‘As good as chocolate’ and ‘better than ice cream’: how toddler, and older, breastfeeders experience breastfeeding

Abstract

The breastfeeding experiences of 114 Australian children who were currently breastfeeding were explored via maternal observation and direct questioning of the children. Mothers commonly stated that their child breastfed for comfort and this opinion was validated by observations of when the children breastfed, which was often in the transition to sleep or when the child was upset. Children stated that they liked breastfeeding and that they felt happy, good or nice when they breastfed. Children expressed that they liked the taste of breastmilk and compared the flavour to a wide variety of foods. Conversations with the children revealed that they had learnt significant information about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding role-play was often involved in this learning and it is proposed that this learning should be valued. This study is the first examination of breastfeeding from the viewpoint of children, who are the actual breastfeeders, and provides insight into their practices and motivations.

Cautionary Tales About Extended Breastfeeding and Weaning

“…Older children are mostly missing from research on breastfeeding in the United States and in other countries. Gribble (2008) notes that the "child as an active participant in the breastfeeding relationship is rarely considered and previous investigations of breastfeeding beyond infancy have excluded the viewpoint of the children" (p. 1068). Future research on extended breastfeeding would benefit greatly from more attention toward both the breastfed child as a social actor and social constructions of childhood.…”

An Exploration of the Experiences of Mothers Who Breastfeed Long-Term: What Are the Issues and Why Does It Matter?

“…This echoed previous work in the area where women felt in the minority, isolated in their choices, and as if they were doing something abnormal. [31][32][33] The question arises as to how the perception of longer-term breastfeeding can be normalized. One theme that arose from the data was that mothers felt that longer-term breastfeeding did not necessarily need to be directly encouraged and promoted by health professionals (with effort perhaps being focused on the earlier stages, with the expectation that if breastfeeding got off to a good start, more mothers would naturally continue).…”

Breastfeeding beyond infancy: a concept analysis

“…Many mothers stated breastfeeding was a source of comfort for their child and this was an important factor in their decision to continue breastfeeding (Buckley ). The predominant reason for continued breastfeeding was because of the child's enjoyment in the interaction (Gribble ). Gribble () used the statements of children or the interpretations of their mothers to elicit the child's perspective of breastfeeding.…”

“…The predominant reason for continued breastfeeding was because of the child's enjoyment in the interaction (Gribble ). Gribble () used the statements of children or the interpretations of their mothers to elicit the child's perspective of breastfeeding. The children in Gribble's study stated breastfeeding made them feel ‘happy, good, warm, loved, cuddly and tired’ (2007, p. 1072).…”

“…Many women recalled emotions of shock and surprise when discussing the first time they witnessed an older child breastfeeding and did not predict they themselves would engage in breastfeeding beyond infancy (Gribble , Faircloth ). However, the predominant reason for continued breastfeeding was led by the desire of the child to continue breastfeeding (Buckley , Gribble , ). This is an important concept to consider because the literature repeatedly indicates the majority of women do not initiate breastfeeding intending to breastfeed beyond infancy.…”