Karen Millen & the Breastfeeding Debate: Why We Need to Talk About This
The Karen Millen breastfeeding conversation is everywhere right now, trending across social media, news feeds, and parenting forums. And honestly? I’m glad people are talking about breastfeeding. What I’m not glad about is the outdated narrative that resurfaced alongside it.
Karen Millen’s recent comments about breastfeeding in public have struck a chord with many mothers, but not in the way she intended. While she expressed discomfort with breastfeeding being visible, I stand firmly (and proudly) on the opposite side of this conversation. Because breastfeeding isn’t inappropriate, offensive, or something to hide. It’s biological. It’s functional. And it deserves to be normalised, not shamed.
In this post, I’ll break down why this conversation matters, what the controversy reveals, and why defending breastfeeding, anywhere, anytime is essential for parental wellbeing.
What Did Karen Millen Say About Breastfeeding?
The designer shared her personal discomfort about breastfeeding in public, suggesting that mothers should be more discreet or choose alternative settings — a view that ignited frustration among breastfeeding advocates and parents everywhere.
Her comments opened the door to a bigger, more important conversation: Why are we still policing how and where mothers feed their babies?
My Perspective: Breastfeeding Shouldn’t Be Hidden
Here’s the truth:
No parent should feel embarrassed, ashamed, or pressured to hide when feeding their child.
As a pelvic health professional deeply involved in postpartum recovery, I work with breastfeeding parents every day. And I see firsthand how much pressure mothers already face — physically, emotionally, and socially.
Breastfeeding is hard enough without the added burden of someone else’s discomfort.
What the breastfeeding stigma actually causes:
mothers delaying feeds to avoid public scrutiny
increased stress, anxiety, and shame
struggles with supply due to inconsistent feeding
parents isolating themselves socially
babies becoming unsettled or distressed
Shaming public breastfeeding doesn’t protect anyone. It only harms mothers and babies.
The Problem With “Just Cover Up”
This argument always resurfaces during debates like this, but it ignores some key realities:
✔ Babies don’t like being covered
Try eating your lunch with a blanket over your head.
✔ It can interfere with latch and airflow
Mums often need to see their baby’s mouth to ensure a proper latch and safe feeding.
✔ It reinforces shame
Covering up implies breastfeeding is something indecent.
✔ Not every mother has the same physical ability
Covers and awkward adjustments are not accessible for all.
Breastfeeding is already a vulnerable, complicated task — adding layers of fabric, judgment, or shame doesn’t help.
Breastfeeding in Public Is Protected — and Necessary
Across the UK and many other countries, breastfeeding in public is protected by law. Why?
Because feeding your baby is not a luxury, it’s a need.
Babies don’t schedule their hunger around private spaces, fitting rooms, or someone’s comfort level. Their bodies decide. And mothers respond. That’s how biology works.
Why Conversations Like This Matter
Karen Millen’s comments didn’t create the breastfeeding stigma, they just highlighted what many mothers already face.
By speaking up, we:
empower parents
challenge outdated beliefs
normalise infant feeding
reduce shame and anxiety
support healthier postpartum experiences
When influential figures share personal opinions publicly, they shape cultural attitudes. So it’s important that we counter misinformation with compassion, science, and clarity.
We Need More Support for Mothers, Not More Judgment
Feeding your baby should never be politicised or moralised.
Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed, chest-feed, pump, combo-feed, you deserve support, not scrutiny.
As a pelvic health physiotherapist working closely with pregnant and postpartum individuals, my priority is always to advocate for:
autonomy
comfort
mental wellbeing
informed choice
bodily confidence
Public breastfeeding is a part of that journey.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Normalise What’s Normal
If Karen Millen feels uncomfortable with breastfeeding, that is her experience — and she’s entitled to it.
But parents are also entitled to feed their babies without shame.
So instead of asking mothers to hide, cover, or disappear, let’s ask the world to catch up.
Babies need feeding. Parents deserve support. And breastfeeding — in public or private — is nothing more than a natural, healthy, human act.
