Breast-feeding your child beyond infancy

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux talks with Mayim Bialik about breast-feeding, attached parenting, and motherhood.

[@elise412]

I love how Miyam speaks about what she feels needs to be said and not what the interviewer wants her to say

[@rebeccarose8745]

Elise Cawthon love this 💙

[@MsNathaliabello]

Yeah, :) ❤️

[@Miss_Camel]

I don’t always agree with her on every little thing, but I adore her and I absolutely agree, I love that she says what she believes needs to be said even if the interviewer is stunted or petty in some way, I’ve noticed this in many of her interviews and I admire it so much

[@Adaiauaistudent]

I hate that they're interviewing her on a health/science issue yet when they put her name on the interview it says> "ACTRESS" . Check 0:42 That sends a message to the audience> Don't take her seriously on this matter. Get it right CNN! She is Dr. Bialik, A Neuroscientist who has authority to speak on these things.

[@Jasminaflowyoga7]

Exactly, good point.

[@SuchAPrettyMess]

Amen to your comment, Dr. Bialik is a genius... literally, her IQ is off the charts!

[@coyotew925]

Aron May But with processing knowledge.

[@lifesabeachnyc8568]

Adaia Z great point. And she showed her knowledge/education beautifully, while being patient with idiotic questions from the interviewer. She also did really well countering the media sensationalism and false narratives associated with AP. She really is a remarkable woman. Plus she gave us Amy Farrah Fowler 😁

[@gorilla199uncensored]

She is an actress

[@maxe381]

Mayim literally answered this interviews questions before she asked them, and then she asked them again anyway. Are you serious? Dr. Bialik is so patient its amazing. Whether or not I agree with this...she's incredibly intelligent and brings facts to every argument.

[@19FizZ91]

Maxine Bania lool yh! 2:15 she laughed as if to say 'you're joking you i just answered that' and then stopped laughing when she realised she's serious

[@xEllesirKx]

Exactly and you know when she said “As I said” the interviewer screwed up

[@roryteal5940]

I love that Mayim calls out the media for sensationalizing the issue. The media.

[@TheXxomasteroxx]

She breastfeeds a Three Year old that is a Sensation period. Actually thats Kind of crazy.

[@remusdawley7173]

Actually babies can be breastfed until they're four or five, and in a lot of countries still are The only reason most people in richer countries don't breastfeed as long is because we can afford to give small children real food

[@naylas3908]

The biologically natural weaning age for a human child is between age 2,5 and age 7. So there is nothing ‘crazy long’ about a breastfeeding at age 3. It is in fact very strange for humans to drink cow’s milk, especially young kids.

[@Kattungi]

Just to clarify, my thumbs up was for the information that Mayim provided and not for the attitude of the interviewer.

[@meowseasycleanpress1517]

kattung same!

[@mogur00]

something wrong with the attitude of the interviewer? seemed perfectly professional, polite and reasonable to me.

[@Daisy-kg4ho]

mogur00 she kept asking questions that were already answered.

[@mogur00]

im not gona watch it again to check, but i seriously doubt that.

[@augustynowicz1]

She did, Malik answered the topic. And then she asked again.. It seems like she never have heard of or seen breastfeeding. Like she is on a safari discovering a new species..

[@shonoamcclean-peters7004]

So we can take the breast milk made for an infant of a different species and feed it to ourselves and children all through life but can't consume our own breast milk past 12 months of age? The world is insane.

[@dsTinyCat780]

Shonoa Mcclean-Peters yes we are insane, but it is people like Dr.Bialik who are contributing to our transformation into sanity! 💜

[@alwayslogical658]

Agreed, and the people and mothers who have a problem with this are the same people who would feed their toddlers McDonalds, sodas, and other fast foods.

[@MsMadmax1]

Actually, I agree with you about cows or goats milk. We are the only species on the planet that drinks the milk of another species. The only thing that cow's milk is good for is turning a 50 pound calf into a 300 pound cow over six months. The American Dairy Association has spent a huge chunk of money on propaganda trying to convince us that cow's milk is good for us. It's not, and it never has been. Dairy cows are pumped full of antibiotics because they suffer from chronic mammary infections as well as hormones to keep them lactating. Most humans are actually lactose intolerant to some degree. Do what you think is best for your child and tell anyone who doesn't agree to stuff it.

[@petermercurio9415]

agree 100%

[@fletchmel000]

They seemed to miss the point that she has a PHD in neurobiology.

[@bluefan84]

You must not have been listening. They said that in the intro.

[@phillach5181]

but does her being a neuroscientist make her knowledgable about breastfeeding?

[@Critt20]

It means she probably has a pretty solid grasp on brain development.

[@mmkkkk2912]

Mayim Bialik displayed excellent poise and and wonderful speaking style. Very graceful.

[@CarlosAtwell]

"Mayim Bialik - actress". Wow. Thought she had a PHD. Thought she wrote a book and everything. Whether you agree with her or not, at least respect her. Nothing wrong with being an actress of course but it's not what she's talking about here.

[@sandygonsalves4646]

they DID! weren't you listening? They even mentioned the book she wrote and that she was a neuroscientist.

[@MJW238]

How is that showing her disrespect? If you want disrespect, how about all those with PhDs, including those with, unlike her, actual expertise in parenting not being invited on the show? She's on the show because she's an actress. Not because she has a PhD or wrote a stupid book.

[@mdbigboi191]

Thats clinton news network for you. Cant comprehend someone can be both. Coming up, more crying about trump shit on the hour, every hour.

