Sunday, March 14, 2010

Breastfeeding vocabulary

It annoys me when people use "breastfeeding" vocabulary in the wrong way.

Though I do think its somewhat funny that WIC uses "exclusively breastfeeding" for those moms feeding their babies solid foods and breastfeeding.  Just because you are not using formula, does not mean you are still exclusively breastfeeding.  Exclusive means exactly that - only breastmilk, nothing else including any type of food or water. sigh.

Then people also use the term Extended breastfeeding very loosely.  The official medical authorities uses the term "Extended breastfeeding"  for breastfeeding a child over 2 years of age.  A lot of people use the term for breastfeeding a baby past six months. lol.  The official medical authorities consider it normal and even actively promote breastfeeding to at least 2 years of age.  Everyone else thinks you are either heroic or crazy to breastfeed past the age of 6 months. sigh.
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/03/aafp-statement-breastfeeding-beyond.html

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