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Mum claims she gets treated like a ‘straight up weirdo’ and is made to feel ‘embarrassment and shame’ for continuing to breastfeed her toddler.

Natalie Hoflin, former Neighbours star who played Carmella Cammeniti on the hit drama between 2003 and 2011 – is now mother to 19 mth old son, Finn.

She took to Instagram to share a powerful photo of herself feeding her son in an effort to push for more ‘respect’ for breastfeeding choices.

In the caption, Natalie shared comments she had received from strangers about her decision to continue breastfeeding Finn.

“‘Oh, you’re still breastfeeding?!?! Shouldn’t you be done by now? You’ll cut him off by his second birthday right?” In the early days questions like these didn’t bother me, they felt innocent. But lately the tone feels different. Judgment, disapproval. Like I’m a straight up weirdo, (sic)’ Natalie wrote.

‘Oh, you’re still breastfeeding?!?! Shouldn’t you be done by now? You’ll cut him off by his second birthday right?’ In the early days questions like these didn’t bother me, they felt innocent. But lately the tone feels different. Judgment, disapproval. Like I’m a straight up weirdo. I’m finding that breastfeeding proud part of myself starting to want to hide. Be more discreet with feeding, or wait until nobody is around. Even though I’m proud of my breastfeeding journey and don’t intend to stop anytime soon (Finn is almost 20 months) the above questions still bring up feelings of embarrassment and shame. It’s nuts, why on earth should anyone feel shame for connecting, nourishing, comforting, bonding with their child? I understand what an absolute privilege it has been, for me to be a stay at home mum and have the luxury of building our breastfeeding relationship. I am well aware that it’s not always that easy. But the truth of the matter is, this is my path, my truth, my journey and I shouldn’t have to be embarrassed or hide it. This is me. Breast fed, bottle fed, formula fed, it’s all good…we are all doing our best to raise these little humans. But let’s show a little respect to ALL paths travelled ❤

A post shared by ⇺ Natalie Hoflin ⇻ (@the.cosmic.seedling) on

‘It’s nuts, why on earth should anyone feel shame for connecting, nourishing, comforting, bonding with their child?’ Natalie wrote to her Instagram followers.

‘The truth of the matter is, this is my path, my truth, my journey and I shouldn’t have to be embarrassed or hide it,’ Natalie wrote.

‘Breast fed, bottle fed, formula fed, it’s all good…we are all doing our best to raise these little humans. But let’s show a little respect to ALL paths travelled,’ Natalie wrote in the caption.

Sometimes one boob isn’t enough ????

A post shared by ⇺ Natalie Hoflin ⇻ (@the.cosmic.seedling) on

11 months today ???? A special month worth acknowledging, not just for the little mans growth…but mine as well. This month has brought about great realizations and opportunities to heal. I’ve spent the past 11 months so focussed on getting back to the ‘old me’. I look in the mirror and feel shame and disgust, how do I not look like my pre baby self? How do i still not fit into my clothes? I should by now, its been 11 months right? But then a post I recently read struck a chord in me. How mothers have got to stop holding their bodies to look like maidens bodies. It suddenly hit me, I am a mother. I will never be a maiden again. And in that moment I felt sad. Not because I am a mother, but because I felt I never got to say goodbye to that maiden. When my body was firm, my breasts were perky…I still had no love, respect or appreciation for her. I wanted to go back in time and hug her and tell her she was so loved. So I sent her love and in a sense mourned her. After 11 months of motherhood my breasts are soft and definitely not perky, my belly plump and i have cellulite everywhere. All of it really, its like wearing a badge of honour. What a privilege to bring life into this world. How fortunate I feel to still be breastfeeding my son. Ladies, go easy on yourself no matter where you are in life – maiden, mother or crone. I know, its not that easy. I know we live in a society where so much emphasis is held on obtaining and maintaining the maiden, but there is great beauty and joy in the mother…and no doubt the crone! All are magic. They don’t call it the triple goddess for nothing ???????????? And so much gratitude to @intheflowrsss for her inspiring words that lead me here ????????????

A post shared by ⇺ Natalie Hoflin ⇻ (@the.cosmic.seedling) on

Last year we shared It’s not “ick”! Benefits of extended breastfeeding toddler and beyond

Breastfeeding has long been associated with positive outcomes for children, such as higher intelligence, better gut health, and stronger immune systems.

What are the benefits of extended breastfeeding?

•Your milk will still give your child the benefits of your antibodies and pass on immunity to bugs you have been exposed to.
•Feeding your older child can give them a lot of comfort and reassurance, and will allow you to continue with all the lovely physical bonding that breastfeeding can provide.
•Weaning when your child is older may make the whole process a lot easier and let it come to a natural close rather than an arbitrary and abrupt end.
•Feeding can be used to calm your child down and give some instant comfort and security.

A UK Mum still breastfeeding her five-year-old daughter, claims it has saved her thousands.

Related – THIS UK Mum claims breastfeeding her six year old will make her smarter

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  • Do what you want to do but when you post photos of yoourself on the internet then you have to do so knowing that some people will support you and some people wont. Its just what happens because we are all different and have different opinions on things. If you dont want to deal with the negative comments then dont post photos or things about your personal life online.

    Reply

  • I think it’s wonderful that she can still breastfeed and that her son still wants it.

    Reply

  • It is her business what she does. Not like she is hurting the child.
    They are beautiful photos but we always have to be aware on the downers out there. Don’t put yourself at risk and you wont be hurt.

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  • It’s her business what she does, but I must say I don’t understand why people feel the need to do this. Babies don’t really need breast milk after the age of one and it gives you so much more freedom. It would be extremely difficult to breastfeed discreetly in public with a child so large, and as they are old enough that they are starting to learn speech and things like this it can also lead to confusion for the child and embarrassing situations where they ask for it. It is so much better for their independence if you don’t try to persist. Usually, it tends to be the mother who has trouble letting go, not the child.

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  • That is her business what she does.

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  • When is it going to stop, people putting mothers down for breastfeeding. Toddlers will wean themselves when they are ready or you run out of milk which ever happens first. It has been so natural for thousands of years in humans evolution so why can’t it be natural now to go as long as you feel it is right. I only managed until 2 years old and only just then we skipped bottles and went to a sippy cup, no dummies either. This baby is now a thriving healthy and happy 17 year old.

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  • If you and your child are happy, that’s all that counts. But you have to expect negative comments if you put the post of Facebook or whatever. Keep it to yourself and do what is natural for you.

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  • Respect ! Great shots.
    Personally I didn’t put myself out there, but breastfed my son till he was 5 years old.

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  • I learnt to ignore comments, but I also didn’t put myself out there. I breastfed my first for 3 years, tandem fed with my second for 1 year, who I then breastfed till 2.5 years, and currently still going with my 14 month old. So have been breastfeeding nonstop for just over 5.5 years. If people around you are being negative, change your tribe. Parenting is hard enough as it is. Find friends that support & encourage you in this journey xx

    Reply

  • Beautiful pictures! I wouldn’t put such a picture of me on social media ;-) but it’s amazing that she does it.

    Reply

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