Karen Millen ignites fury with breastfeeding claim as Katherine Ryan wades in

Daily Mirror

a day ago

Karen Millen has come under fire after she sparked fury by claiming breastfeeding an infant after six months is 'selfish' as she appeared on Vanessa Feltz's Channel 5 show
Fashion designer Karen Millen has come under fire after making a series of damaging claims about breastfeeding during her appearance on The Vanessa Show earlier this week.
Karen, 63, issued an apology via Vanessa Feltz's eponymous Channel 5 programme after claiming it was 'selfish' for mothers to continue to breastfeed their children after six months of age – which sparked anger online.
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As she appeared on the programme on Wednesday, Karen discussed a video of a mother breastfeeding her three-year-old. She said: "There's no benefit, is there? For a child to be breastfed beyond six months, really. I think it's quite a selfish thing on the mother's part."
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Vanessa, 63, asked: "Do you?" To which Karen replied: "I do, actually." When asked why she feels that way, Karen explained: "Well, I just think, you know, that's not good emotionally for that child."
Karen's comments sparked fury online, and she later issued an apology via The Vanessa Show. Vanessa shared a video on her Instagram to speak on behalf of Karen in an apology which has also come under fire. Vanessa said in the video: "Karen has faced some backlash for what she said yesterday on the show and some social media clips, too, have been quite antagonistic. And she's now said she'd like to apologise and she's given us this exclusive statement."
The video then cut to footage of Karen who addressed the issue to the camera, as she said: "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. 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.
"And beyond being a baby, growing into being a toddler, I just found it more difficult to come to terms with how that would benefit a three-year-old toddler. So, anyway, everyone has their own personal choice and decision in these things and I respect that.
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"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."
The clip then cut to Vanessa again who added: "Now the World Health Organisation recommends infants are 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."
Karen's apology via Vanessa has sparked further outrage and done little to pacify mothers and breastfeeding experts – including celebrity mums. Comedian Katherine Ryan, who recently announced she is pregnant with her fourth child, jibed at Karen's apology as she sarcastically wrote in the comments section: "Everyone knows: an infant baby becomes a FULL CALF at six months old and that's when milk from a natural source (cow) becomes more suitable than milk from its mother of the same birth species. #science".
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While Ferne McCann shared a post about Karen's comments on her own Instagram feed. She posted a video of herself breastfeeding her daughter Finty, who turns two in July, and wrote in the caption: "A few of you have messaged me about the recent Karen Millen comments on breastfeeding. While I'm really passionate about this subject, I think it's more powerful to encourage open conversation than to shut people down for having a different opinion and here's why.
"I've actually been on the other side of this before when I shared how much I loved breastfeeding. I got messages saying it was insensitive to those who couldn't. So I really do understand that this topic stirs strong feelings on all sides."But what's important here and actually very positive is breastfeeding IS being spoken about more."Conversations like this can shine a light on just how many mums want to try breastfeeding but don't feel confident or supported enough to do it."The UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. The studies show the biggest reasons are that many new mums feel unsure, judged, or alone so opt out before even trying."The more we talk, the more we normalise. And the more we normalise, the more confident we become."Above all, every mum deserves to make her own choices (whatever she feels is right for her) free from shame, and full of confidence."
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The NHS states and the World Health Organisation both have information on breastfeeding. The NHS recommends that mothers "breastfeed your baby exclusively (give them breast milk only) for the first 6 months of their life.
"Breastfeeding still has lots of benefits for you and your baby after 6 months. It protects them from infections and there's some evidence that it helps with the digestion of your baby's first solid foods. It also continues to provide the balance of nutrients your baby needs."
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Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation states: "WHO recommends you keep breastfeeding your child up to two years and beyond and for as long as you both want to continue. Breastfeeding never stops protecting children from infectious disease."
Karen's comments have caused a stir online as experts and mums commented on the apology post from Vanessa. One said: "When discussing topics like this on TV, it would be beneficial to also have an expert in infant feeding available, to negate opinions that the general public may deem as truth. Ie "breastfeeding isn't beneficial after 6 months, it's selfish"."
Another added: "This really isn't a full apology and it continues to spread misinformation. A 6 or 7 month old is not a toddler. Breastfeeding beyond infancy is normal, beneficial and recommended by the World Health Organization. The original statements about it being 'selfish' or causing 'attachment issues' were incredibly damaging to parents - and they remain untrue. If you're going to use your platform to comment on infant feeding, please take the time to understand the evidence first. So many mums already feel guilt and pressure around feeding - this kind of messaging only makes it worse."
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And a third said: "I think this has made the situation worse, firstly the apology isnt really an apology, secondly they are justifying her answer with the 6 months comment at the end and 'for longer if suits the family' but do not mention all the benefits up to the age of 2? It's not just because it 'suits' the family.."
Meanwhile, angry social media users are taking to Karen Millen's brand page to share their anger over her recent comments as one said: "Donating all of my clothes with your label to charity and boycotting you for life. I'm currently breastfeeding a 4.5-year-old and, if you'd like to learn about the benefits, just visit the WHO and NHS website. Get yourself educated on breastfeeding before you spout incorrect information. You are entitled to your own opinion, but don't state things as fact that aren't."
Another wrote: "This is actually breastfeeding friendly. Shame I would never purchase anything from a brand which shames the most selfless gift a mother can give her little one." As a third wrote: "Stick to the dresses, let actual lactation consultants give advice on breastfeeding".
The brand has now since issued a statement on their Instagram story, which read: "We hear and understand the concerns regarding Karen's comments. To be clear, while Karen founded the brand, she is no longer involved in the business, and her comments do not reflect the views or values of our brand. We recognise the decision to breastfeed is deeply personal, and we fully support every parent in making the choices that are right for their family."