Carmen Anderson, a notable personality from the reality series Coastal Charm, recently shared that she has officially stopped breastfeeding her baby, who is now three months old. Before her child’s birth, she addressed potential critics in a clever video, preemptively answering the question of whether she would breastfeed. Now, having nursed her child until recently, she has decided to move on, and her reasoning is refreshingly straightforward.
In a society that often scrutinizes mothers for their feeding choices, those who choose not to breastfeed simply because they don’t want to can face significant backlash. Carmen, however, took the opportunity to express her decision in a candid Instagram post. “Today marks the day I am officially DONE with breastfeeding,” she wrote. “I gave it a solid three months, and now I’m ready to retire my breasts. I hope sharing this helps other mothers feel less isolated.”
Typically, when mothers discuss their reasons for weaning, they provide detailed accounts of the challenges faced along the way—issues like low milk supply, painful latching, or health complications. Carmen, however, chose a different approach: she simply didn’t want to breastfeed anymore. “I’m not quitting due to health issues or a lack of milk; I’m stopping because I’m just OVER IT. By CHOICE,” she stated.
And why not? It’s her body and her choice—end of discussion. “I know I’ll face criticism for this, but it doesn’t bother me,” she added. “I need some freedom back for my mental health, and moving to bottles and formula will grant me that.”
I can relate to that sentiment. I exclusively breastfed my child, not entirely by choice. I had envisioned a scenario where I could nurse him while also giving myself breaks with bottles. Unfortunately, he preferred nursing, which left me feeling tethered to him for both nourishment and comfort. Carmen’s expression of wanting her sanity back resonates with many mothers who have felt the same way.
There’s no reward for enduring discomfort as a mother. If breastfeeding is making you unhappy, you should absolutely stop—without feeling the need to justify yourself. Your decision not to breastfeed is valid, and Carmen is here to remind us that the way you choose to feed your baby does not define your abilities as a mother. “You are NOT a bad mother if breastfeeding isn’t for you. A happy mom is the best gift you can give your child.”
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In summary, Carmen Anderson’s candid declaration about her decision to stop breastfeeding highlights the importance of maternal choice and mental health. Mothers need to prioritize their well-being and understand that their feeding choices do not diminish their worth as parents.