Rude co workers

Dorcas - posted on 04/24/2010

You could tell her that by breastfeeding her you are GREATLY reducing both her chances and your chances of getting breast cancer and other cancers (especially other woman cancers). They have found a protein in breastmilk called HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to Tumor Cells) that has been found to kill cancer cells but not the healthy cells, so there is not the side effects like the chemo treatments used now. It has already been used in a human trial of bladder cancer in men. You can look up an article about it at www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7611360/Breast-milk-kills-cancers-claim-scientists.html
They are hoping to possibly use it routinly within 5 years.
OR you could tell her that the idea of feeding you baby a drink made up of petro-chemicals and highly allergenic plant and animal protiens (which is what formula is) to be a discusting idea. If they have formula now on the market for babies 12-18 months old, why is it weird to still be breastfeeding her?

Lucretia - posted on 04/24/2010

I applaud you for breastfeeding your child at this age. It is hard work. I personally would not have wasted my breath answering her. She has no kids so she could not possible understand the benefits of breastfeeding. That kind of ignorance will get her nowhere!

Anne - posted on 04/23/2010

The World Health Organization reccomends continuing breastfeeding until AT LEAST 2 years of age. If babies are weaned from the breast before this age they have to be given a substitute (ie milk from another animal or formula) otherwise they will be deficient in nutrients. In many parts of the world it is absolutely necessary to continue breastfeeding into toddlerhood. It's normal and natural and the best thing for your child. She sounds like a very unpleasent and empty-headed woman. You are doing the right thing. She must be jealous of you to feel the need to make such a snide remark.

Rachel Faye - posted on 09/28/2009

I think you handled it wonderfully. You don't have to argue with someone about your methods! Its your child and when they have kids of their own they just might be eating their words! props to you!

Diana - posted on 09/27/2009

TELL HER STRAIGHTFORWARD THAT IT IS NOT ANY OF HER BUSINESS!!! You are doing what is best for your child and that matters--she may be jealous!!!

Lori - posted on 09/26/2009

i woulda smacked her:) just kidding...kinda. i hate it when people do things like that. I only hope that my son nurses that long my daughter nursed til 10 mos and stopped on her own. My doc told m that they stop on their own between 10 and 13 mos. Go Girl...as long as you can.

Thompson - posted on 09/26/2009

Tell her to put a sock in it. No one has the right to debate with you about breast feeding. It's awesome that you are still doing it. People without kids can be quick to judge and spout their opinions. Don't take any junk from an apparently non empathetic individual. Maybe next time tell her she has no business becoming a mother and needs to have her tubes ties. GRRR!!

Sara - posted on 09/26/2009

Good for you momma! Not only is BFing that long a committment, but so is pumping!!! I think you handled it very well. One other idea I thought of that might be a lovely response is: I'm doing it on doctor's orders. That kind of thing generally tends to shut people up.
Not to mention, even if it's not your pediatrician's or OB's orders... it's still the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatricians (to at least 12 months) and the World Health Organization (to at least 2).
One of my co-workers had a preemie, and on her doctor's recommendation, she continued pumping until at least 12 months (I don't know how long she nursed after that) - and I feel bad for her that she still feels the need to explain to people.
I have to say before I had kids, I used to think it was a little odd for people to nurse their toddlers. But I NEVER said anything to anyone about it. Now, I totally get it, and feel bad for people who don't.

Tiera - posted on 09/26/2009

I also plan to let my daughter wean herself. And she already seems to be doing that. She no longer wants to nurse much during the day. We usually nurse first thing in the morning, again at bedtime, and usually several times during the night. Sometimes she'll nurse before her afternoon nap, but lately she hasn't had any interest in doing that.

Chrissandra - posted on 09/25/2009

It's surprising to see how turned off people can be by breastfeeding. I was actually scolded by an older woman in a department store for nursing my 7 week old daughter. Mind you, I was fully covered using my Maya Wrap to discreetly nurse. I have seen women whip their breast out with no discretion whatsoever! To each their own...



Nonetheless, many Americans have the idea stuck in their heads that it is not proper or normal to nurse a child into toddlerhood. Women all over the world nurse well into their child's school years, not weaning until 8-10 years of age. Now, that seems a bit long for me but there is nothing wrong with it. You be an advocate for your child's health and emotional well being and continue to nurse her until she chooses to wean herself! That is my plan.

