Gisele Bundchen says moms should be forced to breastfeed

[mama1803]

Has anyone seen this yet?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,598528,00.html

[WC_hapamama]

We're supposed to take Gisele Bundchen seriously?

As much as I think that breastfeeding is awesome, I don't think it's something that mothers should be forced to do if they absolutely don't want to after being properly educated about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Besides, she herself only nursed her son for 3 weeks. Is there going to be a loophole in the law for supermodels?

[Tway]

I kind of like that she was so outspoken about this--even if she went a little far.

I don't think she meant there needs to be a legal law that forces mothers to breastfeed, but rather that the laws should reflect the reality of breastfeeding mothers (time off work, nursing in public, acceptance of EBF, etc.).

Plus it's always good when a celebrity endorses AP practices, like cosleeping, breastfeeding, babywearing... Even if you don't like the celebrity, some good can come of having a little light shone on "controversial" subjects.

[choli]

Wonderful to hear someone from such a place of priviledge pronouncing on what less priviledged women should be forced to do

[Chavelamomela]

I don't think she gave up after only 3 weeks.

I think the Fox report got it wrong. She was responding to ANOTHER celebrity who stopped nursing at 3 weeks:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukp...dkq_Q_bi1bTBGA

Either way, her comments are certainly interesting, but not productive in terms of expanding the conversation and support for breastfeeding.

[Chavelamomela]

And with remarks like Dr. Alvarez's, who makes breastfeeding seem like an impossible ideal, who can expect ANYONE to breastfeed????!!! After all, it's SOOOO hard!

[ramama]

Originally Posted by Tway

I kind of like that she was so outspoken about this--even if she went a little far.

I don't think she meant there needs to be a legal law that forces mothers to breastfeed, but rather that the laws should reflect the reality of breastfeeding mothers (time off work, nursing in public, acceptance of EBF, etc.).

Plus it's always good when a celebrity endorses AP practices, like cosleeping, breastfeeding, babywearing... Even if you don't like the celebrity, some good can come of having a little light shone on "controversial" subjects.

I agree. There are many times when I say to myself "there should be a law about that" (usually about gnarly-toed men wearing sandals LOL) but I don't really mean there should be an international law. I don't see anywhere where she seriously stated that women should be forced to breastfeed. Fox, as usual, is twisting words and implying meaning where there is none.

Honestly, I think there should be strong laws that support breastfeeding (not force it) and protect the breastfeeding relationship. Absolutely. Like the WHO code with giant enormous sharp teeth.

Originally Posted by WC_hapamama

Besides, she herself only nursed her son for 3 weeks. Is there going to be a loophole in the law for supermodels?

Shouldn't come as a surprise, but Fox got this wrong. Way wrong.

[nj's_mom]

I actually like this. With all to "too posh to push" celebs out there, it's nice to see some going back to basics. And she had a waterbirth drug-free, apparently, which is neat.

I have honestly thought for a while that formula should be by prescription only. That breastfeeding should be the assumed norm, and that only in the rare case that is absolutely cannot work should formula be used. ESPECIALLY in WIC cases or other government assistance programs.

Sorry if that sounds awful, but- it is really how I feel. I think it's too easy for people NOT to nurse, they just "don't feel like it", they don't even try.

[RoseDuperre]

I totally wear the lactivist badge with pride, but "MANDATORY" breastfeeding? Gosh, I can't imagine why people see us as intolerant harpies.

*facepalm*

How about mandatory 24/7 IBCLC support available in hospitals instead, for starters, if something has to be "mandatory"?

(And yes, Fox got it wrong - she did NOT only breastfeed for 3 weeks.)

[kriket]

Originally Posted by choli

Wonderful to hear someone from such a place of privilege pronouncing on what less privileged women should be forced to do

Exactly what I was thinking.

Plus, 3 weeks?! I was still dealing with lochia at 3 weeks! If 3 weeks makes her the guru, then I'm the Pope at 15m and there are some women here who are simply the Almighty.
(capitalization of any deity is a big thing for me, so, you know I'm serious)

[nadoja]

Considering the source (FOX); I will wait until August 5th and read the Harper’s Bazaar UK article (the quoted source of the statement), then make a judgement call.

[annettemarie]

Please keep the forum guidelines and UA in mind when posting. The purpose of this forum is breastfeeding advocacy, so let's focus on this story and how it does or does not promote breastfeeding. Thanks!

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by mama1803

Has anyone seen this yet?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,598528,00.html

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen Thinks Mothers Should Be Forced to Breastfeed

Well that is the title of the article.


Reading the actual quotes though, she said

"I think there should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breast-feed their babies for six months," said Bundchen, 30.

Not the same thing.

Making a law that women should BF is not that same as forcing women to breastfeed. It says should, not must.

Not a very accurate title to the article IMO

[ThisCat]

If her goal was to try and gain some converts, I think she should have stuck with describing what a positive experience breastfeeding was for her and her baby and laid off the lecturing.

[Heba]

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers has a response here:
http://www.abm.me.uk/abm-response-da...-3-august-2010

[annettemarie]

Apparently Gisele Bundchen posted a clarification:
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/gisele-bun...to-judge/45072

"I am sure if I would just be sitting talking about my experiences with other mothers, we would just be sharing opinions," she wrote. "I understand that everyone has their own experience and opinions and I am not here to judge. I believe that bringing a life into this world is the single most important thing a person can undertake, and it can also be the most challenging," she adds. "I think as mothers we are all just trying our best."

[Chavelamomela]

Eh. Not impressed with the clarification...

[odenata]

Her actual statements (minus the Fox News title and lead in) just sound like hyperbole to me, not an actual suggestion for international law.

Also, Fox is misreporting how long she breastfed, as PPs have pointed out.

[SeattleRain]

Originally Posted by odenata

Her actual statements (minus the Fox News title and lead in) just sound like hyperbole to me, not an actual suggestion for international law.

Also, Fox is misreporting how long she breastfed, as PPs have pointed out.

I think when high profile celebrities make hyperbolic statements in support of breastfeeding, it hurts the ultimate statement. Breastfeeding should be something women are ENCOURAGED to do with laws that SUPPORT them, not GUILTED into doing. Putting aside her statements about making a law, her statements about giving children "chemical food" doesn't exactly send the right message, IMO. I strongly believe that women will come to breastfeeding with positive language that encourages breastfeeding as opposed to using negative language to discourage formula feeding. I don't think calling formula "chemical food" will encourage breastfeeding, I think it just makes women who don't breastfeed (for whatever reason) feel guilty about how they're feeding their child.

[kittywitty]

Originally Posted by ramama

I agree. There are many times when I say to myself "there should be a law about that" (usually about gnarly-toed men wearing sandals LOL) but I don't really mean there should be an international law. I don't see anywhere where she seriously stated that women should be forced to breastfeed. Fox, as usual, is twisting words and implying meaning where there is none.

Honestly, I think there should be strong laws that support breastfeeding (not force it) and protect the breastfeeding relationship. Absolutely. Like the WHO code with giant enormous sharp teeth.


Shouldn't come as a surprise, but Fox got this wrong. Way wrong.

I agree. And it's not like the President is signing this into effect over a Supermodel's vague statement, people. Everyone needs to lighten up over it.