[@fe5018]

Carlos Atwell, my thoughts exactly. In the context of this discussion, it should've read: PhD, Author, Actress. In fact let's give her her doctor title while we're at it too: *Dr.* Mayim Bialik. Anyone defending the news network doing this, gtfo of here with that nonsense. This is a recurring issue surrounding educated women: their credentials and expertise are frequently diminished and this is another example of it. If she was on talking about her acting that's fine but it is not relevant to this discussion and certainly not the most relevant identifier in this context.

[@angelaburress8146]

+F E But the majority of the people watching know her from Blossom or/and The Big Bang Theory so what's the problem!!!!!!!

[@Rivracost3]

That cover is so uncomfortable. The mom's stance and the text is confrontational while the kid is basically hanging off of her like an accessory. Mayim is lovely and articulate as always.

[@bidinosaur]

If you read more about "the story behind the photo" you will find this was not a planned stance.

[@Rivracost3]

Summer That does not change my comment in the slightest. And if you think they chose it on a whim you are wrong too. They could have chosen from numerous pictures but they chose that one on purpose.

[@paulaw418]

Summer they still chose THAT photo. They could have chosen another.

[@steviferguson3058]

The magazine editor chose the picture, not the mom. The photo was taken while the mom and son were taking a break between poses, the child was tired, but they were asked to stay in their spot for the next round of poses. So mom did what she needed to do to help the child keep going. The photographer chose to take a picture then, and an editor chose it for the cover. The mom and the photographer have both said it's not the photo they would have chosen for the cover, but they had no say. Nor did the mom have any say in the headline wording.

[@xyzsame4081]

thanks - I wondered WHY the mother would have been willing to pose in that manner and for a sort of controversial story. I did not read the article (which may be less sensational and informative) so I "judged" by the headline when the cover went viral. - No doubt like many others. Now, your comment explains the situation - she wasn't willing, the pose was a coincidence. And the yellow press took advantage of that unplanned shot, chasing and fabricating controversy. - It is not as if an archetypal story - a mother feeding her child - or a cuddly feel good story or some advice on parenting would be ENOUGH by itself. It must be: the bitches competing with each other (good enough mother ?), making a woman look conceited (the pose of the mother on the cover), and some controversy. Never mind the arguments, and the content. (I have known the advantages of long(er) breastfeeding long before, but I admit I found the cover foolish - well now I know it was the editor that was foolish, not the mother).

[@joshoarita]

breastfeeding is such a natural and biological thing and people make it a sexual or disgusting act, women cant feed in public as if it was vulgar or pornographic, i don't understand we should all do it, its healthy for the baby, for the mother it helps her lose the baby weight, the babies get nutrition, why do people sensor it?

[@dorothyhazel4408]

This interviewer has NO listening skills. At all.

[@katrinamareen]

I dont think many people are understanding what she is saying. Most people I know do attachment parenting without even labeling it as attachment parenting. The whole breastfeeding thing is only a small fragment of the parenting style. She is only breastfeeding this long because her son chooses not to stop. Similar to a three year old with another type of comforter, evidence shows they will give it up when they are ready with soft guidance. This is what she has been doing, but clearly her son is not ready, she is not going to deny him of something he still mentally needs. Its not weird, its called being a good parent.

[@Reporterreporter770]

mostly people are uncomfortable with learning new facts

[@aqueladaniela]

+Katrina Maree She did say though the decision will be up to her if he never decides to stop. Which I think is important for parents to understand. When she says "he cannot force me to breastfeed him any more than I can force him not to" so it shows it is still up to who breastfeeds IF it takes to an uncomfortable stage and the kid didn't quite by themselves.

[@tabihawley6624]

I absolutely agree! My second child breastfed until he was 21 months old. He was NOT ready to let go yet. I was perfectly okay with that. UNFORTUNATELY, nobody around us at then time was okay with it, and I was pressured, and literally practically FORCED to wean him in a VERY unpleasant and stressful way for both of us. I held such resentment towards these people for that, but I was at a very vulnerable place in my life, and I was being ganged up on from all sides. Fast forward to today, when he is 12.5yo, and he still has emotional imbalances due to attachment issues and distrust. 10.5yrs later and I STILL feel guilty for forcing him to wean when he wasn't emotionally ready to do so.

[@ViolettaVie]

I am so sorry you had to experience that. Please forgive yourself. No parent is perfect and you were in a vulnerable place. All you can do now is your best as a parent and let it be.

[@littleboots9800]

@@tabihawley6624 if he has issues today can you be sure it was because he was weaned off breastfeeding before he wanted? What about kids who were moved onto bottle feeding after a month or two then onto solids at 4 to 6 months? Are they all suffering emotional/trust issues? Because I can think of many who had no choice to stop breastfeeding as they were too young to express an opinion either way and have grown into healthy, happy adults. Don't beat yourself up about caving to pressure, it more than likely had no lasting damage to your child's emotional wellbeing. It could be down to a myriad of things that may or may not have been within your control.

[@ElliesWorld]

Woah she's so well-spoken and lovely - I'm sold haha :p

[@arielc3204]

She holds a PhD

[@Loungemermaid]

two, actually.

[@aliisakalma8245]

subscribe to her :)

[@sfletch3042]

Ellie Newman Yes. She has a PhD in Neuroscience.

[@billydick9962]

Ellie Newman she's a PHD of course she's well spoken.

[@VeenaMichelle]

I cannot get over the fact that mayim is an incredibly smart, poised and classy woman that all actors/actresses, and people alike, should emulate to be. A true role model and class act. People really should not criticize other parenting styles because, all in all, this does NOT by any means inhibit the development of the child or hold any ridiculous implications of molestation. If this is what works for mayim, then so be it. Her kids look pretty healthy and loved to me.