Tiera - posted on 09/25/2009

Candice, I have a breast pump at work because I pump milk during my breaks to feed my daughter while I am away from her.

Julie - posted on 09/25/2009

That is a totally inappropriate comment for a co worker to make. It is none of her business, and I would address this with her, in case she feels like bringing it up again.. Let her know your choices for breastfeeding are none of her business, it's inappropriate work conversation, and you would appreciate it if she would keep her opinions to herself.

Everyone has an opinion about breastfeeding. Where you should do it, if you should do it, how long you should do it. It's your business, and that's all there is to it.

Gayle - posted on 09/25/2009

Considering that comment came from someone without children, I would have laughed and walked away. Without children, her point is MUTE!

Jennifer - posted on 09/25/2009

Tiera - you are absolutely correct - it is recommended that babies be nursed until the age of 1 - and there is nothing wrong with nursing longer! I commend you for breastfeeding AND working! Don't let that co-worker bother you - she has no business commenting on something she knows nothing about. I think simply ending the conversation was very appropriate - as a busy working mom there is no need to waste your time or energy debating this with her. Your an awesome mom - keep up the good work!

Lisa - posted on 09/25/2009

Oh my goodness!!!!!!! That was very rude of her.... I think you handled it much nicer than most would have.. Kudos to you!!!! She has no business adding her comments, She has no kids,, Who is to say she wouldn't do the same???

I would have told her,, why is it silly of me to still be nursing?? see what she had to say about that with an intelligent answer... I think she would have stumbled her words, and felt like an idiot..

Tanya - posted on 09/25/2009

i would of turned my back and walked away without any remark at all....or a polite. thanks for your input i'll be sure to ask you for comments from now on since your opinion really matters to me...said with a nice smile but sarcastic tone

Debbie - posted on 09/24/2009

I would say: When did you do a degree in child health and development lol! Pure jealousy cos you've got something she hasn't that's all. Also for the fact that you are doing it all - working and having a family - well done you!

Dorcas - posted on 09/24/2009

We talked about this one time in a Le Leache League meeting and one person said she told someone who was shocked that she was still breastfeeding her 1 year old that "yes, they were looking into community colleges close to home, just in case"

Dorcas - posted on 09/24/2009

Quoting Larissa:

I would have told her that she is entitled to her own opinion; and what works for some doesn't always work for others. Now with the snide remark, I would have been thinking in my head a few not so nice things,lol. But also, I would have told her that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that you would appreciate if she kept hers to herself. People are so quick to judge and it's sad; well you know what I nursed my son until he turned 2(yep, never thought I would) but I did. Granted I understand the benefits, but in my son's case he still stayed sick(must just had a weak immune system) and he ended up with dental problems costing me an arm and leg. I would recommend at least doing it until they were 1 but if you continue on past that age; be sure to brush their teeth and gums; and never let them fall asleep at the breast. I know it does happen and sometimes we are so tired it's unpreventable. Don't worry about them, there are always going to be those rude co-workers....

breast feeding does not cause cavities!!  When a child breastfeeds the milk squirts basically right to the back of the throat.  It does not pool around the teeth like a bottle or sippy cup of formula or cows milk or what ever else they are drinking.  Breast milk is also anti-bacterial to a degree and actually helps fight against the bacteria that causes most cavities.  It is still important to brush their teeth even if they are breastfeeding because the other foods and drink that they are eating may cause bacteria.  There are some nice web sites out there that talk about this  www.llli.org (the web site for La Leche League International).  I am going through this with a dentist and my almost four year old who has a cavity.

Amanda - posted on 09/24/2009

for one, it's none of her business what you do with your child. second of all, if she doesn't have any children, she has no right to say anything about anyone with a child. I think you handled the situation well. If your co-worker says anything about again, I would tell her that he/she is not your daughter's pediatrician. If you wanted to, you could go to your supervisor...that is harrassment.

Kelly - posted on 09/24/2009

Well done you! I can't say I would have responded so well on the spot...Breastfeeding is hard work so a big congrats for feeding your baby for this long. This woman has absolutely no idea what she is commenting on and should keep her mouth shut.

Cailie - posted on 09/23/2009

people that don't have kids have no right to say a thing! Keep doing what you feel is right! and you said it just how i thnk it should have been said.

