GP confirms how long women should breastfeed after Tamara Ecclestone’s confession stuns

A GP recently shared insights on the topic of breastfeeding after model Tamara Ecclestone’s revelation about breastfeeding durations on ITV’s Loose Women left many surprised. Ecclestone disclosed that she breastfed her first child until nearly five years old, sparking a range of opinions on the matter. Dr. Raj Arora, a GP and mother of two, took to TikTok to shed light on breastfeeding guidelines post-Ecclestone’s interview.

Dr. Arora highlighted that the NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, continuing alongside solid foods afterwards. She emphasised the importance of personal choice in feeding methods, whether it be exclusive breastfeeding, formula milk, or a combination of both, stating that “fed is best” and there should not be pressure to do one over the other.

Addressing the question of breastfeeding beyond infancy, Dr. Raj mentioned that breastfeeding a child up to five years old is deemed acceptable, aligning with NHS guidance allowing breastfeeding up to two years old or beyond. She also noted that the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends weaning between ages two and seven, comfortably accommodating Ecclestone’s experience.

Dr. Arora acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding extended breastfeeding, with mothers facing pressure from both ends of the spectrum, but stressed that the comfort of both mother and child should be paramount. She stated that typically, the child will naturally decide when to stop breastfeeding, as was the case in Ecclestone’s situation.

Following the TikTok video’s release, viewers engaged with various opinions on extended breastfeeding in the comments section, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Some shared their personal journeys with breastfeeding, highlighting individual choices and challenges faced during the process.

In summary, the discourse surrounding breastfeeding duration continues to be a topic of interest, with experts like Dr. Raj Arora providing valuable insights to guide parents through their feeding decisions, ultimately emphasising the significance of comfort and choice for both mothers and their children.