"Now they have a different function, to feed my baby - you suddenly realise that's really what they're there for."
A British glamour model and former real-life Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, says she will defy the "dirty looks" and breastfeed her toddler son for as long as he wants.
Nell McAndrew, who rose to fame as a Page Three girl and official Lara Croft model, has told a British newspaper that she will ignore negative comments from other women and continue breastfeeding son Devon, who is 2.5.
Ms McAndrew said breastfeeding beyond a year should not be taboo.
"I get negative comments all the time, but that's their problem," Ms McAndrew told the Daily Mirror.
"Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world - and it's so good for my son that I don't see any reason to stop.
"I would never tell other women they have to breastfeed because it's down to individual choice.
"And by the same token if a mum wants to carry on breastfeeding until their child is five, six or seven that that's fine too."
The 35-year-old, who has also posed nude for Playboy, said she received "dirty looks" from strangers when she breastfed Devon on public transport or in cafes.
"It's ironic when getting your breasts out in other areas is actively encouraged - something as an underwear model I'm well aware of," Ms McAndrew said.
"Now they have a different function, to feed my baby - you suddenly realise that's really what they're there for."
The British Department of Health recommends babies take only breastmilk for their first six months and cites evidence suggesting continued breastfeeding is beneficial along with solid foods for many months after, the Daily Mail reported.
Australian dietary guidelines also recommend exclusive breastfeeding of infants until six months, with solids and continued breastfeeding until 12 months and beyond if mother and baby wish.
The latest national statistics show only 18 per cent of Australian mothers were still breastfeeding infants at six months in 2002, against 21 per cent in Britain, 53 per cent in Sweden and 20 per cent in the US.
In 2004 a Federal Government study of 5000 mothers showed only 14 per cent were breastfeeding their babies at six months.
Ms McAndrew said breastfeeding beyond a year should not be taboo.
"Now if people ask why I'm still breastfeeding I say, 'Well why not?'," she said.
"Instead of having to think up an explanation to satisfy them, I think they should give me some actual proof of why it's a bad thing.
"They never can."
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