[@Goobian]

I think that an intelligent woman is very sexy and unfortunately not everybody thinks that way. And breastfeeding older children that are not infants is taboo in recent years. My Grandma told me once about her younger brother running in from playing at about 6 or so, and her mom was breastfeeding a younger sibling. He asked for milk, took a few drinks, and ran back out to play!! Their are many different ways to parent and they are all correct.

[@caedae01]

Well said. I especially liked how she continuously re-directed the topic back to her agenda rather than focusing on the TIME cover as the reporter wanted.

[@misscanuck917]

Way to go Mayim... You are an amazing woman. Haters gonna hate hate hate.

[@JohnnyC10071959]

Why do people write this mother is weird? She seems pretty damn normal to me. Mine is grown and gone but it turns out I was an attachment parent. Dr. Bialik does not sell it or force in on anyone. Seems like a great person and a great mom.

[@mom2nji]

As an fyi the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding until at least ,2 so does the World Health Organization.

[@011KiKi]

Mayim handled the interview with respect and intellect, but the questions were below her.

[@MissFlux]

I am so attracted to Miyam right now. I just LOVE her!!!!! Every interview is just captivating. She is empowering whether you believe in some of her notions or not. She is a real woman. For our generation & the generation before me this woman is important. Much respect for you Miyam. You are my female hero. .... And not to mention BEAUTIFUL. The beauty that radiates not just from her looks but her over all attitude & they way she responds to questions. Oh I can't say enough. I want to see Russell Brand & Miyam Bialik have a convo. I just wanna see 2 great minds go head to head. Great interview. Thanks 👏🏼

[@ginnylorenz5265]

+MissFlux Yes. This is a truly BEAUTIFUL woman. A REAL woman. It's so wonderful to hear her express herself so clearly and intelligently, and with such natural, friendly dignity. A great role model.

[@christianone6611]

I agree 100%!

[@phillach5181]

would you breastfeed from her?

[@Evija3000]

Russell Brand & Miyam Bialik? Lol, I wonder how that would go. Their personalities seem so different.

[@pyrogummybear37]

i absolutely respect her perspective on this. i am not super informed on attachment parenting and clicked on this video purely out of curiosity, but after listening this perspective is very respectable and makes a great deal of sense. almost like it could also be described as intuitive parenting.

[@tasher85]

I am still breastfeeding my 2 year old. I really needed to see this interview. people tell me all the time that I should get him to give it up because he is "old enough", he is not ready. it is so beneficial to him, that we will know when its time to stop completely.

[@boballende]

Mayim Bialik is extraordinarily articulate and intelligent! She nailed it!

[@christineboyd3571]

God! Thank you! She certainly did.

[@reneealcantara3386]

I'll be honest that I was weirded out by this cover but the way she handles the conversation so maturely has changed my mind and I see that it's none of anyone's business when a child stops breastfeeding. As she said, it has to be "mutually desirable" and I love that she has had conversations with her kid about what she herself does not feel comfortable with (public).

[@amygingras6210]

Love this. I stopped breastfeeding my daughter at 16 months and know that she was not ready to stop. I thought I was strong for sticking with it for so long, I commend these women who maintain such longevity for their kids. Go Mayim!

[@hvanmegen]

The term is 'Attachment Parenting' ... attachment, comfort, security, feeling of wellbeing.. not 'Attached' asin in a sling or 'stuck'...

[@hvanmegen]

CNN is ignorant, as are it's viewers :)

[@arielc3204]

lol amen

[@rorylebeouf6413]

In history humans actually breastfed their offspring up until they were about 2-3 on average. Breastfeeding is also a form of birth control which was beneficial for humans that were low on resources and cant afford another baby when they already have one.

[@aprilb1273]

Aurora Lebeouf lmao it's not a form of birth control 😂😂😂

[@rorylebeouf6413]

April B Frequent and regular breastfeeding as a form of contraception is called lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM). LAM is about 98 per cent effective. However, LAM will only work for you if: Your baby is younger than six months old. After that you can get pregnant but chances are lowered because of the hormones in your body from breastfeeding.

[@aprilb1273]

Aurora Lebeouf You should see how many women in my breastfeeding groups get pregnant before 6 months, because of this.

[@kateonthecob486]

+April B The hormones you need to stay infertile however are only released when you breastfeed a certain amount of milk in not more than four hours. (And it doesn't work in every case) Nowadays, however, women are told in the hospital to breastfed not more than every 4th hour. Hence, they get pregnant.

[@danakscully64]

April - I know a lot of women who got pregnant on the Pill, does that mean it's not a form of birth control? LAM is pretty effective but not full proof (like every method). I personally wouldn't use it alone, but when I'm preventing pregnancy, I use 2 methods every time.

[@Lexightonportia]

I was breast fed till 4 lol. I remember breastfeeding from my mom, it was not for food, it was for comfort. Made me have a strong bond with her. I slept in my own bed and still held independence.

[@GiraffeyMegan]

you know it's not just a bullshit trend when a neuroscience doctor chooses to do it

[@ebecky4275]

Exactly

[@msjkramey]

Neuroscientists are people too. She can easily be wrong. She makes some good points but I'm not sold yet. I need to do my own research

[@xyzsame4081]

Breastfeeding longer (at least 3 years) a trend ? It has been around for hundred of thousands of years. - also see WHO recommendation. see the reports of ethnologists and archeologists. Or by comment above.

[@iamlight1]

I was very uncomfortable with this interview because it felt as if attachment parenting and breast feeding was being put on trial and Mayin had to explain and defend what it is. People, including tv anchors are so ignorant. I hate these negative attitudes.

[@nunyabiznez6381]

"Journalists" are employed to sell advertising, not report news. The most successful selling of advertisement in the media is by sensationalizing everything and making everything as controversial as possible. Sensation and controversy sells advertising. So this "journalist" is seeking to make this interview as sensationalized as possible.

