Mum hits back after being shamed for breastfeeding in front of her older child

A mum-of-three has revealed how she’s been criticised for feeding her baby, and three-year-old daughter, in front their older brother.

Irina Naumova, 33, first received the criticism after sharing a snap of her breastfeeding her middle child, then three, while pregnant with her third, and as her eldest son looked on.

“Some wrote that I must be sick in the head to have photos like this taken, that I shouldn’t be a mother and that my kids will grow up with problems,” the mum told the Daily Mail.

But while breastfeeding in front of an older sibling attracted criticism from some, when Irina shared her story on Facebook group, Breastfeeding Mama Talk, the support she received was largely positive.

“This is our breastfeeding story and it’s our ‘normal’,” the mum, who has since given birth to her third child, wrote in her post.

“I share our version of ‘normal’ captured in this photo of you in the hope that stories and images like this do make breastfeeding, extended breastfeeding, tandem breastfeeding and breastfeeding during pregnancy normal for all.

“The female body is simply incredible and we need to celebrate, encourage and support one another not bring each other down. Cheers to that and to normalising breastfeeding in all it’s form.”

Though some might find it odd to nurse a baby while an older sibling is present, for many it is just part of their breastfeeding journey.

“For many mothers and families, breastfeeding is such a normal part of family life that there is no need to do anything differently when nursing in front of older siblings,” explains Justine Fieth, Director, breastfeeding support organisation La Leche League GB.

“For the older siblings to see their baby brother or sister being breastfed helps them to see that breastfeeding is a normal way to feed and care for a baby.”

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com

Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.