Tina - posted on 09/23/2009

People like that just don't get it! I felt bad enough without support from my mom and sister, I only breastfed until she was 2. It's just ignorance, unfortunately, like men they think it is something sexual which is really twisted. Keep going as long as it is good for you both!

Jill - posted on 09/23/2009

I personally would have laughed it off and walk away. People are so ignorant when they're not going through the same things as you. Don't get me wrong, it would still piss me off but they're so not worth wasting your breath.

Ngatere - posted on 09/23/2009

You did a great job at handling your very, VERY stressful encounter. I wouldn't have said it so nicely and pobably with more words as well. I breastfed my youngest until she was 1 but would have loved to have fed all 3 of them well after 1. You are a great mum and don't listen to people who have no idea what they are talking about.

Heidy - posted on 09/23/2009

props mommie!!! work and breastfeeding WOW!

I breastfed mine until almost 20 months and proud of it the results are she never gets sick and is supersmart.

Maggie - posted on 09/23/2009

People need to mind their own business. I would let her know that you don't appreciate her comments and if she does it again let your/her boss know. It could be considered harrassment! Keep up the breastfeeding as long as your daughter wants! (btw, nursing when she's 20? what a stupid comment!!)

Nikki - posted on 09/23/2009

Punch her! Idiot...

Stephanie - posted on 09/22/2009

No matter what everyone is gonna have an opinion, and if the other person happens to be in a bad mood they are gonna butt heads with you on whatever debate comes up. I think I would have done the same as you and walked away. It's annoying, but with someone who doesn't have any children, it's a no-win battle. I would be tempted to compared child rearing conversations as delicate as Religious conversations.It's just hard to have a safe debate/talk about it without steping on toes because we all do it differently.



For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. You're daughter is healthy right? that's what matters. The best advice I ever got was "No one can be a better mother to your kids than you." and I'm sure you're doing just that :)

Tanya - posted on 09/22/2009

congrats for still breastfeeding. its shouldnt matter to anyone else if you breastfeed or bottle feed its a personal choice and people need to learn how to mind there own bussiness espically the ones that have to children. when i use to breastfeed my daughter in public i use to get all sort of remarks from how discusting it was to how inconsiderate it was to feed my daughter. all i would say to them people is you eat when your hungry so why cant my daughter. well done love keep going as long as you want too

Sharon - posted on 09/22/2009

You're obvioulsy a much nicer person than me. If nothing else I would be lodging a formal complaint with your boss. How rude.

Doran - posted on 09/22/2009

I would've told her that at the rate she's going, she'd be out of job with no friends in a couple months!

Joy - posted on 09/22/2009

People who don't have kids don't get any "kid" issues (for the most part). And I learned that breasfeeding was a hot button topic among people. I have no idea why so many people have opinions on it. I had a realitive tell me "you need to quit that breastfeeding" and my daughter was still a small infant. Just tell that woman it's none of her business, and there are LAWS to protect breastfeeding mothers. I quit my job because I had some real jerk coworkers who I knew would give me grief over needing to pump and my daugther was more important than that job. Good Luck!

Sharon - posted on 09/22/2009

Some ppl really don't knw where to stick their noses,its a mother's choice whn she decides to stop breast feeding it has so many advantages one of them being it helps ur stomach to get smaller and how wud she knw when she doesn't have n e

Denise - posted on 09/22/2009

I would have probably told her that if she ever had enough guts to have her own children, then she has the right to decide how unhealthy she wants to feed them. Then give her a La Leche info page stating all of the benefits to breastfeeding over formula. Then smile and walk away.

Michelle - posted on 09/22/2009

Honey that is your child, You raise her how you see fit..your baby will be so health that way and if you wanted to go to twenty months that's your child! you can do what you feel is best....

Alice - posted on 09/22/2009

I think you did the right thing by ending the conversation, your a great mom, and breast milk is best for babies.

Karen - posted on 09/21/2009

I personally would have gritted my teeth after she entered into her uninformed opinion and walked away. As you said, she has no children, you know you're doing the right thing by your daughter and who cares what she thinks? I wish I had been able to do it for that long with my first two! The important thing is you have a relationship with your daughter, and she will be with you forever, and the ignorant lady at work won't be.

