What Do You Think of TIME’s Attachment Parenting Cover?
Photo: Martin Schoeller / TIMEDid you check out the new cover of this week’s TIME Magazine? The cover story takes an in-depth look at attachment parenting and the controversy surrounding it. The personal history and legacy of Dr. William Sears, the father of attachment parenting and writer of well-known parenting guide, The Baby Book, is documented and explored. Attachment parenting, according to Dr. Sears, involves 7 “tools:” birth bonding (close attachment with your baby after birth), breastfeeding, babywearing (carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier), sleeping close to baby (co-sleeping), belief in the language value of your baby’s cry (responding to baby’s crying signals), beware of baby trainers (be discerning of parenting advice) and balance (keeping a balance in parenting and your relationship with your partner.)
As for the cover itself, 26-year-old mother of two, Jamie Lynne Grumet from Los Angeles is pictured breastfeeding her almost four-year-old son. Grumet is a big proponent of attachment parenting and has two children (an adopted son and a biological son). She told TIME that she understands the critics who question extended breastfeeding and attachment parenting, but believes it’s a normal parenting style: “They are people who tell me they’re going to call social services on me or that it’s child molestation. I really don’t think I can reason with those people. But as far as someone who says they’re uncomfortable with this, I don’t think it’s wrong to admit this. But people have to realize this is biologically normal. It’s not socially normal.The more people see it, the more it’ll become normal in our culture. That’s what I’m hoping. I want people to see it.”
What do you think of TIME‘s cover? Are you interested in reading about attachment parenting? Do you practice it or know anyone who does?
Plus, more from The Bump:
Best and Worst Things About Having a Newborn
The Knot Blog
The Nest Blog
Is she planning on breastfeeding forever?
I don’t see why people get so up in arms one way or another! It’s not your child, and by no means is it harmful! I weaned my baby at about 4 months, I was nursed until I was a year. If mothers choose to keep going beyond that how is it harming anyone? Breast milk is like Gods gift to men- to some. She feels she’s not only having more time to bond with her child but also feeding them some of the most nutritious food she can.
She’s not molesting her child, anyone that has breastfed knows it is not a sexual act in anyway. Only sick people who obviously have their own demons to work on would think a mother would do that for anything other than nurturing and feeding
Had I continued breastfeeding I would’ve weaned closer to a year, but that’s just whats normal for ME and MY FAMILY. Obviously not hers, and that’s not affecting me at all. Why can’t mothers just be left to care for their children how they see fit?
People get so angry when children act out in violence and blame it on ‘society’, but when a mother tries to go against ‘society’ she’s suddenly the wrong doer and needs to get back in line with what society’s standards are.
Just to reiterate my points a mother is in charge of how she raises her child not ‘they’ or ‘society’. Live and let live.
Completely agree girl! We are all just trying to do what’s best for our children! No one is getting hurt, no need to get up in arms about it!
I don’t really have any problem with the Attachment Parenting style. I don’t even have a problem with the magazine cover itself. But I think breastfeeding at 4 years old is a little excessive. That’s just my opinion though.
I would high-five that woman! I don’t plan on breastfeeding past 1yr, but I do know it’s perfectly normal to do so, especially in other cultures. Americans freak out. But hey, that kids’ probably got an immune system of steel!
I haven’t yet seen the full article. However I think it is sensational coverage of something that is between a mother and child and not something that needs explicit coverage. Also I dislike that they brand Dr. Sears as the “guru” when he is a man and only has second hand experience of APing. A mother’s instincts at an individual level is a much better judge than him telling women what to do.
I have not yet seen the article however the cover is trying to make people have an argument instead of a discussion about the idea of Attachment Parenting. I think the cover could have been more tastefully done and in a less militant manner. The woman is looking out and the kid has camo pants on. Its a way for them to sell the magazine.
Also I feel that Dr. Sears (Man) can not be a guru of APing because no one has that right to call them selves that! Attachment Parenting is a personal choice, by co-sleeping, breastfeeding till the kid is 5 years old or chewing their food. I wonder if Time mentioned that there are countries ok with extended breastfeeding even Grandma’s are breastfeeding their grandchildren.
