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Health & Fitness

Extreme Motherhood

Weigh in on your opinion of the Time Magazine breast-feeding mom.

By the time Mother's Day rolls around every human being on the planet will have weighed in with an opinion about Time Magazine's cover picture -- a young mom breast-feeding her nearly four year old child.  Some observers will praise the idea of allowing the child to dictate when breat-feeding time is over.  Others will be shocked and find the idea disturbing and offensive.  The idea that breast-feeding contributes to the good health of the child is undeniable.  The benefits include physical bonding, nutrients in mother's milk provide strong immunity to disease including asthma and obesity.

One of my favorite sites on the Internet shows the Decorah, Iowa eagles nest webcam as the male and female eagles prepare their nest for their young.  The bottom layer contains bits of glass and sticks.  They feather the nest to make it warm and cozy for their babies.  As the young eagles learn to fly the feathers begin to fly away as well.  When the babies feel the pieces of glass they know it's time to fly away and become independent.  For me this is how nature really works. 

No matter what your opinion of attached mothering, you may want to consider the fact that the decision-making onus is placed on the child, not the mother.  As for my own thinking about the Time Magazine cover picture and article, it is provocative and encourages many a healthy conversation.  Unfortunately, I also think it creates mom warfare.  It pits mothers against each other in a sad, unnecessary and unobtrusive way.  Yes, I know, it boosts Time Magazine's sales but some things in life should not be attached to profit.  As a mother and grandmother my greatest pet peeve is seeing a child with a pacifier.  I beg all mothers to throw the thing away and just spend quality time with your child. 

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