Reply #144: The average global weaning age is four [View All]

[LeftyMom]

The WHO reccomends children nurse until at least two years of age, the APA reccomends exclusive breastfeeding (no added solids) for the first six months and nursing as the primary source of nutrition for the first year, continuing as long as mother and child mutually desire after that.

Breast milk continues to be nutritious and nursing continues to be comforting long after the first year of life. Children will taper off and wean themselves, usually between the ages of two and five, without any parental pressure (that sounds late, but most kids only nurse once or twice a day after two or three) although some kids take longer for whatever reason.

I think people's discomfort with extended or public breastfeeding is the percetion that breasts are sexy. It's sad, because the primary and most important function of breasts is to feed children. Thier sexiness is an added bonus, and shouldn't interfere with thier day job. :)