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 “Thank you. We are comfortable here.”
- Do you want a cover while you breastfeed?
It’s entirely up to you if you want to breastfeed in public and whether you 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.”
- Is your baby still hungry?
Babies eat frequently and you should follow their hunger and fullness cues. A simple breastfeeding comeback could be: “My baby will finish breastfeeding when they are full and will let me know when they’re 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 have been combination feeding, and it has been working really well for us.”
- Are you still breastfeeding?
Has someone suggested that your baby is too old to breastfeed? Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend 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. It’s working well for us?”
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