Seen the cover of the May 21, 2012 Time magazine? No? Here you go:
So OF COURSE it’s controversial. That’s why it’s on the cover.
I’m all for breastfeeding, even extended breastfeeding. But I still hate the cover.
First of all, the breastfeeding. That kid is three years old.I breastfed all three of my kids until they were over two years old. In much of the world outside of the United States, this is NORMAL. They probably just call it “feeding.” No extended business.
YOU have no business telling this woman (who is a real mother and not just a model) or anyone else that it is wrong to breastfeed her toddler. Or preschooler, or whatever. Yeah, I think it’s weird when I read about children who are 5-7 and still breastfeeding. But I’m not that mom. It’s not my place to tell her what to do.
I also don’t have a problem with breastfeeding in public. It’s a baby. Eating. It’s not about OMG, BOOBS! It’s nice to be as discreet as possible, but if you’ve ever tried breastfeeding, you probably know that babies are not always discreet. And they’re not good about waiting politely until you get home.
HOWEVER. This cover seems to be perpetuating the idea the breasts are only sexual objects. Even though she’s not a model, what we have here is a skinny, blonde woman in a sexy pose. That is not helpful at all. I find it weird, actually. And not really representative of the attachment parenting movement.
I haven’t had a chance to read the article or articles on attachment parenting, because the articles are not available online unless you are a subscriber. Anyone want to chime in about those? I might pick up a copy if I get a chance.
