World Breastfeeding Week: The Celebrity Baby Blog Breastfeeding Gallery

All of those pictures are just so gorgeous, and so intimate. It brings tears to my eyes looking at them, thanks for sharing everyone.

- Lola on August 1st, 2006

The pictures are just gorgeous! Thank you so much for posting about breastfeeding. It is so important for people to realize it is about the baby and what is best for the child. I was not able to BF my older two children but I was able to with my youngest. I BF her for 27 months and it was the most difficult, rewarding and beautiful experience of my life. I am currently pregnant with #4 and I will BFing again. Thank you so much for sharing!

- Deana on August 1st, 2006

What a beautiful gallery. I nursed my daughter for 21 months and have been nursing my son for 8 weeks.

- CypressMom on August 1st, 2006

Most of those pics are very beautiful. However, I find some disturbing. I support anyone’s choice, but I feel some of those “children” (who are obviously not infants) are too old. Just my opinion- as a preschool teacher, I cannot imagine my 2-3 yr. old children being breastfed.

Note from Danielle, CBB Publisher:
The benefits of breastfeeding do not end at infancy. Tune in later this week for our article about extended breastfeeding. After the sixth month, and even well past the first year, breastmilk still contains the right protein, fat and other important vitamins that a growing child needs. Recent research supports the notion that nursing toddlers are less likely to get sick than non-nursing toddlers regardless of how they were fed in their first year of life. Additionally, other research shows that the child who weans when she wants to is more independent and also has a higher sense of self-security. People also seem to have this notion that the breastfed toddler nurses the same way as an infant does but this just isn’t true. Most toddlers have no interest in nursing during the day if they are busy doing other things. Also, I’d like to point out that if we weren’t

Finally, consider this fact: You can not force a baby to breastfeed. It’s as simple as that.

In the meantime, read this http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/index.html

- morgie on August 1st, 2006

Wow! This is an amazing collection! I love th pic of the pregnant mom nursing her toddler! It is so amazing the capability and power of a woman’s body! Nursing my daughter has been one of the most rewarding aspects of parenting. I love the extended nursing pics too because sometimes I feel like I am the only one nursing a 2.5 year old!

- dancingmom on August 1st, 2006

Those pictures are just amazing. I think it is a great thing to create something so empowering and beautiful, and I feel so proud to have contributed to it. Breastfeeding is such an amazing act of love, and to see it displayed in such a light is just so refreshing.

- Mommyx1 on August 1st, 2006

I breastfed my daughter for 11 months, but sadly I never took one pic of her nursing. Next time I will BF baby #2 and take plenty of pictures of all the special moments. THANK YOU to each and every one of the mothers that shared their special moments with us.
Please remember the Mothers Milk Bank of Austin and others…mothers that can donate their extra breastmilk will be able to help save the lives of many newborn babies.
http://www.mmbaustin.org

- Hannahsmom on August 1st, 2006

Amazing pictures! Thanks so much for sharing them with us! As a mom, who used to think nursing past the 1st year was just weird, or self centered, I no longer think that, as with my last child, I decided to let him self wean. At 3 years of age, he is still nursing, just at night, but none the less, still nursing.

- Kellie on August 1st, 2006

I love all the photos. My mother breast fed my brother and I till we had all our teeth. There are major benefits to extended periods of time you breast feed. I can’t wait to read the post later on in the week.

- M (michie) on August 1st, 2006

Such beautiful pictures! I successfully nursed two of my children, for 3.75y and 5.75y, and should we be fortunate to have another child, I look forward to nursing again!

- Catherine on August 1st, 2006

What an amazing collection of photos- it reflects the beautiful bond between mother & child. My daughter is 3 months & BF- this is truly an inspiration to keep it up- thanks to all the moms who shared their photos!

- Heather on August 1st, 2006

Just wanted to add that I never intended to nurse more than 6 months, but I started researching extended breastfeeding and the benefits to me and my daughter were so vast. There was also the occasion when my family and I were stranded for 3 days after a hurricane (with no clean water, elec, phone, etc) and nursing helped keep my daughter fed and comfortable in a very scary time.

- dancingmom on August 1st, 2006

How could something so natural and so caring cause controversy? We don’t need to sexualize this act- a child being fed by its mother is one of the most basic and fantastic functions our bodies perform. For those who look down on nursing in public, or nursing past a certain point, I’m guessing that it stems from a vague discomfort that shows itself in phrases like “it’s just weird” or “that’s not right.” That’s a socialized way of thinking that we can work hard to break down. There’s nothing weird about breastfeeding, whenever and wherever the child needs to be fed. Thanks, CBB for promoting understanding. The pictures are beautiful and natural and perfect. God’s gift.

- Emily on August 1st, 2006

Wow! Looking at all those pictures is so empowering! When I found mine with my baby at 30 minutes of being born and at 3 mos, brought tears to my eyes. I felt happiness and compelled me to send more pictures. Hope Danielle doesn’t get sick of my e-mails!

- Maria N Gabriel on August 1st, 2006

I just want to thank you and congratulate you on celebrating breastfeeding and all of these wonderful mommies and babies. I am a proud mommy of a 7 year old son who nursed until he was four 1/2 and a 15 month old daugther who is still going strong with nursing. I believe that nursing for an extended period has provided me and my children with the foundations of a strong, loving relationship, and lasting benefits.

- Steph on August 1st, 2006

Breathtaking!

- Anna on August 1st, 2006

It really is a great thing to see all of these extended breastfeeding posts. I am still nursing my 18 month old, and am constantly hounded by family who ask, when will I stop. Sometimes I think I’m the only one still nursing my little girl. But it is great to see others who share the same philosophy. My MIL is the only one who does ask when will I stop- She breastfed my husband until he was four! I hope my daughter will want to go that long. I enjoy the bonding at night so much with her, after a long day of work. And its a great way to wake up and spend quite time in the morning too. A lot of people just don’t understand the importance of breastmilk and this week will hopefully shed some light on the subject.

- Lola on August 1st, 2006

I work full time and, with a wonderful daycare just down the street, breastfed both my sons until they self-weaned (19 mos. and 2.5 years). I second-guess myself as a mom a lot, but not about that; I know it was 100% the right thing to do for my boys. My husband was always supportive, but when he read an article about the benefits of extended nursing, gave me a copy of it with flowers and a note: “Thanks.”

- Fynn on August 1st, 2006

I whole heartedly support breast feeding and planned on doing it for my adopted daughter but she was a few months older when we met her than I anticipated. I want to comment though that my daughter, who is now 2.5 has been traumatized by watching mothers at her preschool breast feed their 2.5 and 3.5 year olds. My daughter now tries to latch on to me and becomes very upset when I try to explain to her that she can’t and why. telling her that it’s for babies doesn’t work when the kids are older than her. She simply doesn’t understand. It has created a very sad situation for us and I am afraid that it is going to have a long term emotional impact on her. I wish that mothers breast feeding older children would consider the other children and their families who witness the feedings and the psychological impact it may have on them.

- daphne on August 1st, 2006

I’m just curious, how does one breastfeed an adopted child? I thought you had to be pregnant and then have a baby to produce breastmilk. just wondering…

- Holly on August 1st, 2006

thanks to everyone for sharing such beautiful photos. i stopped breastfeeding my son 2 months ago and seeing all those pictures brought back such wonderful memories. it really is the most amazing experience. danielle you are doing such a fantastic job in promoting breast feeding week. well done and thank you! xx

- kate z on August 1st, 2006

As a new mother, I am very much aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. However some mothers are not able to, or choose not to continue breastfeeding for an extended period of time. I am one of those mothers. Breastfeeding is a very personal issue. I come to the CBB for gossip and updates on my favorite celebrities and their children. I do not come to the site to be preached to. If I wanted to learn more about the benefits BFing I’d go to the La Leche League’s website. I have always enjoyed this site and even purchased my birth announcements from one of the vendors advertised on the site. I am sad that the CBB has decided to exclude mothers who do not share the same views that the editor does.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
We are not excluding anyone by celebrating breastfeeding. I feel very strongly about the importance of breastfeeding and as this is my website, I decided to stray from the path slightly for a week. If you don’t want to celebrate, ignore the posts as you would any other posts you are not interested in.

- kathleen on August 1st, 2006

Just a question/comment:

My best friend is (unexpectedly, but happily) 8 wks pregnant. Due to a stroke she had last year (at the age of 25), she is taking Plavix, and will have to be on some sort of blood thinner the rest of her life. Her OB/GYN told her that it is safe for the baby to take her meds up to 2 wks before the birth (to prevent blood loss during delivery). However, he also informed her that due to the meds, she would not be allowed to breastfeed, which was extremely disappointing.

On her behalf, I have the following questions for your readers who may have some insight:

1) should she pump anyway to help “shrink” her uterus back after delivery, and if so, for how long?

