When it comes to feeding preferences, I stand firmly behind all methods—whether it’s breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or formula feeding. Everyone should have the freedom to choose how they nourish their child. However, if you decide to share photos of yourself breastfeeding your six-year-old, be prepared for a wave of criticism from the online community. Is this judgment fair? That’s a matter of perspective. What’s clear is that deviating from societal norms often invites scrutiny.
Recently, a woman named Sarah Jones posted images on her social media showing her breastfeeding her six-year-old. In many cultures, such images remain controversial. In fact, even the sight of a mother discreetly nursing an infant can provoke discomfort. Thus, it’s no surprise that reactions to Sarah’s photos sparked a debate.
Sarah identifies as a “holistic parenting advocate,” embracing practices that may not align with mainstream views. On her social media, she has shared pictures of nursing her child shortly after birth in a birthing pool, demonstrating her commitment to her beliefs. She stated on a morning talk show that she continues to breastfeed her daughter, now in school, for the supposed health benefits it provides.
I personally weaned my children after they developed teeth, typically around the one-year mark. If I had felt any discomfort earlier, I would have stopped. My approach to parenting is straightforward: if something becomes challenging, I change direction.
Breastfeeding a child capable of making their own grilled cheese sandwiches goes beyond nutrition; it’s likely that the child finds comfort in the act of nursing. Children transition away from comfort objects at different stages. For instance, a child in my son’s preschool class brings a blanket to school, while my son held onto his pacifier until nearly three. Whenever a parent allows their child to gradually let go of something, there will inevitably be critics questioning the parenting choices.
According to Diana West, a lactation consultant and spokesperson for La Leche League International, “it’s surprising to those in Western cultures, but globally, children are typically weaned between the ages of 2 and 6, making the nursing of a six-year-old not unusual.”
While Sarah may find herself needing to explain her choices to her daughter in the future—who may not appreciate such candid images as she grows older—many of us have made parenting decisions that could come back to haunt us. I’ve certainly shared moments online that might embarrass my kids down the road. Parenting is about doing our best, and when we misstep, we face the consequences.
Personally, while I find the image of Sarah nursing her child somewhat uncomfortable, I don’t believe it reflects poorly on her as a mother. I also question the necessity of breastfeeding for immune support at this age, as Sarah claims. Ultimately, her approach simply differs from mine and that of many others.
As a society, we may be becoming more accepting of breastfeeding, but there remains a threshold regarding what is deemed acceptable. A child beyond a certain age nursing reveals where many draw that line.
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In summary, breastfeeding a six-year-old may elicit varied reactions, but every parent’s journey is unique. Whether you support Sarah’s choices or not, it’s important to remember that parenting styles vary widely and should be respected.