Breastfeeding has been a topical subject for many years. While breastfeeding has a lot of health benefits for a child, and it happens to be one of the most natural things in the world, some parents have questions about it.
The most common questions mothers ask regarding breastfeeding is 1. How long should you breastfeed for? And 2. Is it acceptable to breastfeed in public?
Image from http://ibconline.ca
We’re living in a world obsessed by celebrity, and the media tends to blow up when it comes to celebrity pregnancies, just look at the Kardashian sisters and Beyoncé for example. They are hounded by the press during their pregnancies and every small report almost forms a Bible of do’s and don’ts for expectant mothers.
During Beyoncé’s first pregnancy, the media acted as if she was the only woman on the planet to have ever gone through pregnancy and childbirth. You would think that with all the money and help in the world, these women would have no problems when it comes to matters relating to babies, however, not all celebrities think they are God.
Image from TMZ.com
Serena Williams is an example of a celebrity mommy, who, just like you and me has questions relating to her baby and she’s not afraid to ask them. Williams gave birth to her first child in September and now she finds herself dealing with the common dilemma of when to stop breastfeeding.
The multiple Grand Slam Tennis champion has taken to Twitter to ask for advice from her “Fellow moms”. “How long did you breastfeed? Is it weird that I get emotional when I even just think about when it’s time to stop?” she writes.
Fellow moms:
How long did you breastfeed? Is it weird that I get emotional when I even just think about when it's time to stop? pic.twitter.com/YOz4oeIajH— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 6, 2017
Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. is just three months old, so it’s not unusual for her mommy to feel emotional about the thought of when to stop breastfeeding. Motherhood is new to Serena; she’s used to slaying competitors on the court, so in a weird way it’s good to see she’s actually human, with ordinary concerns like anyone else.
Unsurprisingly, Twitter users were quick to respond offering the new mom their two cents worth. The general consensus among the commenters is that only Serena can decide when she sees fit to stop, but most agreed that it would in fact be a difficult decision to make.
“It’s definitely an individual choice. I went a year with my twins, but there’s no rule. Trust your instincts,” wrote one mother, while another said “I only managed 8 days and felt awful when I had to stop. You keep going for as long as you and your beautiful child need xxxxx”
According to gentleparenting.co.uk “Breastfeeding past infancy has significant health benefits for children and breast milk is also still a major source of nutrition well into the toddler years. Natural term breastfeeding also has health benefits for mothers too, with the increased length of breastfeeding protecting against varying forms of cancer and osteoporosis.”
3.5 years (and I did it on the down low for another 1.5 years). My son didn't want to stop. Best decision I made. Every child I different. He's my only and I wouldn't do anything differently.
— Doctor Jo (@jojeegirl) December 6, 2017
Author Crystal English Sacca has been breastfeeding for 6 years and she gave Serena Williams some advice on Twitter saying “Every baby/child is different. I’ve been breastfeeding for six years now— with three daughters who are 6, 4, 2. No one is pushing the third off, so she’s still breastfeeding for comfort in the pm/am despite already starting pre-school.”
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