Reality TV star Ferne McCann has found herself at the centre of a parenting debate after openly discussing her choice to continue breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter, Finty, during an appearance on This Morning.
The former TOWIE star, 33, faced mixed reactions from viewers as she defended her decision, stating she plans to let her daughter self-wean. "I'll feed her until she's ready to stop," McCann insisted during the interview.
The Great Breastfeeding Debate Reignited
McCann's comments have reignited the ongoing discussion about extended breastfeeding in the UK. While some praised her for normalising longer breastfeeding durations, others questioned whether a child of Finty's age still requires breast milk.
The NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to two years or beyond. However, societal attitudes often differ from medical guidelines.
Viewers Divided on Social Media
Social media platforms erupted with opinions following McCann's appearance:
- Supporters applauded her for following her maternal instincts
- Critics argued that children should be weaned earlier
- Medical professionals weighed in on both sides of the debate
McCann remained unphased by the criticism, emphasising that every mother should make feeding decisions that work best for their family without judgement.
A Growing Trend Among UK Mothers?
While extended breastfeeding remains relatively uncommon in Britain, more mothers are reportedly choosing to breastfeed beyond the typical one-year mark. Parenting experts suggest this reflects a broader shift towards more natural, child-led approaches to weaning.
McCann joins a growing list of celebrities, including Game of Thrones star Lena Headey and model Miranda Kerr, who have publicly supported extended breastfeeding practices.
