The Reason Why 1 Mom Breastfeeds Her 7-Year-Old Son Will Make Critics Swallow Their Words
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Lisa Bridger, a single mom of five from Australia, knows just how beneficial breastfeeding can be. Coupled with her job at Occupy Breastfeeding, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping mothers "take back" the concept of feeding their children, it's no surprise Lisa is a big proponent of extended breastfeeding. And while Lisa has been nursing on-and-off for decades — her oldest daughter is 22 years old — Lisa admits that she's been breastfeeding her 7-year-old-son Chase, who has autism, longer than usual.
She told POPSUGAR that she often tandem feeds Chase alongside his 4-year-old brother for several reasons, including the fact it helps soothe him when it seems like absolutely nothing else will.
"It helps him reconnect after a meltdown; he won't take medication," she said. "My milk contains melatonin, which helps him get to sleep."
Lisa explained that on average, she tandem breastfed all her kiddos until they were between 3-and-a-half and 4 years old. But for Chase, who has sensory issues, nursing is a much-needed additional layer of comfort.
"He is definitely calm when breastfeeding, and I don't think it's just the milk. It's the skin-to-skin and hearing my heartbeat, she explained. "It's always been his safe place."
For Lisa, the bond that stems from breastfeeding for seven years goes beyond physical comfort, especially due to her son's diagnosis. "As for other moms, if breastfeeding to natural term feels like a fit for them, it certainly can't harm a child on the spectrum."
And although Lisa values the tremendous benefits that are associated with extended breastfeeding, it's not Chase's sole comfort in difficult times. "He has many other coping techniques but he chooses breastfeeding sometimes."
All we can say is: whatever works, works. More power to all the mamas out there who choose to do extended nursing!