Hi! Just wanted to chime in about the major media coverage of Channel 4's "extraordinary breastfeeding." I have not personally tuned in -- I was too nervous about what they might say-- but have talked to friends who watched the show or heard discussions of the topic on the radio. Indeed, they are all saying, "I can see breastfeeding for a few years, but eight?" I have mixed feelings about this, because breastfeeding for 8 years can be a healthy, positive arrangement for all involved, and I don't want to benefit from anyone being ridiculed. My response has been, "Yeah, anthropologists say that if we were free of cultural expectations not to, at least some kids would still be breastfeeding until the age of 7. So, yeah, I agree that breastfeeding at age 8 is on the far end of the spectrum." By putting it this way, I hope to affirm their sense that, yes, breastfeeding for 8 yrs. is unusual, but also introduce the notion that it is not wrong. Then I talk about my experience breastfeeding into the preschool years and try casually dispel a few myths. People have been very receptive, and it is heartening to see a culture that prizes weaning at 4 months be open minded about this. Kerry Ose, (US citizen, UK resident) *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html