Wellness entrepreneur and television chef Jasmine Hemsley has found herself at the centre of a heated parenting debate after revealing she breastfed her daughter until the age of four.
The 44-year-old Hemsley & Hastings founder took to social media to share her personal breastfeeding journey, explaining that she practiced "natural term breastfeeding" - allowing her daughter to self-wean when she felt ready.
The Revelation That Divided Opinion
In a candid Instagram post, Hemsley described breastfeeding as "one of the most natural things in the world" while acknowledging the challenges many mothers face. Her disclosure about nursing beyond the toddler years immediately sparked passionate responses from both supporters and critics.
"Every mother's journey is unique," Hemsley wrote alongside a serene black-and-white photograph. "We followed our daughter's lead and trusted her instincts about when she was ready to stop."
Understanding Natural Term Breastfeeding
Natural term breastfeeding, sometimes called child-led weaning, involves continuing to breastfeed until the child naturally loses interest. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond, though cultural norms vary significantly worldwide.
Hemsley emphasised that her approach was about responding to her daughter's needs rather than following a predetermined schedule. "It wasn't about pushing boundaries," she explained. "It was about being present and responsive to what felt right for our family."
The Social Media Storm
The reaction to Hemsley's revelation was immediate and polarised. Supporters praised her for normalising extended breastfeeding and challenging societal taboos.
"Thank you for sharing this! We need more voices normalising biological nursing ages," commented one follower.
However, critics questioned the appropriateness of breastfeeding a four-year-old, with some describing it as "unnecessary" and "confusing for the child."
Expert Perspectives on Extended Nursing
Child development specialists note that extended breastfeeding remains uncommon in Western societies but is more prevalent in other cultures. Research suggests benefits including continued immune support and emotional comfort, though studies on nursing beyond age three are limited.
What's clear is that Hemsley's openness has opened an important conversation about parenting choices and the judgment mothers often face regardless of their decisions.
As the debate continues online, Hemsley maintains that her family's approach was rooted in mutual comfort and respect. "Parenting is about finding what works for your unique child and circumstances," she reflected. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach."
