A mum-of-three has been criticised for sharing videos of her breastfeeding her two-year-old son, with many leaving cruel comments claiming she should be 'locked up' because she's 'abusing him'. Emma O'Donnell, 35, openly shows her breastfeeding journey with her youngest son Harry, but she has been stunned by all the hate she has received as a result of being so open about it.
The Glaswegian social media blogger has hit back at remarks in a video she posted which detailed the shock she was in after receiving lots of hate - even though Emma said breastfeeding is 'so natural and normal'.
Emma explained: "I can't believe how much this has blown up, my son is two and a half but people are saying I am assaulting him.
"It's funny because the video is talking about weaning and how I'm trying to stop breastfeeding, but apparently I should be locked up for doing something so natural and normal.
"It can be a mixed bag of responses, a lot of the time it's positive but this time it went completely the opposite way.
"It is such a shame because women's bodies are objectified so much, people have lost touch with what they are really for. We are made to feed and support our babies.
"There is a serious lack of communication, people think they should stop breastfeeding at six months, when in some cultures children are breastfed until they are seven.
"That's why children have milk teeth. Breastfeeding a two and a half-year-old is not wrong."
Emma went on to say that many women approach her to speak about breastfeeding, saying they feel deterred from breastfeeding because of the judgment they may receive. The mum claims this is why she posts videos online - to give other women the courage to know they're not alone.
She also says that it gives her son a sense of security, so defends her choices.
Emma added: "I only thought I would breastfeed for six months max and then get my body back, but after reading about it more and educating myself, I carried on.
"I also wouldn't judge other women for stopping early as it is a big commitment.
"I like feeding him, I like giving him that close feeling of security, it is a bonding time and he comes to me for comfort.
"Harry is also getting the best nutrition and all the right kinds of antibodies if he needs them. It also helps him sleep. He is getting all the comforts still that he would have as a newborn.
"People have lost themselves and what normal is. There is no perfect way to parent I just do what I think is right and some women don't want to breastfeed and that is fine as long as the baby and mum are happy and healthy."
What do you think about Emma's story? Let us know in the comments.