2) HONESTLY, out of all the formulas, which is best for babies that cannot be breastfed?

3) will there be any articles this week addressing this very issue-about mothers who want to breast feed, but for one reason or another cannot?

Thank you in advance.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
1- I think it takes a few weeks for the uterus to shrink back when exclusively nursing but her ob/gyn is the best person to ask about that.
2- I have no idea but she should try googling “best formula” to learn more about it. I do not wish for this comment thread to turn into a discussion about formula. (I have been told that most formulas are basically the same but I know there are dairy-based ones and soy-based ones as well as special formulas.)
3- We don’t have any articles about mothers who want to breastfeed but can’t. There are only 7 days in World Breastfeeding Week. It would take a year to cover all of the different scenarious. However, we do have a great post about perservering and things you can do to increase the likelihood that a mother will be able to breastfeed her child.

- Natalee on August 1st, 2006

Thank you to everyone for sharing photos. I could not breastfeed either of my children for more than 6 months. And doing it for 6 months was hard for me but I tried to give my children as much as I could. It never felt natural to me and I could never get over how uncomfortable it made me feel. I don’t know why I felt that way. But I am glad to see others doing it, it’s empowering. Maybe next time around I’ll be able to do it a little longer.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
Congratulations on making it to 6 months. Any breastmilk you can give your child is a gift.

- BabyBliss on August 1st, 2006

FABULOUS. I bf’ed my kids for 15 and 18 mos (they weaned themselves), but never once got a picture of them nursing. I regret that now, but am so happy you asked for photos to support what is a natural, healthy, important, and wonderful bonding experience for a mother to have with her child.

- Becky on August 1st, 2006

I am in awe! Seeing all those pictures is making me want another baby! The picture Cheryl_son15years is beautiful. It reminds me so much of when my daughter was nursing. How they’ll just stare so contently into their mother’s eyes.

I nursed my daughter until she was 4 years old. My milk had slowly dried up and her nursing without a letdown began to irritate me so I slowly cut it out. I wish I had taken more pictures of her nursing. I only have one from when she was about 7 months old but no scanner so I couldn’t send it in.

To Daphne – A couple months after my daughter was weaned she asked to nurse again. I let her do so at which point she saw (I also told her) that there was no milk let so she was content with that and went on her way.

- Lorus on August 1st, 2006

Mamas, these pictures are amazing! I applaud the women who have submitted these pictures, as you are truly inviting us into your living room (or into your post bath hair drying, or on your vacation!) in sharing them.

Thank you so much, mamas, for sending pictures of tandem and extended nursing!! AND for CBB’s willingness to share these pictures too! (WTG Nicola!) You are doing your part to normalize breastfeeding in all of its stages by sending these images that are rarely shared with others. The more people see them, the more ordinary it will become to nurse not just a sweet tiny 3 week old, but a 1 yr old, or a 2 yr old, or older. The last time I nursed my oldest daughter in public, she was just over 2, and the last time I nursed my second child in public was around 18 months. They do quit asking in public places, and they do get old enough to understand that sometimes mama wants to wait till later. Developing a word to call nursing has been helpful for my older children, and my baby is already using it!

Thank you CBB for allowing us to share these precious images of the breastfeeding relationship(s) we have in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week!

- Jennifer on August 1st, 2006

is it wrong that i get turned on by this gallery?

- Guy Gardner on August 1st, 2006

Beautiful pics!! It is so empowering to see all of these women (some in public places) breastfeeding. I love the entire gallery and would like to thank everyone for sharing their pics with all of us. I was only able to breastfeed my son for a few days, then he just seemed to lose interest in it or wasnt able to get what he needed from me so I had to switch to formula
I do have a pic or two of me doing that then, so is it too late to send that in Danielle??
Thanks again everyone!!

- nicksmomma on August 1st, 2006

Jennifer, what word did you develop to call nursing with your older children? My kids (now 7 and 4) still call women’s breasts “nigh nighs” because when they were older, talking breastfeeders, they’d ask for “nigh nigh.”

- Fynn on August 1st, 2006

Yes, nursing does not work for everyone. I think these pictures are neat, though! I bf my daughter for 11 months and loved it, and plan on doing the same with the new baby. Not everyone can be so fortunate. Thanks for the pictures!

- Rach on August 1st, 2006

There are medications and supplements that can help produce milk even if the mother hasn’t been pregnant. Also sometimes just pumping on a consistent basis will get some milk produced. It is almost always not enough to provide complete nutrition for the baby- but a little can benefit the baby.

- daphne on August 1st, 2006

There are medications and supplements that can help produce milk even if the mother hasn’t been pregnant. Also sometimes just pumping on a consistent basis will get some milk produced. It is almost always not enough to provide complete nutrition for the baby- but a little can benefit the baby.

- daphne on August 1st, 2006

Since my 9-month old son was born, breastfeeding him has been the absolute best decision I have made so far- it is such a bonding experience and I loved seeing all those pictures, especially all the different women. I even think I saw an old friend from high school there- Sherah Bond is that you? This is Karen Warren, you look great!

- sragraf on August 1st, 2006

So beautiful. Thank you for highlighting and supporting this. People are still so reluctant to accept it. The World Health Organisation reccomends breastfeeding until a child is near four I think. You can check that, but it’s something like that.

I breastfed until my son was nearly 2 and am now doing so with my 13 month old daughter. I say let them feed until they stop naturally. Most will do sometime during ‘todler-hood’ anyway.

I saw a great programme on this in the UK and a girl of 7 was still breastfed. I know to many that is sick or shocking, but she was explaining how she was not able to succle anymore and it made her sad to lose that. So you see you DO naturally lose the ability to succle at your mother’s breast. If we let them feed until they are two or three what is the harm in that?

- Virginia on August 1st, 2006

Danielle, I’m so happy you posted this. The pictures were most amazing thing I have seen. I realize some are uncomfortable with seeing a woman nurse her child, which I’ll never understand. There seems to be some odd bizarre taboo with women breast feeding in public. I get the whole whipping it out and showing skin but I did it covered up and I’ve seen many other women do the same. I think it’s the most wondeful, beautiful, bonding experience a woman can have with her child. Kudos to you Danielle!

- Natalie S. on August 1st, 2006

I congratulate Danielle on posting information about breastfeeding. I am 22 years old and I am not a mother yet but I do plan on breastfeeding my children. My mom strictly breastfed me (I don’t know how long) and she said it was hard but also a very good experience. Those pictures are so beautiful. If it wasn’t for CBB, I would’ve never known about World Breastfeeding Week.

- Tam on August 1st, 2006

I would love it if you made a poll to see how long women breastfeed. I’ve breastfed my son for 7 months and I’ve been thinking about supplementing a meal or 2 a day but definately still breastfeeding a meal or 2 until he’s 1 year old.

- Estelle on August 1st, 2006

I must get you some photos of me nursing in my Ergo Baby Carrier. The photos are simply wonderful! I especially love the black and white ones. Thank you so much for doing this!

- Ellen Sandoval on August 1st, 2006

Daphne, explain it to your daughter quite simply. “Mommy doesn’t breastfeed you. Other Mommies breastfeed their children.” I doubt it’ll have a long lasting psychological impact.

That’s all it takes when my girlfriends children are curious about how I feed my daughter (who is 2 in a week)

Kids catch on quickly.

- Stacey on August 1st, 2006

My son is 4 weeks old and I am breastfeeding. I enjoy it so much, it is such a special bonding time we share. I love the tribute to nursing mothers. I would be very interested in how breastfeeding mothers returned to work and if they supplemented after returning to work … or if they just nursed in the morning and at nights.

- Joanne on August 1st, 2006

Thank you so much for doing this! Breastfeeding my daughter was the best 13 months of my life. Words cannot express how powerful the bond is when you nurse your child, but photographs capture it well.

Whenever I see a mother nursing in public, I always want to go give her a big hug and a thank you, but I never want to disturb the little one. So, to all of you who are nursing, Kudos to you!

Thank you, thank you CBB!

- Wendy Mac on August 1st, 2006

I love the all the pics. Brestfeeding my daughter was the best. I wouls have loved to post a pic of our last nursing on my DD’s nine month b-day. But I was too late to submit. I’m an African American woman, and I would to see more images of American women of color represented to other mothers-to-be. Thanks again. Your site rocks!

- Veroncia on August 1st, 2006

Thank you CBB for these pictures. I was planning on breastfeeding my daughter when she was born but the last minute I backed out and gave her formula. For my second child, I do plan on breastfeeding

- Shelly on August 1st, 2006

For those that are disturbed by nursing toddlers keep in mind that most of us that do it were probably feeling the same way that you do until it became a part of our lives and parenting.

