Designer Karen Millen forced to issue an apology after sparking backlash by calling breastfeeding mothers ‘selfish'
The fashion designer was on Channel 5 show Vanessa on Tuesday when she made the controversial comments, as she weighed in on a viral story about a U.S. mum breastfeeding her three-year-old.
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"There's no benefit, is there, for a child to be breastfed beyond six months, really," Karen said when asked for her opinion on the story.
"I think it's quite a selfish thing on the mother's part."
"Do you?" host Vanessa Feltz asked. "Why do you feel that?"
"I do, actually, yeah," Karen continued.
"I just think, you know, that's not good emotionally for that child."
Influencer and mum-of-two Imogen was among those slamming Karen for the interview, as she said she "can't even bring myself to watch it" because she's "so angry and upset".
Calling her a "woman bashing women", Imogen continued in her TikTok video: "Breastfeeding is incredible for your children.
"The amount of antibodies, the goodness, everything that comes with that.
"We can say how amazing something is without offending every single person in the world.
"I just think comments like that should be kept to your own Whatsapp chat."
Following the backlash surrounding the interview, Karen issued a statement to Vanessa, as she insisted it wasn't her "intention to upset a lot of your viewers".
"The question was aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed, and my thoughts on that," she said.
"And my answers reflected that, not the subject of breastfeeding.
"I have three children, and I breastfed all three of them up until six, seven months, despite it being incredibly painful.
"I got mastitis each time, and cracked and sore nipples. But I did it because I knew it was the best thing for them for at least six months.
"So, you know, I think my issue was more on the fact that, you know, as a baby, breast milk is the best.
What are the recommendations around breastfeeding?
The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it.
The NHS says weaning often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods.
They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time.
"Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday," recommends the NHS.
"Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes."
You can also combine breastfeeding with formula, too and the NHS says "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way.
For example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time.
After around a week, you can begin to think about dropping another.
"If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead," they say.
You can breastfeed for as long as you want, and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer.
The World Health Organization says: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."
"And beyond being a baby, growing into a toddler, I just found it more difficult to come to terms with how that would benefit a three-year-old, a toddler.
"So anyway, everyone has their own personal choice and decision in these things, and I respect that.
"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."
But many people in the comments section were unwilling to accept the apology, with one writing: "This issue was that there was no balance and it was factually incorrect.
"As a programme you should know better. Very disappointing.
"Karen Millen came across as really smug and was quite rude, there was no compassion from her!"
"We don't accept her apology. Cancel Karen Millen," another urged.
"Well that's not an apology is it," a third sighed.
As someone else called it the "most pathetic apology ever".
"Karen Millen specifically mentioned breastfeeding past 6 months," they added.
"She likened it to an addiction. She is completely uneducated and ignorant of the FACTS and recommendations by WHO (the World Health Organisation).
"That is what she should apologise for. Not a half hearted back peddle.
"She judges parents that breastfeed past 6 months - shameful."
Vanessa concluded by saying: "The World Health Organisation recommends that children be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives, and then up to the age of two and beyond that, if it suits the family."
Others insisted that Karen is entitled to her own opinion, with some agreeing with her.
"Apologise for your own opinion?? Why?" one questioned.
"I don't see why she she should apologise," another added.
"Karen is 100% right," a third insisted.
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