Contents
Breastfeeding a 5-Year-Old
by Natasha Ickes-Saman
If you would have told me that I would still be breastfeeding my son at 5 years old I wouldn’t have believed you. In fact, I would have laughed and brushed you off as crazy.
And yet here we are.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. If I’ve learned anything along my parenting (and life) journey, it’s that you never know what’s going to happen.
Breastfeeding My First Child
I was 21 when I had my first child. I took a brief break from cosmetology school to give birth. 8 weeks later I returned to school swollen, emotional and exhausted.
Maintaining breastfeeding was difficult. It didn’t help that I was completely unaware of the immense benefits.
I had no idea that your breast milk adapts to fit the child’s needs, or that the milk has different components in the morning versus at night.
I was completely unaware that the baby’s saliva goes into your milk ducts, and when the baby is sick your body creates antibodies specifically tailored for your child- things formula simply can’t do.
So like many other mothers, especially young moms, I gave up breastfeeding early. My daughter was 3 weeks old.
There aren’t many choices I regret, but stopping breastfeeding so early is definitely one.
Related: My one Breastfeeding Regret
Despite being the team mom for her cheer team, volunteering in her classroom and spending afternoons in bookstores, I had mom guilt.
She seemed to get sick so easily and I always wondered if it was due to the lack of breastmilk. So, 9 years later, when I got pregnant again, I was determined to breastfeed for a year.
I own a hair salon so I set up a swing set in the corner and brought him in every day. Things went well from the beginning. He latched on fairly easily and working with him was a breeze.
We quickly got a system down. I strapped him into a carrier and held him for hours, breastfeeding when he was hungry or cranky, all while working directly on clients. They got a kick out of getting colour and extensions by a mom actively breastfeeding.
Ironically he only drank from the left breast due to the way I had to position him to be able to work. I was proud of how I made it work and grateful for the bond we developed.
As with most breastfeeding moms, I was his human pacifier.
We travelled a lot as a family. We were on a plane 1-2 times a month for my daughters cheer competitions. In an effort not to bother the other passengers we booked red-eye flights and I breastfed the entire time. He never had a tantrum.
I kept assuming he would stop breastfeeding naturally. It didn’t happen. I told myself (and everyone else) that for sure he would stop by age 3. Then 4. Then 5.
And that’s where we are now. I have heard all the negative comments you can imagine. I also have had tons of support.
Despite it being an unconventional choice it is mine alone to make. Thankfully he seems to be weaning naturally, finally.
The truth is each mother, child and journey are different.
While I am a strong proponent for breastfeeding, I would never shame another mom for her choice.
Gandhi said, “The only way to live is to let others live.”
The most important choice is the one to raise a child with love.
About the Author
Natasha Ickes-Saman is a Best Selling Author, Certified Life Coach and Mom Entrepreneur with 3 kids. She has owned and managed Shear Passion Hair Salon for over a decade. Natasha is an Empowerment Mentor and the Creator of Unstoppable Woman Inc. She has owned and managed a hair salon for over a decade.
Despite the long hours at work in her hair salon, Natasha has found a way to be there for her children, by bringing them into work with her. She believes in the benefits of long-term breastfeeding and has managed to nurse her son for over 5 years.
Catch our full interview with Natasha Ickes-Saman on Inspiring Mompreneurs
Get Natasha’s Bestselling Book on Amazon:
Overcoming: A Journey From Pain to Peace, Purpose and Power *
*This is an affiliate link. Should you click on this link and make a purchase on Amazon, I will earn an affiliate commission.
Follow Natasha