To the mom of the adopted daughter, why don’t you let her try. She won’t know what to do and will quickly give it up. My older child did that after her brother was born. She had weaned while I was pregnant and had forgotten how to nurse. She just wanted to know she wasn’t being excluded.

For the friend of the pregnant woman taking Plavix, I would highly recommend that you tell your friend to have her doctor look it up in Dr. Hale’s book for drug interactions and breastfeeding or to consult a certified lactation consultant. Most doctors will exclude ALL medications while nursing even though nearly all medications are fine to take while nursing.

- Megan on August 1st, 2006

It would be terrific to read some articles about nursing babies during travel – I’ve heard you can safely nurse while baby is strapped in a carseat, but have never learned how. Also, getting through the challenges of breastfeeding other than the typical latch issues. i.e. distractibility, teething, etc. While I am a twice nursing mama, I am not a huge fan of extremist groups like LLL because they are usually so derogatory to non-nursing moms or moms who wean early. The best choice for your baby and family is what makes you all happy and healthy, and that’s important long after the breastfeeding years. Breastfeeding Week isn’t just for those who are lactating, it can be for every mom to take from and teach our children healthy habits to carry with them through life. Remember, we’re all mothers and there does NOT have to be a line between us based on feeding preference.

- Madeline on August 1st, 2006

What beautiful photos Danielle! They are just breathtaking! I’m only 15 years old so I’m kind of young to have kids just yet but I am planning some in the future. I was never breastfed when I was a baby but I do plan on breastfeeding my own children when I’m able to have some. I am so grateful for the mothers that already do it. It’s just such a wonderful experience!

- Kelly on August 1st, 2006

i know this isn’t a message board but i have a comment for natalee whose friend is pregnant and taking plavix. i knew someone who was taking anticoagulants whilst pregnant. she was having her blood thinned for a different reason but she was given injections of a blood thinning product for a few weeks after delivery in place of her usual tablet. this allowed her to breast feed her daughter before she was put back on them. obviously every case is different but it may be possible and probably worth an ask if she is keen to breastfeed her baby. even just one feed has huge benefits! good luck to her. she is lucky to have such a caring and supportive friend.

- kate z on August 1st, 2006

beautiful

- ericka on August 1st, 2006

What absolutely fantastic pictures — thank you so much for doing this!

- slm on August 1st, 2006

I Love this occasion. I’m a new mother of a six week old baby girl. Although it’s difficult in the beginning, but now I’m so enjoying breastfeeding my daughter!! )

- Astrid on August 1st, 2006

More power to the mum’s who breast feed well into toddlerhood. If you feel comfortable doing it then more power to you.

There is however a point where it should stop. I don’t think being 3 is a bad age but that’s where it should end. I had a friend who was 7 and her mother breast fed her. It was very odd…

- ericka on August 1st, 2006

Wonderful job Danielle and everyone who contributed all of these amazing images. I am happy to be apart of it. I think that the more and more we educate women the less and less mothers will feel discouraged and embarrased by nursing in public or in other situations. The more it is shown the more natural it becomes which is the way it should be.

- Lisa on August 1st, 2006

YOU GO, CBB!!!!!!!!

Awesome gallery, ladies!!!!! THANK YOU!

- Madame M. on August 1st, 2006

Nice pictures! I wish I breastfed my baby girl but my breastfeeding was messed up by the nurse who was taking care of me. Looking at these pictures make me wish my breastfeeding wasn’t messed up. But oh well, my girl is 6 months now and growing well with formula too.

- Ash on August 1st, 2006

The photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing something so incredibly initimate. I am a proud breastfeeding mother of a nine week old.

- Hannah on August 1st, 2006

Thank you for celebrating one of the most natural and loving acts a mother can do for their child. Our picture made it into the gallery and it is a joy to be able to share with everyone. My daughter is currently 22mos and stll nursing. I am also currently 6 months pregnant. I intend on nursing until my children coose to wean, even though it means tandem nursing. Only God and the child know when they don’t need momma’s milk anymore.
For mothers that are unable to breastfeed, I just wanted to point out that donated milk from Milk Banks can be an option too. http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/breastmilkbanks.htm

- Shay on August 1st, 2006

Absolutely amazing photos!!! I have been bf for 18 weeks and was planning to stop when my son turned 6 months but looking at the photos, I may reconsider. It’s the only “real” time alone with my son and it’s great. Thanks for posting photos !!! Oh, It’s great because these days people are so EWW’d about bf but it’s such a natural thing that it should be honoured like you guys have made it. Thanks again!

- Lukas Zayden's Mum on August 1st, 2006

This gallery has gotten me thinking quite a bit about my own nursing experience. I have a 13-month-old who refuses whole milk and hasn’t really started devouring food the way I thought he would. I had planned on weaning him at a year and I’ve been feeling quite anxious that I’m still nursing him (a couple of times a day). But now that I see so many moms nursing well beyond a year, it alleviates some of my anxiety. I don’t feel the need to wean him just yet if he’s not ready. Thanks!

- KM on August 1st, 2006

I am all for breastfeeding. I tried to do it when I had my daughter, but I was unable to produce enough for her. I support all women that can do so, but sometimes I feel like I’m a bad mother because I was physically unable to do so. I can say that my daughter is a happy, healthy, and vibrant little girl despite her mother’s inabilities.

- Dee Jay on August 1st, 2006

These are totally amazing. I’m pregnant with my second, and can’t wait to nurse.

- Kate on August 1st, 2006

The pictures are beautiful. It such a wonderful, safe time for mom and baby. I love that my own body provided everything that the children needed to be healthy.

- spindoctor on August 1st, 2006

These pictures are so wonderful! I am still usring my 3.5 year old and plan to do so until she weans. She call it ‘shnickies’

- georgia's mom on August 1st, 2006

I loved seeing all of these wonderful pictures. I sent the link for the gallery to my mom, lactation consultant. I don’t know if she’s looked through all of them, but I thought all the women and babies were fabulous. I only hope that the babies shown will be great supporters of breastfeeding when they have children–yes even the boys.
Now I’m just waiting for my second one to arrive. He’s due Monday, but I think he wants to show up earlier, if the contractions are any indication!

- StephRainey on August 1st, 2006

Ladies who think they missed the deadline – you are still more than welcome to submit. Send your pics to BFgallery@celebrity-babies.com and we’ll try to get them up.

- Sarah CBB News Editor on August 1st, 2006

very beautiful photos yet I agree with some that it wierds me out to see kids older then 2 breastfeeding! It’s just a personal opinion. I hate seeing kids over 2 with bottles so I guess it kinda goes hand in hand.

Still even after seeing these lovely photos it doesn’t make me want to do it!

- joy on August 1st, 2006

The pictures were AWESOME!!

I especialy love the pics of children nursing their dolls.
I think that the more we BF in front of our kids, the more they’ll think of it as a “normal” thing when they have their own children.

Way to go to all of you !!

- ceci on August 1st, 2006

Thank you CBB! These pictures are beautiful, heartwarming, and inspiring. They make me miss the time I spent nursing my daughter. Kudos to all the women who have, who are, and who plan to nurse their children. We admire you.

- LilacWineGirl on August 1st, 2006

I agree with a couple of the ladies above…All of these photos are quite empowering and beautiful…but it’s slightly…ummm….different to see a newborn and then an almost three year old attached to the mother. Now…I’m not mother because I’m only 22 and I’m sure I have a lot to learn before I the time comes….but I just find it weird to see a 30 lb kid attached to the mother. At what point should you let it go??

- Tranae on August 1st, 2006

Thank you for this wonderful gallery. I gave birth to my son 5 days ago and am breastfeeding. I never breastfeed my first as she had latching issues so this is a new and totally overwhelming issue for me right now.

Looking through the gallery and reading all the comments has given me the reassurance I needed that this is a truely wonderful thing!

Thank you x

- Rhian on August 1st, 2006

awwww…I’ve gotten so clucky looking at all these beautiful baby photos.

I can’t wait to have kids !!!!!!!!!!!

- Heavenly_Hibiscus on August 1st, 2006

In response to Tranae:
Number one, weight and size has nothing to do with it. My daughter was already well over 20lbs by 6 months. So to equate size with nursing is silly. It’s like saying to wean a baby when they get teeth.
As for when you should “let it go”…when both mom and baby are comfortable weaning. All babies should at least be nursed until a year. And after that it should be up to the mom and baby to gently stop nursing.
My daughter weaned at 37 months and did I think I would nurse her that long? Oh, heck no. Once you’re at that point it doesn’t seem odd, or disturbing or icky in any way. Breastmilk is good as long as you nurse. It continues to change and mold itself to the needs of the child. It NEVER becomes “bad” or “unhelpful” or anything of the sort. It’s ALWAYS beneficial.
Do I think everyone needs to nurse until toddlerhood? No. But I think it’s a birthright to be breastfed.