I’m not judging anybody that decides to breastfeed their child until certain ages, but my question is:
A child that is past, let say 2+ or like this child on the cover almost 4, wouldn’t he/she have memories of sucking on his/her mom and later be kind of disturbed by it or maybe not being a tender memory of attachment for them? Many parents see it as a tender moment for THEM, of attachment with their child, but that is a parents’ “tender” moment. But what about the child? Would it be causing him/her some sort of psychological or emotional harm, I mean late in their age? or would they be ok in the future with such memory of that kind of attachment? I’m just wondering here. Does anybody here have memories of being breastfed by their moms therefore agreeing or disagreeing with going this far in age for breastfeeding?. Again, I’m just wondering here
Not only that, but children don’t need mother’s milk when they’re eating for themselves. He’s four, so he’s probably eating a variety of foods from all four food groups. He doesn’t need extra nutrition. And I know I would be weirded out if I saw pictures of myself at age four doing that.
I’m not sure either my mom only bfd me untill about six weeks. but i have a friend who was breastfed untill it was time for kindergarten, she has no psychological issues, she doesnt remember it as we would expect, she just remembers it as eating. I just read an article on kellymom actually also about extended breastfeeding and so far there is no psychological effects
I’m not bothered by attachment parenting, just concerned. Every culture is different and Americans as a whole don’t like what is not the norm for them. I wouldn’t do it myself. I’m guessing you have to be a stay-at-home mom to do this and be financially okay. Many moms can’t do this and I already have a hard time being myself aside from mom and wife. One needs to fight to keep their identity and this just seems like too much. To each their own… I support it.
I think this is great. I have a 27 month old son that is still breastfeeding. I am not as comfortable with it as I was before he was 2, so we’re working on weaning, so I know he won’t be 4 when he is weaned, but if that’s what works for her, that’s great. I’m glad she’s comfortable enough to share this with the world. APing is an amazing thing, for some parents. It can be really overwhelming for some. I co slept with my son until he was a year, and I won’t do that with my next child. I need a little quiet time at night to feel like I’m someone else, aside from a mom. But I have a friend that has a 2 year old, and they are still co sleeping, and both mom and dad are fine with. I just urge moms to not feel pressured to keep with with everything APing says. It will make you go crazy!!! Just do what is right for you, and your little one!!
avph03: I couldnt agree with you more!! You nailed it on the head with your remark about Dr. Sears. Also, I think that things are only a big deal if you make them a big deal. I think that explicit coverage on this takes away from the intimacy that is supposed to be gained.
Personally, I wouldn’t breastfeed nearly that long. If I did, I would consider it a private choice- not one that everyone must know about. I do agree that it is natural and it is our own society that does not deem it normal. I am usually against going with the norms of society (as they are not always the most enriching concepts), but when you plaster your 4 year old’s face on a cover while attached to your boob, you are asking for ridicule and judgment. If you want to go against the norm, be prepared for everything that comes with it. But only a woman can decide what is right for her and her child. Not society. Not a doctor that has it “all figured out”.
I plan on breastfeeding for a while, but at that age I would feel uncomfortable doing it, if they can ask for it, can lift up your shirt, it’s time to stop feeding them on the breast. I plan to pump and give them breast milk that way. but that’s just me and my own personal goal.
I do applude her for breastfeeding that long and if you are comfortable enough to do it why not. My son is just 3 months old and I have finally this passed weekend breastfed him in public.
My baby is 12 months old, she knows the sign for milk and knows where my breasts are, she has for several months. I personally do not think that because she can ask/sign for milk and/or food that I should stop breast feeding her.
I am not trying to argue about it, but every situation is different. I was so happy/proud the first time she signed for milk.
to each their own, if that’s best for you and your loved one, go for it. HOWEVER i wonder if she put much thought into how this cover could come back to harm her son. this picture will be on the internet forever, and could easily come up in a search by anyone. children can be cruel, and this would make that boy an easy target in school, or prospective employers doing a search on him or his family. what if he went into politics? hopefully that doesn’t happen, but she shouldn’t have put him in a situation where it could.
While I agree that breast feeding is natural and healthy, there needs to be a time to wean. Most drs recommend up to a year. After that it seems that maybe the moms are wanting the attention they are getting. I know neither of my sons would be proud to look back at a photo like the cover shot of them at almost four years old nursing. With all the child molestation going on in the world, seems this would not be so healthy mentally. What will happen if at 16 years old this little boy tells someone he breast fed from his mom and she gets brought up on charges? There are more ways to nurture a child than this- and I wonder does mommy go to preschool with him so he can nurse…..
