Navigating Judgment and Autonomy: One Mother’s Story of Extended Breastfeeding
Not every parenting choice is easy to defend in the court of public opinion. For Lauren McLeod, a 29-year-old doula from Perth, Australia, a deeply personal decision has become the center of a heated online debate:
breastfeeding her 5-year-old son, Bowie, alongside her 2-year-old daughter, Tigerlily. Critics have labeled the practice “abusive” or “gross,” sparking widespread outrage on social media. Yet for McLeod, the decision is neither scandalous nor s*xual—it is an extension of care, nurturance, and family tradition.
A Natural Choice Met With Controversy
Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Some mothers face challenges like latching difficulties or low milk supply, while others find extended breastfeeding works seamlessly for them and their children. McLeod describes her experience as unusually smooth, without the typical struggles often portrayed in parenting narratives.
“I’m just a mom doing my best for my children,” she told the South West News Service. “I never planned for breastfeeding to extend this long—it just became what works for us.”
The criticism, McLeod argues, often stems not from concern for her children’s health but from societal discomfort with the idea of breastfeeding beyond infancy. Many adults perceive prolonged nursing through a lens of s*xualization, rather than as a nurturing act.
Interestingly, both McLeod and her husband, Anders, were breastfed until age two, a factor that influenced their approach to parenting. Currently, Bowie receives breastmilk three times a week before bedtime, while Tigerlily nurses on demand. Far from neglecting solid food, McLeod ensures both children have balanced diets, countering claims of nutritional neglect.
The Science and Benefits Behind Extended Breastfeeding
Health experts recognize that extended breastfeeding can offer a range of physical and emotional benefits. Breastmilk contains antibodies that strengthen a child’s immune system and can provide essential nutrients even beyond infancy. For mothers, nursing can reduce the risk of certain cancers and fosters the release of oxytocin, a hormone that strengthens bonding.
McLeod emphasizes that the act is entirely natural:
“It’s strange that people s*xualize such a natural act between a mother and child,” she says. “Breastfeeding is about comfort, nutrition, and connection—not s*xuality.”
Her stance reflects a broader movement among some parenting communities advocating for normalized, extended breastfeeding, challenging long-held cultural taboos.
Addressing Public Scrutiny and Personal Choices
Social media has amplified the debate around McLeod’s parenting. She has faced harsh criticism, with strangers questioning her morality and parenting skills. Yet she meets these critiques with a calm, educational approach, often using her platform to inform the public about the realities and benefits of extended breastfeeding.
Even her approach to occasional alcohol consumption while nursing has drawn commentary. McLeod advises mothers to plan responsibly: prepare expressed milk ahead of time, avoid bed-sharing, and arrange support if indulging in a drink.
“If you can drive safely, occasional alcohol consumption is manageable with planning,” she says.
The response has been mixed—some parents applaud her transparency and practical approach, while others struggle with deeply ingrained cultural beliefs about how mothers “should” behave.
A Broader Conversation on Parenting Autonomy
At its heart, McLeod’s story is about more than breastfeeding; it’s about autonomy, judgment, and challenging societal expectations. Parenting decisions—from feeding practices to work-life balance—are deeply personal and culturally influenced. Criticism is often inevitable, but McLeod demonstrates that confidence in one’s choices can outweigh external pressure.
“It might change over time, but for now, this is what works for us,” she says. “I always take it one feed at a time.”
Her experience also prompts reflection on the way society views mothers’ bodies, choices, and authority. By standing firm, McLeod contributes to a broader conversation about the rights of parents to make informed decisions for their children without public shaming.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding, particularly beyond infancy, remains a controversial subject in many cultures. Yet McLeod’s story underscores that the ultimate responsibility—and right—to make these decisions lies with the parent. Extended breastfeeding, occasional alcohol consumption, or other unconventional practices are not automatically harmful; they are context-specific choices made with thought, care, and love.
Lauren McLeod’s journey reminds us that parenting exists at the intersection of biology, culture, and individual judgment. While public opinion may continue to challenge her decisions, her story emphasizes one crucial truth: confident, informed parents have the right to decide what is best for their children—regardless of societal discomfort. In a world quick to judge, her steadfast approach offers a powerful example of courage, autonomy, and the enduring bond between parent and child.