Breastfeeding older children

I'm reading this book, which is about breastfeeding toddlers. I'm still breastfeeding Michela who is three in April so I have a personal interest, aside a 'professional' one. This modest looking publication caused a stir when the author, Ann Sinnott, appeared on GMTV to promote it.

A mother who breastfeeds a four year old was there and they also invited Clare Byam-Cook, who uttered a few controversial statements against breastfeeding older children. These caused a commotion in breastfeeding circles and several outraged comments from mums appeared on the GMTV's website. Click here to see the video that sent breastfeeding mums on a virtual warpath.

I have been busy with writing, so I have only had a chance to buy the book recently. My first impressions are that it's really sad some mothers have to hide the fact they are breastfeeding a toddler because they fear criticism from people and even health professionals. But then I remember that program called Extreme Breastfeeding where mums breastfeeding older children were treated a bit like freaks.

And if I'm honest, the first time I went to a breastfeeding cafe when Michela was weeks old, there was a mum breastfeeding a toddler and I did think it was a bit weird. So it's poetic justice that I now think it's perfectly normal - all I'm doing is waiting for my daughter to stop rather than imposing my decision.