Did anyone see the recent UK documentary "
Extraordinary Breastfeeding" on Foxtel’s Lifestyle YOU channel? It was quite confronting and challenged the stigma attached to breastfeeding beyond six months. I was quite surprised to hear there was a stigma, although I guess I’m not nursing a seven year old like one mum in the documentary! Whether you agree with extended breastfeeding or not, it was great to see it out in the open as it’s surprising how many mothers are still breastfeeding older infants and toddlers in secret. This is despite that fact the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until the age of two. One aspect the show highlighted to me was how much further along Australia is in terms of breastfeeding in public (although the rate of babies exclusively breastfed to six months is actually lower in Australia at 18% compared to 21% in Britain). In the doco, a group of English mums got together to discreetly nurse in public and the response from passersby was quite shocking and vocal. Although I have received a few disapproving looks, the positive comments and smiles far outweighed the bad. If you missed the show, keep a look out in your Foxtel guide as it’s sure to be repeated.
