A mum who still breastfeeds her nine-year-old child has been slammed.

Even though it's down to the mother to decide how long to breastfeed their children, people don't seem happy with the confession.

he NHS recommends breastfeeding for up to two years for those who can, and choose to do so, but there's no issue with continuing beyond this. But this hasn't stopped other parents from shaming the woman, who says her child enjoys it, and doesn't want her to stop.

According to the Mirror, she shared her experience on Quora, asking: "I still allow my nine-year-old daughter to breastfeed from me, and she won't stop until she wants to. Does anyone support me?"

The NHS advises that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives, and then continue to be breastfed for two years and beyond, alongside eating other foods. This advice is supported by children's health charity, Nemours, which states that experts "recommend continuing to breastfeed for two years (and beyond) if it works for you and your baby".

It also adds: "Any length of time your baby can be breastfed is beneficial".

The woman's post sparked a fierce debate among parents, with many criticising her choice to breastfeed her nine-year-old.

One commenter didn't mince their words, saying: "Please seek help, this is not natural or healthy for your daughter. You really need to turn off the mommy spigots and let her grow up."

Another chimed in with a comparison to the animal kingdom, adding: "Even animals wean their young. It's part of the natural process of helping them grow up.

"That's why we have a specific word for that phase. Every mammal does it. The process by definition involves denying suckling to babies who still want to suckle, so they will grow up into healthy, independent beings. So there is nothing 'natural' about what you are doing. Quite the opposite. Sorry."

A third commenter replied: "Breast or bottlefeeding is how infants get their nutrition until they are able to eat baby food. There's no earthly reason for a nine-year-old to still be fed like an infant."

Despite the backlash, experts maintain that the decision on when to stop breastfeeding should be left to the mother and child. According to Better Health professionals, it's "not unusual for children up to four years of age to continue to be breastfed".

The World Health Organisation also said there can be benefits of extended breastfeeding, telling mums: "The longer you breastfeed up to two years, the greater the health benefits might be for you and your child. Yet the most important thing is to continue breastfeeding for as long as feels right for you and your baby, rather than what other people think."

Meanwhile, the National Childbirth Trust gives the thumbs up for mums to "breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish," but flags up that when it's time to call it quits that's weaning territory. It's all about easing off the boob gradually, mixing in some solid nosh.

Once the little ones are munching away on solids three times a day, they'll start reaping the nutritional rewards, fuelling their growth and development.