[@SuperKrock5]

Well in the past. Whenever anything was new, people hated it and then it became the norm. I think it’s natural to push back at first.

[@LAVirgo67]

Sadly, breast feeding & attachment parenting has been vilified as something that 'new age' / hippy parents do. Something to avoid. That it'll damage children in some way.

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

iamlight1 well, attachment parenting is nuts.

[@laceysanford2056]

I totally agree with her. The cover is disgusting and offensive. Its not the breastfeeding. Its the are you mom enough.

[@kathymack3791]

I can't help but wonder how this is going to mess with that kid's head (the boy on the magazine cover) when he's going through puberty and his friends show him this cover.

[@fe5018]

@@kathymack3791 even without the pic, I feel like Mayim is painting a target on her son's back too.

[@yasminvillanueva3141]

Exactly

[@fe5018]

@Deirdre Morris @Deirdre Morris , I think sharing intimate personal details about your children and their private lives and development is an invasion of their privacy and is likely to be used against them. It's something that's happened regarding far less personal or "controversial" things in the cases of other celeb children/children of high profile figures. So imo there is precedent and validity if not necessity, in seeing the risk of such things. Frankly,I know more about the developmental progress and delays of Mayim's children than a stranger should (same goes for Kirsten Ball's kid).

[@fe5018]

@Deirdre Morris, yeah, it's really unfortunate. They obviously don't mean any harm but it's messed up.

[@ilove2run89]

My brother was breastfed until he was almost 3 (he was my mom's last child and only son, so he naturally got a bit more attention than my sister and I) but it was certainly mutually beneficial. My mom got to continue to receive the love and warmth of her child, and my brother grew up safe, healthy and strong. He's still a bit of a mama's boy but he's also a 6'2" rugby player. If a mother can safely breastfeed her child as long as they both want to, why not? It's completely natural, not sexual at all (it creeps me out when people think that it is), and helps children develop healthy bodies and immune systems.

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

Audrey moms can still receive love and warmth and kids can still grow up safe, healthy and strong without being breastfed beyond infancy. I don't think breastfeeding a toddler is a sexual thing at all but I do think it's weird, absurd and unnecessary. I wouldn't do it. Besides, it can promote a pattern of behavior (alongside with other habits) where the child is "babied" way more than they should be which I dont believe is beneficial for either the child or the parents.

[@kimmysharples]

@@thatgirlreacts5465 Breastfeeding beyond infancy may not be necessary but don't for one second believe that it isn't beneficial.

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

Kim Grim Shar Your comment means literally nothing without proof, you do realize that, right? List all of the benefits of breastfeeding A TODDLER that cannot be gotten elsewhere.

[@kimmysharples]

@@thatgirlreacts5465 If you were actually interested in the topic you would have researched before coming to your conclusion. As it stands, you believe it's 'creepy' and I doubt that anything that I say regarding the benefits, or the benefits that Audry has mentioned in the original comment or that Mayim mentioned, numerous times in the original video, is going to change your view. With regards to providing no evidence... I suggest you refer to your original comment and ask whether you yourself provided proof for your comment and beliefs. If you honestly want to learn more on the benefits of breastfeeding beyond infancy and truly wish to educate yourself on the matter, then I will gladly send you further info. As it stands, I get the impression that someone who believes something so natural and biologically normal is in fact creepy, I doubt you wish to be provided with such evidence. Should you continue believing it to be creepy, I at least hope that you never use that to undermine mothers who choose to continue feeding.

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

Kim Grim Shar hahahaha so easy to say "I don't need to prove what I said because I believe you don't want to learn". Lololololol ok hun, let's pretend that you didn't take the easy way out. Lol But yeah, it's ABSOLUTELY creepy and absurd. I mean, what do u expect? You don't like the opinion I have on it so you can't further discuss it? What an idiotic thought! So I have to agree with you or at least not have any opinion that you consider offensive in order for you to be on a comfortable position to prove your point? Are you serious? How ridiculous!!! 😄 As for the show of evidence that you so poorly tried to turn to me, let me try to explain it in a way you can understand. Breastfeeding is a biological thing, therefore its benefits (whether in infancy or beyond it) can or could be scientifically proven. Thats why if you are aware of any actual benefit that can ONLY be provided to a TODDLER and young child THROUGH BREASTFEEDING, then you can list it. As opposed to my claim against breastfeeding a toddler because THAT isn't a matter of scientific fact, it's a matter of opinion. One cannot show proof of opinion because it is subjective. The only thing I can say is my own anecdotal evidence. In my field of work, anything I see a parent doing that prolongs dependency of the child on the parents does not benefit the child. I believe in helping a child be independent and self reliant. Therefore, breastfeeding a toddler when it is absolutely unnecessary would only delay their independence. You can bet your ass that a household where a mother breastfeeds a 4 year old is a household where that 4 year old is (whether consciously or not) underestimated. What I mean by that is that kids (AND BABIES) are more capable of things and smarter than we give them credit for. But a mother that keeps on breastfeeding a child beyond infancy is a mother that inevitably sees her child still as a baby. You can even take Audrey's own testimony as proof. But then again, it's all anecdotal. So take it or leave it, it's your choice. But I don't have to prove an opinion, you idiot! Lol So my point is, it is MY OPINION, NOT scientific fact, that breastfeeding a toddler is unnecessary, absurd, ridiculous and creepy. It's also my OPINION that such activity works against promoting independence in a child. Also, as far as I am concerned, there is NO BENEFIT whatsoever that a toddler couldn't get elsewhere. Now if I'm wrong about there being no real biological benefits that a toddler couldn't get elsewhere and therefore breastfeeding a toddler would be a must then, by all means, prove me wrong! That wouldn't be anecdotal, it'd be a fact. Surely you can sustain your claim of it being beneficial with facts since it's not a matter of opinion, right? Oh no, wait! You can't do that because I hurt your feelings when I called it creepy. My bad. 🙄

[@bozenasaisani8491]

so glad I come across this interview, never heard of "attachment parenting" but I did it naturally! it's just so natural almost subconscious decision that whatever makes mother and baby happy, go with instinct!

