Madison Simpson is transforming perceptions on extended breastfeeding through her TikTok account, The Breastfeeding Momma, amassing a following of over 16,000 people.
Sharing her journey, she highlights the profound breastfeeding benefits, particularly for her daughter Amaya, who was born with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Despite facing public scrutiny due to Amaya's weight, Madison advocates for the enduring advantages of nursing toddlers, emphasizing the immune support provided by breast milk.
Understanding Extended Breastfeeding
Extended breastfeeding refers to breast milk feeding beyond the age of one. Madison, a 22-year-old mom, has opted to continue the process with Amaya, now nearly three years old. She believes this practice offers essential health benefits, especially considering Amaya's unique medical background. According to Madison, breast milk provided crucial immune support, contributing to her daughter's rapid growth and health stabilization — circumstances that earlier medical professionals had deemed unlikely.
Despite societal beliefs that could label prolonged breastfeeding as unusual, Madison shares that her pediatrician has been supportive of her choice. She recognized early on that breast milk was integral for Amaya's development, particularly because of the existing health challenges related to her birth.
Breastfeeding vs. Health Challenges
Critics often misjudge the weight of a child based on comparisons to conventional growth charts. Madison reports that Amaya's growth trajectory defies early predictions from doctors, who expected her to be significantly smaller due to IUGR. The mother asserts, "Feeding a baby past the age of one breast milk, not from a cup either, is all normal. They can breastfeed up until they're five," showcasing her conviction that social norms around weaning should not dictate health choices.
Madison’s experience was markedly different with her first child Amirion, who she could only nurse for a short period. She highlights a notable contrast: Amirion frequently fell ill during infancy, while Amaya, who has benefited from extended breastfeeding, rarely experienced health issues.
“I think it has to do with the antibiotics from the breast milk,” she explains, noting how her decision directly correlates with their health outcomes. This belief underscores the immune support breast milk provides, further reinforcing her decision to nurse Amaya as long as possible.
Addressing Weight Misconceptions
Public commentary often misinterprets Amaya's weight, with some claiming she is obese. Madison fiercely defends her daughter, stating her belief that breast milk does not contribute to weight issues, but rather supports healthy growth patterns. She recounts her frustration with those who don’t understand the breadth of growth charts and proportions, telling People, “People think they know what a height and weight chart is, like, ‘Oh, you're 99% fatter than people.’ No, they're 99% taller than kids their age.”
Educating the public is essential for Madison, particularly as she has encountered similar skepticism from her family. Despite their criticism, she remains steadfast, providing evidence from her daughter’s medical appointments to quell concerns and affirm that Amaya is healthy.
Understanding Behavioral Differences
Madison also notes behavioral distinctions between Amirion and Amaya, potentially influenced by their differing breastfeeding experiences. She describes how both children developed unique attachment styles; while Amirion has shown independence, Amaya, accustomed to breastfeeding, often seeks comfort from her mother. “For the breastfed one, she’s stuck up my butt,” Madison humorously notes, expressing the challenges associated with such closeness.
While many mothers shy away from the potential difficulties of toddler breastfeeding, Madison finds ways to cope. Her openness reflects a commitment to tailored parenting approaches, believing that each child’s needs should dictate parenting styles rather than societal pressures.
The Emotional Aspect of Breastfeeding
One compelling aspect of Madison’s journey is her belief in the emotional benefits of extended breastfeeding. Doctors have informed her that her experiences with breastfeeding could foster emotional security in Amaya, nurturing a bond between mother and child. With plans to let Amaya self-wean, Madison embraces this philosophy while navigating the criticism.
“I'm into the whole self-weaning process,” she mentions. This choice demonstrates her understanding that breastfeeding is ultimately about what works best for both her and Amaya, rather than meeting social expectations.
Creating a Community of Support
The pushback Madison has encountered doesn’t deter her; rather, it propels her mission to normalize toddler breastfeeding narratives. Engaging with over 13,000 other mothers on her platform who share similar experiences reinforces her determination. “There are literally 13,000-plus moms that have come forward on my page saying, ‘Oh, I'm breastfeeding my four-year-old,’” she reveals, echoing a community many parents may not even realize exists.
Through her TikTok videos, Madison provides insight into her daily routines, making the conversation around breastfeeding weight misconceptions and practices far more tangible for viewers.
Conclusion
Madison Simpson's story represents more than just a personal journey through extended breastfeeding; it’s an invitation to encourage dialogue about nursing children beyond infancy. Advocating for healthy growth, emotional security, and communal support, Madison stands courageously in a societal landscape that often questions mothers’ decisions. As more parents join in this essential conversation about breastfeeding benefits, it sparks further understanding and support within the community — leading to healthier futures for families everywhere.