Even when you are feeling comfortable with your breastfeeding choices other peopleās thoughtless remarks can make you feel anxious or upset. Remember that the remark is a statement about the speakerās feelings or experience and not about you. When you are feeling challenged by other peopleās feeling about your breastfeeding relationship talking with a Leader can help you frame your replies and renew your confidence. Here are some remarks that you might hear and some possible responses to consider.
"How long are you going to breastfeed that baby?ā
Possible responses:
Youāre wondering when she will wean? Iām curious about that too.
That is up to her and how long she seems to need it.
{Partnerās name} and I are not worried, we are in no hurry to stop.
"Didnāt you just nurse him?ā
Possible responses:
We love to cuddle.
He evidently forgot!
That is the nicest part; weāre not tied to a schedule.
"Arenāt you awfully tied down?"
Possible responses:
Iām indispensable and I like it that way.
I appreciate your concern but no I donāt feel tied down.
A nursing baby is so portable it is really the opposite of being tied down.
"If you werenāt nursing her I could help you more."
Possible responses:
But you have been so much help already! If you hadnāt we couldnāt have made it this far. Youād probably like to spend more time with her. How about giving her a bath later? You could take her for a nice walk after I feed her.
"Heāll never let you go, you are making him overly dependent!"
Possible responses:
I understand that you see it that way but we each have our own way of doing things. Our closeness now will make him secure enough to be independent when he is older and ready for it.
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Updated July 2022