I nursed my oldest son until he was 19 months and even at that young age he only nursed before nap and bed time. She would not need to nurse him in the hours that he was going to preschool. Older nursing toddlers and children are very unlike newborns who need to eat every 3 hours around the clock. I’m guessing that with a child that age, nursing would be very infrequent (probably only at bedtime or as a form of comfort if he was sick or in pain.) And are you saying that this boy will be breastfeeding at 16? That would not happen unless a mom or child was mentally ill.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. I have a 12.5 month old who I still breast feed. I do this, not only to bond with my child, but for the numerous health benefits for my child and I. How dare you say I do this for attention. And I would hope that you would be able to provide your sons with the information and education to help them understand that breastfeeding is normal and healthy. Children learn and react from watching their parents. If they were brought up with this understanding then why should they feel ashamed or not be proud?
Your so right! Thank you for providing the proof
The time magazine article, more than just the highlights here, describes the practice of 1) extended breastfeeding 2) “wearing” your child or carrying them around without a stroller and 3) co-sleeping as a radical philosophy of parenting but honestly, 1) breastfeeding to 1 yr is considered the minimum recommendation 2) carrying your baby around is just a practical, easy way to do things (my baby hates the stroller & carseat so it’s not some philosophical decision we made, it’s just what works) and 3) if you’re breastfeeding, some amount of cosleeping is bound to happen, how much just depends on what works for your family. Again, it wasn’t some philosophical thing for us – it just works. I don’t think of myself as subscribing to Attachment Parenting and I haven’t read anything by Dr Sears because I disagree with some of what I see his followers doing.A lot of what was considered good sounds advice in the 80s is no longer considered a good idea, but does that make all of us who don’t “cry it out” or don’t introduce solids prematurely “attached” parents? If so, I think you’re giving Dr Sears a lot of credit where credit may be due to modern science.
To the person who said the 4 yr old probably has an immune system of steel. Not true as research has discovered that the immune properties in breastmilk are gone by the time the child is 1 yrs old. So you can keep bf but there is not much benefit except comfort for mom and baby.
Jennifer, you need to reaquaint yourself with the facts of BM. The older a child is, the more antibodies in the milk. The nutrition profile also changes over time to meet the child’s needs; it doesn’t “expire” one year after birth.
Jennifer, are you telling me that breastmilk turns to water after a year? That this magical 12 month mark is the end of any nutritional benefit? Please…I would LOVE to see this “research!” ACTUAL research dubunks this riduculous myth. There is still significant immunological and nutritional benefit to breastmilk after your “research” states it has expired. Check your facts.
This is definitely an image designed to sell magazines by a) presenting a sensationalized version of a certain parenting style and b) pushing people’s buttons. Extended breastfeeding is considered freakish in our culture because we’re taught to associate boobs almost exclusively with sex and sexuality. (By comparison, an interesting and often-cited essay on breastfeeding in Mongolia is here: http://www.drmomma.org/2009/07/breastfeeding-in-land-of-genghis-khan.html)
I don’t subscribe exclusively to any parenting philsophy, but a lot of what are considered attachment parenting principles make sense to me.
When I first heard the term “attachment parenting,” I thought it meant being with your baby or even older child around the clock and never leaving their side. That’s not attachment parenting! I think the word “attachment” comes from attachment theory, which proposes that children need consistent nurturing and care (usually from their mother) during the first two years of life in order to grow into healthy, confident, independent teens and adults capable of forming secure and healthy relationships (or attachments) with others.
AP ideas about attachment are much more elastic, acknowledging that mothers are not the only caregivers who can help nurture and raise healthy babies and children.
Attachment Parenting International’s eight principles are:
http://www.attachmentparenting.org/principles/intro.php
Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting
Feed with Love and Respect
Respond with Sensitivity
Use Nurturing Touch
Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
Provide Consistent and Loving Care
Practice Positive Discipline
Strive for Balance in Your Personal and Family Life
Doesn’t sound so wacky, right?
I’m reading a 90s edition of The Baby Book and while I don’t agree with everything, a lot of the Sears’ ideas just seem practical. They promote co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and babywearing, but above all encourage parents to follow their instincts and develop a parenting style that is practical for them and nurtures their child. I hate maneuvering a stroller around. Slings and wraps are just easier. And my baby likes being able to look around at her surroundings.
This photo is very disturbing and unacceptable. I feel bad for the child as he doesn’t know any better. It seems like the mom has some attachment issues she should figure out in counselling. Get a pump and put it in a cup if you’re that concerned about your child’s immune system. No need to confuse a child and allow this type of behavior. Not sure why this would make anyone proud to breastfeed. It’s just plain creepy. Shame.
