2024-01-16 11:06:04
It’s the most natural thing in the world. And yet, breastfeeding remains a taboo subject that often hits the headlines. Some point the finger at women who breastfeed their babies in public, others protest once morest breastfeeding children beyond the age of two. Still others criticize mothers who favor infant milk over breast milk. However, this remains a very personal choice, especially since each mother’s journey is very different. Some babies get used to it quickly, others don’t. Some mothers use the breast pump exclusively, while others breastfeed directly. For various reasons, there are women who shorten their breastfeeding period, while others prefer to breastfeed longer. However a mother feeds her baby, it is her own choice and no one should interfere with her decision. In January 2023, the British newspaper Mirror highlighted the moving story of this young Australian mother who stands up once morest the controversies surrounding sustainable breastfeeding.
As a doula, this mother of 2 knows a lot regarding motherhood
Lauren McLeod – Source : spm
Lauren McLeod became a mother for the first time in 2017 to a little boy named Bowie. Three years later, in 2020, she gave birth to her second child, Tigerlily. Since their birth, she has favored breastfeeding. She also shared a video on the networks where she explained her choice: “ I never considered giving my children a bottle. Not that I’m once morest infant formula. Breastfeeding worked great for me, so I had no issues with that. “. Due to her profession, Lauren is already well versed in this area. Indeed, she works as a “doula”: she is therefore a qualified professional who provides advice and all her expertise to parents facing a difficult birth, a miscarriage or other problems related to childbirth. Thanks to her experience, she supports them throughout the entire motherhood process.
And on the networks, she breaks the taboo of public breastfeeding: as we can see in the photos, she breastfeeds her children without shame or complex. But, even more, what caught the attention of many spectators is that the young mother is still breastfeeding her 5-year-old son. Speaking out on the subject, she made it clear that she has no plans to quit. Although she was heavily criticized, Lauren is convinced of her choice. She even made it a personal battle by proclaiming the benefits of long-term breastfeeding. “ Every baby should receive breast milk for as long as possible, and every mother knows the right time to stop “, she emphasizes.
Mcleod breastfeeds her two children – Source: spm
Lauren provides sound advice to mothers who want to extend breastfeeding
Mcleod breastfeeds his child – Source: spm
On her Instagram account, Lauren highlights the 5 things to know regarding breastfeeding beyond infancy:
« Some people will have strong opinions regarding your choice.breastfeed your children for as long as possible. Let them have their opinions, don’t be offended, even if they condemn your decision. But, above all, don’t be influenced by it, don’t follow them ! ».
« If your child reaches one year of age and still prefers breast milk to food,it’s not serious. Give him both! He’ll get used to it eventually, just keep going to offer him dishes that he seems to like. If you’re worried, seek help from a children’s dietitian ».
« Are you worried regarding not having enough breast milk?Continue to take good care of yourself as you did when you were breastfeeding your baby during the early days. You will see that your body will still use a lot of energy to produce enough breast milk ».
« Don’t worry,your child will one day stop being breastfed, I promise you! I know some days it doesn’t feel like it, but it will happen. And, besides, you will miss it, so try to make the most of the cuddles and these fusional moments… ».
« Whatever happens and whatever method you choose,do you say that you are doing a good job and that you are a good mother. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! ».
Online, many Internet users do not approve of his choice and heavily criticize his attitude
Mcleod breastfeeds her two children – Source: spm
Lauren is well aware that her choice is controversial, but she has no intention of going back. Even though many people don’t share what she does with her son, she is not affected by outside judgments. And this, despite frequently receiving contemptuous and derogatory comments. “ No, it’s not weird, nor disgusting, nor unconscious… it’s completely normal to breastfeed your child, even at this age. And, I’ll keep going until he wants to stop ! », replies the mother to her refractories. She insists on the fact that he does not only feed on breast milk. Of course, Bowie also receives proper food daily: he is completely healthy and complains regarding nothing.
Lauren admitted that she felt a little sad, because she knows that it will end one day or another. Breastfeeding is an integral part of her life. “ Beyond feeding him, it is important to continue to create this special bond with your child. It feels good for both of us to reconnect following a long day “, she specifies. The mother thinks that her son will probably stop breastfeeding before the age of 6. She knows in advance that she will be nostalgic for it, but at least she is proud of having been able to respect her own rhythm. She also wants to reach out to other parents who are going through a similar journey. She wants to support them and help them better understand the situation. But above all, she hopes to encourage mothers not to fall into the trap of judging others. “ Everything you do is perfectly normal and natural! “, she insists.
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