Nicola McLean slams woman for breastfeeding 6-year-old: ‘NO’

Following the 44-year-old mum's appearance on This Morning, Nicola McLean has spoken out against breastfeeding older children

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by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Appearing on This Morning, Denise Sumpten revealed that she still breastfeeds her six-year-old daughter Belle - and that she doesn't plan on stopping, despite criticism from specialists.

The 44-year-old said: “Its not just a drink - it’s nutrition."

However former midwife and breastfeeding specialist Clare Byam-Cook, also appearing on the ITV show, strongly disagreed with Denise.

Insisting the nutritional benefits of breast milk at six "are virtually negligible", she said: "We want to support breastfeeding and we want to encourage it, but it’s the early months that are important.

“You are teaching your child to use food as a source of comfort - why don’t you just cuddle her?”

Via This Morning / ITV
Via This Morning / ITV

Clare found plenty of support from viewers on Twitter - with celebrity mum-of-two Nicola McLean adamant that six is too old for breastfeeding.

She wrote: "Breastfeeding a six year old is strange!

"Breastfeeding babies yes but a school age child - NO."

The former glamour model continued: "Seeing the pic of a six year old feeding from her mums breast is strange.

"Would it be ok for her to have a dummy & bottle?"

Do you agree - is six too old for breastfeeding? Let us know your thoughts via the comments box below.

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