Breastfeeding Her 7-Year-Old Autistic Son Is Helpful, According To This Mom

Lisa Bridger's 7-year-old son tandem feeds along with his 4-year-old little brother.

Lisa Bridger, an Australian mom of five, has been breastfeeding for a long time.

Lisa Bridger / BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed spoke with Bridger who said, "My kids all tandem-fed, and this is how I've been breastfeeding for over 20 years." She is the mother of a 22-year-old daughter, and sons aged 20, 17, 7, and 4.

Bridger – who had her first child 22 years ago – decided to let her kids decide when they were ready to stop.

Lisa Bridger / BuzzFeed

"I have never set a time frame to breastfeeding, it's not like I just started feeding a 7-year-old. It's just flowed since birth," Bridger said.

Now, at seven years old, Chase – who has been diagnosed with autism – regularly breastfeeds at night to help him sleep and after meltdowns to help him reconnect.

Lisa Bridger / BuzzFeed

She said, "Chase has many sensory issues. It assists him with emotional regulation. It's no different than finding time to give any other attention or affection."

Bridger, who works for the organization Occupy Breastfeeding, said breastfeeding is "a lot more than just the milk."

Facebook: OccupyBreastfeeding

"It's bonding, comfort, and security for the child."

But, Bridger has faced a lot of pushback. "I have had a lot of criticism. I attempt to educate or ignore," she said.

Lisa Bridger / BuzzFeed

"Some of the worst say it’s pedophilia, I’m sick, or I should put it in a cup."

Bridger said she is proud to breastfeed her 7-year-old. You can follow Occupy Breastfeeding on Facebook or Instagram to learn more.

Lisa Bridger / BuzzFeed