A dedicated mother from Michigan, Laura Smith, has embraced a nurturing practice that’s raised eyebrows and sparked discussions: breastfeeding her two sons, Joel and Bennett, who are five and two years old, respectively. Laura believes in the immense health benefits breast milk offers her children and says she’s willing to continue this practice until her boys reach the age of eight.
Laura enthusiastically shares how her breast milk has kept her sons exceptionally healthy. “Joel and Bennett have never experienced the flu, ear infections, or needed any medications. Breast milk is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients,” shares Laura.
Despite some criticism from people and certain acquaintances, Laura stands firm in her decision. She mentions that while her personal limit is to breastfeed until they reach eight years, if her sons aren’t ready to stop, she’s open to continuing. “I believe in letting them make the decision. I won’t suddenly find it unpleasant. When they’re ready, we’ll stop,” Laura elaborates.
Laura’s journey with extended breastfeeding began when she welcomed her son Joel in 2015. Health professionals had advised stopping breastfeeding after six months, but Laura didn’t consider that option. She introduced pureed foods alongside regular breastfeeding sessions.
“In my family, extended breastfeeding is quite the tradition. My mother breastfed me and my siblings until we were about four or five. So, when Joel started on solid foods like sweet potatoes, I continued nursing as usual,” Laura explains.
The introduction of solid foods didn’t slow down Joel’s breastfeeding sessions, which occurred up to six times daily initially. As he grew, Laura broadened his diet, ensuring he relished solids like avocados, apples, and pears. All the while, breastfeeding remained a significant part of his daily routine.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. By the time Joel turned two, Laura encountered curious glances and whispered judgments about her extended breastfeeding methods. “Friends remarked on what they perceived as ‘unusual,’ yet my husband and family were pillars of support,” she recalls.
In 2017, another son, Bennett, joined the family. Laura then embraced tandem nursing, breastfeeding both sons simultaneously. “It was crucial for Joel not to feel sidelined when Bennett was born. Nursing them together was a bonding activity,” Laura notes.
Despite her firm belief in breastfeeding’s benefits, Laura does face criticism, particularly in public. “Strangers sometimes give me odd looks, especially when I nurse Joel. It’s baffling how a beautiful, natural act can provoke such responses,” she admits. To avoid unwanted attention, Laura prefers nursing in her car or at home.
Laura turned to social media, where she faced mixed reactions. While some comments were negative, labeling her sons ‘too old,’ Laura found a comforting community. She joined Facebook support groups advocating for extended breastfeeding, where many mothers shared similar experiences and views.
“The encouragement from these groups was like a balm. Many mothers nurse their children until around eight, and their stories lift my spirits,” Laura says with gratitude. She is emphatic about wanting to educate others about the advantages and naturalness of extended breastfeeding.
Overcoming societal biases remains an ongoing challenge. However, Laura holds hope for progress. “There’s undoubtedly a stigma, but I remain optimistic that one day, people will view it differently. It’s essential to remember the nourishment and comfort breastfeeding brings to a child,” Laura concludes thoughtfully.
Through her journey, Laura has shown remarkable resilience and dedication, forging a path that maintains her sons’ health while challenging traditional norms. Her story is a testament to the profound bond between a mother and her children, championing a natural choice that works best for her family.
