Jamie Oliver came under fire late last week after airing his opinions on breastfeeding, urging that more women should feed their babies this way.
Speaking to Theo Usherwood on LBC radio, the 40-year-old revealed his disappointment at the number of mothers who breastfeed in the UK, saying that it’s “the most upsetting thing for me at the moment.”
The TV chef – who recently announced he is expecting his fifth child with wife, Jools – explained:
“We have the worst breastfeeding in the world.
"If you breastfeed for more than six months, women are 50% less likely to get breast cancer. When do you ever hear that? Never.
"It's easy, it's more convenient, it's more nutritious, it's better, it's free."
The passionate dad told how he felt there needed to be more support for women to feed wherever and whenever they see fit, and that we need to work together to support breastfeeding mums.
Jamie with wife, Jools
But some of those listening in where upset with Jamie’s comments, and felt he wasn’t in the position to be telling women how to feed their children, accusing him of ‘mansplaining’. Twitter users said:
“Breastfeeding is not 'easy' for many WOMEN and a BLOKE telling us it is can sod right off.”
A little more understandingly, another took to social media to say:
“Bit unfortunate he called it easy when so many struggle but let's give him a chance to get better informed”
But following the backlash, the healthy eating advocate took to Twitter to defend his comments and his stance on breastfeeding.
Along with a caption reading “I’m not planning on starting a campaign around breastfeeding, ” he uploaded an image with the following text:
“It’s simple an area of interest following my nutritional studies over the last two years.
“I understand that breastfeeding often not eat and in some cases not even possible but just wanted to support women who DO want to breastfeed and make it easier for them to do so.”
Jamie and Jools on the red carpet
“As a father – and father-to-be – I would never wish to offend women or mums as I knows how incredible they are and I would get a kicking when I got home!”
The Twittersphere continued to be divided over Jamie’s opinion – and his right to express them, some saying he’s entitled to his opinion, others saying as a man he doesn’t have a say.
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