Another day, another celebrity apologising for comments they probably shouldn’t haven’t said.
Jamie Oliver has been wrapped in turmoil recently, firstly for successfully campaigning for a sugar tax that has divided the nation, and then for comments he made about breastfeeding.
Appearing on British media, LBC, Oliver said, “We have the worst breastfeeding in the world.
“If you breastfeed for more than six months, women are 50% less likely to get breast cancer. When do you ever hear that? Never.
“It’s easy, it’s more convenient, it’s more nutritious, it’s better, it’s free.”
Watch Mamamia’s Jamila Rizvi on the 5 things no one tells you about pregancy (including how fast your boobs grow). Post continues after video.
Individuals hit back at Oliver for trying to tell women what to do with their bodies, nipples, and babies.
One columnist wrote for The Guardian, “It’s not Jamie Oliver’s job to lecture us that breast is best.”
A mum also pointed out that breastfeeding is not always an option.
“Wow, if only I’d had Jamie Oliver to tell me breastfeeding was easy and convenient when my baby wouldn’t latch and got dehydrated!”
Following the backlash, Oliver defended himself and his comments, by saying “I’m not planning on starting a campaign around breastfeeding”.
He posted the following note on Twitter:
“It’s [breastfeeding] simply an area of interest following my nutritional studies over the last two years. I understand that breastfeeding is often not easy and in some cases not even possible but just wanted to support women who DO woman to breastfeed and make it easier for them to do so.
“As a father – and father-to-be – I would never wish to offend women or mums as I know how incredible they are and I would get a kicking when I got home! Jamie.”
Oliver’s comments come after he announced he and his wife, Jools Oliver, were expecting another child.
He says the pregnancy was a “complete surprise” but that their family were very excited.
Top Comments
Breastfeeding is an emotive topic and it can be difficult to sensitively advocate for more support without upsetting a lot of mothers. As an inspiring advocate for increasing childhood nutrition I think he has every right to speak out on the topic. I can also understand why some would take offense when he uses the word "easy" in the same sentence as "breastfeeding". For many it doesn't come easy - especially initially! I have set up a petition on change.org to implement Medicare rebates for lactation consultants - all mothers should receive timely, low cost breastfeeding support. Please sign and share https://www.change.org/p/su...
OMG! Overreaction much?!
As we all know, breastfeeding isn't always possible due to medical reasons. But I don't think he was even preaching. Possibly more just wondering out loud why some women would actually CHOOSE to bottle feed over breast? And he has a valid point that I, as a mother of 3 and someone who knows people who have done this, have often wondered myself. But each to their own. Go Jaime for trying to point out the positives and trying to make the childless population see that breastfeeding is a wonderful thing that should be embraced not shunned or looked at as a vulgar disgusting thing! Embrace the boob!
But there are multitudes of reasons why women choose not to breast feed and they shouldn't have to justify themselves. By all means support women who can and do breastfeed, but there is no need to say anything at all about those who don't. I am sure many of them feel bad enough about their choices already.
Whilst there are many reasons for not breastfeeding, it is undeniable that breast is best. No one has to justify anything to me. If a mother could breastfeed but chose to formula feed instead it would make me wonder why she would choose that. And if she was well informed and still made that choice she would need to be able to justify it to herself when topics such as this came up. Nobody is pointing the finger saying 'you're a bad mother', we all know it's the hardest job in the world. But if you made that CHOICE (being the key word here), don't get all defensive when the topic comes to the table. People are naturally going to be pro breastfeeding. It's human nature.