ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Real Life

Former Neighbours star labelled a ‘weirdo’ for breastfeeding her 19-month-old son

Natalie Hoflin says she doesn’t intend to stop ‘any time soon’
  • 26 Mar 2018

Former Neighbours star Natalie Hoflin has shared an impassioned Instagram post, defending her right to breastfeed her 19-month-old son.

The actress, who played Carmella Cammeniti on the iconic show, said she felt judged by others because of her choice to breastfeed Finn ‘on demand’ as he heads towards his second birthday.

'Oh, you're still breastfeeding?!?! Shouldn't you be done by now? You'll cut him off by his second birthday right?' In the early days questions like these didn't bother me, they felt innocent,’ Natalie shared with her thousands of followers.

Natalie Hoflin has shared an impassioned Instagram post, defending her right to breastfeed her 19-month-old son (pictured)

Natalie Hoflin has shared an impassioned Instagram post, defending her right to breastfeed her 19-month-old son (pictured)

Instagram/the.cosmic.seedling

‘But lately the tone feels different. Judgment, disapproval. Like I'm a straight up weirdo. 

‘I'm finding that breastfeeding proud part of myself starting to want to hide. Be more discreet with feeding, or wait until nobody is around.

‘Even though I'm proud of my breastfeeding journey and don't intend to stop anytime soon (Finn is almost 20 months) the above questions still bring up feelings of embarrassment and shame.

The star said she felt like she was being judged

The star said she felt like she was being judged

Instagram/the.cosmic.seedling

‘It's nuts, why on earth should anyone feel shame for connecting, nourishing, comforting, bonding with their child?’ the mum continued.

‘I understand what an absolute privilege it has been, for me to be a stay at home mum and have the luxury of building our breastfeeding relationship.

‘I am well aware that it's not always that easy. But the truth of the matter is, this is my path, my truth, my journey and I shouldn't have to be embarrassed or hide it.’

Natalie said she shouldn't have to be embarrassed about breastfeeding

Natalie said she shouldn't have to be embarrassed about breastfeeding

Instagram/the.cosmic.seedling

The actress went on to say ‘this is me’.

‘Breast fed, bottle fed, formula fed, it's all good...we are all doing our best to raise these little humans. But let's show a little respect to ALL paths travelled.’

The mum received support from her Instagram followers with one fellow mother telling her to ‘stand proud and tall’.

‘You have done a fabulous job Mama and continue to do so. I weaned one of my boys from pressure to (and he wasn’t even a year old) and still regret it to this day.

The former Neighbours actress received a lot of support from her followers

The former Neighbours actress received a lot of support from her followers

Instagram/the.cosmic.seedling

‘It’s no one’s business how long you feed for - those who matter will support you and those who judge don't matter. You're doing what is right for you and Finn and that’s all that matters.’ 

According to Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, it is recommended that infants be exclusively breastfed until around 6 months of age when solid foods are introduced.

In addition it is recommended that breastfeeding be continued until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.

This article originally appeared on New Idea.

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

Mum slammed for admitting to breastfeeding while having sex

Mum slammed for admitting to breastfeeding while having sex

Baby dies with SIX TIMES legal blood alcohol limit

Baby dies with SIX TIMES legal blood alcohol limit

Why this woman breastfeeds her seven-year-old son

Why this woman breastfeeds her seven-year-old son

Security called on breast pumping mum in Australian shopping mall

Security called on breast pumping mum in Australian shopping mall

{headline}

{headline}

Mum charged after 'drug Ice in breastmilk killed baby'

Mum charged after 'drug Ice in breastmilk killed baby'

Aussie mum: I breastfeed my school aged sons

Aussie mum: I breastfeed my school aged sons

Tongue snipping in babies soars

Tongue snipping in babies soars

{headline}

{headline}

‘I almost killed my newborn baby by breastfeeding him’

‘I almost killed my newborn baby by breastfeeding him’

Why this breastfeeding mum 'likes to shock’

Why this breastfeeding mum 'likes to shock’

Mum in 'adult breastfeeding relationship' defends herself

Mum in 'adult breastfeeding relationship' defends herself

Mum faces death threats over breastfeeding her four-year-old toddler

Mum faces death threats over breastfeeding her four-year-old toddler

Mum is called 'DISGUSTING' for breastfeeding baby boy in public

Mum is called 'DISGUSTING' for breastfeeding baby boy in public

Newborn baby died after mum fell asleep while breastfeeding

Newborn baby died after mum fell asleep while breastfeeding

Mum’s heartbreak: I had no idea I was starving my baby

Mum’s heartbreak: I had no idea I was starving my baby

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!