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A woman’s breastfeeding journey is never a straight line, and the twists and turns are different for every mum. But the one thing that helps new mums navigate their own nursing path, is the wisdom of other mums.

Which is why Perth mum and doula Lauren McLeod is sharing her breastfeeding story, which includes the reasons why she wants to normalise ‘natural term breastfeeding’.

Extended Breastfeeding
Myrtle & May Photography

 

The mum-of-two calls herself a ‘badass breastfeeder’, as she details her long breastfeeding journey on social media. She’s currently breastfeeding her five-year-old son Bowie and two-year-old daughter Tigerlily.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times more, humans were biologically designed to wean from the breast between 2-7 years of age,” Lauren explains in one of her Instagram posts.

“That absolutely does not mean that anyone who weans before then or doesn’t breastfeed at all is doing anything wrong – you do you! Whatever works for each individual family is great. But what it DOES mean, is that those of us who do breastfeed our children past infancy and into the biologically normal weaning age range, are not doing anything wrong either.”

“I’ve been called a ‘sick nut’, I’ve been told I’m disgusting, weird, gross, selfish, abusing my children, the list goes on. But I honestly give zero fcks because I’m doing what’s best for my children, just like the parents who make different parenting choices are.”

Extended Breastfeeding

Extended Breastfeeding

Extended Breastfeeding

Lauren says that while it may not be common to breastfeed a five-year-old in today’s society, it doesn’t mean there’s anything ‘weird’ or ‘gross’ about it. She says she’s simply feeding and comforting him – with Bowie breastfeeding once a day at bedtime.

“And if you’re also breastfeeding your 2 to 7 year old child/children, please know that you’re not alone – there are plenty more of us out there!”

Lauren says she hopes that by the time her children’s generation have children, natural term breastfeeding won’t be so taboo.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

(Images via: Myrtle & May Photography)

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  • i love to read this story. as my fed my kids until their 3. still feeding my little. some people embarrassed but actually a proud thing to do so

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  • Its her decision. Personally I was doing that until my kids been 1yo and that was enough for me.????

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  • I’d love to hear from adults who were breastfed for as many years.
    It is a natural thing and a personal choice, but I have always been interested to know how they feel as adults.

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  • I have heard of this before and if that’s what the mother wants to do then she shouldn’t be vilified for it, especially since she has researched the subject.

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  • I wouldn’t be comfortable with this, but if she’s happy then I don’t think it’s my business.

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  • each to their own.

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  • Each to their own, but once mine learnt how to bite I decided to wean asap

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  • Honestly, each to their own; breast feeding has so many positives but unfortunately people can be judgemental and cruel and I hope the kids don’t have to shoulder any of that by her being so public about it.

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  • Great topic ! For those who are interested in the benifits, this may be an interesting read;
    https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/

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  • I wonder if or how this affects the children psychologically. I also wonder if such studies have been conducted.


    • It can actually have a very positive effect;
      Meeting a child’s dependency needs is the key to helping that child achieve independence. And children outgrow these needs according to their own unique timetable.” Children who achieve independence at their own pace are more secure in that independence then children forced into independence prematurely.

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  • I have no issues with Mum’s breastfeeding their children for as long as they wish. I just don’t want to have a 6 year old walk into a shop, pull down their Mum’s shirt and start feeding in front of everyone.

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  • No two moms or kids are a like. What works for you or your kid does not automatically will work with another mom or kid. Unsolicited advise not needed and not welcome. Live your life as you deemed fit.

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  • I can’t imagine breastfeeding for so long but if I was, I don’t think I would be doing a news article about it and publicly sharing my children’s faces. But… each to their own.

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  • I found breastfeeding a struggle with both my kids, so it did not last that long.
    But as she said each Mum and family will be doing what they think is best for their children.

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  • I fed until 2yrs of age…that was quite long enough.

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  • I think its up to her. I had issues breast feeding my children and wished i could have fed them longer. No need to vilify the woman over it.

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  • This is beyond gross- can’t see how kids won’t have issues.


    • Wow, that’s a strong reactions sars_angelchick

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  • This is a personal choice. Each to their own. Not something I would have done though.

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  • Why are people so quick to judge others and their choices. Good on her for not giving in to all the judgement and pressures of society.

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  • Unfortunately, I was never able to breastfeed for medical reasons but each to their own, I guess.

    Reply

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