I wonder why so many people have an opinion as to when I should stop breastfeeding Hudson.  Certainly I've never asked anyone else to do it for me, nor does it inconvenience anyone else in any way.  And most importantly, I've never asked anyone for their opinion.  Yet so many people have shared their opinion that I've "breastfed long enough".  What does that even mean, anyway?

I try not to judge them for their opinions and/or their judgment of me, but sometimes I do.  One person even told me that it was "crucial" that I stop nursing Hudson.  However, when I asked what about it made it "crucial", I got no response.

And speaking of judgement, if I lived in Europe, or anywhere other than the U.S., I would be judged for not nursing Hudson as long as I could.  It's interesting - all of our opinions about other people's "business".  What does it bring up for us when someone does something that we wouldn't do ourselves, and why do we care?  Is it guilt, insecurity, shame or ? 

The World Health Organization recommends mothers nurse their babies until the age of two.  The average length of time moms breastfeed in the U.S. is six months, whereas the worldwide average is two years.  But none of that really matters anyway.  Who cares what the average is anywhere when I'm talking about one mom and one baby.  Both are happy with the current arrangement.  I don't judge moms who choose not to breastfeed their babies, or who do so for a shorter period of time - it's none of my business.

I think it's ironic that women don't think twice about stuffing their breasts with silicone and saline, but breastfeeding a baby beyond year one is often considered disgusting or "wrong".  Which is the natural/intended "use"?  We're the only species who give our babies milk from another animal - is cow's milk really intended for our consumption?  When I think about giving Hudson milk from a cow that  sounds more "disgusting" to me.  But then again, I don't drink milk other than hemp or soy.  

Today we are having a reunion with all of the families we met at a breastfeeding group 15 months ago - to celebrate the boob-bond!  :)