When most parents think about breastfeeding, they picture newborns and infants, not preschoolers. But for Allison Yarrow, breastfeeding her 4-year-old son feels as natural as ever—and she has no plans to stop anytime soon.
Allison, a journalist and author of Birth Control: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood, has been open about her extended breastfeeding journey, a choice that often sparks debate. While many moms wean their kids by age two, Allison is continuing for both health benefits and the unique bond it brings her and her son.
“Breastfeeding works for us,” she shared in an interview with People. “We do it once or twice a day, sometimes more if he’s hurt or sick. It’s how we connect and communicate with each other.”
Health experts agree that breastfeeding offers significant benefits. According to the CDC, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding for at least a year while introducing other foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports extending this as long as it’s mutually desired, even into childhood.
For Allison, the decision isn’t just about health. “It’s intimacy. It’s looking into each other’s eyes, cuddling, and sharing a physical connection,” she said. “It strengthens our bond in ways that go beyond feeding.”
Breastfeeding longer also benefits moms, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers while releasing oxytocin, the hormone that promotes happiness and relaxation.
Yet, Allison is aware that her choice to continue breastfeeding beyond age two is far from mainstream in American culture. She’s faced judgment but believes that normalizing extended breastfeeding is essential.
“People know I still breastfeed—my family, friends, even his preschool teachers. I want to show that it’s up to mothers and their children to decide what’s right for them,” she said.
Allison balances breastfeeding with boundaries, occasionally telling her son “no” to teach him limits. “At this stage, it’s not a huge commitment. It only takes a few minutes a day, and I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it,” she explained.
Interestingly, Allison has noticed differences between her son and her other children, whom she weaned earlier. “He’s a very cuddly, physical kid with intense feelings. I’m not sure if it’s the breastfeeding or just his personality,” she admitted.
As for when she’ll stop? Allison is taking it one day at a time. While kindergarten might seem like a natural endpoint, she’s resisting what she calls a “socially imposed deadline.”
“This is a relationship,” she said. “Like any relationship, decisions about our shared intimacy are something we’ll decide together.”
Allison’s story challenges societal norms and highlights the deeply personal nature of breastfeeding. What do you think about extended breastfeeding? Share your thoughts in the comments or with your friends!
