Your cart is currently empty!
10 Misconceptions About Breastfeeding Older Kids
I might not have nursed as long as the mom who’s breastfeeding her 6-year-old, but I definitely breastfed my kids beyond the baby and toddler phases. My older son weaned when he was in preschool, while my nearly 3-year-old is still going strong, and I expect he’ll continue for a few more years.
When my first son was a newborn, I never imagined I’d be nursing him for so long. We faced numerous challenges in the beginning—getting him to latch was a struggle, and I was just relieved when it took fewer than fifteen tries! Long-term goals weren’t even on my radar back then. Yet, as the years rolled by, breastfeeding felt completely normal. If it hadn’t, I would have stopped. After he turned 3, it became something we mostly did at home, and when he was ready to wean, he began to just nurse a little before bed, similar to how some kids might suck on a blanket or thumb.
I’m not here to persuade you about long-term breastfeeding; everyone has their own feelings about it. I get it—seeing older kids nursing can provoke strong reactions. I used to feel that way too. But this discomfort is rooted in our culture; in many parts of the world, breastfeeding toddlers and older children is commonplace and even celebrated. Breasts are viewed as nurturing rather than sexual objects.
Each mother has the right to decide how long to nurse her child, and my choice to breastfeed long-term doesn’t define my parenting skills. Nursing is one of the connections I share with my children, contributing to their health and happiness. There are countless beautiful ways to bond beyond breastfeeding.
Having read countless comments on posts about breastfeeding, I’m astounded by the ignorance and negativity directed toward mothers who choose to nurse older kids. So, let’s clear up some common myths surrounding this topic. Again, I’m not here to change your mind, just to share some facts and encourage a bit more open-mindedness.
1. “Doesn’t the milk lose its nutritional value over time?”
Not at all! Breast milk retains its nutritional properties throughout the entire nursing period. The immunities that help protect your child remain intact as well. While supply may decrease as children nurse less, the benefits of breast milk stay consistent.
2. “Can’t you just pump and put it in a cup?”
Young kids often nurse for comfort and security, not just nutrition. It’s the same reason kids cling to pacifiers or stuffed animals. If you prefer another method for soothing, that’s totally fine! But for many, breastfeeding is a key way to provide comfort. Plus, moms of older children usually don’t keep pumps on hand, and they can be less effective as milk supply decreases.
3. “What about when they get teeth?”
Teeth don’t interfere with latching. Nursing is more about creating a seal with lips and tongue. If a child bites, it’s usually a sign of teething or mischief, not nursing. Biting is typically a phase, and there are ways to manage it without weaning.
4. “What happens when they can ask for it?”
Nursing babies have been asking since day one! Before they can speak, they show cues like fluttering lips and rooting. As they grow, they might tug on your shirt or point. It’s good to have a simple term for it; my kids just called it “milk,” so I didn’t have to hear them shout “boobies” in public!
5. “Aren’t you worried about raising a kid who can’t self-soothe?”
If you’re worried about my child needing comfort, remember that we all seek soothing in different ways. Whether it’s cuddling, talking it out, or even venting frustration, nursing is just one method in my toolbox. As kids grow, they naturally find other ways to self-soothe.
6. “After a certain age, it’s more about the mom.”
You can’t force a child to nurse; they do it because they want to. While many moms enjoy the closeness, it’s not purely for their benefit—it’s about the child’s happiness too.
7. “Only kids in developing countries need the extra nutrition.”
Yes, many have access to food, but breast milk offers more than just nutrition. It contains immune factors and helps nurture a loving bond between mother and child.
8. “But your child will remember it!”
Some kids do remember breastfeeding, often like a fond hug. They typically associate breasts with comfort rather than sexuality. Most kids wean long before they reach an age where breasts are sexualized.
9. “That sounds like sexual abuse.”
This misconception frustrates me. Breastfeeding is a natural act of love, not a sexual one. No one is forced into it, and it’s perfectly normal.
10. “Aren’t you worried your child will never stop?”
I had those worries too! But just like other milestones, weaning happens naturally. Kids eventually lose the urge to nurse, and the last session often evolves into just talking or reading before bed.
More moms are nursing longer than you might think. I assumed my son was the only one still nursing in preschool, but I later found out there were others. As kids grow older, nursing often shifts to home, which is why you might not see it as much. So, if you’re skeptical, I encourage you to explore the facts and realize that long-term breastfeeding is quite normal and more common than you may believe. Let’s reserve our concerns for real issues, not the loving bond between a mother and her child.
For more insights into family planning and home insemination, check out this post for valuable information! And if you’re looking for resources on pregnancy, the CDC has excellent information available.
In summary, breastfeeding older children is natural and carries numerous benefits for both mother and child, despite the misconceptions that often surround it. It’s important to respect each family’s choices and understand that breastfeeding can continue to be a source of comfort and bonding well into childhood.