Karen Millen Slammed for ‘Selfish’ Breastfeeding Mum Remark

Breastfeeding Beyond Six Months: The Stigma and Misconceptions

A recent segment on a popular UK radio show has sparked controversy and debate after fashion designer Karen Millen suggested that breastfeeding a child beyond six months can be "selfish" and "emotionally damaging" for the child. The comments, made on Jeremy, Storm & Vanessa On 5, have been widely criticised by mothers and health experts, who argue that they perpetuate stigma and misconceptions around extended breastfeeding.

According to The Huffington Post, Millen stated that "there’s no benefit" to breastfeeding a child beyond six months, and that it can create an "addiction" for the child. She also suggested that mothers who breastfeed their children for extended periods are being "selfish" and not considering the emotional well-being of their child.

However, health experts and organisations, including the NHS and the World Health Organisation (WHO), contradict Millen’s claims. The NHS states that breastfeeding has long-term benefits for babies, lasting right into adulthood, including reducing the risk of infections, diarrhoea, and vomiting, as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

The WHO adds that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, providing all the energy and nutrients babies need for the first months of life. In the second half of the first year, breastmilk can provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs, and up to one third of their nutritional requirements during the second year of life.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) also supports extended breastfeeding, stating that "there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to parent or child." In fact, many mothers who breastfeed their children for extended periods report numerous benefits, including a stronger bond with their child and improved emotional well-being.

Despite the evidence, many mothers who breastfeed their children beyond six months face stigma and criticism. The Huffington Post reports that the radio show segment was met with widespread criticism, with many viewers and listeners expressing their outrage and disappointment at Millen’s comments.

In response to the backlash, Millen has since apologised for her comments, stating that she "know[s] I’ve upset a lot of your viewers and that was not my intention." She added that she respects mothers’ choices and wants to support them, and that her previous comments were not intended to shame or criticise breastfeeding mothers.

As The Huffington Post notes, mothers who breastfeed their children beyond six months deserve support and encouragement, not judgement and criticism. By perpetuating misconceptions and stigma around extended breastfeeding, we risk discouraging mothers from making informed choices about their own bodies and their children’s health.

Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed a child beyond six months should be a personal choice, made by mothers in consultation with their healthcare providers. By promoting accurate information and supporting breastfeeding mothers, we can work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all families.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Karen Millen’s comments on breastfeeding highlights the need for accurate information and supportive discourse around this important topic. As The Huffington Post emphasises, mothers who breastfeed their children beyond six months should be celebrated and supported, not shamed or criticised. By promoting a culture of understanding and acceptance, we can work to ensure that all mothers have the support and resources they need to make informed choices about their own bodies and their children’s health.

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