Strangers labelled a mother-of-two, who nursed her son at four years old, ‘disgusting.
Beccy Ashe (35), a Liverpool-based breastfeeding support worker. She has been breastfeeding her 2 children for 8 years.
She said that even though she was subject to judgment in public and faced backlash online from some people, her mother doesn’t mind what they think.
Beccy’s 8-year old daughter Daisy was born to a mother who breastfed her until Daisy started school at age five. She also stayed with Tobias (four years) during their pregnancy.
Beccy Ashe (35), revealed that she continues to breastfeed her four-year old son Tobias two times a day and also gave birth to Daisy when she was eighteen. Photo of Tobias
Mother-of-two often breastfed both her and her two children simultaneously. Daisy quit breastfeeding when she was five
Beccy explained that “I understand some people find it disgusting” and that everyone is free to form their own opinions. However, I request respect.
It’s strange, I know, it can be. But in real life, I haven’t had any negative experiences.
“With the majority of people after I explain it to their, there’s not negativity. And they accept that it’s a decision I have made, even if it’s not what they want.
“I get some stares sometimes, but I try to keep my eyes on my child when I am out in public so that I do not look at what others think.”
Beccy (pictured with Daisy) said that she had never intended to breastfeed for so many years, but she changed her mind after learning how breastfeeding benefits the health of the children.
Beccy currently breastfeeds Tobias once a morning and one evening. Tobias eats solid food all day.
She explained that she knew from the beginning that she would breastfeed Daisy. However, it was not something I planned to do for as long.
“Breastfeeding Support is the organization that I currently work for. I first started working with them after Daisy was born.
“It was there I was told all the advantages of breastfeeding like the way it decreases your risk of getting breast cancer.
When she was six months, when she began solid foods, it was time for me to decide whether I wanted to change her formula to breastmilk or switch to formula.
According to the breastfeeding support worker, she understood that some parents find it strange for their children to breastfeed so long. However, she doesn’t mind what they have (pictured with Tobias).
“It made no sense for me to stop so I continued until my daughter was one. Then, I introduced cow’s milk.
“So, we did this but she never stopped!”
Beccy breastfed Daisy through her entire pregnancy, including her second baby Tobias.
She stated, “With Tobias I obviously had more experience and was not worried about being unable to produce milk.”
“But, I thought, even though there are some reasons I cannot breastfeed my son, I would find donor milk and/or try to find another to nurse him.
“Switching over to artificial milk was the last resort.”
“I believe that switching to formula is something moms can push if they have any feeding issues or problems.
“That’s great if it’s your choice, but all should be aware of their options.”
Pictured is Daisy, her toddler mother Beccy breastfeeding. While she agrees that women can choose to use formula, she feels sometimes it should be forced on them.