FERNE McCann has been cruelly mum-shamed for breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter.
Not only this, but others also spotted a “massive choking hazard” as the Dancing On Ice and TOWIE star shared what her daughter eats on a typical day.
Posting on social media, alongside a clip of her breastfeeding Finty, who she shares with her fiancé Lorri Haines and was born in July 2023, the 34-year-old shared: “So we always start our day off with some breast milk.”
Following this, Ferne explained: “Then she had a breakfast bagel with cheese and egg.
“She didn't wanna sit in her chair today, so here she is, lady of leisure, just chilling, watching TV.
“I'm gonna be honest, we don't usually make a habit of her sitting on the sofa, but you know, sometimes you just wanna get them to eat and this was what happened this morning."
Later in the morning, Ferne shared: “So she's having a decaf tea, then she had a little breakfast bar.”
As Finty strolled around their home, Ferne recognised: “She had a banana, just waltzing around - she shoved the whole thing in her mouth and then asked for more more.”
For Finty’s lunch, Ferne served up her “favourite” dish - a macaroni cheese made with broccoli, alongside a side of hummus and carrots and cucumber.
To this, Ferne acknowledged: “She wasn't really into the little baby crudite, she prefers red pepper.
“More interested in just licking off the hummus, although she did prefer the cucumber.
“She absolutely smashed all of the broccoli cheesy mac.”
After lunch, for snacks, Finty tucked into some melon and blueberries, and then for dinner, Ferne made sweet and sour chicken with red pepper, chunky onions and cashew nuts.
Ferne then added: “Served it with rice and then she had grapes to accompany and she absolutely loved it.
We always start our day off with some breast milk
Ferne McCann
“And then more berries al fresco with her sister [Sunday] to finish off the day.”
The star later wrote: “Also she has another breastfeed before bed but forgot to film.”
Social media users react
Ferne’s TikTok clip has clearly left many open-mouthed as it was shared just two days ago but has quickly racked up 158,400 views, 4,476 likes and 96 comments.
But trolls were out in full force and questioned Ferne’s decision to continue breastfeeding her daughter.
Please watch your children while they eat and get them to sit down - massive choking hazard to let them walk around
TikTok user
One person said: “Two is far too old to be breastfeeding, this is more a mum not wanting to let go.”
To this, someone else replied and claimed: “Agree! It’s strange.”
Different parenting styles explained
There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below:
Authoritarian Parenting
What some might describe as "regimental" or "strict" parenting.
Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline.
Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter.
When it comes to rules, you believe it's "my way or the highway".
Permissive Parenting
Often referred to as "soft parenting" or "yes mums/dads".
Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there's a serious problem.
They're quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of "kids will be kids".
Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions.
With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children's feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge.
They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments.
Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting
Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention.
They don't set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing.
Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don't devote much time or energy to meeting children's basic needs.
Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it's not always intentional.
A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child's physical or emotional needs consistently.
Another added: “My god. Give her a cup of milk.”
Whilst a third gasped: “Breastfeeding and a nappy at two years of age!!!”
Not only this, but others spotted a “massive choking hazard” as one user advised: “Please watch your children while they eat and get them to sit down - massive choking hazard to let them walk around.”
Ferne's breastfeeding journey
But this isn’t the first time Ferne has been shamed for breastfeeding Finty.
Earlier this year, the reality TV star explained: “Haven’t posted about my breastfeeding journey in a while, but I still get a lot of people asking if I’m still doing it.
“In complete honesty, I’ve been a bit nervous to share about it lately. Even though I’m such a big advocate for breastfeeding, the truth is, I’ve been afraid of what people might think or say now that Finty is 20 months old.
To me it feels like the most natural thing in the world
Ferne McCann
“I’m sharing this because if you’re like me and still feeding, and you’re feeling pressure to stop or wondering if it’s ‘not the norm’ to breastfeed past one, I just want you to know…there are plenty of mums still doing it. Keep going, mamma.
“However it looks, do your normal. 🤎”
Not only this, but also on social media, Ferne previously wrote: “I get asked all the time “Are you STILL breastfeeding?””
To this, the mum-of-two confirmed: “To me it feels like the most natural thing in the world. And I wonder when the question changed from “are you breastfeeding?” To “are you still breastfeeding?”
“There’s so much misinformation about how long breastfeeding is “appropriate.””
When to stop breastfeeding?
The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it.
The NHS says stopping breastfeeding often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods.
They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time.
"Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday.
"Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes,” recommends the NHS.
You can also combine breastfeeding with formula and the NHS claims "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way - for example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time.
After around one week, you can begin to think about dropping another.
The NHS advises: "If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead.”
What's the average age to stop?
You can breastfeed your baby for as long as you want and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer.
The World Health Organisation explains: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."
