Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom. While the answer to any of these could be “It’s none of your business!”, we thought you’d like a few more breastfeeding comebacks to have up your sleeve. Here are five ways to shut down those annoying breastfeeding questions.
- Do you want to breastfeed somewhere more private?
There is no shame in breastfeeding in public! It is natural to feed your baby when they’re hungry. Everyone else’s feelings are unimportant. Reply with “I’m more than happy here, thank you. You don’t have to watch us.”
- Do you want a cover while you breastfeed?
No, you don’t. This is another classic attempt to shame you while breastfeeding in public! It’s entirely up to you if you want to use a breastfeeding cover. It’s not your responsibility if this makes others feel awkward. That’s their issue. Simply say, “We’re more comfortable like this, thank you. Feel free to move elsewhere if you’re unhappy about it.”
- Is your baby still hungry?
Breastfed babies eat more often than babies on formula, as human milk is digested more easily. Shut them down with this breastfeeding comeback: “My baby will finish breastfeeding when he’s had enough, and he’ll let me know when he’s hungry again.”
- If you offer your baby a bottle, you know they’ll never breastfeed again?
It is entirely possible for you to breastfeed AND bottle-feed your baby. This technique is called combination feeding, or mixed feeding, where you breastfeed and supplement with formula at different feedings. Breast milk is produced on a supply and demand basis, so it’s important that your breast milk supply is established first. For help on combination feeding, see our checklist here. Shut down the conversation by answering “We’re following a proven method called combination feeding, and it’s going great.”
- Are you still breastfeeding?
Some judgmental person thinks your baby is too old to breastfeed—how helpful. The World Health Organization recommends that you continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. And you can choose extended breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby wish to do so. Tell them “Yes, we are still breastfeeding. Isn’t it wonderful that I’m continuing to feed and nurture my baby?”
SOURCES:
https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2011/breastfeeding_20110115/en/ (Accessed July 2020)
https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/9789241597494.pdf (Accessed July 2020)
Related articles
How to Start Complementary Feeding
Around the age of 6 month old your baby will be needing more energy and nutrients than breastmilk will provide. Find some pro tips on how to start complementary feeding.
3 mins to read
Combination feeding checklist
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding, with bottle and breast can take a while for you and baby to adjust to. Here are some combination feeding tips to make it easier.
2 mins to read
Moving on to finger foods? Follow our baby-led weaning checklist
Wondering when to start baby food? Most babies are ready to start trying at around six months.
2 mins to read
Baby allergies and intolerances: everything you need to know
If you are worried about baby allergies and intolerances, click here to learn more about what you can do and some important recommendations.
4 mins to read
Family Meals for Toddlers
Explore how family meals for toddlers can boost their development and create lasting bonds. Find tips on making mealtime fun and nutritious with easy, toddler-friendly recipes.
5 mins to read
Healty eating habits for toddlers
Healthy eating habits are set early in life
1 min to read
Your toddler, the independent eater
-
2 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
How To Help a Picky Eater
Learn more about how to help your baby when he becomes a picky eater. Click here to read about some tips and alert signs.
5 mins to read
Guide to a Healthy Toddler Diet
Knowing how to provide a healthy toddler diet can lead to your little one having a lifetime of healthy eating.
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding essentials
Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.
2 mins to read
Solid Infant Food: Next Steps
While introducing your baby to his first infant solid food there is a lot to have in mind, click here to learn everything you need to know.
5 mins to read
Everything you need to know about your breastfeeding diet
Get to know more about the c-sections, how they are done, the risk and how to take care of yourself after the procedure. Click here and learn everything about it.
4 mins to read
Baby’s First Foods: Everything You Need to Know
Your baby’s first foods are important to start his healthy nutrition habits, click here to read more about it.
4 mins to read
5 myths about motherhood and having a successful career
There is so much judgement when it comes to motherhood. Moms across the world have fulfilling and rewarding jobs. And yet, myths about motherhood and having a successful career prevail.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week scan
Finally, your 12-week scan is here! This pregnancy scan is an important one. It can also be very emotional, so it helps to have a list of questions pre-prepared.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
2 mins to read
Your baby proofing action plan
It’s a good idea to baby proof your house before the big arrival. Read our baby proofing tips, from baby safety locks to baby corner guards, to minimize the risk of accidents at home.
2 mins to read
