Lisa Oxenham, a 50-year-old mother, chose to breastfeed her newborn for several years, a decision that has sparked strong online debate. Her candid account reveals a deep commitment to extended breastfeeding, despite the judgments and taboos surrounding the practice.
A fully affirmed maternal choice
Lisa Oxenham explains that she breastfed her daughter until she was three years old and affirms her intention to do the same with her son. She says that this extended breastfeeding offers her daily freedom, avoiding the constraints of bottle-feeding, while also providing a strong and comforting bond with her child. This natural and instinctive act gives her great personal satisfaction, despite the difficulty of reconciling it with her professional and social life.
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Contrasting reactions and persistent taboos
On social media, her approach has sparked fierce criticism, ranging from incomprehension to malicious mockery, sometimes amplified by both men and women adhering to strict social norms. This rejection seems deeply rooted in a cultural perspective where breasts are sexualized and weaning is expected at a very young age. Yet, this mother defends her choice, emphasizing the protective role of extended breastfeeding for the child's health and the mother's well-being.
A debate that more broadly questions our relationship to motherhood
Beyond a simple personal choice, this debate raises important questions about mothers' freedom to feed their children as they see fit and about challenging judgments made about their bodies and practices. It also highlights the difficulty many women face in reconciling motherhood, career, and social pressures. This testimony opens a necessary reflection on the diversity of forms of maternal love and the questioning of rigid norms.
The story of Lisa Oxenham, a 50-year-old mother, reminds us that parenting choices remain deeply personal and should neither be dictated nor condemned by the opinions of others. By sharing her experience, Lisa Oxenham highlights the diversity of parenting practices and encourages greater tolerance towards those who deviate from traditional models. Her testimony prompts us to reflect on the space we give parents to freely decide what is best for their children, and on the importance of overcoming taboos to pave the way for a more open and respectful dialogue about parenting.
