Lisa Bridger, an Australian mom of five, has been breastfeeding for a long time.
Bridger – who had her first child 22 years ago – decided to let her kids decide when they were ready to stop.
“I have never set a time frame to breastfeeding, it’s not like I just started feeding a 7-year-old. It’s just flowed since birth,” Bridger said.
Now, at seven years old, Chase – who has been diagnosed with autism – regularly breastfeeds at night to help him sleep and after meltdowns to help him reconnect.
She said, “Chase has many sensory issues. It assists him with emotional regulation. It’s no different than finding time to give any other attention or affection.”
Bridger, who works for the organization Occupy Breastfeeding, said breastfeeding is “a lot more than just the milk.”
“It’s bonding, comfort, and security for the child.”
But, Bridger has faced a lot of pushback. “I have had a lot of criticism. I attempt to educate or ignore,” she said.
“Some of the worst say it’s pedophilia, I’m sick, or I should put it in a cup.”
