Comebacks to Unwanted Breastfeeding Questions

Fed up with everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? While the answer to any of these could be “It’s none of your business!” we thought you’d like a few more breastfeeding comebacks to have up your sleeve.

Here are five ways to shut down those annoying breastfeeding questions.

1. Do you want to breastfeed somewhere more private?
   You could say “I’m more than happy here, thank you. You don’t have to watch us”. There is no shame in breastfeeding in public. It is natural to feed your baby when they’re hungry.
    

2. Do you want a cover while you breastfeed?
   Simply say “We’re more comfortable like this, thank you.” It’s entirely up to you if you want to use a breastfeeding cover. It’s not your responsibility if this makes others feel awkward, that’s their issue.
    

3. Is your baby still hungry?
   Simply say “My baby will finish breastfeeding when they’ve had enough, and they’ll let me know when they’re hungry again.” You know your baby best.
    
4. If you offer your baby a bottle, you know they’ll never breastfeed again?
   You can answer them by saying “We’re mixed feeding, and it’s going great.” It is entirely possible for you to continue breastfeeding AND bottle-feed your baby.
   
   Even if expressing breastmilk, Australian guidelines don’t recommend the use of bottles while you’re in the early stages of establishing breastfeeding, so avoid giving your baby a bottle before 4 weeks of age.
   
   If you are introducing any infant formula it can affect breastfeeding and breastmilk supply, so speak to your healthcare professional or lactation consultant for tips on maintaining your supply of breastmilk.
    
5. Are you still breastfeeding?
   Tell them “Yes, we are still breastfeeding. I will continue to breastfeed as long as my baby and I want to.” Australian guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding up until around 6 months of age and continued breastfeeding when solids are introduced. After then, you can continue breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby wish to do so.