It’s impossible to avoid judgement as a mother. People have their opinions about how children should be raised. Far too many of them have no qualms sharing said opinions with mothers, unsolicited. This is particularly true when it comes to what we feed our children.
These days, there is often pressure to breastfeed, but even that is supposed to be done certain way: Feed every two hours, pump on top of that to build a supply, and don’t let this go on too long. One UK mom has ignored that bit.
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Charlotte Montgomery says it's her dream to let her children lead their breastfeeding journey.
Charlotte, a mother of two, is practicing extended breastfeeding with two of her children. One is 2 years old and the other is 5, the US Sun reported. Charlotte said it was her dream to allow her children to wean themselves off of breast milk. Plus, she said feeding her children from her body is much easier than washing plates and dishes.
As a result, she’s received a lot of criticism. One person even went so far as to suggest that breastfeeding her children this long would turn them into “serial killers.”
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Charlotte says the benefits of breastfeeding don't expire.
Charlotte believes there are behavioral, emotional, and nutritional benefits to breastfeeding that don't stop after a certain age. “I believe our kids don't get as sick as other kids,” she said. Not only is this a time for Charlotte to bond with her children, but her son and daughter also use feeding time as a way to connect with each other.
It also calms and stills the children for a few minutes, allowing Charlotte to rest.
She practices tandem breastfeeding, feeding both children at the same time. “In the beginning they would hold hands when they tandem breastfed, and that's a heartwarming moment for a mother,” she said.
Some accused Charlotte of deriving sexual pleasure from breastfeeding.
Charlotte is letting her kids decide when they’re done, but right now it doesn’t appear they’ll be done any time soon. She began sharing her journey online when she noticed a lack of support for breastfeeding mothers, according to her interview with Truly.
When her daughter was born, she had trouble latching because of a condition, but after four months, the two finally got the hang of it. Although she shared that the response has been positive, with people commenting on the bond she shares with her children as a result of her efforts, there are also naysayers.
People have accused Charlotte of being addicted to breastfeeding or claimed that she derived some type of sexual pleasure from the act. "People think I'm doing it for my benefit and not the kids but that's absurd, because they don't have the understanding or knowledge," she said.
Charlotte continued, saying if she could help just one person on their own breastfeeding journey, that’s enough.
Charlotte thinks her children will be inspired by their mom sharing this journey online.
Others wondered how her children will feel seeing images of themselves breastfeeding online as they age. She argued that she believes her children will feel empowered.
“I hope that they can look back on what mom did and be inspired and proud as she shared her journey with integrity to support other moms,” she said.
In person, people tend to be kinder but there are still reactions. “It’s more shock than disgust,” Charlotte said of the looks she gets in public. But as for her, she believes it’s the most beautiful thing she’s done to date.