- Ashli on August 1st, 2006

thank you so much cbb, wonderful wonderful gallery and so good to see so many people take it all in (yes extended nursing, tandem nursing, newborns, in babycarriers, standing sitting walking lying down!!!) Remember for all of you who have questions, these have all been asked before and La Leche League has amazing resources and people especially trained to answer those questions. They have often more up to date information on breastfeeding than your average pediatrician, so if you have specific questions about medication and special situations they have that information or can find it.

- Vibeke on August 1st, 2006

These pictures are so beautiful, they made me cry. I was unable to BF my baby, because she never latched on. I did, however, pump for a long time for her because I had enough supply for a small country. Viewing these pictures tugged at my heart a little, as I feel a little sad that we did not share such a natural and tender bond. We embrace our children the best way we can. Kudos to all mothers who breastfeed or pump or bottle feed. Thank you CBB for this gallery and for being my favorite addiction!

- ML's Mom on August 1st, 2006

Thanks for doing this, and putting a ‘spotlight’ on something so wonderful and important! I am still nursing my 28mo. old son… I NEVER thought I would nurse this long! I had hoped to make it to at least a year (as is recommended by the AAP) but at that point there was just no reason not to continue. My son obviously still wanted to nurse, and it was also important to him nutritionally as he had a dairy allergy. Nursing still comforts him and helps him to sleep, and he makes it clear that he doesn’t want to stop.

- Sarah on August 1st, 2006

This gallery is truly amazing. The fact that all these women felt secure enough to submit these beautiful photos really shows that breastfeeding is not something to be ashamed of, and that it is a natural process. At first, I was unsure about the extended bfing pictures, but after seeing these comments, I have a completly different opinion. I especially love the picture of the pregnant woman nursing,because it reminds me of my own experiences breastfeeding while I was VERY pregnant! Thanks to everyone who submited, viewed, and thanks to CBB for doing this!

- H_solice on August 1st, 2006

I am Amber, the one whos nursing 22mth old Collin! I would just like to say its a beautiful thing! No matter how old the child is I think its beautiful. Thanks to all those wonderful pics My son will be nursed until he is ready to give it up! Its his Mommy & me time. I never nursed my other two this long…But this time I’m in it for the long haul. Heck we had to supplement (Dropper feed) him formula to get him started…he gained weight slowly! So after each feeding he got 1-2 ozs of formula..Now he only gets breast milk….

But this isn’t a popularity contest! I think no matter how you feed your child, at the breast, pumped milk or formula it doesn’t make a difference! Being the mother you are is the key! Everyone on here has thier own opinion but i give them a thumbs up for just being a great mother!!!

Hopefully I didn’t step on any toes!

- Amber on August 1st, 2006

This is really beautiful! Thanks so much for putting this together and everything. I love the pictures of double-feedings, and the pregnant mom nursing. I had my 1st 2 really close together, so I was nursing while pregnant. I planned to stop toawrd the end of the pregnancy, but ended up continuing and breastfeeding both children. I have no regrets, it was a great experience. On the topic of breastfeeding, I have a cute story to share… I was breastfeeding my daughter,16mos, and I suddenly came down with a bad case of hiccups. Seeing as I was bfing, this posed a bit of a problem, but my daughter loved it, she would stop feeding, look up and laugh! just wanted to share! Thanks again for this fantastic gallery.

- Kelly on August 1st, 2006

Breastfeeding is definitely the best choice for babies – without doubt. And while I understand and agree on the health benefits of extended nursing, how can anyone HONESTLY say that this is not going to psychologically effect a child later in life and ostracize them in school and in relationships. What happened to encouraging independence in a toddler? This is like saying that kids will give up the pacifier when they’re ready. It’s gotta go by 2! We’re not in a country where there is no other healthy food options for children and they will die without mother’s milk. It sounds like many moms just aren’t ready to let go of their “babies” and are claiming that the children are the ones who aren’t ready to let go. Kids follow parents example and lead.

- anonymous on August 1st, 2006

i’m so proud of all of you, mamas! in our society that sees female breast as a sexual symbol it’s so refreshing to see the true and intended purpose of this organ-to nourish, to provide comfort and security. breastfeeding is a selfless act of love, it’s art, it’s primal…and it’s so wonderfully expressed by CBB readers.
to your health, babies!

- valeria on August 1st, 2006

Wonderful, amazing pictures!! My boys are now 9 and 10 yrs old. They were both nursed – the first for 7 weeks, the second for 7 months. This album makes me sad that I never thought to take pictures.

- Amy T on August 2nd, 2006

I BF for about 1 month. I wanted to go much longer, but it hurt so badly. She wasn’t getting enough out of me (we were feeding every 45 minutes) and it kept getting worse (for lack of a better set of words to describe the horrendous pain).

I think next time I would like to go longer and definitely remember to take a picture or 2 of breastfeeding. Those are definitely empowering pictures.

- Shalini on August 2nd, 2006

The pictures of breastfeeding ARE beautiful, however I am qualified in childhood development and I personally find extended breasting (4+ years) disturbing and for all the listed ‘benefits’ extended breastfeeding also has its professional (people who study childhood developmental milestones) detractors past the age of 4. Although its all very nice to say there are health benefits, you should know there are also associated emotional boundary issues with women who insist on breastfeeding 5 year olds.

- ann on August 2nd, 2006

I just posted, and I am actually NOT “Shalini” I dont know why that name came up. Apolagies to Shalini, I am Ann.

- ann on August 2nd, 2006

I’m sorry, but I have to say that it is kind of disturbing to see these older children feeding, and you have to wonder about emotional issues on the part of the mother. And the same goes for the ones wearing nothing but a diaper to feed. Something just seems off.

- Lindsay on August 2nd, 2006

I think that this gallery is beautiful. This pictures are great. I don’t think that it should matter how old the child is or even what the child is wearing. It’s all celebrating the same thing … the wonderful world of breastfeeding. I have passed this gallery on to a community blog on lj and my own blog. I’m very proud of everyone who submitted photos. Bravo.

- Kristine on August 2nd, 2006

Lindsay, there’s nothing wrong with a baby feeding in a diaper or even naked. They come out naked and place the kid on you and most of the time you immediately breast feed (permitted nothing is wrong with the baby). It’s very natural…nothing sexual about it.

- ericka on August 2nd, 2006

just out of interest and i’m not trying to have a go at you lindsay but do you have any children? I’m sure all mothers will agree that their baby’s skin in the loveliest softest thing to touch and not many things beat being snuggled up to your baby. i used to love stroking my son’s skin when he was feeding. there is nothing sexual about it at all. i find it ‘odd’ that someone would find it ‘odd’ to see a child wearing just nappy whilst feeding. asides all that maybe it was hot!

- kate z on August 2nd, 2006

I think this is wonderful, I’m snivveling now I have seen elisabeth_35weekspregnant as I have no photos of me nursing whilst pregnant, and now I wish I did! If you had told me three years ago that I would be tandem feeding a three yr old and her baby sister I would have laughed in your face, and whilst it has it’s ups and downs it has definately been a good descision. Thank you for this article and the beautiful pictures.

- JennyBean on August 2nd, 2006

To all mothers in the gallery: you and your children look beautiful, thank you for sharing!

It is heartwarming to see older children being breastfed, as it seems that a lot of people think that the 6 month minimum of breastfeeding is a maximum at the same time. There is no minimum as there is no maximum – you do what you can.

Two of my friends, one who is breastfeeding her 1.5yr old and one who is tandemfeeding a 2.5 yr old and a newborn baby, are not only ashamed to do this in public but also to even admit that they are still breastfeeding their children. Seeing this will do them so much good!

To Lindsay I’d like to say that there is nothing odd or off about that. Breasts are sexual for adults (naked and dressed), but for children (dressed or undressed) they are just where their food comes from.

And some encouragement to Daphne: please know that it is probably more traumatising for you that you cannot breastfeed your child than it is to her. One of my first memories is of my mom breastfeeding my younger brother. I (3.5) wanted this too, but she explained that she couldn’t because there would not be enough for my little brother. I also asked her whether I was breastfed when little and she said “no, we tried but I didn’t have enough milk and you needed to grow big and strong, so we gave you bottles”. Although she recently told me that she still feels she has something to make up for, I’ve never had problems with this (sharing my toys was much more difficult!). Just telling your daughter that you can’t because you have no milk might be the easiest solution – she’ll know that it’s not because you don’t want her too, and that’s all she’ll need to know.

