Mom Responds To Criticism And Says 'It's Not Weird' To Breastfeed Her 5-Year-Old

Feb 14, 2023 by apost team

One mom has had enough of people calling her gross for breastfeeding her 5-year-old son. 

Breastfeeding has always been considered the ideal food for infants because it has everything a child needs to grow healthy. Compared to breastmilk substitutes, breastmilk contains all the energy and nutrients a baby needs to survive. Plus, breastmilk is considered safe and clean. It also contains antibodies that could prevent children from getting any illnesses.

Based on a study, breastfeeding could prevent a child from growing obese or getting diabetes – not to mention babies who breastfed performed better on intelligence tests. Simply put, there are so many benefits a child can get from breastfeeding – and it's all about ensuring a child grows into a healthy adult and live a long life.

But exactly is the recommended timeline for a baby to undergo breastfeeding? As per the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, infants should be exclusively breastfed for about six months. Some mothers can opt to breastfeed their babies up to two years or older, along with the introduction of complementary foods.

In January 2023, a mom from Perth, Australia, named Lauren McLeod, addressed the backlash she received for sharing photos of her breastfeeding her 5-year-old child.

McLeod, a trained professional who offers support to people experiencing problems with reproductive health issues, gave birth to her child Bowie in August 2017. She has another child named Tigerlily born in May 2020.

McLeod, in one of her posts, explained her decision to continue breastfeeding her baby at age 5, pointing out that moms should continue breastfeeding their babies at age 7. McLeod said it is biologically normal for humans to wean until the age of 7.

She went on to share that she wants to normalize it, given the stigma that comes with moms breastfeeding their babies beyond 2 years old.

McLeod said she doesn't mind all the hate because she knows she's making an impact on other people's lives. 

"I've copped a fair bit of hate from unsupportive people and internet trolls in my time, but the positive difference I'm making in other people's lives, and all the love and support I receive from others makes the bull**** all so worth it," McLeod said.

Meanwhile, she encouraged other moms to do the same if they feel comfortable, saying it will help normalize moms to breastfeed their children beyond two years old.

"Every single breastfeeding photo that's shared helps to normalize the way humans have been feeding their babies since the dawn of time," she remarked.

In another post, McLeod cited the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation on breastfeeding, which is until 2 years old. She said moms could go on breastfeeding their children beyond two years old if they want to, given its many benefits, including boosting brain development and reducing the risk of heart diseases, among others. 

McLeod said there's nothing "weird" or "gross" about breastfeeding a 5-year-old even though it is not common in today's society.

"I'm literally just feeding and comforting my child (once a day, at bedtime, in case you're wondering)," McLeod said.

McLeod said she finds it absurd that people think about it in a sexual way. Then again, that won't stop her from continuing to do what she thinks is best for her children.

"It's not weird or sexual, it's completely normal and I will keep going until they want to stop," McLeod told Daily Mail Australia.

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What can you say about the mom's stance on breastfeeding? Have you also done the same thing? Let us know what you think, and pass this on to your family and friends who might find this story interesting!