'My ex-wife still breastfeeds my seven-year-old daughter - she refuses to stop'

13 February 2024 , 12:12

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The mum breastfeeds her seven-year-old daughter (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

While some mums choose to breastfeed their babies, others opt for formula before slowly moving onto solids when their youngster is old enough. However, one disgusted dad is now seeking advice after revealing how his ex-wife still breastfeeds their seven-year-old daughter, refusing to stop because she 'enjoys it'.

Taking to Reddit, he said: "My ex and I separated when our daughter was months old. I started bringing up this issue when she was still breastfeeding at age two. Initially taking it lightly and joked about how she should at least stop once she reached high school. Also dropped some Game of Thrones references here and there. I am beyond jokes now."

He describes his ex-wife as an "intelligent, reasonable person" - but believes she is " damaged emotionally on some level" otherwise she would have stopped breastfeeding their daughter a long time ago. He added: "We've had the discussion numerous times.

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"She keeps saying that she's working on it but that mostly she'll stop when her daughter 'is ready' to stop. Words n words. No action. This is wrong on so many levels, Don't want to get into it, We could write a book on the implications. Part of the issue is she won't sleep over at my place because she is used to always sleeping with mommy and more than occasionally breastfeeding still."

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Seeking advice, he added: "Someone help. Could I take this to court and get a judge to force her to stop?" In response, one user said: "Do you have a custody order already? If not I would not touch on the breastfeeding part and concentrate on the overnights. She’s seven and should be able to have weekends at her dads. If mom says no just let her know you’ll look into a custody order to ensure you have access.

Another user added: "Instead of approaching the court issue about trying to stop the breastfeeding, what about having a custody arrangement where your daughter stays overnight." A third user said: "I’ve heard some courts won’t order overnight visitation if the child is breastfeeding.

"Is it possible that your daughter doesn’t actually still breastfeed, but that your ex is saying that as an excuse so the daughter doesn’t have to go on overnight visits to your house? How is your relationship with your daughter? Do either of you initiate contact spontaneously — or only at arranged times?"

Paige Freshwater