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Original poster

Views on if there's an age limit to breastfeeding in public

313 replies

Mud · 14/04/2005 20:02

I am totally for breastfeeding for as long as you are able / want to do it. So have no issues with extended breastfeeding (probably would put a cut off before 3 though)

I do however think that once a baby is no longer reliant on breast milk, and is totally weaned (probably around a year when it progresses to being a toddler) that it becomes a far more private affair between mother and toddler and should remain in the home (morning and night feeds)

So at what stage does a baby no longer need milk during the day? I think from a year. I think from a year is too old to offer a breast in public. And think especially if a toddler can walk, talk, pull up your top and accept a beaker then I think that's too old to breastfeed in public

your opinion is?

OP posts:
JoolsToo · 14/04/2005 20:03

Mud what have you started!

Original poster
Mud · 14/04/2005 20:04

bundle asked me, I thought I should switch threads though

OP posts:
morningpaper · 14/04/2005 20:04

What's the beaker doing under my top?

Original poster
Mud · 14/04/2005 20:04

doesn't have to be WW3 here though

OP posts:
JoolsToo · 14/04/2005 20:04

well I'll bet my boots there'll be some 'Mud' slinging before dawn!

Original poster
Mud · 14/04/2005 20:05

oops

OP posts:
Original poster
Mud · 14/04/2005 20:05

well ...

wait for it...

My name is (already) Mud

OP posts:
morningpaper · 14/04/2005 20:05

Seriously I would probably start cringing at 4. I have friends feeding 2 year olds and I haven't thought much about it. Although once when a friend's son was dressed in a suit it looked a bit Little Britian...

SenoraPostrophe · 14/04/2005 20:05

huh?

I think 70 is too old to breastfeed in public. Don't want to see any wrinkly boobs thank you very much.

bundle · 14/04/2005 20:06

"no longer reliant on breast milk" - what does this mean?
"it becomes a far more private affair between mother and toddler and should remain in the home (morning and night feeds)" why? how different is an 11 mth old to a 12 mth old?

"So at what stage does a baby no longer need milk during the day? " - the eg in the restaurant was in the evening, i seem to remember...

"I think from a year is too old to offer a breast in public." again, why? if this is done discreetly who's it hurting?
( not ranting, genuinely interested in why someone should feel like this)

PsychoFlame · 14/04/2005 20:06

OOoooooooooh....I sense a fight of words!!!!!!

I do think tho that there should be a time when breastfeeding toddlers is for a more 'quiet time' time (for lack of words to adequately explain)

Thomcat · 14/04/2005 20:07

I think that whatever I think it's none of my business. It's up to the mother. If she's comfortable, then everyone else should just deal with it.

Enid · 14/04/2005 20:07

I would probably look twice and I know my dh would think it was unacceptable but no, a 2 year old wouldn't really bother me at all

bundle · 14/04/2005 20:08

(mud, your name's not mud with me just interested in how people feel about it and why it has to become private after a certain period like a year)

Enid · 14/04/2005 20:08

yes, thomcat thats what I meant

Thomcat · 14/04/2005 20:08

LOL SenoraPostrophe

bundle · 14/04/2005 20:09

senorapostrophe, what if they're pert ??

misdee · 14/04/2005 20:10

i persona;ly think if the mother is over 85 then she shouldnt be breastfeeding in public

JoolsToo · 14/04/2005 20:11

I think if a breast feeding mother is over 85 its a miracle of science (although we're heading that way)

psychomum5 · 14/04/2005 20:12

I have never thought there should be a time to stop breastfeeding...I actually wanted to continue beyond the time I actually had to stop (which was for medical reasons each time), but I still am not sure how (ummmmmmm, stuck for words here.........) it can be when a child just runs over and whips up mummy's top for a drink!!

leahbump · 14/04/2005 20:12

I agree that it should be the preference of the mother. We do have to remeber that some people chose different parenting techniques to our own (such as attatchment parenting) and this might mean bf up to the age of three and beyond. I would not want these mothers to be confined to their homes just because they are different to me!

I also think that often the reaction to this is because we sexualise it because a child over 1 is no longer a baby. I certainly think men often do that. At the end of the day a womans boobs are a food source (for most women) and are not always sexual. Maybe I am wrong but this is my perception!!
the fact my 15 month old still feeds, that he is over one does not make it sexual- it is still a good source of food (though not the only one!).

binkybetsy · 14/04/2005 20:13

Hmmm...this is probably not going to be popular, but I feel if they can ask for it and hold a cup, time to stop!

Gobbledigook · 14/04/2005 20:14

I agree with Mud.

When a child is on a normal balanced 'solid' diet and drinking from a cup/beaker (ie at around 12 months) I just don't see the need for it (most formula fed babies are off bottles and formula by then) and tbh I don't know where I'd put myself is someone was bfing a walking, talking toddler in front of me.

bundle · 14/04/2005 20:14

but why? i'm really interested in what makes people feel that way

leahbump · 14/04/2005 20:15

and my ds hates cows milk or anykind of milk that isn't packagaed in a boob...(always has)

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