'Predator': Young mum defends breastfeeding her 3yo in public

“We get a lot of judgement. We get a lot of hate." 

A young mum has fired back at critics who have slammed her for continuing to breastfeed her three-year-old daughter. 

Madison Simpson was 19 when she welcomed Amaya into the world.

Now, Amaya is a lively toddler, full of love and energy.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. 

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"I’m definitely not shy about breastfeeding" 

Madison says her daughter was diagnosed with a rare condition called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), with doctors warning that her growth might be slow.

Three years on, Amaya has beaten the odds and is now well above the average weight for her age.

Her mum believes breastmilk is to thank.

It’s why the now 22-year-old has continued to breastfeed alongside solids.

“I’m an open book and I’m definitely not shy about breastfeeding my almost 3-year-old. Breastfeeding is one of the most nutritional things that you could give your child,” she says in a recent post to her TikTok. 

Madison’s TikTok profile features various videos highlighting her journey with extended breastfeeding.

“Breast milk is completely normalised in this household,” she insists.

Her decision to continue breastfeeding through toddlerhood has led to unkind comments. 

She recently told the Daily Mail that she’s been called a ‘predator’ and ‘sick’ because of it. 

“We get a lot of judgement, we get a lot of hate. We get a lot of mixed emotions on her weight.” she explained online.

Tiktok/@madie_sky_simpson

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"It's our superpower" 

Some of the comments even led her to wean Amaya for a short time—before either of them were ready.

“I let you all get the best of me. I let the comments get to me. I let it get my anxiety going,” Madison reflected.

But after three days, she decided the hate wasn’t worth it and resumed breastfeeding as normal.

Image: TikTok/madie_sky_simpson

Despite the backlash, Madison has found a supportive community of like-minded mums on TikTok.

“Your body was literally made to do this. It’s our superpower!” one commenter wrote.

“I have 4 kids and all but 1 of them breastfed until they were almost 3. Kudos to you!” another shared.

“So proud of you for not listening to other people’s opinions or judgement. You do what’s best for you and your daughter,” a third added.

Madison is standing her ground and won’t be pressured to stop breastfeeding anytime soon.

“I’m going to continue my journey with my daughter, because Google is free. You can look up the benefits,” she explains.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association reports that 28% of Australian children are still breastfeeding at 12 months.

The organisation backs the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for two years or as long as mother and baby desire.

Originally published as 'Predator': Young mum defends breastfeeding her 3yo in public