Bonding and Breastfeeding

I read a story the other day about a mother who's still breasstfeeding her nearly 6-year-old son.  He obviously doesn't need it for nutrients.  She says it comforts him.  In fact, she breastfed both her other children until they were 6.  And now, she claims, she and her older son are bonded in a way most 12-year-old sons and their mothers aren't.

I don't have a problem with women who want to breastfeed beyond what's considered normal.   BUT....I do take issue with people who hold the "bonding" argument over the heads of those who either don't breastfeed or those who don't breastfeed for long.  I have several friends who didn't breastfeed and they and their sons and daughters are extremely bonded.  I also have friends who did breastfeed and they are experiencing the typical mother-pre-teen tug and pull.

I don't think bonding has anything to do with how you feed your child.  I do think it has everything to do with the home environment and how conducive it is to a harmonious and relaxed feeding time.  If a mother is relaxed, her baby will feed well.  If the baby feeds well, that will relax the mother.  The two feed on each other.  That creats the bond.