Ferne McCann has divided opinion as she defiantly defended breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter on Wednesday's instalment This Morning.
The former TOWIE star, 35, insisted that critics are 'oversexualising' her, while others potentially may 'feel triggered' by her because they have been unsuccessful during their own journey.
Ferne opened up to Andi Peters and Emma Willis about the mum-shaming and negative comments she has received about her choice to do so with her youngster.
She said: 'Every time posted, even when she was younger, it really did split hairs. It was challenging for me because I felt like I had to justify.
'I didn't want to offend anyone. I think that's the thing with me, that yes I'm pro breast feeding, but that doesn't mean I'm anti formula.
'What is so wonderful is that women have choice. Not all new mothers can breast feed for various reasons... for me, the reason why I am passionate about it and want to have conversations like this is to continue support for that breast feeding community.'
Ferne McCann (pictured) has divided opinion as she defiantly defended breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter on Wednesday's instalment This Morning
The star opened up to Andi Peters and Emma Willis (pictured) about the mum-shaming and negative comments she has received about her choice to do so with her youngster
The former Towie star, 35, insisted that critics are 'oversexualising' her, while others potentially may 'feel triggered' by her because they have been unsuccessful during their own journey
Emma asked: 'What kind of negative comments were you getting?'
Ferne revealed: 'The most common one is "Here she is, getting them out again!" and it's like "Alright, okay, we all know that you breast feed".
'They are not my intentions....
'Society - I think the reason why people, some, people have such a problem with it is because women's breasts are oversexualised and I think for other people, found it very triggering, felt they had failed.
'Showing my successful breastfeeding journey wasn't to shame everyone, every post... this isn't to shame or make anyone feel like it failed.'
Many watching took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the interview.
'I think Ferne has upset lots of mums who struggled to breastfeed their babies, her choice of words wasn't well thought through, imo.'
'Not all mums can breastfeed, the pressure is insane and this segment #thismorning.'
'There’s only one reason you film yourself doing that and its for attention. You can’t then complain when its not the right kind of attention.'
Many watching took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the interview
'Seems to be more about the needs of the mother than of the child.'
'I couldn't care less if a woman chooses to breastfeed or not, however, parents who post images online for likes (aka cash in her case) are odd. The poor kid doesn't have a choice as those images are out there forever #thismorning.'
'Can this segment just end?'
Andi was keen to know if she had much support, to which Ferne said: 'Yes! I think with every negative comment, there has been 10 positive comments.
'That's so hopeful because like I said, there is such a community.
'People want you to win. I've always said midwives, they want you to have a successful journey, it's a tight network, everyone praises it as well.
'I feel proud to share those visuals because I get it is shocking to people, the relationship with women's breasts.
'I feel proud, especially now Finty is two because it isn't the norm. Bottle feeding is the norm.'
Ferne said: 'Society - I think the reason why people, some, people have such a problem with it is because women's breasts are oversexualised and I think for other people, found it very triggering, felt they had failed'
When Emma asked about if she thinks that she gets judged more because of Finty's age, Ferne said: 'People are not used to seeing a toddler or pre-schooler breastfeeding'
When Emma asked about if she thinks that she gets judged more because of Finty's age, Ferne said: 'People are not used to seeing a toddler or pre-schooler breastfeeding.
'I think that the guidelines are to breastfeed until they are two.
'I never set out, I didn't really have a goal.
'With Sunday it was very different, it was circumstances, I had to return to work, now I work for from home, it's just easier, it's more freeing, more flexible for me.'
She added: 'For me and Finty it's very much our normal. I understand it's not everybody else's normal, but we're just going with it at the moment.'
It comes after just last month Ferne breastfed Finty in a green bikini on a family getaway to Greece after admitting that she 'struggles to say no'.
Back in April the mum-of-two divided opinion as she breastfeed the youngster on her travels in a video posted on Instagram.
Ferne sparked controversy among her fans as she continues to 'normalise' breastfeeding an older child.
Ferne pictured with her two daughter Finty and Sunday
Ferne and fiancé Lorri Haines welcomed Finty into the world in July 6, 2023 (pictured)
The NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) for the first six months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to 2 years or longer, where possible.
'Yes, she's 21 months. And yes, we're 'still' breastfeeding', she wrote across the video.
She captioned her post: 'I get asked all the time “Are you STILL breastfeeding?”
'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.”
'Here’s what most people don’t realise…
'WHO recommends breastfeeding at least until 2. It boosts immunity and connection, still. You’re not “spoiling” them. You’re nurturing them.
'Let’s keep the conversation open. #extendedbreastfeeding #parenting #breastfeeding #breastfed #motherhood.'
Her post sparked debate in her comments, with most fans praising the star for posting her breastfeeding journey.
Some wrote: 'I have no idea why people think that’s anyone’s business but yours Well done you xx',
'I say it again, THANK YOU for using your platform like this.'
'People need to be more mindful of their language and using words like ‘still’. It’s the biological norm and people should be radiating positivity for what you are continuing to do! Go mama go',
'We did it till 3 and it made everything so easy and perfect for us',
'I just stopped feeding my 3.5 year old and it was bitter sweet! It’s the most special gift you can give your child and yourself',
Ferne and fiancé Lorri Haines welcomed Finty into the world in July 6, 2023.
The couple started dating in 2021 and he proposed the following year.
The reality favourite is also proud mum to daughter Sunday, seven, who she shares with ex Arthur Collins.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