Rachel - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Tiera:

Rude co workers

As I was packing up my breast pump today, a co worker made a snide remark to me, "At the rate you're going your daughter is still going to be nursing when she's twenty." Mind you my daughter just turned 12 months old. She eats mostly table food, but does still nurse several times a day too. I politely informed this person, who by the way has no children, that babies were supposed to be nursed until they were at least 1 year old, and that some recommend even longer. She then began to debate with me why it was silly for me to still be nursing. I got very annoyed and just ended the conversation with her. How would you have handled this situation?

 

Wow, some people have nerve. I think you handled this very classy, some people think it is there responsibility in life to impose their wrong opinions on people. At the very least a child should be breastfeed until 12 months.

Michelle - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Tiera: It seems to me that she could be jealous because she doesn't have kids.   I have a co-worker who makes remarks about not liking children and she's glad she's never had any.  I don't believe her though.  This is a hard situation you don't want to become enemies with a co-worker but, you have to lay the rules down somehow.  Nursing is very imporatnt for children it helps their cognitive growth.   I wouldn't worry about her i believe she's very jealous of you.

Rude co workers

As I was packing up my breast pump today, a co worker made a snide remark to me, "At the rate you're going your daughter is still going to be nursing when she's twenty." Mind you my daughter just turned 12 months old. She eats mostly table food, but does still nurse several times a day too. I politely informed this person, who by the way has no children, that babies were supposed to be nursed until they were at least 1 year old, and that some recommend even longer. She then began to debate with me why it was silly for me to still be nursing. I got very annoyed and just ended the conversation with her. How would you have handled this situation?

Candice - posted on 09/21/2009

She sounds like a co-worker I work with. She jokes but sometimes goes a little too far. You shouldn't take it personally. Why do you have a breast pump at work anyhow?

Federica - posted on 09/21/2009

Ok, you're a saint. I would have told her to get lost. YOu are doing a wonderful thing for your child. Nothing will ever replace the goodness of your milk.

I used to call it "liquid gold" :-) Keep up the great work!

Tasha - posted on 09/21/2009

I think you handled it appropriately. Everyone is different, I was only able to nurse my kids for the few three months so I envy the fact that you were able to nurse into the first year. Unfortunately, people have their opinions but until they have walked a mile in your shoes they can't understand why you do what you do. Just remember ** Garbage in... Garbage out *** Only you can choose to let that coworker be rude or offend you. Keep up the great job!!

Michelle - posted on 09/21/2009

I would have asked why it is any of her business. The nerve of some people sometimes!!!!

Helina - posted on 09/21/2009

Wouldn't even bother, you handled it fine - people like that don't bother me because she probably will never know the pleasure of having a baby nursing on her

Veronica - posted on 09/21/2009

i would have told her in a nice way to mind her own business, or told the benefits of breast feeding, i didnt breast feed but my daughter-in law- does and my grandbaby is 4 mos and is sitting up, flipping over, etc the motor skills of a 6 mos old she is growing to fast so it is better for a baby i dont know how long a woman should breast feed but thats up to u not her , she should butt out!!!!!!!

Grace - posted on 09/20/2009

I would have asked, where she got her medical degree.

Janet - posted on 09/20/2009

Maybe she wants kids, who knows where it came from. And that's what will get you through. Just let it go. Because you probably don't know what is going on in her head. Just nod to show you heard, but it doesn't need to be replied to. As long as you know you are doing what needs to be done for your child, that's all that matters. Who knows maybe sometime in the future the tide will be turned, then you can smile and know she's doing the right thing.

Melissa - posted on 09/20/2009

I know it's not always easy to come up with the perfect response to someone like that on the spur of the moment. But if you get the chance, try explaining that you aren't putting your parenting choices up for debate with your fellow employees and the next time you want her opinion, you will ask her for it. Otherwise, it's none of her business and she should keep her opinion to herself.
Or you could go the other way with it and tell her if you want any shit out of her, you wil just squeeze her head!
Bottom line, it is your decision and totally none of her business. People alwys seem to make unneccesary comments like that to me at work also and I always sit at home later and go over the coulda/woulda/shoulda's in my head later. Just think mean thoughts about her from afar.. and remember, Karma is a bitch.

Karrie - posted on 09/20/2009

You just want the very best for your baby. You did a good job! Forget her. People these days just irritate me to no end. Always stand up for what you believe in!