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.

Read more: Breastfeeding is better for the baby - true or false?

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

Breastfeeding with products from Najell

Did you know that all of our products are designed with breastfeeding in mind? The Najell Pregnancy Pillow has two smaller integrated nursing pillows, that together form to make the body pillow. This gives you the possibility to find a good, comfortable position for both you and your baby. And when you’re out and about with your baby carrier we’ve also made it easy for you to breastfeed. Najell's Baby Carriers are all designed to ease access to the mother’s breast. The Najell Wrap can be used skin to skin and is also easy to breastfeed in. And with the Babynest SleepCarrier it is easy to fold down one side. Meaning you can breastfeed the baby lying down, without having to move the baby from the Babynest.