Breastfeeding is a natural way of nourishing a child, but it is also a personal decision for the mother and the child. Sharon Spink from North Yorkshire, England, chose to nurse her daughter until the child herself decided to stop at the age of nine. Sharon has four children and is a breastfeeding advocate, helping other mothers learn the techniques and benefits of breastfeeding. However, she only breastfed her first two children for a few weeks each and her third daughter for four months.
Sharon’s decision to nurse her daughter for so long stemmed from her previous experience with her first child, where doctors advised her not to put off breastfeeding. Unfortunately, this led to the child losing weight and not receiving the necessary nutrients. This experience motivated Sharon to breastfeed her next child until he refused to take the milk.
It may come as a surprise to some that a child would want to nurse until the age of nine, but for Sharon and her daughter, it was a natural choice. The decision to stop nursing was entirely the girl’s, and Sharon did not pressure her in any way. The mother-daughter bond developed through breastfeeding is also strong, and they share a unique closeness and trust.
Sharon’s daughter is now one of the healthiest children among her peers, with a developed mind and a strong immune system, according to her mother. Although extended breastfeeding may not be a common practice, it is a personal choice for each mother and child, and it can have its benefits.
Sharon’s unconventional choice to breastfeed her daughter until the age of nine has drawn criticism from many women, who accused her of harming children. This caused distress for the mother of four, but she eventually decided to ignore these negative comments and trust that her body was doing what it should.
Initially, Mrs. Spink breastfed her daughter in public places such as a church, beauty shop, or store without a second thought, but after facing negative comments and judgmental stares, she stopped and only nursed her daughter at home. As her daughter grew older, she only drank breast milk once a month in the last few years.
Despite the criticism, Sharon encourages other mothers to breastfeed for as long as they feel necessary and disregards the World Health Organization’s recommendation of six months as just a suggestion. In many cultures, extended breastfeeding is common and can contribute to improved health for the child.