'Karen Millen's breastfeeding comments are infuriating example of mum-shaming'
Like a lot of mums I know, Karen Millen's been mentioned all over my social media feed since she appeared on Jeremy, Storm & Vanessa On 5 this week.
Vanessa Feltz highlighted the story of a mum in the USA who has gone viral for breastfeeding her three-year-old, and been trolled since posting her video. Karen Millen, a fashion designer, said that she found the whole thing "selfish". Despite not being a health expert, she then proceeded to declare "there's no benefit is there for a child to be breastfed beyond six months" - the World Health Organization disagrees. Karen, who designs clothes but is not a renowned child psychologist, then throws in "that's not good emotionally for that child", and that she thinks it's "not normal" and "weird".
As for her claims that it becomes an addiction - where are the stats or science to back that up? Because I personally have yet to meet an adult who's calling up their mum for a breastfeed because they are so used to the boob.
I am just weeks out of my breastfeeding journey, and those comments really hit a nerve, leaving me infuriated. I wasn't alone - other mums around me, some of whom can't see a light at the end of the breastfeeding tunnel just yet, were also livid. These comments are just another example of society shaming mums. If you don't breastfeed, that's bad. If you do breastfeed, that's bad. You just can't win.
Any mum who has breastfed will know how much of a rollercoaster the experience can be. There are some truly wonderful highs; the bonding with your baby, the cuddles, the fact that it's super convenient because you don't need to remember bottles. But there are also plenty of lows; the long nights where the baby cluster feeds and there's only so much your partner can do to help, the pressure to always be near your baby because they can't feed without you, the physical and mental toll it takes on your body.
I know some mums who are more than ready to be done with it, but their babies aren't, so they are pushing through. 'Selfish' is absolutely not a word I would use to describe any of those women.
Then there's the societal pressure. From the moment my baby was born, I had health professionals, family members, friends and random people I didn't even know telling me that breastfeeding was the best course of action (I actually disagree with this sentiment too - mums have enough to deal with, however you choose to feed your baby is best).
All the mums around me - no matter how they choose to feed their babies - have been navigating the world of parenting, and there are so many opinions out there, it can be so overwhelming. I can't help but think if I'd seen those comments when I was having a particularly rough night or difficult day, it would have absolutely left me feeling deflated and useless.
Mums - and dads too - deserve to get all of the support they can, and unless they're doing something that genuinely could harm or put a child in danger, who are we to judge to another parent's decision?
The World Health Organization's official recommendation is: "WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water.
"Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used.
"From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years of age or beyond."
See that last bit? OR BEYOND. So no, I don't think it's "selfish" or "weird". I think if a child is happy and healthy and loved, who cares if they're being breastfed or not?
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Why Karen Millen Is Under Fire For Saying Parents Who Breastfeed After Six Months Are 'Addicted'
Fashion designer Karen Millen has apologised after criticising mums who breastfeed their children beyond the age of six months, labelling it 'selfish' and 'not normal'. The designer appeared on Vanessa Feltz' Channel 5 show, Vanessa, and said there were 'no benefits' for the child and claimed it is the parents who become addicted. '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. I just think that's not good emotionally for that child.' Millen's comments were met with backlash online with some calling them 'mum shaming' and others accusing her of spreading misinformation. Of course, there are plenty of parents who are proud advocates of breastfeeding beyond infancy. The following day, Millen issued an apology on social media, saying: '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.' However, these comments have also prompted widespread criticism. The Instagram account @boobtofood wrote, 'This 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 Organisation.' While @miswifemarley added, '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.' However, another viewer defended Millen and wrote, 'She was asked for her thoughts and gave her opinion. Chill out! I didn't breastfeed my child and my child has rarely been ill.' The comedian Katherine Ryan also chimed in to say, '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.' A comment on the parenting forum Mumsnet perhaps best summarises the debate. 'You're not allowed to get it right as a mother, are you?' it reads. 'Bad if you don't breastfeed but also bad if you breastfeed for too long, apparently.'
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"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? 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"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." 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