Mother defends choice to breastfeed six-and-a-half-year-old

Denise Sumpter says that she has no plans to stop breastfeeding daughter Belle any time soon – and insists that her daughter will be the one to decide when to quit.



Belle, who is in Year Two, is fed whenever she asks – sometimes if she is tired, ill or simply wants some bonding time with her mother.

She might feed a couple of times a day, or maybe just once or twice a week, sometimes alongside her 18-month-old brother Beau.

Mrs Sumpter said: "I'll feed Belle as long as she asks.

"I don't know how long that will be. It will be the same with Beau. I don't think there's anything weird about it.

"I feed both children on demand - whenever they want it."

Belle is a head taller than most of her classmates and has rarely been ill - something Ms Sumpter puts down to breastfeeding.

The bright youngster is also a talented violinist, singer and dancer who is top of the class in most subjects.

Ms Sumpter, a PhD student of ancient science, told the Sunday Mirror: "I have two healthy, bright, confident children who I truly believe have benefitted from breast milk, and continue to do so."

She has the backing of her partner, Jules Deering, 47, a technical director at a university drama department.

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