- hermowninny on August 2nd, 2006

Beautiful pictures, but I do have to agree with the people who find it weird to see a 2 or 3yo breastfeeding. I know the La Leche League has all this info about the benefits of extended breastfeeding, but they have an agenda to push. I’ve spoken to dozens of peds on the subject and not one of them admitted there’s any real benefit for extended breastfeeding. I came to the conclusion that the mother just wants to still feel connected to the child and can’t let it go. I breastfed for a year and can’t imagine my now 2yo still breastfeeding.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
Pediatricians are experts on illnesses but they get about 20 minutes of education about breastfeeding in medical school. If you want advice about breastfeeding, your pediatrician is probably the last person to ask. La Leche League’s only “agenda” is to support women who want to breastfeed. They don’t try to force or make anyone breastfeed who doesn’t want to, or push them to do it longer than they want to. It’s not like they get a financial bonus for every baby who is breastfed!

- lola'smom on August 2nd, 2006

Ah hermowninny’s comments about her own memories of not being able to be breeastfed at 3.5 remind me of my own childhood a bit, when I too was 3.5 or so when my younger brother was born. My mom told me pretty much the same story, although for me she blamed an illness I’d had as an infant (plus being a first time mother) as the reason why she didnt bf me for very long.

Anyway some those pics of the toddlers bfing their dolls is adorible and also brings back memories too because I too remember back when I was 3.5-4 I’d immitate my mom by trying to bf my dolls! lol! So obviously that’s very normal…

(I also remember an incident when I was around 6, and my other younger brother was just born, my mom had pumped herself into a bottle for my baby brother then poured maybe a Tablespoon of it into a cup so that I could taste it, after I’d begged her to. lol, oh dear…)

- Autumn on August 2nd, 2006

I chose not to breastfeed my daughter when I had her and there are times when I regret it. I felt it would be strange and uncomfortable. We are in the process of having another child and I had decided before this to at least give it a try. But after seeing the pictures it really is a beautiful thing and I really think I am going to give it a consentrated effort this time. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

- Tracy on August 2nd, 2006

Shame on those of you who find these pictures more “sexual” than natural. Get over it. Breasts are made to feed babies. If you can’t do it, don’t try to make those mothers who succeed feel guilty, because it won’t work.

- Lisa on August 2nd, 2006

I am writing today to say, “Thank you!” for displaying a beautiful tribute to breastfeeding. I have a 4.5 year old daughter, who I was only able to breastfeed for 8 weeks. It was a very difficult and trying 8 weeks and for many reasons I was unable to continue. Still to this day I regret my decision and wish that I had had a better support network. and more educated doctors.

Our family recently moved to Geneva, Switzerland and I am impressed on how many mothers breastfeed out in public. From shopping malls to parks….breasts are exposed and doing what they were made to do. And I am very proud that Europeans could care less if a mother is feeding her child in the park under a tree without a shawl or blanket to hide it. I think that we as Americans need to be more educated on breastfeeding and less prudish when it comes to seeing a woman breastfeeding, especially when it is so touching and beautiful.

All I can say is, “Keep up the good work!” You have put a smile on my face today.

- Nicole S on August 2nd, 2006

I do think it’s a beautiful thing for babies to be breastfed but there are some children here, particularly the boys I see-like 2-3 yrs old being breastfed. I do find some of these pics disturbing. Several of the photos of the kids looked WAY to big for this. It is uncomfortable to look at. What age is the line drawn? Seriously. Inquiring minds just want to know.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
The line should be drawn when you and your child decide it should be drawn. It is not up to anyone else. Please read the comments from readers in this thread and our article about extended breastfeeding later this week for more info on the advantages of it.

- Doreen on August 2nd, 2006

It is wonderful that someone may stumble on this site and see this glorious celebration of breastfeeding. It is empowering to see women breastfeeding their children 1 and older. the longer one breastfeeds the better the benefits. i plan to allow my son to self-ween and it is wonderful to see other women who do so.
Perhaps this will teach some people who previously though breastfeeding older children was unnecessary that it is normal and perfect.

- mountainmama on August 2nd, 2006

Those photos are all beautiful. A little off topic and I am sorry but Danielle, if you read this, have you had any drawbacks with the name Anya yet? We are naming our daughter the same but spelling it Aine which is the traditional Irish/Gaelic spelling.

Thank you also for posting the myths about breastfeeding. I will not give up on breastfeeding my daughter no matter the situation.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
So far people have thought her name is Tanya, but other than that, no disasters. I realize we will not be able to find her cute pencils and stickers with her name on it, but you can’t have everything! However, we did decide not to name her Lucia (we used it for her middle name) because we feared that people would never pronouce her name correctly.

- Kaelin on August 2nd, 2006

I am big advocate of breastfeeding babies and giving them all the advantages that bottle feeding does not give them. BUT..In my opinion I think that there should be a appropriate time to stop breastfeeding. Three years old is alittle old to be breastfeeding in my opinion. I am the mother of 3yr old twin boys and my I do not think it is good thing at that age to continue with breastfeeding. Please understand that this is only MY opinion and not anyone elses and I welcome responses to my comment.

- Melanie Pryor on August 2nd, 2006

Thanks for putting together this wonderful gallery of photos! I’m happy to see my family included (hair drying toddler & tandeum pic.) Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

- Deborah on August 2nd, 2006

Deborah- I loved the hair drying pic!

- dancingmom on August 2nd, 2006

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the type of sling the women is wearing in the picture of her on the beach with her child (the sling is blue). I have a really hard time BF my 10 month old in public (he is too into everything else around us). That looks like it might solve my problem? Thanks so much! Thanks you to CBB for doing a great job showcasing the benefits of BF!

- andrea on August 2nd, 2006

Doreen- Human biology is geared toward weaning sometime between 2.5 to 7 years. (The study is from -K Dettwyler. A Time to Wean. Breastfeeding Abstracts vol 14 no 1 1994.) Most health organizations including the WHO and UNICEF strongly urge moms to breastfeed through toddlerhood. Hope that helps.

- dancingmom on August 2nd, 2006

Hi Danielle…I am so glad you posted these pics on CBB. As women and mothers, we need to show the world that breastfeeding is totally normal and natural. How could breastfeeding your child in public be offensive or disgusting? Although I ‘m not a mother yet, I find breastfeeding to be beautiful and a great bonding experience with a child, in addition to the health and nutritional benefits.

I was at a coffee shop one day (drinking coffee in the patio), and there was a lady breastfeeding her child outside in the patio. Someone that was also in the patio got upset, called the manager, and complained that this lady was breastfeeding in a public. The manager then told the lady that she had to leave if she wanted to continue breastfeeding. OMG, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Of course, the lady was furious, but she tried to explain to the manager, in a civilized way, that she was not doing anything obscene. To make the story short, I was so upset, I got out my chair, threw my coffee away, and I told him I was never coming back.

No offense to anyone, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but people need to be a little more comprehensive with public breastfeeding. I’ve seen worst things in public!

Danielle, I want to congratulate you for putting all of this together. I also want to let you know that I admire you for all of your devotion and work for CBB. Aside from all the celebrity baby fun, I have definitely learned a lot from your website. I’m not ready to be a mother yet, but when I am, I will certainly remember all of your advice. Thanks again and congrats on your success.

- Ariana on August 2nd, 2006

I don’t think it’s very accurate to say that peds. doctors only get 20 minutes of breastfeeding information during medical school. As a family doctor myself, I have to keep myself updated on breastfeeding and its benefits and the like not only because my job is to care for infants but also because I have a duty to keep myself continually educated. Thus, I don’t think its fair to state that “we” only get 20 minutes of this type of education in medical school. Finally, I do believe that breastfeeding is the best for baby and mommy BUT I do have to say some of the posts are a bit judgmental. Just my opinion.

- Nina on August 2nd, 2006

i think all of the pictures are beautiful. i always thought i would wean at 1 year but now i plan to let my 6 month old daughter wean herself. i used to think those who bf past one year were “freaks” but now i am one of them!

- ashley on August 2nd, 2006

Ann, what studies have you come across that say that there is evidence that it becomes harmful at 4years old, it sounds like your personal opinion, not a scholarly one. I don’t see anything in the child development milestones that suggests danger at 5 years old.

- remixrocka on August 2nd, 2006

I think it is wonderful to see a mother and child bonding whether by breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The time spent feeding your infant is still precious and tender regardless of the mode or method. I do not agree with demonizing the use of formula.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
I am pretty sure that no one has said anything negative about formula, at least not in any of the site’s posts.

- kimberlai on August 2nd, 2006

I can tell by the tons of feedback that this has been a success for CBB–but I’d like to request two things if you repeat this experiment–one–please put the pics below the fold and make sure they don’t show up on Bloglines. I read from work/public places and while I have no problem with BF in public, not everyone feels that way and I don’t like not being able to check CBB b/c of fear of what might pop up on the screen. Also, I feel that all of the articles are very preachy and not very accepting of other viewpoints. It’s like the LLL has kidnapped CBB for the week. It IS an important issue, but not all of your readers are mothers, not all have biological children, not everyone is able to BF, and not everyone comes here for an education. Perhaps next year (I’m sure you would like to make this an annual thing), you could tone down the preachy and focus instead on celebrity BF and being more inclusive of ALL your readers. I love CBB, so I’m saying this not to attack, but to try to provide some feedback.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
Actually, 60% of our readers are mothers and many more are pregnant with their first child, trying to conceive or in the process of adopting. 99% of our readers are women and 100% of our readers are human beings who come into contact with mothers. I don’t think it’s at all out of line to take ONE WEEK out of 52 a year to use my site’s popularity for furthering an educational end- one that our federal government believes is so important they have chosen to spend millions (maybe billions) of dollars on a very bizarre ad campaign.

