Breastfeeding row mum hits back at critics

Beth Haoprer

AN American mother shown breastfeeding her three-year-old son on a controversial cover of Time magazine today hit back after worldwide backlash.

Jamie Lynne Grumet, a 26-year-old mother from Los Angeles, who herself was breastfed until she was six, said extended breastfeeding and attachment parenting has benefited her family.

"I don't feel like it takes away from my personal life. My relationship with my husband is very important to me. It gives my children a strong bond too," she said.

The provocative photo -- shown in yesterday's Herald -- of Grumet feeding her toddler son Aram who is standing on a baby chair to reach her exposed breast has caused a media uproar.

In a US poll of 122,000 people, 27pc said the cover was great but 73pc said they really did not want to see it.

Attachment parenting involves prolonged bonding through extended breastfeeding, carrying and sleeping with the baby.

Critics say it is not good for the child.

Grumet, who also has a five-year-old child, said she knew the Time cover would create a media craze.

"It is a big commitment and it is not right for everyone. You need to do what is best for your baby and for your own family," she said.

hnews@herald.ie