My concern is that he’s being treated like a baby and will have a slowed emotional development.
As an elementary school teacher, I have some issues with breast feeding a child this age. In my personal experience, mothers that do this are doing it exclusively to feel the bond with their children, not for the child’s benefit at all. I know this because when asked about bf, they talk about how great it is for them, not any health or emotional reasons pertaining to the child.
When I taught Kindergarten, there were 2 boys in the class that were still bf at 5. These boys knew that breasts were the primary food source for them and treated EVERY WOMAN AT SCHOOL like she was a milk machine. Groping me daily, walking up to lunch ladies with arms outstretched, staring at and reaching for other moms of other students in class. True or not, in 2012 this is SEXUAL HARRASSMENT in a public school. Should the women at my school have to go through this just because you “want to feel the bond” with your child for FIVE years!? You are doing your child a disservice if you do not wean them by the time they are school age… period.
Were these boys brothers? It seems strange to me that they would think they could get milk from other women. I have a 13 month old and he knows sign language for milk and will do the sign and nuzzle my chest when he wants to nurse. He never does this when other women are holding him though. By age 5 I would think these boys would know that only mommy is going to give him milk. I wonder if they had some bizarre family living arrangement where they were able to nurse from other women?
I am really neither here nor there on attachment parenting. I, personally, would never want to do it but I don’t care if others do. I just feel that the percentage of mothers that actually do FULL ON attachment parenting is so small that it is really a non-issue. Most women in America, like myself, have this crazy little thing called a job.
I am personally not a fan of breast feeding, neither my husband nor I was, and both of us turned out just fine, we are expecting right now, and although I do plan on bf, it won’t be for very long. I think everyone is aloud to do what they need to do, but I don’t agree with the title of the article, asking “are you mom enough?” I don’t think breastfeeding until a child is old enough to go to school makes you “more mom” then anyone else. I feel like the title alone is just asking for people to argue with it. I also don’t like the way to is looking at the camera, like she is more of a mom or something. The last thing that I don’t like is, not only have they put that child on a chair and taken away the intimacy of bf, they have him staring at the camera as well, if you actually get an issue his eyes follow you, his eyes should be on her and her’s should be on him. I understand the point they are trying to make, but feel they went about it in all the wrong ways.
Could not have said it better myself. They make it look “wrong”. If they wanted it to look like a beautiful act of motherhood this would have looked a LOT different.
I wonder if she still makes him wear diapers..?
I think we are given teeth for a reason. After being a preschool teacher teaching 2-5 yr olds for several years, I can’t imagine why you would still breast feed almost 4 years. Maybe it would be less perverted if she just pumped and gave it to her son in a cup instead of him actually being on the boob. After watching her interview on the Today Show, and hearing her whole theory behind “giving in to your childs’ every need” I was like really? As the boy sat there misbehaving the entire time and not to mention he’s going to grow up thinking everything should be his way because that’s what he’s used to!
Everyone should get a grip. I got a lot of grief for breastfeeding my child for 18 months. That was what worked for me and my situation. I was more than grateful that I could as we all know that many women encounter difficulties with breastfeeding. People were surprising brazen with me when I would do it in public and I was even told it was disgusting and that it would make my breasts look gross.
As far as my opinion goes, people need so stop being ignorant and should really stop worrying about what other people are doing and should really take a good hard look at themselves before they comment about others.
Different people follow different traditions and parenting techniques based on what they know, how they were raised, what cultures they are raised in and other variables. There are so many people out there hurting their children by starving them, abusing them or other atrocious things and these things go unnoticed and unpublicized that I can’t believe the frenzy over an image of a woman feeding her child.
FYI – in many parts of the world, this is the ONLY way to nourish a child due to economic hardship, extreme poverty and corrupt government.
FYI- most mothers in 3rd world countries don’t have hospitals to give birth in or pediatricians…. Should we follow their way of life still? Your comparison is ridiculous and irrelevant.
Agree!
I’m sorry, this is selfish act on the mothers part. The child is almost 4 years old so therefore is almost in pre-school. Does the mother plan to stop by the school and breast feed? What about the child’s well-being? Other children do poke fun- even at this age. Eventually he will wonder why other children are not doing this and then the mother will have to explain to him why. I guess in this situation, to each it’s own. I just hope the mother is prepared for the consequences ahe will have to face.
I feel sorry for this kid whose going to be in highschool one day and this cover is going to pop up!
i agree!
