The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and continuing until the child reaches two years of age.
Certainly, a few specialists believe that nursing could have been prolonged, just like a woman in England who stopped when her daughter turned nine.
Breastfeeding not only nourishes the baby, but it also helps strengthen the bond between mother and child.
Sharon Spink mentioned that she will miss the closeness with her daughter, Charlotte, who has chosen to stop breastfeeding. Charlotte, who is 9 years old, has only been breastfed.
When I had Charlotte, I made the choice to let her wean naturally. It’s better for the baby to be in charge of this process instead of forcing everything.
Sharon faced harsh criticism for breastfeeding her daughter until she was nine. She was even accused of abuse and pedophilia. However, she was determined to challenge the stereotypes surrounding extended breastfeeding, like many other mothers.
The mother added that “She gave up on her own this year. It was a gradual process and the decision belonged to her. I breastfed her about once a month, or when she was not feeling well and had no energy.
She told me that she would stop when she turned 10, that is, in April of the following year, but it seems that the decision came earlier. I would have let her continue for as long as she wanted”.
Sharon claims that the benefits of such prolonged breastfeeding have become apparent over time, as her daughter has had no flu or cold episodes.
The mother mentioned, “She decided to stop breastfeeding this year. It happened gradually and it was her own choice. I would breastfeed her occasionally, like once a month or when she was unwell and lacked energy.”
Sharon stated that she believes our strong bond is a result of breastfeeding, and she doesn’t think it will diminish even though we have stopped.