Opinion: Karen Millen Called A Breastfeeding Mum ‘Selfish’ – Here’s Why She’s Wrong

I’m breastfeeding my 1.5-year-old so naturally we’re probably both addicted to it and she’s going to be emotionally ruined. That’s according to Karen Millen’s logic, anyway.In a bizarre segment on Jeremy, Storm & Vanessa On 5 this week, in which for whatever reason they thought it was OK to pass judgement on a mum’s choice to breastfeed her three-year-old, the fashion designer suggested the parent had breastfed for “far too long”.“There’s no benefit, is there, for a child to be breastfed beyond six months really,” said Millen.And she didn’t stop there. “I think it’s quite a selfish thing on the mother’s part,” she continued.When Vanessa Feltz pressed her on why she thought that, Millen replied: “Well I just think, you know, that’s not good emotionally for that child.“I mean, what does that child do later in life and the attachment and, like you said, it becomes an addiction – and an addiction for that child too because they only know the boob ... and it’s just not normal is it?”I’m no expert in breastfeeding but I have breastfed two kids and can safely say what a load of codswallop (and that’s putting it politely).As the NHS says, breastfeeding has long-term benefits for babies, lasting right into adulthood: “Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.”Breastfeeding can reduce a baby’s risk of infections, and diarrhoea and vomiting (with fewer visits to hospital as a result), as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), obesity and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.The World Health Organisation adds that “breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival”. Not only does breastmilk provide all the energy and nutrients babies need for the first months of life, but in the second half of the first year – which is when Karen thinks we should stop whipping out the boob – it can provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs. Oh, and up to one third of their nutritional requirements during the second year of life. (But go off Karen about how there’s no benefit past six months.)As for the emotional damage we’re inflicting, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) “there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to parent or child”.Whether a parent chooses to keep going, or stop breastfeeding, or feed their baby with formula milk, it’s ultimately their choice to do so – and they shouldn’t have to fear being shamed or slammed as “selfish” for doing so.I’d argue that if you find it weird to see a kid breastfeeding, it probably says more about you and your feelings towards breasts than anything else. The judgement emanating from that TV sofa – the suggestion it’s “selfish” to feed a child past a certain point, and “not good emotionally” for them – made me, as a breastfeeding mum, feel like a pariah. It was a gut punch – and I won’t be the only one who felt that.The wrinkled noses, the scoffing, the wincing when a viewer called in and said they breastfed their child until the age of four... There is a huge stigma around extended breastfeeding. I’ve experienced it, I’ve written about it, I know it’s there. And unhelpful – not to mention, incorrect – comments made on national TV simply add fuel to the fire. It’s yet another stick to beat mothers with. And honestly? I’m fed up of it. If you’re not breastfeeding your baby, you’re shamed. If you are breastfeeding them past 12 months, you’re shamed. Honestly, you can’t win. Millen has since apologised, saying: “I know I’ve upset a lot of your viewers and that was not my intention. The question was aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed and my thoughts on that and my answers reflected that, not the subject of breastfeeding...“And as a woman to women, I do respect your choices and I do want to support you. So my apologies once again, I hope you forgive me.”For those feeding their child and facing the comments – whether from relatives, friends or people on the TV who should know better – know that you’re not selfish, fuelling some weird boob addiction, or ruining your child emotionally. Those who do manage to breastfeed past six months deserve a bloody medal, not the nation’s judgement. Update: the article has been amended to include Karen Millen’s apology. Related...'My Mother-In-Law Huffed At Me For Breastfeeding. Was My Reaction Unfair?'Ferne McCann Shares Candid Snap Breastfeeding Toddler – And Of Course Trolls Can't Handle It'My T*t Was Out': Mum On The Perils Of Taking A Delivery While Breastfeeding

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