[@frizzzx86]

mee too!

[@BallardMerRoss387]

This is how you defend your position while being critical of how people take your message and destroy it. You don't attack people opposing your view, you strengthen your argument and provide education, take note feminist and SJWs.

[@2BAlive100]

Mayim is a beautiful person and has such an eloquent way with words. I'm not 'for' this kind of thing, as a matter of fact I don't plan to breast feed at all, I'll pump. Nevertheless, Mayim seems to have this way of expressing her views with no undertone of judgment and a complete understanding that not everyone shares her opinions and that is exactly how you get people who don't share your opinions to listen to you. I feel her opinions on this topic and parenting choices, while they won't be my own, are great for her. P.S. This interviewer is an idiot. Is she even listening to Mayim's answers?

[@SarahBevElizabeth]

2BAlive100 why are you not for breastfeeding?

[@deja3963]

Mayim for president!

[@user-xq8uf3jx4l]

If you dont breastfeed you're kid will be a derp

[@goggliesunshine7486]

You will give up on pumping quickly its not easy to pump every feed

[@missblueberry1033]

2BAlive100 why don't you want to breastfeed? (I'm not judging you, it's your choice, I'm just curious)

[@jamiehart8229]

so before there was formula women who didn't produce milk would have another woman breastfeed their child. it's called a wet nurse. breasts were made to produce milk for infants not to be over sexualized. society has made it that way. I wish I could have breast fed my daughter a lot longer than I did but had health issues so I couldn't. it's not gross it's natural.

[@jenns.5791]

Jamie the keyword is INFANT. once they're no longer an INFANT then you stop feeding them like one. if you want them to have breast milk past infancy, pump it. and contrary to what you'd like to believe, back in the day before formula was made, parents actually started introducing OTHER foods a lot earlier than parents do today. and in fact, there were actually mothers who didn't breastfeed past a few months, if at all. like my grandmother, for example. she couldn't breastfeed, so she mixed powdered milk with just a drop or two of karo syrup and put it in a bottle and fed that to my mom and my aunt since there was no formula and she had no other choice. so this whole "it's what mothers have been doing forever, it's completely normal to have a 1st grader on my tit" thing is just a bunch of hippie dippy new age "free range" bullcrap.

[@keepinitkawaii]

@@thatgirlreacts5465 if you take it to the point to where women cant even feed their children in peace (the actual functionality of the breats) then it becomes a problem but some people cant seem to find a balance

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

Elle Marie there is no such thing as “actual functionality of breasts”. If we use it fir more than one thing than they are fir more than one thing. Otherwise, don’t go around kissing anyone, mouths are for eating and communicating only. And sorry gay gays (or any anal lovers out there!) but you can’t have anal sex since that’s not what butts are for! 🙄

[@keepinitkawaii]

@@thatgirlreacts5465 you misinterpreted my comment. Would you deny that the primary function of the breast is to feed children? Do you understand the makeup of the breats at all, how the bodys natural hormones effect them and what happens after a child is born? My point is that there isnt anything wrong with viewing them in a sexual way but when you do so, dont forget that the primary function (how they work. The actual mechanics behind them. Never did i say they should be used in only one way) are to feed a child. No one ever said mouths cant be used for more than one thing but could you imagine over sexualizing the mouth so much that someone would start complaining or become uncomfortable if they saw you using it to eat? Thats how ridiculous it is to be offended by a women feeding her child.

[@keepinitkawaii]

@@thatgirlreacts5465 you dont seem to understand the difference between "function" and "use".

[@bookwormgirl000]

such an excellent interview. she's so well-spoken and opinionated!

[@Travis7060312]

shes so smart.. I love it

[@ClareLouise1Dx]

What a fantastic woman and mother! A class act role model and inspiration to women!

[@TheJunebox]

this is exactly how our grandmothers grew our parents! it's perfectly normal.... what is it not normal is all these people ashamed about breastfeeding.

[@evalynn1863]

It honestly disgusts me to see so many people sexualize womens' breasts the way they do. Breasts are not sexual organs, their purpose is to feed and nourish a child. Why is that so hard for people to understand?? I love that Mayim is so openly supportive of this! It's absolutely natural and normal.

[@MJW238]

It's not how grandparents did it. And even if they did, so what? Our ancestors also had children die of smallpox. Which people would still be dying from if people listened to those like her her promotes pseudoscience and other nonsense.

[@wormwoodbush]

Pseudoscience? You do know she's a doctor of neuroscience don't you? She practices what she preaches and has the science and knowledge to back up what she preaches. She's not anti immunisation, as many have said in the past, she's pro education regarding immunisation. No scientist at her level would practice anything without an evidence base. It's just ingrained into high level scientists, to always look for evidence to base a hypothesis on, or make a hypothesis and then research for evidence. There is scores of evidence regarding breastfeeding past 2 years of age. It's only societal ideas that stop many people doing this, just like when breastfeeding itself was out of vogue and most women bottle fed. It's just societal expectations and ideas that prevent women from breastfeeding longer. If more in society accepted it, more women would feel comfortable doing it. Until very recently it was looked down upon to breastfeed a baby in public, some people stupidly, still think it's wrong. Facebook have only recently stopped removing breastfeeding pics, so it goes to show how much society influences practices.