I take offense to the idea that LLL has taken over the site. I am a member of LLL but as with anything I read or hear, I take everything with a grain of salt.

- wavybrains on August 2nd, 2006

Cheers Wavybrains! I agree! Thanks for that comment!

- Hilary on August 2nd, 2006

I wanted to post regarding the story about the woman breastfeeding in the coffee shop. Just so everyone knows, breastfeeding in public is your legal right! and no one can kick you out of a place for doing so. She should have told him and the other patron that if they had a problem with it, they could speak to her lawyer.

- Lola on August 2nd, 2006

When my son was born I figured we’d nurse until he was old enough to drink from a cup. I even told my dad I didn’t see why he’d have to actually nurse when he can drink it from a cup!!
When you give birth and you raise your baby into a toddler, into a child, the way you see things definitely changes. It changes with what you experience.
For us, we went with the flow and did what felt right. It ended up that we nursed until 4.5! At that point it felt like it was the right time to stop and the decision was mutual.
Had anyone told me I’d nurse a full fledged KID who was over 4, I probably would have thought they were absolutely nuts. I had the same opinions going into it as anyone else who has never actually done it!
The thing is–when we don’t KNOW about something we can’t have a fair opinion about it. What we don’t know scares us!
I wasn’t thinking about health benefits when we were nursing past infancy.. I wasn’t really thinking about any benefits except that it was right for us and it fit into our lives perfectly.
Anyhow, there are more nursing toddlers and children than any of us even realize. It’s something that’s usually kept behind closed doors for fear of criticism. But it seems like almost everyone I know who has breastfed, be it from a La Leche League meeting or my son’s mainstream preschool, there are moms who nursed thier children past what’s considered normal, usually past 3. It always comes out in a conversation after one of us “admits” it.

In regards to what doctors learn in medical school and in continued education; I have no idea what they learn. What I *do* know is that a lactation consultant, in order to become an IBCLC has to go through YEARS of education and on site learning. It’s either a comparable amount of time to medical school or even longer.
Not all physicians continue their education in regards to breastfeeding and I’d wager to guess that an IBCLC would have more up to date information about an issue than a pediatrician or a family doc. This is just a guess though You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for a heart murmur, so the best place to go with a breastfeeding question is to an IBCLC.
Disclaimer–I haven’t thoroughly read through all of the posts, but wanted to point that out because I just think it’s really important!!!
So anyhow, as I sit here nursing my 13 month old I can only IMAGINE how much longer we have ;o) And I am not in a hurry for the next several years to go by…

- Karen on August 2nd, 2006

“Shame on those of you who find these pictures more “sexual” than natural. Get over it. Breasts are made to feed babies. If you can’t do it, don’t try to make those mothers who succeed feel guilty, because it won’t work.” Comment was made by Lisa

But then posting all this, we who weren’t able to be successful are made to feel bad and feel guilty. I know that Danielle said just to skip over posts that you don’t want to read. But I just sometimes feel sad that I wasn’t able to, but then feel that others are judging me cause I wasn’t able to make it past 1 month.

I know in my heart that BF is better, but it doesn’t make me a horrible mother cause I wasn’t able to for long. I just thought that other mothers who weren’t able to BF for as long as some are shouldn’t be made to feel so excluded or left out. Sometimes it feels like mother who BF are in an exclusive club and are better mothers. But I think it’s the quality of time and the fact that you love and care for your child and family.

I hope that I am not upsetting anyone, I do think BF is beautiful, and those who can should, but that we shouldn’t leave out mothers that may not be able to. All mothers are beautiful!

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
No one is judging anyone for not breastfeeding or not breastfeeding “long enough.” Though I wholeheartedly feel that everyone should try to breastfeed, in the end, however you feed your child is the best way for you and your child. We are very fortunate that we have an option to choose and the important thing is our babies have food! There are still places where there is not enough food so let’s celebrate our choices and our bounty.

- Shalini on August 2nd, 2006

Kudos Wavybrains! I totally agree. Especially about the part of having the photo below the fold. I sit in an open area at work and cannot check this site from there during the day as I don’t know what photo may appear this week. I don’t find it offensive, but I’m not sure my coworkers would agree.

- Tina on August 2nd, 2006

Just let us celebrate National Breastfeeding Week and keep the negative comments to yourself.

- Lisa on August 2nd, 2006

Karen you said “What I *do* know is that a lactation consultant, in order to become an IBCLC has to go through YEARS of education and on site learning. It’s either a comparable amount of time to medical school or even longer.”

I don’t think is true, Lactation Consultants don’t even have a license and are usually required to do 425 hours of study. That’s much less than medical school and they need an associate’s degree. There are many docs and nurses that are also lactation consultants.

- Hilary on August 2nd, 2006

I whole-heartedly support breastfeeding, but I also agree with having the photo in the extended post rather on top of the first page so more readers could feel comfortable reading the site from their offices this week. It’s just something for CBB to consider for next year.

- Lilly on August 2nd, 2006

I probably should have double checked before making a blind comment
But I just checked the ibcle website and will link to you all what you need in order to sit for the exam just so you have an idea. Still impressive!!!
http://www.iblce.org/become.htm

- karen on August 2nd, 2006

I am Nicola, mother of a nursing toddler (Kellan) pictured in the gallery. I wanted to respond to a few of the age-related comments above.

First, the debate about mothers not being able to “let go of nursing their children”. I do not force my son to nurse. I don’t even suggest it. He asks to nurse, he initiates the activity. When he is ready to wean, my assumption is that he will stop asking to nurse. This has nothing to do with me or with my needs. Though, obviously, I do enjoy the closeness that it affords.

Second, the people who claim to have evidence that a certain age is “too old” have been misinformed. You’re dealing with a scientist here! Biologically, human children are meant to nurse as long as 7+ years, depending upon the resources and nutrients available in their external diets. With a good sound diet in place, most children will self wean between the ages of 2 and 4. But there is nothing necessary about that process. It will happen when the child is biologically and mentally ready to move on.

Third, I take great issue with people who believe that a child, especially a boy, will be somehow emotionally handicapped by his extended nursing experience. This is sexualising a non-sexual act. A four year old does not see his mother’s breasts as a sexual object because THEY ARE NOT — this is something that has to be learned from society. Unfortunately.

And, finally, thank you so much Danielle for this wonderful gift. The information that you are providing is incredibly valuable, especially for those who remain “on the fence” about breastfeeding. You are doing a great service to mothers and babies everywhere.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
Thank you Nicola for your words and for your photo- it is one of my favorite.

- Nicola on August 2nd, 2006

In response to Ashli who responded to me…first of all…calm down…it’s really going to be okay. I simply asked a question. Because AS I MENTIONED I’m not a mom…still in college…chillin’ out. Haven’t breast fed either ) I just said it was kinda different to see a toddler breastfeeding…teeth and what not…I didn’t say it was bad…I didn’t say anything negative about it…so please…don’t take offense.

- Tranae on August 2nd, 2006

Way to create Danielle!! The Celebrity Baby Blog gallery is awesome! Thank you to all the moms who took time out of their busy day to show the world what a natural part of life breastfeeding is.

Our Baby # 2 is due Aug. 14 so looking at these photos was such a great exercise in remindiing me of the serenity baby and I will feel, along with all the other benefits of breastfeeding.

I’m currently editing an anthology called N.I.P.P.L.E. – Nursing in Public Places and Other Lactation Essays. Would love to get submissions from you and your readers Danielle.

- Susana on August 2nd, 2006

Nicola…your pic was beautiful…I mean I wasn’t saying it was wrong. I was just asking a question. I thought there was an age limit or something about the whole breast feeding thing. I’m not a mother so I don’t know…trust I do want to be a mom one day…and I do plan to breast feed….my mother did not breastfeed myself or my younger brother but I do recall my aunt breastfeeding my younger cousin. At the time I was a mere 15 year old and I still saw the beauty in it all…to anybody who was offended by my comment about age or size…I apologize…but I was merely curious. Hey! I still have a lot to learn about this stuff )

- Tranae on August 2nd, 2006

Andrea, I believe the pic you’re talking about is an Ergo carrier. I tried to put the carrier names in with the filenames, but I may have missed that one. Or I may be thinking of the wrong pic. Let me know!

