Mom Defends Extended Breastfeeding of Nearly 3-Year-Old Daughter Despite Criticism Over Toddler’s Weight
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Madison Simpson, 22, has embraced extended breastfeeding—nursing beyond the age of 1—and actively shares her journey on TikTok through her account The Breastfeeding Momma, where she has gained over 16,000 followers.
Her daughter, Amaya, now 2, was born with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and weighed just over four pounds at birth. Doctors predicted she would struggle to thrive, but Simpson believes that breastfeeding played a crucial role in her daughter’s rapid and healthy growth.
Despite initial concerns from medical professionals, Amaya quickly defied expectations. “Her growth was off the charts for both height and weight,” Simpson tells PEOPLE, attributing it to consistent breastfeeding. As a result, she has continued to nurse her daughter—directly from the breast, never from a bottle—and plans to do so until Amaya chooses to self-wean.
Advocating for Extended Breastfeeding
Simpson, based in Indiana, has built an online community advocating for the benefits of extended breastfeeding, emphasizing that the practice is “completely normal.”
“Feeding a baby past the age of 1 with breast milk—not from a cup either—is all normal. They can breastfeed up until they’re five,” she explains, adding that her doctors have encouraged the process.
Comparing her experiences with her two children, she notes a stark difference in their health. Her son, Amirion, 3, whom she could only nurse for a few months, was frequently sick as a baby. In contrast, Amaya has remained remarkably healthy.
“My son was constantly sick as a baby, visiting the doctor three or four times a month with different illnesses. But my daughter never got sick. Even when the whole family caught a stomach bug, she didn’t get it,” Simpson shares.
The Science Behind Breastfeeding’s Benefits
Simpson cites medical insights she has learned from lactation consultants and doctors, explaining that breast milk adapts based on a child’s needs.
“Your breast milk will create whatever your kid’s saliva signals. If they’re sick, it pulls more antibodies from you to help them fight the illness,” she explains.
She acknowledges that not every mother can breastfeed long-term but emphasizes that for those who can, it remains a viable option for years.
“It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are. I’m 90 pounds, and people often ask, ‘Wow, you can breastfeed?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I can,'” she says.
Facing Public Scrutiny
Despite medical support and her personal experiences, Simpson has faced criticism and stares when breastfeeding in public.
“I get a lot of stares,” she admits, especially since Amaya never took to bottles and still nurses directly.
However, she remains committed to her decision, advocating for mothers to make the best choices for their children, regardless of societal expectations.
For Simpson, breastfeeding is more than just feeding—it’s a bond, a source of nutrition, and, as she believes, a key factor in her daughter’s health and well-being.