Laura Smith, a devoted mother from Michigan, is happily continuing to breastfeed her two sons, Joel, who is 5, and Bennett, who is 2. Despite the raised eyebrows and curious looks she often encounters, Laura is committed to nourishing her children with breast milk for as long as they want, potentially until they are 8 years old.

Laura has noted a remarkable health track record for her boys, attributing their well-being to the benefits of breastfeeding. She shares, “The immune benefits are so huge. Joel and Bennett have never had the flu or an ear infection and have not needed medication. The nutrients in breast milk are truly remarkable, and many people aren’t aware of them.”

Though some people including friends and strangers question her decision, Laura remains unfazed. “I can’t see myself suddenly changing my mind about this. When they are ready to stop, that will be the end. Until then, I am more than happy to continue,” she expresses.

Laura realized the benefits of extended breastfeeding early on. When her first child, Joel, was born in 2015, she ignored suggestions to stop nursing at six months. Influenced by her own mother, who breastfed Laura and her siblings until they were around four or five, Laura was determined to follow suit.

“When Joel was just starting solids, breast milk was still a big part of his diet,” Laura recalls. “I had no issues with milk supply and was optimistic about continuing past the one-year mark.” As Joel grew, he became accustomed to both breast milk and a variety of solid foods, supplementing his diet with nutritious bites of avocado, apples, and pears.

Despite occasional comments from friends who thought Joel was “too old” for breastfeeding, Laura stayed committed, buoyed by support from her husband and family. “It wasn’t always easy, but having supportive loved ones made all the difference,” Laura recounts.

When Bennett was born in 2017, Laura encountered the challenge of attending to both boys. “Saying no to Joel when I needed to focus on Bennett was hard,” she describes. To keep the peace and ensure Joel didn’t feel left out, Laura nursed both sons together when needed. “When they hurt themselves while playing, nursing is often the comfort they need.”

Laura admits that feeding an older child in public can attract unwanted attention. “Some people give us looks, as if what we’re doing is wrong,” she acknowledges. “I’ve learned to avoid busy places like shopping centers. Now, I prefer to wait until we’re home or in the privacy of our car.”

The criticisms initially took a toll, especially online, where Laura faced comments questioning her parenting choices. She found solace and encouragement in online support groups, discovering a community of mothers also practicing extended breastfeeding. “It was uplifting to hear from others who have nursed into early childhood. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that what I was doing was perfectly normal,” she shares.

Laura’s journey as a breastfeeding mother is an example of the commitment and love that define parenting. She hopes that by sharing her story, it will help to normalize extended breastfeeding and dismantle the stigma. “There is a lot of miseducation about it, but bringing awareness can help change perceptions,” Laura passionately concludes.

Laura’s story is about her commitment to her children’s health and her hope for a future where such nurturing acts are met with understanding and acceptance.