NOT THE BREAST
I still breastfeed my 5-year-old – trolls say it’ll turn her into a ‘serial killer’ but it’s easier than washing bottles
Watch mum Charlotte explain her decision in the video above
A MUM has revealed that she still breastfeeds her five and two year old children.
Charlotte said that it is her "dream" to let her kids decide themselves when they want to stop, and added that breastfeeding them is much easier than washing plates and dishes.
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The mum-of-two said that she has received lots of criticism over the way she feeds her daughter Reyce Anne, 5 and son Malakai, 2, including cruel comments suggesting that breastfeeding will turn the children into "serial killers".
However, the health and wellness coach said that there are health and nutritional benefits of breastfeeding children for longer than is traditional.
Speaking to Truly, she added: "There's also behavioural and emotional benefits.
"I don't believe our kids get as sick as other kids
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Charlotte practices 'tandem' breastfeeding, meaning that she breastfeeds both of her 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.
Charlotte said that her children don't look like they want to stop anytime soon, but added that they can finish breastfeeding when they are "ready".
Her husband is supportive of her decision and said that he thinks it "works really well".
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Charlotte said that she began to share her breastfeeding journey online, because she found that there was a "lack of support" for breastfeeding mums.
She said that she has had a mostly positive response, however, there is also some negativity.
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Some of the comments include people suggesting that Charlotte gets "sexual pleasure" from breastfeeding, or that she is "addicted" to 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."
Other criticism focuses on what her children will think when they grow up and see video's of them breastfeeding online.
However, Charlotte said that she think her kids will feel "empowered" when they watch the videos.
What are the recommendations around breastfeeding?
The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it.
The NHS says weaning often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods.
They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time.
"Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday," recommends the NHS.
"Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes."
You can also combine breastfeeding with formula, too and the NHS says "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way.
For example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time.
After around a week, you can begin to think about dropping another.
"If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead," they say.
You can breastfeed for as long as you want, and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer.
The World Health Organization says: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."
The mum said she hasn't had anyone come up to her and "scold" her for breastfeeding in public, but added that she does get strange looks.
"It's more shock than disgust", she said.
Charlotte said that she believes breastfeeding her children is the most "important and beautiful" thing she has done to date.
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She added that she wants to inspire other mums to continue breastfeeding their kids later into their life.
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