Social Media Star Shamed For Exhibiting NORMAL Motherhood Behavior
In recent years, it has become widely available knowledge that breastfeeding your child for any amount of time provides them with some pretty amazing health advantages. These benefits include the transmission of ultra-valuable antibodies, which provide your child with top-notch protection against viruses, pathogens, certain cancers, diabetes, and SO much more.
However- these benefits DON’T expire after a certain age. In fact, it is recommended by the World Health Organization that mothers who are able to breastfeed for 2+ years can and should be ENCOURAGED to do so!
But some people seem to think that when you throw more than one child into the mix, the benefits of breastfeeding somehow become obsolete.
Case and point: Laura Clery. This social media star, best known for her comedic content on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and more, was recently placed under harsh scrutiny for simply doing what she (and science!) believes to be best for HER family.
Clery, a mother of two, recently gave birth to her second child, Penelope. Upon her initial announcement of little Penelope’s arrival, her fans and followers seemed to be overjoyed with the new addition to the Clery clan. However, soon after, this excitement soon faded into uncertainty. But why?
Well, to put it simply: because Cleary shared an ultra-cute, extremely natural video of her tandem feeding both newborn baby Penelope and her two-year-old son, Alfie.
View this post on Instagram
Adorable, right? Well, unfortunately, not everyone seemed to think so.
So why the backlash? What is it about breastfeeding TWO babies that suddenly has the internet so divided?
We here at Latched Mama are passionate about providing people with the most accurate and up-to-date information on ALL things breastfeeding, so let’s chat about tandem nursing, why it’s beneficial, and how we as a society can begin to destigmatize this totally normal mother (and toddler!) behavior.
First of all, what is tandem nursing?
Tandem nursing is the act of feeding two children at one time. This pertains to twins, nursing an infant and a toddler, or even a toddler and an older child at the same time!
What are the benefits?
Tandem nursing includes ALL the same benefits of breastfeeding a single child- times two!
The PHYSICAL benefits of tandem nursing include (but are not limited to)
- Can help support a hearty milk supply
- May help manage a forceful letdown
- Allows the older child to continue receiving all the health benefits of breastmilk
The EMOTIONAL benefits of tandem nursing include (but are not limited to)
- Help the older child bond with his or her new sibling
- Relieve feelings of insecurity or instability in the older child after bringing home a new baby
- Encourages sibling bonding
- Allows the mother to bond with her newborn without feeling as though her toddler is being left out.
Is tandem nursing new?
Nope! There seems to be this idea that tandem nursing is just for ultra-crunchy, new-age moms. But the truth is, tandem nursing isn’t anything new! Don’t believe me? Then check this photograph of an Inuit woman known as “Mickaninies Kow-Kow” tandem nursing an infant and toddler- circa 1908. Incredible!
Is tandem nursing for everyone?
No! And that is okay! The beauty of motherhood is that it is an art- not an exact science. We all create the realities of what our family dynamics will look like through freedom of expression- and by shaming mothers for doing what’s right for them, we’re only opening the door to more scrutiny in EVERY aspect of motherhood. Something that I think we can all agree that NONE of us need.
So whether you tandem nurse twins, weaned your older children during each pregnancy, tandem nursed for four years, or breastfed for four weeks- whatever decision you make for YOUR family is valid, victorious, and worthy of support. Period.
Wow 😠. I breastfeed my oldest son till he was a little over 2. You people need to get the hell over yourselves. He was sick once in the whole 2 years of breastfeeding. As soon as I quit he was sick 6 times in less than 5 months. I found out I was pregnant with our second son 4 months before I stopped breastfeeding him. I’m sure I would have been doing the same exact thing she’s doing if my boys were closer in age. Why are we shaming this mom instead of telling her how amazing she is. Breastfeeding is hard and exhausting but so worth it and that bonding time is so special.
It is her body and her babies, she is doing what is best for everyone. Mind ur own business
It’s no shame to feed your baby’s. I still breast feed my two year old daughter and I’m pregnant and almost every one tells me that it’s time to stop feeding her but I feel a deep bond with her. Also every time that I have try to stop she has ended getting sick that if breast feeding my baby is going to keep her healthy let it be. For those people that don’t want to see it turn your face and Ignore that’s all you have to do.
That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I’m sure that most of the women writing the negative comments have won several “mother of the year” awards. We are always getting scrutinized about our bodies no matter what we’re doing…atleast she has her children’s best interest in mind. I think it’s great to encourage more moms to breast feed.
I’m not judging, but I was told my doctors to not breastfeed or bottlefeed because of the affect it could cause on their teeth and upper lip?
I knew a child who breastfed till they were almost 3 and their teeth are rotted and the upper lip was affected.
I’m genuinely just wondering!?
So if you don’t breastfeed or bottlefeed what’s for a baby? It may be time for a new Dr.