I’m 20 now and I breastfeed my son, he’s 1 1/2 months. I told my husband my mother thought I should give him formula (she formula fed myself and my sister the day we were born) and my husband told me my son deserves the best so I will be breastfeeding until he is one or when he decides to stop if it’s before then…. BUT I will still be pumping and putting my milk in his sippy cups because I think that is the best way to give him nutrients and protect his immune system until I get pregnant again or my milk dries up.
As a working mom it is extremely difficult to breastfeed for a year, let alone four years! I have no issue with parents doing this, but I personally find it pretty low of TIME Magazine to use that title. It’s a sad way to try and a) increase your sales and b) try to imply that mom’s who don’t do this aren’t “mom enough.” I mean, there are several mom’s who can’t even breastfeed. Shame on them for trying to add yet another aspect of guilt to mothers.
Unfortunately, this was not meant to increase awareness of attachment parenting or be a true educational source for women who may be interested in it. It instead sparks a debate on what’s “mom enough.”
I think this woman is very bold and I’m proud of her for standing up for her beliefs!
I am def an attachment parent we have 2 kids 3 year old and 16 month old both still sleep in our bed, and I still breast feed my 3 yr old at night! I think it is still beneficial to her, she is very confident and super smart she is already reading, my 16 month old is still breast feeding as well!
Why would god give us women breast if we were not ment to use them for their purpose.
the world today try’s to pervert everything it’s no ones choice but the parents as to how your going to feed your child!
I love my children and I want to do the very best for them.
love it
I think the child’s psychological state is at risk. How many “mommy issues” is this little by gonna have now? If your child is old enough to walk up to you and rip your tit out, or old enough to ask..l they’re old enough to drink and feed themselves on their own. Is natural, but who’s to say its safe for the child’s mental state later on in life when they’re 25?
People don’t know how this attachment parenting thing works!
Your child does not come up a rip your breast out to eat! When your still breast feeding a toddler it’s only in the morning or before they sleep not usually durring the day because Yes they can feed themselves and they need regular food to grow, it’s more of a comforting thing!
I think that those who have a negative view of it are narrow minded they don’t realize how little children remember as they grow up!
So many of us moms and dads were breast feed probably for a longer time then we do now! I personally was breast feed still when I was 3! And I don’t remember any of it!!!!
My 3 year old who I still breast feed does not ask to when we are out or pull down my shirt she knows that’s not right!
And as for them co sleeping they do that only till they want to sleep in their own bed my 3 yr old has a bed pushed up next to ours and that’s where she sleeps! Who of us likes to sleep alone come on your child has been in your tummy for 9 months and your going to force it to sleep alone! Just because houses in the USA are huge and have like 4 or 5 bedrooms now does not mean an infant has to have their own the SIDS rates here are big because baby’s are alone in their room in other countries they are pretty much none existent because people co sleep!
To all those who have negitive things to say about how anyone raises their children your Ignorant!!!
Sounds like there’s more than 1 major issue going on here! I hope to God that your 3 year old wasn’t in the bed, or even the same room for that matter, when your 2nd child was conceived!!
Wow Mandy you have a nasty mind! There is other places to do what your talking about the bedroom is not the only place to be intimate with your husband! And any way why would you think that was an appropriate thing to say really tactless person you must be!
I was breastfed until I was 3 years old. I personally have no memories of it, but ther people such as family members and friends close to my mom remember or have been told about it. Now whenever the topic of breastfeeding comes up I cringe because I am made fun of mercilessly. I know people think its funny, but its very embarassing because people imply that there is something wrong with ME. It was not my choice to be nursed that long and children don’t know any better. I don’t think there is anyhting wrong with breastfeeding, but because of the embarassment I have had to endure it makes me not want to breastfeed my own child (I am expecting my first in July). All I ask is that mother’s consider how their children will feel about it when they are old enough to understand, because I can freely admit I feel a little bit ashamed about be breastfed for so long.
I believe in breastfeeding but this time magazine cover is disturbing. Yes, it’s not our culture but there’s a reason why it isn’t. I breast feed and I don’t mind breast feeding in public but please cover up! You don’t have to be in the world’s face. A good mother takes care of her child’s needs but also doesn’t make the kid ultra dependent on her as he/she becomes a toddler. That is a mother who wants to feel the security of being needed by someone and ultimately hurts the child.
