As a firm supporter of all feeding methods—be it breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or formula feeding—I believe in allowing parents the freedom to choose what works best for them. However, if you find yourself sharing photos of breastfeeding a six-year-old, brace yourself for potential backlash from the online community. Is the criticism justified? That’s up for debate. One thing is clear: stepping outside societal norms often invites scrutiny.
Recently, a woman named Lila Green shared images on her social media of her breastfeeding her six-year-old daughter. In many cultures, the idea of a mother nursing a child that age can be quite controversial. In fact, many people still feel uneasy about even seeing a mother cover up while breastfeeding an infant. It’s no surprise that Lila’s photos sparked a heated discussion.
Lila identifies as a “holistic parenting advocate,” which means her views on nurturing may diverge from mainstream beliefs. She has shared moments from her parenting journey, including breastfeeding her newborn in a birthing tub. When interviewed, she explained that she continues to nurse her daughter to provide her with the immune support she believes is necessary as she begins school.
Personally, my own breastfeeding experience ended once my children started teething, lasting around a year for each. Had I felt discomfort earlier, I would have stopped. I’ve always believed in prioritizing my comfort and knowing when to call it quits.
Breastfeeding an older child often transcends mere nutrition; it can serve as a source of comfort and security. Children transition away from comforting habits at varying ages. For example, a child in my son’s pre-K class still brings a beloved blanket to school, while my son held on to his pacifier until he was nearly three. It’s common for parents to face criticism for allowing their children to cling to comfort items longer than what might be deemed socially acceptable.
Lactation consultant, Sarah Mitchell, pointed out that while it may be surprising to some in Western cultures, globally, the average weaning age falls between 2 and 6 years old. Thus, nursing a six-year-old is not as uncommon as it may seem.
There’s a possibility that Lila may eventually need to address these photos with her daughter as she grows older. Many parents share stories online that could come back to haunt them later. I’ve certainly shared moments of my own parenting that might embarrass my children someday.
While I personally find the image of Lila breastfeeding her child to be outside my comfort zone, I don’t view her as a bad parent. I also question the necessity of breastfeeding for immune support at that age, as she suggests, but I recognize that she approaches parenting in ways that differ from the norm.
As a culture, we are becoming increasingly accepting of breastfeeding, but there seems to be an age limit that many agree upon. When a child surpasses that threshold, it highlights the boundaries of societal comfort levels.
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In summary, while breastfeeding a six-year-old may invite judgment, it’s important to remember that parenting choices vary widely. What works for one family may not resonate with another, and it’s crucial to respect the diversity of parenting practices.