British designer Karen Millen found herself at the centre of a media storm after calling breastfeeding beyond six months “selfish” on national television. Her throwaway remarks triggered an emotional reaction across social media, parenting circles, and expert forums. In response, Millen issued an apology—but was it enough? Here’s a breakdown of what happened, why it matters, and what she could learn moving forward.

The Controversial Moment

On Channel 5’s Vanessa, Millen commented on a viral story about a US mother nursing a three-year-old:

“There’s no benefit, is there, for a child to be breastfed beyond six months, really… I think it’s quite a selfish thing on the mother’s part.”

She added that breastfeeding a toddler turned the breast into an emotional crutch:

“It becomes an addiction; they only know the boob.”

Host Vanessa Feltz pushed back, asking “Do you?”—sparking immediate backlash.

Immediate Reaction

Mothers and influencers responded forcefully. One critic, Imogen, posted on TikTok:

“Breastfeeding is incredible for your children. The amount of antibodies, the goodness… We can say how amazing something is without offending every single person.”

On Reddit’s r/breastfeeding, users described Millen’s comments as “insane,” and emphasised that nothing about providing nourishment and comfort is “selfish”.

The Apology

Facing mounting pressure, Millen issued a statement clarifying her remarks focused on three-year-old nursing—not breastfeeding in general. She shared her personal experience:

“I breastfed all three of my children for six, seven months, despite it being incredibly painful… I did it because I knew it was the best thing for them for at least six months.”

She expressed regret for any offence caused and emphasised her respect for mothers’ choices:

“As a woman to women, I do respect your choices, and I do want to support you.”

Despite this, many found the apology inadequate, accusing Millen of failing to acknowledge the health facts and guidelines from NHS and WHO.

Facts About Extended Breastfeeding

Health authorities recommend:

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
• Continued breastfeeding alongside solids up to two years or beyond.

Studies link extended breastfeeding with stronger immunity, emotional resilience, and nutritional benefits. Parenting experts also praise its capacity for nurturing emotional bonds and supporting toddlers through transitions.

Community and Expert Response

Many lauded Millen’s apology—but criticised the tone. One viewer remarked:

“There was no balance and it was factually incorrect… That is what she should apologise for.”

Another voice argued:

“We don’t accept her apology. Cancel Karen Millen.”

Parenting counsellors highlighted that extended breastfeeding is a personal decision shaped by each family’s needs, not a moral failing.

Lessons Learned

1. Be informed before speaking: Celebrity opinions on intimate topics can have powerful repercussions.
2. Context matters: Specifying that the issue relates only to extended breastfeeding rather than general breastfeeding is vital—but so is recognising public perception.
3. Empathy is essential: Parenting decisions are personal, and public comments should reflect compassion and nuance.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding choices—from first feeds to toddlerhood—reflect deeply personal journeys, shaped by medical advice, culture, and individual circumstances. When public figures offer hot takes without full context, they risk sparking backlash and hurting families. Millen’s apology—while necessary—underscores how influential voices can both shape and reflect societal conversations about parenting. The incident is a powerful reminder: speaking about motherhood means centering facts, empathy, and respect.

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