This is what I have to say to Forest Park, Georgia:
First, breastfeeding a 2 year old is normal. That's right it's normal! Breastfeeding a 3 year old is normal. Breastfeeding 4 year old is normal! That's right breastfeeding to those ages is normal! It is biologically and anthropologically appropriate for children to breastfeed all the way up to 7, which is the upper limit of normal! It's simple science, friends. Further, we're mammals. As mammals, we're designed to nurse our young until they lose their milk/baby teeth. Knowing this, it certainly makes sense why when left to their own devices, most children will wean themselves somewhere between 3-4 years of age. The WHO recommends that children should be nursed for a minimum of 2 years. Here's what the American Academy of Family Physicians thinks on the subject:
"As recommended by the WHO, breastfeeding should ideally continue beyond infancy, but this is not the cultural norm in the United States and requires ongoing support and encouragement.69 It has been estimated that a natural weaning age for humans is between two and seven years.70 Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection,71 better social adjustment,72 and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the decrease in their risk of breast cancer.73 Mothers who have immigrated from cultures in which breastfeeding beyond infancy is routine should be encouraged to continue this tradition. There is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to mother or child. Breastfeeding during a subsequent pregnancy is not unusual. If the pregnancy is normal and the mother is healthy, breastfeeding during pregnancy is the woman's personal decision. If the child is younger than two years, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned. Breastfeeding the nursing child after delivery of the next child (tandem nursing) may help provide a smooth transition psychologically for the older child.19"
Okay, we now know that it's normal and recommended. Let's discuss the nudity aspect. Have you looked at your Sunday circulars recently? Nearly every single one that comes from your various department stores has pictures of women in their underwear and bras. Did Forest Park ban those to "control nudity?" Does Forest Park have a Victoria's Secret? If so, are they going to close it? What about a city-wide dress code? If they're so concerned about the possible nudity that may happen when a 3 year old breastfeeds, I want to know what else they are doing to control this laughable issue.
And just because I think breastfeeding babies is beautiful, I want to finish this up with these beautiful pictures that were taken by Eloise Smith:
And finally, my favorite, which some of you have seen everywhere:
