The March 12th episode of Supernanny was a disappointing one for breastfeeding women everywhere - in it, Jo Frost disdainfully remarks several times in regards to breastfeeding a child at the age of fourteen months. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding is heavily encouraged for the first 24 months of life.

“Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. A recent review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.”

Our society does enough already to discourage mothers from continuing to nourish their children in the best way possible and this is just another example. To speak out, visit the Supernanny forums. To voice your concern to the Supernanny Team, e-mail editorATsupernannyDOTcom.

For more info or for breastfeeding support, visit LaLecheLeague.org.