- Sarah CBB News Editor on August 2nd, 2006

Regardless of the comments above and the differences of opinions, these pictures are just beautiful ;o)

- Hilary on August 2nd, 2006

My son is 3 months old and happily breastfed. I also delivered him at home with a midwife. This collection of pictures is so important! I feel like the US still needs to come a long way in terms of accepting breastfeeding. I definitely need to take my own pics. For those of us who can breastfeed, we need to rejoice and pass the info along!

Thanks for such a gorgeous collection…

- kate on August 2nd, 2006

“I also agree with having the photo in the extended post rather on top of the first page so more readers could feel comfortable reading the site from their offices this week.”

I’m just curious about why CBB should layout their blog so that people can read it at work without “offending” anyone? CBB hardly seems like it would be work-related internet time for most readers, therefore it shouldn’t matter what photos come up.

- Deborah on August 2nd, 2006

Keep it up and Danielle will close this post to comments like she did the Sean Preston and Jamie Lynn Spears post. The thread was meant to do just what it stated, inspire and educate, not create a debate. I think the pictures are wonderful, beautiful, and heart warming. Something about the bf’ing toddlers seems strange to me as well, but I am not a mother, and once I become one, then I am entitled to that opinion.

- Kristen on August 2nd, 2006

I’m 26 years old and 30 weeks pregnant with my first child. I’ve known I was going to breastfeed from the time I developed breasts. Not until I joined different parenting and babywearing forums did I know that nursing and nursing in public receives such scorn. I hope that pictures like these will one day change society’s point of view to where breastfeeding is no longer derided.

Kudos!

- Meghan on August 2nd, 2006

While I wholeheartedly support breastfeeding, I am going to agree commenter Lilly who said that the first pic should be hidden. I know I am not going to be visiting the CBB from work within the next week because I do not feel comfortable viewing an image such as that from my workspace. *I* know that illustration is innocent, but it also has a breast front and center. This is a lovely thing you are doing for breastfeeders everywhere, but dare I say that this page may see a drop in viewers in the next week or so as that image greets them.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
If the site suffers from traffic, it’s a very small price to pay for educating many people and inspiring future mothers to try or breastfeed longer. But I am pretty sure traffic is going to rise because of the bold statement we have made. Our gallery now has over 330 photos. I’m not aware of any other website with that many photos of women feeding their children.

- Nicole on August 2nd, 2006

Actually Nicole, this website has seen a raise in viewers since WBW.

- Mary on August 2nd, 2006

In response to some postings since my last, there is NO benefit in breast feeding a 5 year old other than feathering the mothers own emotional boundary damage.

As for milestones, I can assure you it is not considered ‘normal’ for a 5 year old to breastfeed and this resorting back to infantile activity when the child should be progressing (but is being held back by the mothers selfish desire) is only damaging to the child’s developmental norms – natural detatchment behaviour, gaining of independant thoughts, peer behaviour, normal introduction of food etc.

I dont know who the mother is holding the boy that is clearly much to old to be breastfeed, this isnt about personalising an arguement, but he is MUCH too old to be benefiting from this. Breastfeeding at such an age of ‘awareness’ in the child (they are NO LONGER infants nor do they require breastmilk for developmental growth) is akin to inappropriate sexual behaviour.

I have no issue with breastfeeding, I think its the ONLY food to feed BABIES, I personally breastfeed all 3 of my children for about 1.5 years each. If my 6 year old son wanted to suckle at my breast today, it would be a sign of extreme emotional need and an unhealthy “right” to his mother’s body to sate this for him, which isnt acceptable in terms of emotional development. So I am staggered that women are extending the feed into such later years.

Ask any Child Health Proffessional and if you have access, a childhood psychologist would be best and ask them candidly what they think about breastfeeding a 5 year old (well I’d say 4+)…

Breatsfeeding IS beautiful but lets not get ridiculous here, some women just cant let go and they arent doing their PRE / KINDER / SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN any favours.

- Ann on August 2nd, 2006

Something to think about for those readers who are put off by the image greeting them this week:

Many previous posts have included pictures of women in bikinis and plunging necklines. (Hello, Britney!) These images were not hidden from your view, but were staring at you from the top of the page. Were you or your coworkers offended by these images? Did you feel like it was inappropriate? Probably not. If you did, you probably wouldn’t have bothered coming back. Yet, those bikini pictures show much more of those women’s breasts in a much more provocative manner. It’s ironic that some people in our culture are more offended by breasts when they are being used to nourish and care for children than when they are sexualized and flaunted.

The picture does not show a breast front and center. It shows a baby front and center and if you look really hard behind and around the baby you can see a small part of a breast. (The other breast is clothed.) But somehow it is dangerous/offensive to view in public? Hmmm..I think that is precisely the reason CBB is so on the mark this week.

Thanks so so much for doing this, CBB! You are educating, informing, and making the future brighter for so many children.

- Heather on August 2nd, 2006

Responding to: “As for milestones, I can assure you it is not considered ‘normal’ for a 5 year old to breastfeed and this resorting back to infantile activity when the child should be progressing (but is being held back by the mothers selfish desire) is only damaging to the child’s developmental norms – natural detatchment behaviour, gaining of independant thoughts, peer behaviour, normal introduction of food etc.”

Breastfeeding a 5 year old is normal in other countries. But breasts aren’t considered such a sacred object when nourishing children in other countries either.
Would you suggest that it isn’t emotionally damaging for a child to be denied the one thing that offers him comfort? A child will wean when they are ready. They have for billions of years and they will continue to.

- Lisa on August 2nd, 2006

Boy, people are getting preachy….AND people are getting argumentative. How you deal with your children is your own business and it’s difficult for me personally to see mothers and non-mothers critisize personal parenting choices. It’s just not nice and it takes away from the beauty of this wonderful gallery.

- Hilary on August 2nd, 2006

I can’t have children but always thought I would….I love kids. Looking at the beautiful pictures makes me feel sad that I missed out on such a wonderful thing. And I just have to say that children are children. It is the adults who are having the sexual hangups about breastfeeding into the toddler years. It makes me sad that someone would raise their child with those ideas about what is psychologically damaging. I think the U.S. might be a better place if mother’s followed their instincts about breastfeeding and not society’s “perverted” standards.

- Carol Lee on August 2nd, 2006

Thanks wavybrains – I agree 100% that although it is important for every prospective mother to be informed before making a choice about breastfeeding they can find that information on a million other sites besides CBB. It is your website but you could make the information available without making it the focus of the website. I come here for gossip on celebrity babies not for information on or to celebrate parenting choices.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
For one week out of the year, I choose to use this site to further an educational mission. If you don’t like it, you can either skip reading these posts or come back on August 8th.

- My_mommy on August 2nd, 2006

Thank you *very* much for the post wavybrains.

- Nicoletta on August 2nd, 2006

I am not a mother yet, so please forgive me if I sound uninformed on this topic. I am having a hard time seeing the “beauty” in these pics. I don’t understand the glory of breatfeeding at all. Can someone please help me see this? I also agree with the other posts regarding toddlers BFing. I do think it looks odd and should be stopped at a much younger age.

- Lauren on August 2nd, 2006

“Other women who have left their babies at home to be bottle fed when they went out might be encouraged to bring the baby with them the next time.”

I just read this in another post and was very offended. As if bottle fed mothers never bring their children with them when they go out or bottle feed them when they take the babies out. This statement makes it sound as if bottle fed moms are neglectful and dump their babies at home for others to bottle feed while they go party or something. I don’just wanted to express my offense at that statement without causing drama, even though I know someone will not be happy that I stated that I was offended.

- Nicoletta on August 2nd, 2006

I simply don’t understand why anyone would want to breastfeed a child after age two! I mean under two I find it to be a natural thing but to say that a child could do it until 7 is to me mind boggling! What kind of psychological effect is that going to have on your child. When my nephew was two he walked around and talked and acted like he was 8. I couldn’t see him asking his mom if he could have a little drink from her boob! And not to mention now he’s five and all about “hot babes” “boobs” and “hooters” lol! So yeah he’s fascinated but not at a point that he’d want to feed from one! And for me I think it’s more of the parent holding on to that special time rather then the child actually wanting it. The child is doing it bc it’s “normal” for them and a part of their daily routine. A mother can wean and a child would be fine. It’s just like weaning a child off of a binky or a bottle. It’s letting go!

I apologize I am not trying to take away from these beautiful photos. I just really can’t grasp why people find it normal to breastfeed an older child.

- joy on August 2nd, 2006

I love the photo gallery,I’m so happy that I continued to breastfeed even though it was hard at the begining.For those of you who aren’t parents or didn’t/couldn’t breastfeed.I appreciate the photos,cause I understand the bond that forms when your breastfeeding your baby.

