'I want to de-sexualise breastfeeding' Mum videos herself nursing four year old son

Ana's YouTube channel has amassed millions of views

A mother of one is on a mission to normalise breastfeeding and remove any sexually related stigma, by posting videos of herself nursing her four year old son.

Ana Garcia started her YouTube channel 'MamaGarciaVlog' to boost her own self confidence in breastfeeding her four year old son Matteo in public.

Speaking to The Daily Mail she said, 'I started posting videos because I was self-conscious about breastfeeding in public. I was even shy about taking my breast out to nurse Matteo among family and friends.'

'My YouTube channel has helped me conquer my fears and it's given me a lot more confidence to go out-and-about as a mother and breastfeed wherever I am.'

'I believe attachment parenting and breastfeeding Matteo in public has given him the confidence to go about in the world. I didn't stay at home all day as a new mother, I made sure to take Matteo everywhere with me. Lots of mums feel like they should stay at home pumping because they're scared to nurse in public.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQxWzRD-fp8

The 37-year-old mother also wants to de-sexualise breastfeeding, believing that many people view it with a sexual taboo and not for the important bonding experience that it is.

'Some men message asking me to do private videos and confusing my channel for porn - but my videos couldn't be further from porn because I show myself and my child.'

'I want to de-sexualise the whole idea of breastfeeding and show what a wonderful thing it is between a mother and their child. No mum should miss out on this.'

Ana posts videos every day showing what life is like for her family who have moved from Coventry to Spain. Her channel has nearly 70,000 subscribers and has amassed over 69 million views.

Raising what could be considered a controversial topic and showing her breastfeeding practise through videos has earned Ana a lot of attention and her videos have collected hundreds of thousands of comments.

Ana admits that the responses she receives are mixed but says that: 'I receive lots of emails and comments from women thanking me for what I'm doing on YouTube.'

'Society thinks it can put a date on when you need to stop breastfeeding your baby but that decision needs to be up to the mother and child.

'Continuing breastfeeding has strengthened my own relationship with Matteo because it's a special bond between us. I want to show my story so other mums know it's ok to nurse a little longer if they want to.'

Ana says that she puts no age limit on breast feeding her son, and will stop when he decides he's ready.

'I think Matteo might be ready to stop breastfeeding when he turns five years old in March or go down to weekly feeds - but it's up to him to decide. I will stop breastfeeding Matteo when he wants to stop.'

'My message to other women is to go with your gut. Stop listening to what people telling you what you have to do with your child. Inform yourself and do what feels right.'

GoodtoKnow

Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.