Is Extended Breastfeeding a Problem or Solution?

"Time" magazine's new issue explores a trend in attachment parenting, including breastfeeding beyond babyhood, but a pediatrician at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore warns against creating codependencies in both parent and child.

Time magazine has glommed onto a trend called attachment parenting, which includes "extended breastfeeding," when a mother breastfeeds her child past infancy, babyhood, and into toddlerdom and older. The cover of its May 21 issue features a controversial photo of a mother who has one breast partially exposed as she breastfeeds her toddler. And the cover article focuses on Dr. Bill Sears who, along with his wife, Martha, wrote The Baby Book that has spawned a trend in attachment parenting. The trend includes co-sleeping and "baby wearing"—wearing your baby on your body in a sling, according to a "Behind the Cover" article by Karen Pickert in Time. "Some parents subscribe to his theory that attachment parenting ... is the best way to raise …

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Becky D, RN

4:46 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I couldn't have said it better! Well done! I for one am sick of hearing about extended breastfeeding. It is just what it is, extended past what is recommended. Parenting is about setting limits and boundaries. How backwards to let the child decide. Shame on you TIME for exploiting breastfeeding like this! Breast milk is for babies. NOT children.!   more ›

Perry Hall Parents

Do You Co-Sleep With Your Children?

Plenty of parents share their beds with their young children, but I am not one of them.

My youngest was sick last week, which basically meant he and I didn’t sleep much. I was exhausted and in a moment of desperation—at 3 a.m.—I did something I never do. I brought him into bed with me and he promptly fell asleep.   He slept soundly, albeit sideways and upside down, while occasionally throwing me a good kick. He couldn’t stand even the slightest bit of blankets touching him. I can’t say I slept much, but it was certainly better than walking and rocking the restless, crying 26-pound child up and down my room. This continued for a few nights while he fought off a virus. I’d start him in his crib, but when he’d awake, screaming and feverish, I’d give him medicine and bring him to bed with me. Much to his chagrin, I immediately …

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Stacey Schantz

9:19 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Sarah, if your daughter responds to star charts and reward systems, consider giving her a star for each night she goes to sleep in her room, and each morning when she wakes up in her room. Then set a reward, either a trip to the zoo or a toy, or a "big girl" manicure with mommy. Something that will get her excited and want to earn it. Of course she's got to be capable of understanding the reward …   more ›