Family comments: thoughts?

Keep breastfeeding your baby people gonna judge but you know you are benefiting your child I received some of the same words but I kept pushing through you know what’s best for your child

I would simply respond with "oh do you want me to neglect my baby of *insert multitude of beneficial things from BF* because you have a problem?" Or "did you want to contribute to the formula fund?" And educate them. Tell them all the benefits of breast feeding, discuss the age recommendations given by the WHO and APA. Tell them how troublesome finding a formula can be especially if your baby has allergies (which you wouldn't know yet) or sensitivies. Tell them about the formula shortage that is still prevalent amongst some brands and areas and how your boobs provide free adequate food for your child. Ask if they are going to be there to wean your baby.

Your baby, your decision. You’re the one breastfeeding & everyone knows breast milk is beneficial for a baby especially in the 1st year or minimum 6 months. You can voice this out to them respectfully “I plan on breastfeeding my baby xx amount of months” otherwise don’t say anything & keep doing you mama ☺️

Tell them you will work it out on your own because honestly who knows by then what you will want to do, formula for baby and pump, breast milk in a bottle for baby and pump, or maybe by then you will want to be done breastfeeding

Back when our grandparents were having babies, it was new and novel to give formula. It was also a bit of a status thing- they could afford formula. They often had five kids and had to take care of all of them and couldn’t spend the time breastfeeding. Honestly I ignore comments from grammas. They’re too old to change their opinions, and I don’t have to hear it frequently. My grand mother in law told me at three months - “you know if you give her a bottle you can make more of your food from scratch”. Parents however, I would make a comment too. Or have my husband say something to his father. And I don’t love my in-laws, so if I said something it would be sarcastic. “Luckily feeding the baby isn’t your responsibility”. I would expect my husband to say something like “the decisions we make around feeding our baby are ours, and your personal discomfort doesn’t impact our decision” (and he has used this phrasing around rear facing car seats).

Thank you all!!! I try not to let it bother me but sometimes it strikes a nerve! I’m sure they don’t mean anything by it but it has been multiple weekends in a row where the comments just keep coming. I was like are they seriously just uneducated about the benefits of breastfeeding or do they just think it’s weird? Idk she is only 4 months though so still very much new here and still a baby baby! I was like dang I expected the comments just not this soon!

I always just told them that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends till at least 2. If feeling sassy you could ask where they got their medical degree from and to take it up with the AAP

@Haley lol!!!

It’s none of their business. Also breastfeeding is biologically normal and needed for a baby. I believe it’s recommended to do at least 2 years. I could care less what my family thinks. People especially men need to stop sexualizing it. It’s natural and normal. It keeps mom and baby healthy and has so many long term benefits. They should educate themselves!

Isn’t it funny how if we breast feed we get crap for it and if we formula feed we get crap for it.

@D for real! I commented that exact same thing on another moms post about anxiety with feeding in public- if you breastfeed in public people judge but they also judge if they see you using a bottle LOL! We can’t win!

I'd tell them I'ma nurse until the fall off if the keep making comments.

Yea that is kinda weird are they uncomfortable because breast are required to breast feed. Thats the only thing i can think of that will make people uncomfortable.

I think that’s exactly it @Alaja. I breast feed in public, and at family events and I don’t have an issue with it as I’m feeding my baby. It’s not a porn show and if anyone has a problem with it then it’s exactly that: their problem. I’m fortunate that so far I’ve not received comments and my family are supportive. It’s not even a discussion point with them. I’m certain I’ve got looks from strangers but I just focus on my baby. Our BF journey hasn’t been easy so seeing her feed is just lovely. Unfortunately in the UK (where I am), and it seems in the US, breasts are still taboo. @Hannah if you are planning on BF at these events I would just reply with “YEP!” No explanation or justification needed. It’s your decision and that decision should not be swayed by narrow mindedness. It’s a shame they’ve made you feel this way. We shouldn’t feel shame with how we feed our babies.

@Evonne yea that definitely sounds like the reason. that is really unfortunate and inconsiderate. People are so immature still as adults it’s unbelievable.

Tell them to mind their own tits!

My own father and his wife publicly shamed me for nursing my son at an outdoor bbq joint in the hot Mississippi summer: I balled my eyes out in the dirty bathroom. And was still told I needed to respect others and how they feel when they are trying to eat. It was at that moment I stopped giving a dambbb. Bc my baby’s nourishment is my first priority. To haillll with whatever anyone else has to say. As far as combating this: I’d sternly and respectfully ask them to not make those comments. Put that boundary in place. Tell them how you feel and don’t let them disrespect you. You got this mama. I’m sorry you have to deal with this. We don’t deserve backlash for feeding our babies.

Who are these people. It's your business, your body and certainly your child. I breastfed until my son was 2. That's why he's so smart now. No formula was given! The best and the safest is breast milk!

Tell them all to mind their own bloody business! My MIL desperately wants me to stop BF so she can have baby to herself which isn’t happening, but I’ve got so annoyed with her asking when I’m going to stop that I’ve told her my goal is 3-4 years 🤣🤣

Thank you all!!! It is so frustrating- our babies have to eat and that is more important than other people’s feelings

Only person who ever had the balls to say anything about me breastfeeding is my gross creepy uncle when I was at my cousin’s graduation party and my daughter wasn’t even 2mo yet. Let’s just say myself, my mom, and my aunt (his wife) all said some shit. FYI it is legal in all 50 states to openly breastfeed in public and private places.