Recently, designer Karen Millen made a comment calling breastfeeding beyond six months “weird,” “selfish,” and even went as far as suggesting it could be “an addiction.” As a mum who is currently breastfeeding my 17-month-old son, I found those words not just hurtful but really disappointing, especially coming from someone with such a public platform.
I don’t usually respond to celebrity hot takes, but this one struck a nerve. Not just because it’s personal, but because it’s part of a bigger pattern of judgment that mums face all the time, and I think it’s time we talk about it.
My Real Breastfeeding Journey
Let me start by saying: I’m not here to preach about breastfeeding. I know how complicated it can be.
With my first baby, I struggled. We made it to four months, and honestly, I was proud we got that far. It wasn’t easy, I had latch issues, supply stress, and felt constantly torn between wanting to keep going and needing to stop for my own wellbeing. I stopped when it was right for us, and I have absolutely zero regrets.
With my second, things were different. It was still hard in the beginning, cracked nipples, cluster feeds, the emotional ups and downs, but we found our rhythm eventually. Now, 17 months in, breastfeeding is just part of our daily routine. It’s comforting for him, and it works for us. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect or magical every moment; sometimes I’m touched out, and sometimes I want my body back. Overall, I’m really grateful for the experience we’ve had this time around.
It’s Not “Weird” — It’s Normal (If It’s Right for You)
Hearing someone call this bond “weird” or “selfish” is frustrating. Extended breastfeeding is very normal in many parts of the world — and it’s supported by health organisations like the WHO and the AAP. But even more than that, it’s a personal decision. It’s not about being a martyr or clinging on. It’s about what works for you and your baby. Full stop.
And let’s be clear — there’s nothing selfish about a mum making choices that meet her baby’s needs and her own.
No One Way to Feed a Baby
This isn’t about putting breastfeeding on a pedestal. I’ve been the mum combo-feeding with formula, the mum washing pump parts at 2 am, and the mum breastfeeding a toddler while wrangling her sanity. None of it is easy, and no path is more “right” than another.
However you fed your baby — breast, bottle, formula, donor milk, pumping, combo — you deserve to feel proud of yourself. There is no gold medal for how we feed our babies. The goal is that they’re loved, nourished, and that you’re okay, too.
Let’s Be Kinder to Mums
I’m not here to cancel anyone. But I do think if you’ve never been through the emotional, physical, and mental layers of extended feeding, maybe think twice before throwing out careless opinions. We don’t need more shame. We need more support.
So to the mums still breastfeeding beyond a year: you’re not weird.
To the mums who stopped earlier: you’re not less than.
To the mums making it work however they can: I see you.
Let’s drop the judgment and keep lifting each other up.
