Rumer Willis Hits Back at Critics Over Breastfeeding Her Toddler
Rumer Willis, the 37-year-old daughter of Hollywood stars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, has publicly addressed negative feedback regarding her parenting decisions, specifically her choice to breastfeed her nearly three-year-old daughter, Louetta. In a recent social media post, Rumer shared a video of herself breastfeeding with the caption "Sorry, not sorry," sparking a wave of online commentary.
Expert Weighs In on Breastfeeding Age Limits
According to Alexandra Shanks, information manager at the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), there is no recommended upper age limit for breastfeeding. "Around the world, health authorities recommend continued breastfeeding alongside nutritious complementary foods at least until the child is two years old, or for as long as mum and baby wish," Shanks explained. "When to wean is a personal decision for each mum and her child."
Research indicates that the natural age for weaning typically falls between two and seven years, and breastfeeding beyond toddlerhood is common in many cultures. Shanks emphasized that "there's no evidence that prolonged breastfeeding has any negative effect on these mums and babies."
Health Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Extended breastfeeding offers numerous health advantages for both children and mothers. For children, benefits include:
- Reduced risk of ear and chest infections
- Lower chances of diarrhoea, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and childhood leukaemia
For mothers, longer breastfeeding duration is linked to:
- Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
Shanks noted that "every extra month of breastfeeding adds to this protection," and it also helps children form secure attachments, fostering independence as they grow.
Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions
Despite these benefits, stigma around breastfeeding older children and in public persists. Shanks attributes this to misunderstandings, stating that "babies need to feed frequently and cannot wait for a convenient time or place." She added that breasts are often viewed sexually rather than reproductively, leading some to believe breastfeeding should be private.
When high-profile cases like Rumer Willis' draw attention, it highlights how many people remain unsupportive, reinforcing misconceptions and undermining legal protections. In Australia, breastfeeding in public is legally protected regardless of the child's age.
Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers
The ABA is actively working to create a more breastfeeding-friendly nation through programs that provide resources, training, and guidance. They partner with community groups, health services, and workplaces to promote supportive policies. "Our ultimate goal is to empower mothers and support them in their breastfeeding journey in every aspect of their daily lives," Shanks said.
It is important to acknowledge that not all women can breastfeed or exclusively breastfeed, which can have significant emotional impacts. The ABA encourages a supportive environment for all parenting choices.
