Did anyone watch 20/20 tonight?
- Thread starter JennieR
- Start date
JennieR
Cathlete
They didn't mention anything about these babies being used for educational purposes. That I can remember.
A woman who had 7 miscarriages, is the one that makes these dolls. She even said she believed that one of the babies she created she believes looked like a baby she would of had. I can understand her longing for a baby after 7 miscarriages, but the other women that already have kids, I find that very odd. There was one lady that even has b-day parties for these babies and invited her grandchildren. Oy.
pink_fortitude
Banned
There are Australian and African cultures (don't remember specific names, it was on the Discovery channel many years ago) that nurse for a veerry long time. I really think that it is only those with the western mindset that find breastfeeding over 2 years very disturbing - and 2 years makes most people feel very repulsed! It makes me feel uncomfortable to think that I could still be nursing my almost 5 year old right now, but I can see its benefits and I wish that I would have nursed my kids longer, even though I nursed them well beyond what is accepted as normal here and I endured a lot of looks and comments (16 months isn't that old, is it?)
Here are some articles about nursing and its influence by culture/society:
http://www.attachmentacrosscultures.org/beliefs/bfeed_culture.pdf
This is a neat article on the differences between countries all over the world on breastfeeding: http://www.007b.com/public-breastfeeding-world.php
Concerning Adam and Eve, that is a great question. I want to study that out now, but I always thought that the "do whatever you want but don't eat the fruit of that tree" extended to sex, but that could just be my fleshy, sex-loving self filling in the blank there making it what I want it to be.
Our sex organs were created for pleasure and reproduction, so why couldn't breasts be too? Unless, of course, men's fascination with breasts were because they weren't breastfed long enough Just kidding of course! Aimee, I couldn't possibly imagine having an orgasm during delivary! Maybe I did but I didn't feel it because I was in so much PAIN!
Missy
I don't understand how anyone who has breastfed could confuse the experience with something sexual. I've nursed all 3 of my kids and never felt anything remotely sexual with the experience. Just because it involves the breasts doesn't make it sexual, anymore than delivering a baby or using a tampon becomes a sexual experience because it involves the vagina.
That said, I don't think what's acceptable in other cultures is necessarily relevant in discussing the affect it would have a child in this culture. The fact is a breastfed 5, 6, 7, 8 year old knows or will know that s/he is doing something generally frowned upon in the community, and rightly or wrongly, that could make the child feel ashamed.
Breastfeeding is a personal decision that each family needs to work out for itself.
That said, I don't think what's acceptable in other cultures is necessarily relevant in discussing the affect it would have a child in this culture. The fact is a breastfed 5, 6, 7, 8 year old knows or will know that s/he is doing something generally frowned upon in the community, and rightly or wrongly, that could make the child feel ashamed.
Breastfeeding is a personal decision that each family needs to work out for itself.
pink_fortitude
Banned
Great points. I was using the "other cultures do it" to point out the differences in opinion and feelings on this compared to our fellow man. We think "ew!" they think "what's the deal?" However, I don't take much stock in what people around us are doing much because what is popular isn't always right and what's right isn't always popular - that isn't just for breastfeeding of course, but culture shouldn't dictate your decisions or what you feel is best for you and your family. We have had to use topics similar (kinda) to this as a springboard for discussions with our kids on what is right vs. what's common, why we aren't doing what other families do and vice versa. I don't want to discourage my kids from doing anything different from what the crowd is doing because they may be made fun of or put down... but that is kinda off subject. I can totally see what you are saying, though.
Missy
I haven't read many of the replies here, but I've known of a few women who have breast fed their kids until they were over three, one until five. To me it seems as if the women needed it much more than their children did.
From my observation, I'm seeing that many parents now are keeping their children dependent on them way too long. I recall feeling independent of my parents as early as five or six. My parents didn't feel the need to include me on all their adult activities (i.e. going everywhere they went), sleeping in the same bed with them, etc. I also had responsibilities that many parents I know of today would think their kids are too young to do.
Independence is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their children, and I don't mean from just adult supervision, but in letting their children learn how to entertain themselves, take care of themselves, and letting them know that they are separate from their parents' marriage. These are concepts that, for some reason, many parents today don't find necessary. I think many people have forgotten that the main responsibility of being a parent is to teach their "children" to be responsible "adults." Prolonged breast feeding seems to be just another way to keep children, who are quite capable of feeding themselves, in the baby-stage, and it seems to be for the parents' benefit, much more than the kid's. JMHO.
From my observation, I'm seeing that many parents now are keeping their children dependent on them way too long. I recall feeling independent of my parents as early as five or six. My parents didn't feel the need to include me on all their adult activities (i.e. going everywhere they went), sleeping in the same bed with them, etc. I also had responsibilities that many parents I know of today would think their kids are too young to do.
Independence is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their children, and I don't mean from just adult supervision, but in letting their children learn how to entertain themselves, take care of themselves, and letting them know that they are separate from their parents' marriage. These are concepts that, for some reason, many parents today don't find necessary. I think many people have forgotten that the main responsibility of being a parent is to teach their "children" to be responsible "adults." Prolonged breast feeding seems to be just another way to keep children, who are quite capable of feeding themselves, in the baby-stage, and it seems to be for the parents' benefit, much more than the kid's. JMHO.
