A 39‑year‑old mother named Sheryl Wynne chooses to breastfeed her sons, Riley (6) and Mylo (5), before school, in the evening, and throughout the night. She says she’ll nurse them for as long as they need; she follows their lead on when to stop.
In Western cultures, breastfeeding past two years is uncommon and often viewed critically. Yet experts, including the WHO and U.S. pediatric associations, affirm that breastfeeding beyond infancy carries no psychological or developmental harm.
Research shows extended nursing brings immune and bonding benefits. Breast milk’s lactoferrin helps fight infection, and toddlers who nurse long-term often experience fewer illnesses.
Emotional security is another key gain; nursing offers comfort and reassurance to growing children. The World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond; the American Academy of Pediatrics supports nursing as long as both mother and child desire.
Some view this extended breastfeeding as unusual. For example, moms like Lauren McLeod and Sanziana Buriana faced online criticism, but they defended the practice, linking it to immunity, comfort, and strong mother‑child bonds.
However, what’s accepted in one society may clash with norms elsewhere. Many kids naturally wean earlier, between two and four years old.
Sheryl says she’ll let Riley and Mylo decide when to stop. She nurses them when they ask, believing in a child‑led weaning approach. This isn’t isolated. One mom chose to breastfeed her 5‑year‑old triplets and called it “sweet.” She pointed out that health authorities don’t impose age limits and that extending nursing is her personal decision.
The online reaction is mixed. While some trolls call extended nursing “gross,” others support the practice, saying it’s “a beautiful way to bond” and unlikely to harm the child.
A Romanian mom said nursing her daughter until age 6 strengthened immunity and soothed difficult moments. Meanwhile, in England, a mom of a 5‑year‑old argued that nursing was easier than washing bottles and helped emotional health.
Medical groups see no risks in continuing past toddler years. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that extended breastfeeding “is best when mutually desired”.
Even lactation consultants say there’s no age at which nursing becomes harmful. Both infant and maternal health continue to benefit over time.
Nursing into school age may bring practical challenges, like fitting it into daily routines or managing public reactions.
It can also spark emotional dependence that some feel might affect independent sleep or social development. But there’s no proof of lasting harm; the experience depends on individual family dynamics.
Some dads and pediatricians suggest setting boundaries over time, like reducing night feeds, to help children learn self‑soothing skills.
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