[@LogoMan7777]

The Junebox Plus she's been on three sitcoms (well, one that didn't last very long on Fox; but the other two did very well!). Can you add that to your resume?

[@1971mav]

The Junebox No it's not.

[@korymann6723]

My mom breast fed me till I was 3 and I think I turned out pretty good so far

[@tiffanifarrington4039]

Kory Mann Haha. That's only one person's opinion

[@sortathesame8701]

I breast fed all of my children at least 2 years and one 3 1/2 years and they are all wonderful adults!

[@erinclarke2715]

I know someome breastfed until 5 and they are they best person I know. Smart, amazing, healthy

[@tomara6066]

Kory Mann me too! 😀

[@danielmagana3081]

Mine did as well but i dont think she did a very good job at how she went about it.

[@dorissaclaire]

My mother breastfed me until 4. I didn't want to stop, but I had to when I went to kindergarten. My mother did all the things Mayiam said, we didn't do it in public, I didn't have bottles, and she didn't pump. My brother stopped on his own before 2, and that was fine. We stopped when we wanted to.

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

Dorissa Claire that's weird. It's also weird that you didn't do it in public. If your mom believed she was doing the right thing, why did she make sure no one saw it?

[@xohillary]

Ummmmm you aren't supposed to get aroused when nursing. I've breastfed both my kids and that would just be plain weird if that happened. It makes me happy and bond with my child. Not sexually aroused. What the heck?

[@tjandkd05]

I agree! What the heck? I'm breastfeeding my third child and I'd never even heard of women being aroused when breastfeeding until I read some of the comments on here. Pretty sure that's not normal.

[@rachaelquinata3921]

Excuse me, it's Dr. Mayim Bialik! She gave sound advice, she holds a Ph.D. I think that was intentional, her not addressing her as doctor...

[@joanna3690]

WOW! I never watched TV, but this woman is Smart, Sassy and so CLASSY!!! I LOVE HER! And I love that she is speaking common sense to the idiot mainstream journalist! GO GIRL!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!

[@cammierountree5172]

I bottle fed both of my children and they turned out healthy and intelligent. Son is a Navy Corpsman and my daughter graduated top of her class and is a Registered nurse in a Neuro ICU. So, breast feeding isn't possible for some mothers due to health issues and that is fine too.

[@yasminvillanueva3141]

Cammie Rountree This 👆 Thank you👏

[@charicebiggestfan]

mad respect for her

[@bluespiralgoddess]

There is such an incredible amount of ignorance surrounding breastfeeding because we've become a bottle feeding culture. Things that used to be normal and widely understood have become taboo and sensational. Common sense tells us that human beings, like all mammals, are made to feed at the mammaries, and not at plastic objects. When children are breastfed to the minimum that their bodies are designed to be nursed until, (1-2 years) what naturally happens is that they are then able to communicate their need and desire for continued feeding and to deny them this becomes a stressful process. What science and history shows us is that it is actually 100% biologically normal and healthy (yes, even mentally and emotionally) for children to receive the benefits of breastfeeding well after two years old. In fact 7 years is within the scope of human normalcy. It does not foster laziness or incapability in children. Many great civilizations commonly breastfed past 2 years and that is how our early ancestors raised their young. A higher percentage of the world population does it than doesn't, but here in this "great nation" of the USA we find it gross to give our children optimum nutrition and bonding time. We condone it when women accentuate their breasts for the attention of adult males,yet we complain when a woman uses her breasts in a way that is productive. Terrible.

[@NellieKAdaba]

My mom couldn't breastfeed because she had an operation. My sister-in-law had to stop breastfeeding because my nephew got thinner and thinner, so breastfeeding is not for everybody.

[@ambercontreras1110]

Nellie K. Adaba Mayim says at 7:27 that it is in fact not for everyone.I don't think that she or the commentor above is arguing that everyone NEEDS to.. In fact shes upset that Time portrayed it to be an issue of "Mom enough" as if to say those who don't aren't. I really think you missed the point of this whole interview and the comment. There are obviously exceptions to every rule and special circumstances like the ones you mentioned but in general it is beneficial for mom and baby alike. There is nothing wrong with people who do decide to breastfeed into infancy/toddlerhood. It's nothing new or unnatural and it's sad that there is such a stigma surrounding this and that it's being sensationalized as something new and out of the ordinary. It shouldn't be that way. Attachment parenting and breastfeeding aren't radical ideas.

[@Bushdid119]

She is INCREDIBLY intelligent, but she's saying stop breastfeeding when you and your baby both feel it's mutually beneficial. No if ands or butts.

[@ForeverSunnyy]

She’s so articulated and smart. I love how she doesn’t let the interviewer take charge (she’s not asking the right questions, tbh) and keeps to the point!

[@pandorariddlebox2275]

I absolutely love this woman. She is well spoken and all mothers feed the way the feed. I personally bottle feed simply becuz when she was born I was doped up on pain killers and I smoke weed and I refuse to have the drugs and herb get transferred to her. *claps for herself being a responsible parent* I feed my daughter every such and such hours on schedule and I keep her close to me as possible. I support the women who do breastfeed and honestly so long as he/she getting his/her food and not starved, the nutrients in either way will be delivered and get little vita-gummies for when they're older :) I applaud Mayim for her words. *for the record, I'm a damn proud stoner mom and I do take care of my baby girl , thanks you guys*

[@doreenmd7148]

in the Philippines, in the provinces, kids are still being breast fed at 2 yo or more.

[@TopHatKitty]

She statesh her points so well.