Have you ever noticed how men are INFATUATED with breasts? Don’t you think this child is going to remember sucking on his mother at this age? The line needs to be drawn somewhere. I agree with wanting your child to get the nutritional benefits but you can pump if that’s the case. There needs to be some consideration of the mental health of this child in the future. Now he has to live with this photo for the rest of his life on top of it! I don’t agree at all! We all want what’s best for our children but I don’t think you need them to be hooked on your breast at 4 years old to bond with them. There are many other ways to be close to your child. This is just starting to be disturbing and I can guarantee that this will effect this little boy as an adult.
I have no problem with attachment parenting or how anyone is raising THEIR child. I think breastfeeding is a wonderful thing. I breastfed my son until he was 13 months and he self weaned otherwise I would have done it longer. I do have a problem with the cover however, breastfeeding is suppose to be a bonding experience for mother and child…I don’t see the bonding in this picture, they are both staring at the camera daring you to object rather than lovingly at each other. And the title are you mom enough is just bull…I am no less a mom because I didn’t breastfeed as long or I don’t follow this style of parenting. And for that I take offense to this cover…how dare you imply that I and any other mom out there isn’t enough of a mom
The only thing I don’t appreciate is the “are you mom enough?” I can’t breastfeed my child because of medical reasons and that doesn’t make me any less of a mom than any other mom. I’m tired of people judging others for not breastfeeding.
some mothers aren’t able to practice this style or just don’t understand i. as far as child molestation, that crazy talk!! our breast purpose is to feed our babies, there’s no clear cut age limit to how long you can! and
Noname- That’s terrible that your family makes you feel that way. When your baby is born, if you do try breastfeeding you’ll see that there is nothing weird or unnatural about it. I was a little squeamish about breastfeeding before I gave birth. I thought, like some of you mentioned, that I would prefer to pump and give them a bottle or a cup. Well when you’re up in the middle of the night the last thing you want to do is let your baby cry while you pump or warm up a bottle of pre-pumped milk, then feed the baby and have to pump again if it wasn’t just expressed…(not to mention create another chore- bottle washing- in addition to all the new laundry you will have.)
Basically what I’m saying is that breastfeeding is convenient. It’s completely an added bonus that breastmilk also happens to be one of the healthiest foods in the world. I would say God created this ability for a reason!
As for those of you that relate it to something sexual, you must not have kids. It does not feel sexual in the least, much like you don’t think sexual thoughts when you change your baby’s diaper or give them a bath… right? Surely you can relate to that. And would you be afraid that your child would remember or see pictures of you bathing him or her and feel you molested them? That would never cross the mind of a normal, healthy child or adult.
And lastly, if a child asks for milk from the breast, I don’t see how that’s any different than asking for a bottle. That’s how they get fed, it’s what they know, they don’t know that breasts are even used for anything else, let alone anything sexual.
Now, will I breastfeed till my baby is 4? No, but that’s just my choice and thank goodness we live in a country where we get to make those decisions for ourselves and our own children.
The way I see it, nursing is inherently nurturing and comforting to a child. This photo doesn’t portray either. Instead the woman is standing there in a sexy pose while the child stands on a chair to get to her breast. Weird. As for attachment parenting I think this is really a selfish act on the parents’ part. No child needs that kind of smothering and I believe it is detrimental in the future. My parents did not attachment parent in the slightest and today all my siblings are very capable and responsible adults. We also are very close as a family.
I am a mother of three and breastfed all my children to different ages. I am still nursing my youngest and he’s 9 months and plan on doing so for at least another 3-5 months if not longer depending on him. Here’s my issue with the cover. First of all no-one nurses there child like that. I don’t think it would have been an issue if she was holding him differently. Secondly the way she is posing- C’MON- Are you kidding me?!!! I love breastfeeding and I think it’s great and to each their own. The cover just the picture not the article really puts a bad spin on it for those who are already have issues with women breastfeeding I feel this just made it worse. I nurse in public BUT ALWAYS COVER UP and I still get looks. If we were in a different county this wouldn’t even be an issues.
It’s fascinating to read all these prior posts. We as a culture have a long way to go in raising awareness about breastfeeding. My heart goes out to women who CANNOT bf for medical reasons. My baby never latched, and I exclusively pumped for 13 months while working full-time for 10 of those months. I considered myself Supermom and am SO proud of what I accomplished for my baby. Every mom who does succeed in breastfeeding is Supermom in my eyes—for any amount of time. As for the Time magazine cover, I personally think it is strange but from these posts, it made its impact and got what it wanted—reactions. Keep reacting and keep breastfeeding, Supermoms!