something dorisbonkers said on another thread yesterday reminded me of this study, that I thought others might be as fascinated by as me. I haven't read the full paper but the abstract is fascinating.
'As good as chocolate' and 'better than ice cream': How toddler, and
older, breastfeeders experience breastfeeding. [References].
Publication Date
Dec 2009
Author
Gribble, Karleen D.
E-Mail Address
Gribble, Karleen D.: [email protected]
Source
Early Child Development and Care. Vol.179(8), Dec 2009, pp. 1067-1082.
Abstract
The breastfeeding experiences of 114 Australian children who were
currently breastfeeding were explored via maternal observation and
direct questioning of the children. Mothers commonly stated that their
child breastfed for comfort and this opinion was validated by
observations of when the children breastfed, which was often in the
transition to sleep or when the child was upset. Children stated that
they liked breastfeeding and that they felt happy, good or nice when
they breastfed. Children expressed that they liked the taste of breast
milk and compared the flavor to a wide variety of foods. Conversations
with the children revealed that they had learnt significant information
about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding role-play was often involved in this
learning and it is proposed that this learning should be valued. This
study is the first examination of breastfeeding from the viewpoint of
children, who are the actual breastfeeders, and provides insight into
their practices and motivations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights
reserved) (journal abstract)