Breastfeeding Criticism

Breastfeeding criticism is at times easy to handle if it comes from a stranger but much more difficult to handle when it comes from a spouse or family member.

I would like to discuss two areas on criticism when it comes to breastfeeding. Firstly the criticism a mom gets when she decides to breastfeed and then the criticism a mom gets when she is unable to breastfeed.

There are many reasons why a mom cant breastfeed. Contrary to popular belief, not everybody is “made to breastfeed” or has the capability. There are many reasons mentioned on the low milk supply page. Just know that you are not alone, there are many women who cannot breastfeed.

Being criticized for not being able to breastfeed can be the most painful of all, since mom will already feel that she has failed her baby. Most times other family members or friends might not understand this and might have had a problem free breastfeeding relationship.

What you need to do is arm yourself against breastfeeding criticism

- Breastfeeding support – from other moms who have had the same breastfeeding problems

- Education – Get your facts straight, find out what your problems are, so that people don’t even get a chance to criticize you.

- Don’t keep quiet! Don’t let people walk all over you and make you feel guilty for something that you have already beaten yourself up for! Let them know how they make you feel

- Remember that people who criticize are usually the ones who are insecure. They typically try to make you feel bad so that they can make themselves feel superior! Feel sorry for them rather than keeping a grudge

- Don’t be too sensitive. Sometimes a family member might just think they are helping! Postpartum depression is a common problem that affects most moms after pregnancy which can make comments seem worse than what they actually are.

- Know the benefits of breastfeeding. This will arm you with something to say every time somebody says something stupid like “why are you still nursing?” or “why don’t you just give him a bottle”

Ways to deal with breastfeeding criticism

- Laugh about it – Try not let it get to you, making a joke about it can help you deal with it a little easier.

- Avoid talking about it if it’s a sensitive subject for you. Change the subject or leave the room if you have to.

- Give them the facts - Try not to get angry – Keeping your cool will be beneficial in getting your point across

-   Breastfeeding help for moms with PCOS, hypothyroidism
-   The benefits of breastfeeding
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-   Toddler breastfeeding “extended breastfeeding”
-   Inspirational breastfeeding stories

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