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If You’re Breastfeeding Your 6-Year-Old, You Might Face Criticism
I’m all for supporting whatever feeding choices you make—be it breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or formula. But if you’re sharing pictures of yourself nursing your six-year-old, don’t be shocked if the online world has something to say about it. Is their judgment justified? It’s hard to say. One thing is clear: stepping outside the cultural norm often invites scrutiny.
Take, for example, a woman named Sarah Lee who recently posted photos on social media showing her breastfeeding her six-year-old. In many places, this kind of image is frowned upon; we often struggle to accept even the sight of a mother discreetly nursing an infant. So it’s no surprise that such images provoke strong reactions. They challenge what we consider normal.
Sarah identifies as a “holistic parenting advocate” and embraces practices that may seem unconventional to many. She even shared a photo of herself breastfeeding her child just after birth—clearly, she is passionate about her approach. On a morning talk show, she explained that now that her daughter is in school, she believes the benefits of breastfeeding help with her immune system.
Personally, I stopped breastfeeding my kids once they started teething—around a year for each. I would have wrapped it up sooner if it had become uncomfortable. I’m all about keeping things simple and making life easier for myself. When it comes to nursing an older child, it’s clear that nutrition isn’t the only factor at play; there’s often emotional comfort involved as well. Kids wean off their comfort items at different stages. For instance, a kid in my son’s class brings a favorite blanket to school, while my son held onto his pacifier until nearly three. Parents often face criticism for letting their kids transition away from comfort in their own time.
Lactation consultant Lisa Carter mentioned that while it may seem unusual in Western cultures, globally, children are typically weaned between ages 2 and 6. Thus, breastfeeding a six-year-old isn’t entirely unheard of.
That said, Sarah might find herself needing to explain her choice to her daughter in the future, especially as she grows into her teenage years. We all have moments we might cringe over later. I know I’ve shared some less-than-flattering parenting stories online that my kids might find embarrassing someday.
Honestly, I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of a six-year-old breastfeeding, but that doesn’t make Sarah a bad mom. Personally, I don’t think her daughter needs the immune boost breastfeeding supposedly provides now that she’s in school. Sarah simply has a different parenting style than I do, and that’s okay.
While society is becoming more accepting of breastfeeding, there’s still a limit on what we consider appropriate. An older child nursing highlights just how far that boundary is drawn.
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In summary, while unconventional choices like breastfeeding a six-year-old can invite criticism, it’s essential to remember that every parent has their own unique journey, and what’s right for one may not be for another.