A woman breastfeeding her 3-year-old son is the cover photo of this week's Time magazine for a story on "attachment parenting".
The photo of the suckling 3-year old is accompanied by a bold caption, “Are You Mom Enough”. The article features stories and photos about attachment parenting, which includes wearing your baby, co-sleeping, and breastfeeding older children, something long-considered taboo.
Child Psychologist, Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, says the effects of extended breastfeeding have never been studied. “There`s a different stage when you`re 3 and 4, and really what that child is practicing is their autonomy in the world, not so much their connection with a parent.” Ziegler says children could be affected in their ability to self soothe and moms can still nurture their children without the breast.