are real and important. And TIME wants us to talk about breastfeeding. What is next? Soy milk or Cow milk? How to handle tantrums? Two basil plants or three? What other mundane topic can we get all worked up about?
Cinja
9:07 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Why can't we keep private matters "PRIVATE"?
Cinja
9:13 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Breastfeed your child whenever, however you would like...as long as it's somewhere I don't have to see you! It's not a spectators sport.
Sara
2:10 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
It's feeding a child, which any mother can do anywhere she pleases. I have a feeling you wouldn't mind watching a child suck on an artificial nipple though? Do you not see how that kind of thinking is not logical? That's like saying "Don't have intercourse with another person in public, but feel free to use a dildo!"
Monica Walters
12:57 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
It is perfectly legal in most ignore all states to nurse in public...just as it should be. What if we made everyone go eat or soothe themselves where others don't have to set you? Children have the same rights to eat when they are hungry and be soothed when they are hurt. If people are offended by it or don't want to see it, they can leave or turn their head.
Cathie Cyr
2:33 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
I have nothing against breasting feeding and did so with my three. But shame on this mom whatever her beliefs, to expoit herself, her son, and breast feeding this way. There is nothing "natural" or "beautiful" or "healthy" about this. Can you imagine the ridicule and teasing this boy will endure later in life with a shot like this!
Raye Cruise
2:46 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Raye
I breastfed and practiced attachment parenting with my children. They all weaned on their own at different ages anywhere from 2 1/2 to 5....perfectly natural. I, personally, did not care how anyone looked at me or judged me. I knew I was doing the best for my children.
gina
10:56 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
@cathie cyr--the shame should be put on Time magazine, NOT this mother. Time is being exploitative here...it's not like she came to the photo shoot knowing Time would use this one picture (out of hundreds taken that day, presumably) and put this headline and this spin on the article.