Three year old still breastfeeding

[Munckin]

I have a friend that her three year old son still wants to breast feed.  Is this healthy behavior for both.  He also insists on her to wear night-gowns instead of pajammas, and that he sleep with her and not in his own bed.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It would be prudent for the parents of this child to have a conversation with the pediatrician about sensible steps to promote sound development.

[Keegan]

hi

that sounds bizarre that your friend still breastfeeds her 3 yr old.  i can understand breast feeding until they are one yrs old.  i don't think that is good that she does that.  why doesn't she tell her child No?  No more breast feeding.  I work with 3 yrs olds and i can't see them still breastfeeding.  It seems strange.  At this age, 3, they have sippy cups to start drinking from regular cups.  Sounds like she is delaying his age.  And it's sounds unhealthy that she is doing this.  I guess the child wants some sort of closeness with his mother but, this is the wrong way.  Good Luck.

[kass]

There is nothing inherintly wrong with breastfeeding till three (my first did till she was one and weaned herself, and my second went till she was 3 1/2) and in most cultures children are breastfed much longer. It does not interfere with them learning to use a cup or be self sufficient. Trust me, my MOST independent is the one that breast fed the longest. Its natural, beneficial healthwise, and can be a wonderful experience for both mother and child. Its our culture here thats made extended breast feeding something negative, but thats because of the "sex" hang ups we have here...I assure you the child see's mom's breast as nothing more than a source of nutrition!!

Having said this, thats its healthy and natural does NOT preclude there being some issues that need to be addressed with the mother and child when other factors present themselves. I am not commenting specifically on the situation with this mom, but rather needed to say something about extended breast feeding and the positives that come with it. There is nothing strange or wierd or sick about it, its just not the "norm" in this culture is all.

Kass

[Whose life is it anyway?]

Many children the world over breast feed past 3 years. I believe the average in many countries is 4.3 years, but I'm sure La Leche Legue has the accurate figure.  Before the advent of formula the average age in the United States was 3 - 4 years of age.  I nursed my own children until 2 years & 18 months, becuase that is what I was personally comfortable with. Many of my friends nursed their children to age 4 years.  Very often the unfamiliar is labeled "weird", as are things we are uneducated about.  What is important is that this mother has support and resources to help her make her decisions regarding nursing.  Organizations such as La Leche Legue, Hip Mama, and Mothering Magazine offer some of the best information I have seen on this topic.  Good Luck!

[Vik808]

A related discussion, PLEASE HELP I'm still breastfeeding at 2 yrs 11mths was started.