Mother Continues to Nurture Four-Year-Old Son Through Breastfeeding Journey

Published on September 18, 2023

In a bold and unconventional parenting choice, Allison Yarrow, a renowned journalist and author known for her work on “Birth Control: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood,” recently opened up about her decision to continue breastfeeding her four-year-old son, affirming her determination to sustain this unique bond.

Yarrow shared her perspective with People magazine, emphasizing that her decision to prolong breastfeeding stems from a deeply-rooted belief that it fosters a unique connection between her and her son. She expressed, “Breastfeeding remains an integral part of our daily routine. We engage in it once or twice a day, and occasionally more when he’s unwell or in need of comfort. It serves as a profound means of connection and communication between us.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates that newborns should commence breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. Health officials further advise that breastfeeding should continue “up to two years of age or beyond.” The American Academy of Pediatrics joined this recommendation in June 2022, endorsing extended breastfeeding as long as it remains “mutually desired for two years or beyond.”

Yarrow passionately advocates for extended breastfeeding, citing a plethora of health benefits. She shared, “Research indicates that breastfeeding can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Additionally, the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding can provide a sense of well-being and pleasure.”

While breastfeeding is linked to positive neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is also associated with a decreased risk of acute infections and chronic adult conditions such as obesity, cancer, heart disease, and allergies.

Yarrow affirmed, “Breastfeeding is a conduit for connection. I wouldn’t continue if it weren’t enjoyable for both of us. At this stage, my four-year-old consumes a variety of foods and isn’t solely reliant on breastfeeding.”

“We persist in breastfeeding because it reinforces our bond,” Yarrow emphasized. “It’s a form of intimacy, gazing into each other’s eyes, cuddling, and establishing a physical connection. This deepens our overall connection.”

Acknowledging that her decision to extend breastfeeding is perceived as unconventional in American society, Yarrow attributed this stigma to deep-seated misogyny. She noted, “Our culture often doesn’t support women in making choices regarding their own bodies, and this extends to breastfeeding. There is a notable scarcity of comprehensive research on extended breastfeeding.”

Yarrow continued, “Women and birthing individuals encounter significant barriers when attempting to breastfeed beyond infancy. Most individuals wish to breastfeed, but many fall short of their goals due to limited access to lactation support. This lack of support, coupled with inadequate healthcare, often forces individuals back into the workforce sooner than they desire. Unfortunately, breastfeeding support is often not covered by insurance or Medicaid, leaving individuals to navigate this challenge on their own during a vulnerable period of postpartum recovery and newborn care.”

In embracing her unconventional parenting choice, Allison Yarrow seeks to foster a deeper connection with her son while challenging societal norms and the obstacles faced by breastfeeding parents in the United States.