Karen Millen’s Breastfeeding Comments Spark Backlash
A recent controversy surrounding Karen Millen’s comments on breastfeeding has sparked a heated debate on social media. The designer, known for her eponymous clothing brand, made the comments during an appearance on Channel 5’s talk show, Vanessa, hosted by Vanessa Waltz. According to Women’s Health, Millen was asked about her opinion on whether it’s acceptable to breastfeed a three-year-old child.
In response, Millen stated, "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." When probed further, she elaborated, "I just think that’s not good emotionally for that child. I mean, what does that child do later in life? The attachment – like you say it becomes an addiction and an addiction for that child too because they only know the boob." She also described breastfeeding a three-year-old as "not normal" and "very weird."
The NHS, however, advises that mothers who can and want to should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, then continue to breastfeed for two years and beyond, alongside providing their child with other foods. The benefits of breastfeeding, as listed by the NHS, include protecting babies from diseases and infections, being a free and convenient source of nutrition, and helping mothers bond with their babies. Additionally, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity in mothers.
Millen’s comments were met with widespread criticism on social media, with many users expressing their outrage and disappointment. Danielle Facey, a breastfeeding advocate, wrote, "I feel more and more furious every time I hear that clip. I loved nursing my son for around three years, despite being shamed by all and sundry. But it was not about me – it was always about him." Chessie King, a content creator and founder of Welcome To Babyhood, also spoke out, saying she was "flabbergasted" by Millen’s comments. "I breastfed [her daughter] Auraelia for 11 months & let me tell you, it was the opposite of selfish. My milkshake makers were pumped with love & patience," she wrote. "Whether you did for 1 day, 6 months, 3 years or not at all, breastfeeding is SELFLESS not selfish."
In response to the backlash, Millen has since apologized for her comments. According to The Independent, she posted on social media, "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." The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding breastfeeding and the need for greater understanding and support for mothers who choose to breastfeed.
Ultimately, as Women’s Health notes, "whatever you do, remember you know best about what’s right for you and your baby." The controversy surrounding Millen’s comments serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful and informed discussions about breastfeeding and motherhood.
Source: Women’s Health (https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/healthy-mums/a65042546/karen-millen-breastfeeding-comments/)
