A mum-of-one has gone viral after sharing her ‘controversial’ take on continuing to breastfeed her toddler.
Somer Agnor, 30, a photographer from Virginia, US, has been slammed online after revealing she still breastfeeds her two-year-old son, Palmer, who she shares with her husband, Matthew, 30 – but she says she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.
For the mum-of-one, she claims it’s “no longer her choice” as she’s left the decision of weaning up to her toddler, who hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to do so.
In a bid to educate others, she decided to upload her breastfeeding journey on TikTok, with one clip racking up 3.7 million views and 121,000 likes – but not everyone agrees with the ‘controversial’ take.
“At this point, I have no plans of stopping,” she told NeedToKnow.online.
“I’m letting my toddler decide when he would like to naturally wean and I’m currently pregnant with our second baby, so if he continues to want to feed when that baby is born, I’ll figure it out.
“I still have a lot of people who comment rude things, but to this day, I’ve never had someone say something rude to me in public about feeding my child.
“I truly don’t take the negative comments to heart, as they don’t really hurt my feelings because I know those people are only confused.
“We are taught that a women’s breasts are just something to sexualise, when in fact, they are a tool to feed and comfort our children.”
In the clip, Somer shows various clips of her breastfeeding her plucky tot in public.
Users flocked to the comments to share their opinions, with many people “making fun” of the situation.
“Going steady with my grandson who’s 23 years old,” one user said.
Another person added: “Why do I feel like it’s always the boy moms who bf the longest,” followed by a laughing emoji. [sic]
“Move kid, it’s my turn,” someone else commented.
Another user added: “Do you take bookings?”
“I don’t judge woman that do it for longer but when it isn’t for food and kid can walk up to her and ask it makes my stomach twist”, user Sally said.
Someone else commented: “If the child is old enough to ask for a refill then they are too old.”
User Tiff said: “The way people think a switch just flips when they turn a year old. Toddlers deserve comfort and nourishment too!”
“My daughter isn’t even one and people are already asking when I’m going to stop! It’s wild!”, another user added.
Amber Jenae said: “I heard a coworker say if a mother breastfeeds after a year and a half then she’s doing it for her. Needless to say I felt intimidated,” to which Somer replied: “The fact people think that is disturbing.”
The mum-of-one also admitted to drinking alcohol while breastfeeding her tot and doesn’t believe there’s any issue with doing so.
She said: “If you’re going to choose to drink while being a breastfeeding mum, it’s best to do so while feeding your baby because the alcohol won’t get into your bloodstream or milk while feeding.
“It’s then best to wait a couple of hours until your next feeding, but I always limit myself to just one drink every few hours if I decide to indulge though.
“My drink of choice though is a glass of champagne.”
Somer added: “I want other mums to see the positive side of breastfeeding, so they are encouraged on their own journey.
“I also use my platform to show other mums how to feel comfortable feeding their babies and toddlers in public, as it’s a right we have – unfortunately, there’s so much shame about it out there.
“I was naturally weaned from breastfeeding and I always knew I wanted to do this, but didn’t have a particular age I wanted to stop feeding my future children.
“Until having a baby, I didn’t think I would be breastfeeding into toddlerhood.
“I do love that we get to have this continuous bond and he gets so many benefits from my milk – he has no complaints.
“It’s usually just for comfort at this point though and this doesn’t affect his normal diet, as he still eats like a toddler that doesn’t breastfeed anymore.
“I never really thought I’d be this big of an advocate, but it truly changes the way I mother my child and I’ve realised how hard, yet rewarding, this journey is.
“I want other women to experience the joy I’ve gotten to have with my child, with their children as well.
“No matter how long your breastfeeding journey is, it’s important and special.
“But if you decide to wean your baby because you think it’s wrong to feed them past the age of one, then I feel really sorry for you.”
