For mothers who nurse their children well into the toddler phase, this practice often feels entirely natural. Breastfeeding becomes a beautiful, intimate act—a seamless part of daily life. Just as it’s perfectly normal for a child to suck their thumb or seek comfort from their parent, many moms find nursing their toddlers just as ordinary and loving. However, societal perceptions can differ greatly, leading to unsolicited judgments from those who may not understand or appreciate this choice.
Critics often voice common objections, such as, “Isn’t he too old for that?” or “Why not just pump and use a cup?” Unfortunately, these misconceptions can weigh heavily on new mothers, causing them to question their decisions and feel self-conscious, particularly in public settings. Many mothers even choose to keep their extended breastfeeding journeys private due to the stigma.
This is precisely what inspired photographer Lisa Thompson to create her remarkable photo series entitled “Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy.” Recently showcased on her website and social media, this project seeks to foster understanding and acceptance of breastfeeding toddlers. As part of her larger initiative, “The Real Bodies Project,” Thompson aims to highlight the beauty and diversity of women’s experiences while challenging body shaming and societal norms.
In her own words, Thompson explains, “The Real Bodies Project is designed to empower women by encouraging them to embrace their bodies and share their stories. I want them to express their feelings freely, without any constraints.” The toddler nursing series captures mothers of various shapes and sizes breastfeeding their young children against a stark black backdrop, showcasing stunning black-and-white imagery. Accompanying each photo are heartfelt reflections from the mothers about their nursing experiences.
Ultimately, this series emphasizes that breastfeeding a toddler is simply a form of nurturing between a mother and her child. Thompson hopes to dispel stereotypes and enlighten the public about the normalcy of extended breastfeeding, both in the U.S. and worldwide. “In many cultures, no one would bat an eye at a mother nursing her toddler,” she explains. “But here, mothers often face criticism, making them feel as though they are doing something wrong.”
Thompson highlights that organizations like the World Health Organization advocate for breastfeeding for a minimum of two years, indicating that extended breastfeeding is a natural continuation of nurturing. “I hope that by sharing these stories and portraits, more people will recognize the beauty of this journey,” she adds.
While Thompson generally receives positive feedback about her work, she remains aware of the harsh criticisms surrounding toddler breastfeeding. “The judgments come from a place of misunderstanding,” she asserts. “People are quick to criticize what they don’t comprehend.” To those who cling to outdated views, she encourages them to broaden their perspectives and recognize the naturalness of this practice. “I wish for more visibility around extended nursing so that it becomes a normalized and accepted part of parenting.”
Here’s to the brave moms and kids featured in this incredible photo series, as they help dismantle the stigma surrounding breastfeeding beyond infancy. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out our post on cervical insemination, an excellent resource for anyone on this journey. Additionally, if you’re considering at-home insemination, make sure to visit reputable online retailers like BabyMaker for quality syringe kits. You can also explore Rmany for valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination resources.
In summary, the photo series “Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy” by Lisa Thompson is a powerful initiative designed to normalize and celebrate the act of breastfeeding toddlers, while challenging societal norms and misconceptions surrounding it.