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Common mom-shaming topics: Breastfeeding
Criticizing and shaming parents, especially moms for their parenting choices, is unfortunately pretty common. Whether it's nursing in public, not nursing at all, baby-wearing, going back to work too early, or staying at home... the list goes on. Starting with breastfeeding we have listed some of the most common focal points for mom-shaming and breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding in public
Breastfeeding in public is a popular topic, not only for debate, but also mom-shaming. Social attitudes and legal protections for breastfeeding in public differ greatly from country to country. In some countries, breastfeeding publicly is common and not regarded as an issue. The nursing parent is also protected by law in most of these places. However, unfortunately there are still countries that forbid women to expose their breasts in public, even to breastfeed.
Even in countries where breastfeeding in public is legal and somewhat socially accepted, some mothers and parents are reluctant to do so. Afraid of other people's objections, negative comments and harassment.
Not breastfeeding
WHO (World Health Organization) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to six months. And then subsequent continued breastfeeding, along with complementary foods, up to two years of age or beyond. However, due to a plethora of reasons, this isn't always possible. Despite this understanding, not breastfeeding is still one of the most common mom-shaming topics. Nursing parents who “choose” to not breastfeed their children are often criticized publicly and privately. However, the reasons for not breastfeeding or choosing to stop breastfeeding early can be many.
Breastfeeding too long
Yes, women and nursing parents are criticized for not breastfeeding, but breastfeeding for too long is not accepted either. Most of us have probably heard people talk about a three or four-year-old that is still breastfeeding and how strange that is.
We could, and should, try to understand that there are different ways to do things. We don't have to have an opinion on other parents choices. Instead, we could just let parents make their own decisions. It doesn't matter if it’s about breastfeeding in public, not breastfeeding, or breastfeeding too long. We are all trying to do what we believe is the best for our children.
Read more: Common myths about breastfeeding