Last edited:
mabdoo
Cathlete
The parents of the child think they have the best interests of their child in mind with respect to breastfeeding for so long. That is fine. That is their decision as a couple. However, how are those kids going to be on Monday morning when they have to go back to school? Somehow the other kids at the school are going to hear about it. Sadly, kids can be very cruel to one another and I am sure that there will be teasing for all three of those kids.
lala1
Cathlete
OK, did not see the breastfeeding part, but did see a segment on those dolls while I was waiting for DD in surgery (9 hours in the ambulatory surgery, but that is another story!)
OK, no education purpose, simply to supply a *need* in these women. Yes, disturbing, I couldn't help but think that these women needed more help than this baby doll could provide. One woman actually had had children who were now grown and wanted just to hold a baby that "won't grow up". And the interviewer did state that it was hard to find women who would assent to be interviewed...hmmmm.
AND...one women was video'ed, we could see her face, but she didn't want to use her name??? Like her friends, family, acquaintances wouldn't recognize her
OK, no education purpose, simply to supply a *need* in these women. Yes, disturbing, I couldn't help but think that these women needed more help than this baby doll could provide. One woman actually had had children who were now grown and wanted just to hold a baby that "won't grow up". And the interviewer did state that it was hard to find women who would assent to be interviewed...hmmmm.
AND...one women was video'ed, we could see her face, but she didn't want to use her name??? Like her friends, family, acquaintances wouldn't recognize her
kathryn
Cathlete
AND...one women was video'ed, we could see her face, but she didn't want to use her name??? Like her friends, family, acquaintances wouldn't recognize her
Since she's walking around on the streets (in New York?) with her 'baby' dolls, I'm sure many people will now recognize her!
gidget1978
Cathlete
Im not quit sure what you are asking here?
I didn't say it wasn't appropriate to only nurse before their 1 st b-day, thats just what I choose to do. But certainly...5 or 8 yr olds shouldn't be bf'ed!
You are probably the exception to the rule b/c I highly doubt that most people can remember things that happened before they turned one. There are things I "think" I remember when I was 3 but I think I was told the story so much that I had a picture of it in my mind.
Either way...imagine if a 8yr olds friends found out that they were being bf'ed! Can you imagine the teasing they would get in school or from their friends?
kryptychyck
Cathlete
Since she's walking around on the streets (in New York?) with her 'baby' dolls, I'm sure many people will now recognize her!
That was the woman who would get upset if she did not get attention from people when she took her doll out in public!!!!
Goodness, she does have issues.
dlandkk808
Cathlete
Okay, I won't judge anyone regarding the age issue of breastfeeding, but I do agree with what a previous poster said that it is more for the mom than the child in a lot of cases when they keep breastfeeding. I breastfed my kids and both weaned themselves at 17mos which a lot of people would even consider that old. I also offered it less which led to them weaning themselves, but these women on the show kept whipping their boob out for no reason and letting their kid feed! I could not imagine bfing a child that can talk and tell you what your breastmilk tastes like or which breast has more milk. Unless they are so poor and can't find any other nutritional needs for their child, I don't see the argument regarding the physical health benefits. Children need to learn how to get comfort from other things and the mother also needs to find different forms of bonding with their child besides the breast.
chefkate
Cathlete
re the orgasm during birth:
there is a video ive seen called orgasmic birth. its not about having an orgasm during birth but rather how excited you can be while in labor.
id have to say i had an orgasmic birth with my most recent birth. some of you mat recall my post the day after she was born.
julia was accidentally born at home and i delivered her. it was the most awesome wonderful experience of my life and i can honestly say that i was not in any pain. yes, i could feel the pressure of the contractions,but there was no pain. it was 100% pure joy and elation.
im bf'ing for a 3rd time. my 1st bf'd the longest, a little over a year and a half. while i totally love bf'ing, i was so ready to be done by then. it was just the right-before-bed nursing anyway. i got pd again and my milk dried up/she didn't want/need to anymore.
my oldest girls are 4 and 6. it grosses me out to even think of nursing them still.....
oh, and while i've been in nursing years, breasts are OFF LIMITS to dh! poor guy....the only time i have something substantial and he cant even enjoy it! i cant be a milk maid by day and something else by night! for baby only for now!
there is a video ive seen called orgasmic birth. its not about having an orgasm during birth but rather how excited you can be while in labor.
id have to say i had an orgasmic birth with my most recent birth. some of you mat recall my post the day after she was born.
julia was accidentally born at home and i delivered her. it was the most awesome wonderful experience of my life and i can honestly say that i was not in any pain. yes, i could feel the pressure of the contractions,but there was no pain. it was 100% pure joy and elation.
im bf'ing for a 3rd time. my 1st bf'd the longest, a little over a year and a half. while i totally love bf'ing, i was so ready to be done by then. it was just the right-before-bed nursing anyway. i got pd again and my milk dried up/she didn't want/need to anymore.
my oldest girls are 4 and 6. it grosses me out to even think of nursing them still.....
oh, and while i've been in nursing years, breasts are OFF LIMITS to dh! poor guy....the only time i have something substantial and he cant even enjoy it!
i cant be a milk maid by day and something else by night! for baby only for now!