Criticism for Breastfeeding -
Why it happens and how to deal

Why does criticism happen?

You're in the middle of the most emotional, joyful, stressful, and life-altering time of your life. You need lots of support and encouragement. Unfortunately, you get unsolicited advice, judgmental questions, and "the look."  This happens to every mom, not just those who breastfeed.

Why do people criticize us?

In an article by Clive Simpkins on Dealing with Criticism, he describes criticism as "the consequence of inappropriate competitiveness or jealousy. Jealousy is the direct product of a sense of inferiority. Inferiority is the outcome of a poor self-esteem. So, it's a vicious cycle."

It's Not About You

Put simply, people who criticize us are either jealous or feel inferior. If it is another parent (your spouse or another mom), they may be having some doubts about their own worth as a parent.  By competing against you in order to claim status as the better parent, they can bolster their own self-esteem.

But what about criticism that comes from random people?

It's not about you.