[@malgorzataiwona]

If we had more parents like Mayim, this world would be a much better place

[@Bubblevicious]

The internet is full of idiots and trolls who will tell you things like, "breastfeeding is sexually arousing for all mothers who do it." And, "that's just really creepy." As Mark Twain once said, "Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

[@johhnyeza8788]

Bubblevicious Yes Mark Twain was full of wisdom. Didn't he marry his niece or cousin too?

[@Bubblevicious]

Johhny Eza I never said he was full of wisdom, but his quote is a great explanation of why people never win arguments over the internet. :-)

[@Bubblevicious]

Johhny Eza What book or site does it say he married his own cousin/niece, by the way? I'm just not seeing it anywhere.

[@col1308]

that was edgar allan poe

[@fe5018]

Well said, Bubblevicious. Wise words from Mr. Twain too.

[@VanessaFGuidon]

She did a great job covering this topic!

[@exas4791]

She's informed & courageous.

[@morganendres5207]

She did exceptional well answering her questions. Well done Mayim!

[@channers3891]

There are some truly stupid comments here... breasts are for feeding first and foremost. So grow up! We all know it is healthier but there is also STRONG evidence that the longer you are breastfed, the smarter you are and I have seen this in play!

[@barkoff2011]

***** Tough titty

[@phillach5181]

very true, im 53 and im still being breastfed even to this day and my iq is around 179( sometimes more if i got some titty milk before)

[@paulaw418]

OK let's not get carried away with the benefits now. (the worst part of any discussion on breast feeding is the exaggeration of the benefits) There are plenty of stupid people who were breast fed past the age of 2. And I too have seen this with my own eyes.

[@yasminvillanueva3141]

Chantal Harrison nope! all 3 of my kids were bottle fed and they play the violin have bs and cs, healthy and very smart!

[@yasminvillanueva3141]

Phil Lach lol

[@amydaw7491]

I am loving the majority of the comments. I am a big pro breastfeeding until the child lets go person and I was so gutted I was unable to do so for my son due to physical problems but if I could have breastfed him I would still be doing so and he is nearly three.

[@saldrummond5561]

wow, this is actually really interesting

[@californiageisha197]

I like how she is not pushy about the subject. A speaker like her makes it easy for people to at least see where people are coming from.

[@shellclo566]

Mayim is just SO beautifully spoken, intelligent, articulate, doesn't let herself be led into saying anything and represents AP and term breastfeeding amazingly well. Hats off to her

[@beckyalirocks]

So much love and respect for Mayim Bialik. The concept of breastfeeding your child for longer than the WHO recommended 6 month exclusivity period is amazing and I applaud any mother who has the willpower and courage to continue breastfeeding. Women are amazing creatures.

[@missblueberry1033]

Rebecca Jane the WHO actually recommends to breastfeed your child to a minimum age of 2 additionally to their normal nutrition

[@lysjocksan]

Whoa..ok..hang on...Actress, neuroscientist, author, blogger, wife, mother, and who knows what else. Where the hell does she find the time to do all this??!!! Did Sheldon build her a cloning machine?

[@Kitsune1414]

lysjocksan I do believe she's also a dancer or musician; one of the performing arts.

[@lysjocksan]

I found this on her wiki page: "She is a keen musician, playing piano, bass guitar and trumpet." It's said that she also takes harp lessons so she can play the harp better on the show :-) She's amazing!!

[@darrian3394]

@@lysjocksan she also speaks fluent hebrew and spanish

[@mariesauers326]

I breastfed my daughter until was 3. Similar to what Miyam said it just happened that way. It wasn’t planned but it is what ended up being mutually right for my daughter and I. I cherish those precious memories so many years ago. Now she is almost 21. As a mother it’s important to do what works best for you and your child and tune out the noise and judgemental opinions of others.

[@ashleym.2981]

Mayim was so well spoken and eloquent during this interview! Now I am intrigued to read her book!

[@tumblingislife427]

I think that was a really great way of putting it, I respect her a lot. And it's nice knowing she actually understands what she is talking about since she is a scientist, rather than for other reasons that people would fight over, like religion or whatever.

[@mzdimplz93]

According to the WHO the gold standard is to exclusively breastfeed until 6months but breastmilk shouldnt be withdrawn before age 2 this is not just some fad parenting thing it actually has scientific grounding in other parts of the world people dont find it strange to breastfeed a 3 year old

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

mzdimplz93 yeah but the only reason a baby needs to actually be breastfed is because their saliva when in contact with the nipple tells the mom what kind of antibodies need to be produced in her milk. And since babies have a very weak immune system, that info in very important. However, after the first year that isn't as much of a concern anymore and as such, pumped milk is absolutely fine for a toddler. There is no need to keep breastfeeding going.

[@valerielhw]

My child was going through harsh medical treatments as a toddler, and I did not completely stop breastfeeding her until after her 4th birthday. Thank you for reassuring me that I was "okay".

[@simonfish7392]

Well spoken and confident knowledge makes Mayim Bialik an exceptional advocate for "attachment parenting" .

[@psychedelicybin]

She is brilliant. Her words encourage and inspire me.

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

The idiot reporter asked her the same question five times.

[@coyotew925]

Brilliant. At this age their brains develop, the less trauma the more healthy this development will be. Mayim is pretty intelligent and what she says is based on studies as well. Positive discipline works *always* better than negative discipline. With balance and rationality of course.

[@katiewalley3877]

Wow. Mayim is amazing. What a fabulous role model. So articulate, intelligent, calm, non-judgmental. This interview has helped me a lot.

[@emily81708]

She's so incredibly well spoken. Much respect

[@singwisevocals]

So well-stated, Mayim!

[@g41133]

Wow, Mayim Bialik is an amazing woman!

