Breastfeeding is a completely natural act performed by a caring mother to nourish her hungry baby. It’s truly a marvel of biology, turning moms into food machines to ensure the survival of their little ones. However, there comes a point where breastfeeding is no longer necessary and becomes inappropriate. Now, let’s be clear, parents should always have the final say on what is best for their children. But sometimes, it’s worth considering the general consensus and staying on the path that’s widely accepted.
One mother from Perth, Australia caused quite a stir recently by revealing that she breastfed her son until he was six years old, and she continues to nurse her four-year-old daughter. Lauren McLeod, a 31-year-old mother of seven-year-old Bowie and four-year-old Tigerlily, has taken an unconventional approach to breastfeeding her children.
Lauren is not only ready to defend her decision but also stands up against the critics who believe she should stop. She emphasized that she didn’t plan to breastfeed for such a long time initially. “I’m just like any other mom doing the best for my children,” she explained.
Earlier this year, she celebrated her son’s transition away from breastfeeding with a “‘bye bye boobie” party when he turned six. “I wanted one last feed with him and made a cake saying ‘bye bye boobies’. It was the end of an era, and it was very emotional, but we both knew it was time,” Lauren shared. She also mentioned that she wouldn’t be surprised if her daughter followed suit and breastfed until she was six, but she will let Tigerlily decide.
In 2023, Lauren faced criticism for drinking while actively breastfeeding. However, she argues that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this topic. “Many people assume that alcohol goes straight into breastmilk and will make the baby ‘drunk’. Or they assume that a breastfeeding parent will get overly intoxicated and harm their child, which is rarely the case,” she said. She also noted that negative comments in parent-related groups on Facebook often stem from a lack of education on the matter.
Breastfeeding is a personal decision that should be respected. While it’s essential to consider societal norms, each parent knows what’s best for their own child. It’s crucial to support and educate rather than judge. Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.
What Do You Think?
Is breastfeeding a child until the age of six too long? Should drinking while breastfeeding be a cause for concern? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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