I know that every parent is different,so don’t judge others parents because you don’t agree with their parenting choices.If a woman wants to brestfeed her child until she thinks the time is right to stop ,or if she doesn’t want to breastfeed at all its her choice.So what if it makes you uncomfortable,or you don’t see the beauty in it.She’s the mother,its her body,and her child,we don’t need other people dictating how to raise our children.
And for those of you who feel like this is being shoved down you throat,and you came here for celeb baby gossip.There are many other posts involving that,but you just choose to comment on this,no one forced you too.

- karlee on August 2nd, 2006

What a great forum to be discussing this most basic natural behavior. The pics are empowering and great! More women should be breastfeeding! AND in public!! Beautifull pics, congratulations to everyone who submitted! I wish I had taken shots of me breastfeeding but never thought of it at the time, always so much else to do

-Edited-

- Kym on August 2nd, 2006

I think the pictures are beautiful and the fact that people think it’s “perverse” just says something about THEM, not the pictures.

- Lisa on August 2nd, 2006

Breastfeeding SHOULD be made more open, more public and more widely endorsed everywhere!

Great Pics! Its about time breastfeeding was honored.

For those women breastfeeding children over the ages of 4 – what is going on?

It’s not natural, or as I’ve read on an earlier blog – biological at all. Its all about YOU, your CHILD doesnt need it !

- Sonali on August 2nd, 2006

I agree with “Kate z”. Whether I agree with breastfeeding or not is neither here nor there! There should have been a link provided if a reader wanted to view the pictures. Danielle, I realize that this is YOUR website and you can do with it as you please. I also realize that you and others are going to say that I do not have to visit this site! True…however I visit your site everyday regardless of the topics so please don’t treat your viewers rudely simply for sharing their opinion. Thanks

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
I am not treating anyone rudely. If you don’t like WBW or believe in breastfeeding, skip these posts. That’s not rude- that’s the same advice I give to someone who tells me we should stop posting about any particular celeb or genre.

- Tina on August 2nd, 2006

Lisa… I wholeheartedly support WBW, I just want CBB readers to know that all mothers are good whether or not they breastfed 1 day or 1 year plus. Sorry I hope you weren’t offended. I am all for it, and next kiddo we have I hope to breastfeed as long as we can.

- Shalini on August 2nd, 2006

I sure am glad I find it normal. So are my kids. And maybe Im not a psychology professional, but it was my major in college, and I learned about Erikson’s theory of Attachment in my classes. It made an impression on me, without having been raised by hippies or ever noticing a mom breastfeeding in public. To satisfy the child’s need for oral stimulation until they naturally weaned themselves so as not to have those unmet oral fixation needs come out in the form of smoking, overeating, chewing tobacco, etc later in life. It just made sense to me. It made sense to not let my baby cry alone to learn to fall asleep becuse I saw it as damaging that trust relationship that Erikson says is so vital in that first year. What others percieve as indulgent to the child’s needs (nursing and rocking to sleep, or nursing past a year as examples) actually fosters more independence than dependence. At least in the experience of many moms and more than a few professional scientist types.

And nursing a baby or a toddler or a preschooler does not seem the LEAST bit wierd or off or strange to that breastfeeding mother. It’s just like the day before and the day before that when she breastfed her child. It might seem wierd to you, but I can guarantee it doesnt seem wierd to the mom who is nursing.

I am sorry, I just dont buy the psychological damage and sexual abuse stuff. And I dont buy the expiration date theory on breastmilk either. Throughout human history, extended breastfeeding has been normal, natural, and ordinary. It’s only been in the last hundred years or so that we seem to be weaning earlier and earlier. Just because we have apple juice and filtered water and readily available cow’s milk in the 21st century does not mean that nursing a child into toddlerhood for thousands of years was happening for no reason. It was how life was. A great anthropological look at mothering in general is Our Babies, Ourselves by Meredith Small.

And for whoever asked, the two words my kids have come up with so far are “ging ging” and “ning”. Not sure what the baby will make up, or if she will attach to one of those two words.

And HEY to Shalini!

- Jennifer on August 2nd, 2006

Thank you, Danielle, for putting this gallery together.

For those who think breastfeeding a child older than 2 or 3 is all about the mother, I want to know something. Do you know *my* child? Are you so absolutely sure that *no* child that age still needs to nurse? My nursing relationships with my children (my tandem nursing picture is in the gallery) are about them, not me.

If I had my preference, my three year old would have weaned many months ago. However, due to possible medical concerns and the emotional component of difficult events in his life, he still expresses a strong and clear need to nurse. All attempts at mother-led weaning have been strenuously resisted.

The bottom line? You do not know me, and you do not know my child. You are well outside your bounds to presume personal gratification as the motivation behind mothers such as myself allowing the continuation of the nursing relationship.

- Lindsay on August 2nd, 2006

Lauren-It’s obvious you don’t have children if you don’t understand the beauty of these pictures. If you can look at those babys’ faces and not think that the immense love and and bond involved in that act is stunning, then you must be blind.

- Mommyx1 on August 2nd, 2006

Wavybrains, you are right on the money. I read the same post you did and, frankly, I found it to be quite preachy and insulting of people with different viewpoints. I was sitting in church three years ago when I happened to glance over and see a woman nearby drop part of her dress to nurse her newborn daughter. I’m sorry, but nothing and no one is going to convince me that isn’t TOTALLY inappropriate and she shouldn’t have gone to the restroom. I don’t consider myself a prude, but the fact of the matter is that I don’t like watching women breastfeed in public and don’t see any reason why I should be forced to. I’m sure I will be many posts back telling me to avert my eyes, to which I say: what is one supposed to do on an airplane or in church or a movie theater, such as in my situation? Are THEY supposed to leave? I don’t think so!

As for “children watching a woman breastfeed in public will learn it’s a beautiful thing”-that is an opinion, and to display it as fact is wrong. Breastfeeding is an intimate bond between a mother and child-why would you want to display that intimacy in public for others to see? Similarly, I don’t find it appropriate for young children to watch babies they don’t know being breastfed by women they don’t know.

Finally, I agree with the poster who said it’s like CBB has been taken over by LLL for the week. Danielle, I realize that you strongly support them, and I respect your decision to do so, but lately this site, which I adore, has been more difficult for me to visit because I feel that some of my opinions are nasty and wrong. Seeing as you are very liberal-minded, I would advise you to be more considerate of others ‘ opposing viewpoints in the future.

From Danielle, CBB Publisher:
We are considerate of others’ opposing viewpoints. What we are not tolerant of is nastiness and argumentativeness.

- Lauren M on August 2nd, 2006

From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
“There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496

It is sad that we live in a society where feeding a baby and child as nature intended it is villanized and if you choose to do what is best for your child instead of what makes society comfortable people think that you are commiting some sort sexual act. There is nothing sexual about breastfeeding.

Why is it not ok to look at pictures of a child using a breast for its intended purpose in public but this is acceptable for a magazine cover like this to be sitting out for the workd to see at a news stand:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/allhailme/blogposts/080206_xtinagquk.jpg

- Trishy on August 2nd, 2006

Is bottlefeeding an intimate act to be shielded from the world?

Breastfeeding is feeding your child with the mammary glad that God or (whoever you believe in) created for the purpose of feeding young.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful bond, but its not an intimate sexual thing that needs to be hidden in the bathroom or under a tent or in the car.

And women in every state in America are legally allowed to breastfeed in public. You can sue businesses who ask you to leave. You cant sue your neighbor who asks you to leave her private property, but you can sue your neighborhood restaurant.

So no, we dont think we should keep it at home or in the car, or in the restroom. In the restroom. With flying fecal and urine from the flushing, and everything else. Human waste. That revolting environment, used to relieve oneself, is where babies should eat their lunch? Its ludicrous that there even needs to be a LAW in every state to protect and defend breastfeeding women.

- Jennifer on August 2nd, 2006

To the person who thinks the mother in church should have breastfed in the restroom… Would YOU have eaten in the restroom? God made breasts to feed babies. I’m sure he didn’t mind that a women used her breast to nourish her child in the church. Anybody who has issues with that has issues with themselves. The most important thing, is a breastfed child is being protected against diseases and sicknesses. The mother is being protected against various forms of cancer. Breastfeeding is NATURAL… People need to learn to accept that it’s a babies’ birth right to be breastfed, not get their “nourishment” of chemicals from a can.

- Lisa on August 2nd, 2006

Comments have gotten out of control. This is appreciating and celebrating breastfeeding. I said that if you didn’t have something nice to say to please not say and many people have chosen to ignore that simple request.

I apologize to the many other people who wanted to share their stories and happiness about this week. You can still email us at BFgalleryATcelebrity-babies.com with your photos or to share your stories or appreciation.

- Danielle, CBB Publisher on August 2nd, 2006