[@Mr0011011]

I'm just in awe of her intelligence. She has put forth her points articulately and without aggression, and I myself feel more educated having watched this.

[@carrotmary]

god there is such a contrast between the way this interviewer is talking and mayim's well-spoken self

[@tjandkd05]

Breastfeeding is beautiful, natural, and healthy. In my opinion it's all on personal preference. Like she said, if it's still mutually beneficial and desired by both the mother and child, and you're both comfortable with it, then more power to them. If not, then wean whenever, but don't judge the parents that decide to breastfeed longer. I don't think it's anyone else's place to judge a caring parent who is just looking out for their own child and doing what they think is nutritionally best.

[@daddydojang]

Do you still feel the same now? Just curious.

[@tjandkd05]

+daddydojang I do. I've breastfed 3 children now and although I've never personally gone longer than 1 year, it's beneficial to the child's health.

[@daddydojang]

Thanks for sharing your response. Just curious to see if you felt the same after 2 years.

[@elliew6592]

I feel like Mayim was not taken seriously by the interviewers at all. It's very sad that a natural part of what makes us human is being demonized. Not every mom can breastfeed or have natural births. Not every mom wants that. But to demonize women who do choose to parent that way is sad.

[@wrinkleintime4257]

I was breastfed for 2 months ( due to my mom having some health concerns). My sister was breastfed until about 4 and she has such a strong immune system (compared to mine). I think it's okay to breastfeed children over early infancy! Breastfeeding is so important. I want to breastfeed my future children for as long as they need to be! ( that will be in a long time... I'm only 19 hehe...)

[@taylorballingall]

Mayin is so amazing, i absolutely loved the way she voiced her opinion but i just wish the interviewer understood/cared more.

[@ezgicetin5855]

She's like awesome

[@valhalla1240]

wow at first I was really disgusted, but she really changed my perspective. Not in the sense, that I'm necessarily loooking forward to breastfeeding for years (or even having a child), but a three year old is actually still very young and baby-like in a sense... however breastfeeding an eight year old still has something off-putting to me...

[@steviferguson3058]

Most children would not or could not breastfeed at 8. Once they start losing baby teeth (known as "milk teeth" in most mammals), the shape of their mouth changes and it becomes impossible for them to actually latch and suck. So just think about when most little ones lose their first tooth (around 6 years old) and that tells you when they are biologically primed to quit, if they haven't already. In situations where children are getting fairly good nutrition from solid food, and having emotional needs met in other ways, most children will quit far sooner than that. Some children, of course, do have higher needs than others, and that can be a factor as well. You can also think of things like thumb-sucking and other soothing behaviors, which generally fade away by around 3-5 years old. Those behaviors come from an instinct to soothe by nursing, and unless there are very specific needs or circumstances, children will naturally let go of those around the same age they would naturally wean.

[@clairewillow6475]

My son has recently weaned himself. He's two years old. It feels very bittersweet to know our breastfeeding journey is over.

[@japikolee]

This is the first time I saw someone explaining in more depth what attachment parenting is. Before that I simply cringed thinking about a mom breastfeeding a toddler, but the way Mayim explained it helped me understand the concept better. Thank you for changing my perspective, Dr. Bialik!

[@scrumps101]

Go Miyam! You're brilliant!

[@krdompier]

Mayim is such an incredible woman and this interview was really frustrating to watch. She was so articulate and polite... she shouldn't have had to deal with this interviewer.

[@urflow6059]

Katie Dompier I totally agree! Why does CNN have such inarticulate hosts? Mayim does amazing dealing with her stupid repetitive questions about the cover.

[@malkavthejester]

I really like Mayim Bialik. She looks very neat and pulled together, like an actual adult. When she speaks, I hear complete sentences arranged in a way that makes sense. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like this kind of thing is out of reach of many celebrities.

[@vidaphotography4073]

I'm learning just how much I love Miayim. She's a great person. Very strong and sensible

[@907917]

Blossom looking good in that interview.

[@mrspaisley1]

I just love her. This interview should be shared with women and men everywhere. Mayim is so extremely well spoken, and everything she said makes sense. You can't argue with the logic she presents!

[@scarredxangel]

There's nothing wrong with breast feeding, I personally don't think I'd be able to breast feed a three year old, but I won't know until I have a three year old child. What is great for one, isn't great for the other, like Mayim said. I agree with her wholeheartedly on this issue. Go Mayim.

[@bgallegos3373]

it is very important to allow more time to build security and autonomy. I like her view, its not anyone's opinion that matters and should not be and to add sexualization just shows how sick people are. mom does what is best. are you mom enough to not do what others think is best and do what's right for you? I still hold my 8 year old to sleep. but many think its sick and I'm "sleeping with my son" he 8, and if he's 30 and needs the security of moms arms then mom will be there. sick society.

[@cx3m8]

Breasts were meant to feed our children and it is in no way shape or form sexual and people who think it is seriously have something wrong with them. Women have been doing it since the beginning of the human race. There was no formula then. So, If I want to feed my baby until he is a toddler I will do just that. It's my choice and no one will tell me any different. It fuels that mother and child bond and it's extremely healthy for them just as she said.

[@medeliat6799]

Mayim Bialik is such an educated and intelligent woman, and yet seems very humble in her approach. I am truly impressed and happy to see her doing so well! And I can also hear the "swoosh" over the interviewers head as Mayim speaks.. I agree with everything Mayim says, to communicate with and listen to your child and give them your affection and bond can never be wrong, it is biologic and it's how you build their self worth and self-esteem.

[@abubishir3036]

You might not agree with her but you can't deny that she is smart.

[@YourWealthCome]

Way to go. I am totally in love and obsessed with this women.(in a non stalker kinda way of course) I tip my hat to you.