People criticize the Kardashians for various reasons every day, but I usually don’t say anything. Full disclosure: I’m not a big fan of them. To be clear, I don’t necessarily have a problem with reality stars turned business moguls. But I don’t usually go out of my way to defend Kim or anyone else.
That being said, I felt the need to speak up after Kourtney Kardashian shared a recent photo of herself breastfeeding her 17-month-old son, Rocky. The little man’s face is not visible in the two photos posted to his 218 million Instagram followers. Instead, it captures a sweet, quiet moment between a nursing mother and her son.
Commenters praised the photo as beautiful, but more than anything, they seemed to want to feature this candid look at motherhood.
Commenter claims Rocky is too old to breastfeed
As Kardashian and husband Travis Barker’s long-awaited son approaches 18 months, some users have opined that he is past the “appropriate” age for breastfeeding.
One commenter insulted the Poosh founder by sarcastically writing, “That damn baby has bills to pay.” Some say Rocky is still too old to breastfeed.
However, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding children until at least 2 years of age and beyond. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports this recommendation, asserting that long-term breastfeeding is beneficial for the long-term health of the child and mother.
On the other hand, there is a mother here who breastfed her two children until they were about 2 years old. So the lack of awareness about the “right” age to stop breastfeeding is eye-rolling. It is a very personal decision that each family makes for themselves.
Commenters slam Kourtney Kardashian for posting a photo of herself breastfeeding
Dozens of people took issue with the reality star even sharing the image in the first place.
“That’s so gross!” one commenter chided Kardashian. “Can someone please explain this disgusting trend of women posting pictures of themselves breastfeeding their children? Do they really want us to see it? I’m sorry, but I think it’s so gross. It’s a beautiful moment for them, but it’s a moment that other people don’t get to see.”
I also have to take issue with this point of view. Whether or not to post a breastfeeding photo is a personal decision. While many may want to keep the moment private, we have no problem with Kardashian letting us hear about her experience.
In fact, by posting these photos, she is contributing to the normalization of breastfeeding in general, and more specifically, breastfeeding beyond infancy.
If you don’t want to see the photos, just scroll down. Some of us are here for it and praise the Kardashians for keeping things real.
Commenter claims breastfeeding photo is sexual
I’m annoyed that so many commenters are criticizing this image as sexual, as my daily life involves breastfeeding in public a lot. Mothers don’t expose their breasts for sports. We are feeding our babies.
Oh, how I wish I didn’t have to worry about what people think when I feed my 4-month-old at the park, at a restaurant, at an appointment, at the store.
But seeing this kind of backlash makes the natural act of breastfeeding feel uncomfortable, and sometimes even shameful.
I hope the rude and demeaning comments Ms. Kardashian has received don’t deter her and other celebrity parents from sharing their breastfeeding journeys. The more high-profile people normalize breastfeeding, the better.
So, Courtney, thank you for making me and so many others feel noticed.
