Breastfeeding 3-year-old, Time cover controversy

I have to admit I was shocked when I saw the cover of Time with the headline "Are You Mom Enough?" and the photograph of a woman breast-feeding her 3-year-old, both touting the magazine's article on attachment parenting.

Thursday saw a mix of awe, criticism and applause across social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, causing some to cringe and others to cheer. My first thought: "I hope that child doesn't get teased."

When I was pregnant with Maggie, I planned to breast-feed. I bought a pump and all the accessories -- I even took a breastfeeding class. After she was born, she latched on right away. I was thrilled! By the second night, she wanted no part of it. She'd latch on for a few minutes and then start crying. This went on for a few days and she was losing weight, apparently not eating enough.

I started to supplement with formula, as directed by my pediatrician, and for another week or so, I pumped and gave her formula. Although I was pumping, I still wasn't producing enough, and wound up giving her more formula than breast milk. That was when I decided to stop pumping and just gave her formula full-time.

What a disappointment. I cried. I felt like I let Maggie down and was worried she wasn't going to get the nutritional benefits that breast milk delivers. I did my own research and spoke to my pediatrician, who said that Maggie will still get into Harvard whether she's on formula or breast-fed.

In my heart and mind I knew that was true. After all, I was formula-fed and I turned out fine. But I felt as if society put this pressure on me for not breastfeeding. Once my hormones got back to normal and Maggie was gaining weight and on a great schedule, I felt 100 percent better about my decision.

I applaud women who are able to breastfeed for months -- it definitely is a commitment. I think what shocked me about the Time cover is to actually see a much older child breast-feeding.

I know that there are women who breast-feed their children beyond the first year -- or longer. I say, good for them, but that's not for me.

If I've learned anything since becoming a parent, it's that everyone is going to have an opinion on something. And who am I to pass judgment on others?

Every mother will make a decision for her child and we all hope that decision is the best for the child. At the end of the day, our children's health and happiness is what matters most.

What do you think of the Time cover image of a women breast-feeding her 3-year-old? Do you think there's a specific age when a child should stop breast-feeding? Vote in our poll below.