Former midwife and breastfeeding specialist Clare Byam-Cook says the nutritional benefits of giving your six-year-old breast milk are "virtually negligible"
Mum-of-two Denise Sumpter still breastfeeds her six-year-old daughter Belle and says she doesn't have any plans to stop any time soon.
Appearing on This Morning, Denise said she's had lots of support from other mothers who have contacted her to say they're also breastfeeding kids as late as six.
"Our culture makes it feel like people might object,” the 44-year-old told the hosts.
Denise, who spoke to the Mirror before Christmas, added: “Its not just a drink - it’s nutrition."
But former midwife and breastfeeding specialist Clare Byam-Cook disagreed, pointing out that the nutritional benefits of breast milk at six "are virtually negligible".
"We want to support breastfeeding and we want to encourage it, but it’s the early months that are important."
She added: “You are teaching your child to use food as a source of comfort - why don’t you just cuddle her?”
When Denise said it's natural, the specialist replied: "It’s not right to say what's natural in an undeveloped country is the same as a developed country."
Talking about potential embarrassment for her daughter, Denise insisted that she's happy and she talks about it with her friends.
"If my child is embarrassed - that’s a problem with this culture," she said.
Twitter quickly erupted, with many saying six was too old to be breastfeeding.
Mum-of-two Nicola McLean wrote: "Breastfeeding a six year old is strange ! breastfeeding babies yes but a school age child NO."
Mum-of-two Denise Sumpter still breastfeeds her six-year-old daughter Belle and says she doesn't have any plans to stop any time soon.
Appearing on This Morning, Denise said she's had lots of support from other mothers who have contacted her to say they're also breastfeeding kids as late as six.
"Our culture makes it feel like people might object,” the 44-year-old told the hosts.
Denise, who spoke to the Mirror before Christmas, added: “Its not just a drink - it’s nutrition."
But former midwife and breastfeeding specialist Clare Byam-Cook disagreed, pointing out that the nutritional benefits of breast milk at six "are virtually negligible".
"We want to support breastfeeding and we want to encourage it, but it’s the early months that are important."
She added: “You are teaching your child to use food as a source of comfort - why don’t you just cuddle her?”
When Denise said it's natural, the specialist replied: "It’s not right to say what's natural in an undeveloped country is the same as a developed country."
Talking about potential embarrassment for her daughter, Denise insisted that she's happy and she talks about it with her friends.
"If my child is embarrassed - that’s a problem with this culture," she said.
Twitter quickly erupted, with many saying six was too old to be breastfeeding.
Mum-of-two Nicola McLean wrote: "Breastfeeding a six year old is strange ! breastfeeding babies yes but a school age child NO."
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