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The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

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Gisele Bundchen Makes Controversial Statements on Breastfeeding and Making It A “Law”

Modified on February 28, 2023 at 9:30 PM

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Gisele Bundchen was recently interviewed by Harper’s Bazaar where she suggested that breastfeeding become a mandatory, “worldwide law.”

Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you already heard about this… Her comments have apparently sparked a massive outcry against the supermodel mom. For what reason? I can’t really figure it out. Maybe it’s because I’m a lactivist and support breastfeeding, but I didn’t misunderstand Gisele’s comment at all. Seems as if most people took her comment quite literally and became outraged at the thought that women wouldn’t be given the right to choose to feed their infant’s chemical filled formula instead of breastfeeding them. Oh the humanity!

In the controversial interview, Bundchen said, “Some people here (in the US) think they don’t have to breastfeed, and I think ‘Are you going to give chemical food to your child when they are so little?’ I think there should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months.”

After reading the comments left on USMagazine.com article about the subject, I am appalled at the ignorance and stupidity of the general public! Talk about “holier than thou”… WOW. I usually tend to keep to myself and not get involved in controversial issues, especially in public forums, but being a mother and breastfeeding advocate, I couldn’t turn away from this one…

I think it’s awful for other women to talk badly about other women, especially directly. Getting on forums, blogs or other public “soapboxes” and directly attacking another person about their opinion and feeling “safe” to do so because that person you are attacking is a celebrity, is just sooo…. disgraceful.

If you put Gisele down because she only gained 30 pounds during her pregnancy, then you’re just jealous.

If you put her down because she said her labor and delivery was pleasant and “didn’t hurt at all”, then you’re either uneducated on the subject or obviously didn’t have a positive birth experience.

If you put her down because she said “Breastfeeding should be a law”, then you are completely missing the point of what she was trying to say. On purpose.

I really and truly do not believe that she ACTUALLY meant is should a “law”. Like a “go to jail if you don’t do this” law. Obviously that would be stupid… I think people are completely missing the whole point and that is how extremely important breastmilk is for infants. It’s an undisputed fact.

What appalled me the most was the comments about Gisele making the women that “can’t breastfeed” feel bad about themselves. Um, hello? Again, complete lack of understanding on the subject. Unless you have had a double mastectomy or have gotten breast implants, there are only like 3% of women that physically can not breastfeed.

I’m not counting the ones that CHOOSE not to breastfeed because they are taking medications, need to work outside the home and “can’t” pump while they are at work, or the women who adopt. (I personally KNOW women that have chosen not to breastfeed for those specific reasons.)

There is a HUGE difference between deliberately choosing not to breastfeed and being physically incapable.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that in 2004, due to mounting evidence that breastfeeding offers significant lifetime benefits to children, 74% of American women who gave birth breastfed their infants for at least some period of time. This almost reaches the government’s target of 75%. Unfortunately, most women did not continue breastfeeding beyond the first month.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months, and then recommend that they continue breastfeeding at least through the first year as other foods are introduced. Among infants born in 2004, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding through the first three months after birth was 31%, shy of the government’s goal of 60%, and through six months was 11%, below the government target of 25%.

Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 56 (2007): 760-63.

The 25% of women that chose to feed their infants formula instead of breastfeeding, I’m sure 99% did not make that choice because they were physically unable to breastfeed. Yes, breastfeeding can be difficult, uncomfortable, painful, inconvenient and even bothersome, but it is VERY rarely physically impossible… “Low milk supply” is a very common excuse to not breastfeed, but having personally experienced that myself and still continuing to breastfeed for 17 months (despite the difficulties, stress, pain, emotional turmoil, exhaustion, etc) I know it’s all too often a lack of understanding, effort, knowledge and support and not an actual supply issue.

Please do not misunderstand me… I’m not speaking out against women who choose to feed their babies infant formula. I’m sure they have their reasons and justifications for their specific situation. The sad truth is most women don’t choose formula because they think it’s what is best for they children… I understand there are circumstances where women “need” to use formula (I wrote “need” in quotes because there is such a think as a milk bank.) but what saddens me is the number of people who just choose not to because they don’t feel like it, regardless of what’s best for their babies.

I think Gisele’s comments are being misinterpreted. I believe she’s merely frustrated with the mother’s that simply choose not to breastfeed without even trying because they don’t want to breast feed in public, they think it will hurt, they don’t feel like it, they think formula is more convenient, etc etc etc.

Did anyone ever stop to maybe picture Gisele laughing and being facetious when she said “I think there should be a worldwide law” ?????

“A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three.”

I believe that Gisele’s entire point was that breastfeeding is best and that she’s saddened by the number of people that carelessly choose to not breastfeed because it’s inconvenient or unappealing to them. I don’t think she meant to make anyone feel bad or scorn the few women that physically can not breastfeed.

The US has sexualized breasts so much that we’ve forgotten that their REAL biological purpose is to provide nourishment for our children. That’s what breasts are made for! I really think that was the point she wanted to make. In hindsight, I’m sure she wishes she had stated things a little differently, but in reality, you can’t please everyone… As a celebrity, it doesn’t matter WHAT she says… someone is going to take issue with it and call it out as politically incorrect. That’s just the way most Americans roll……..

More Breast Feeding Could Save 900 Babies a Year

The lives of nearly 900 babies would be saved each year, along with billions of dollars, if 90 percent of U.S. women breast-fed their babies for the first six months of life, a cost analysis says. Read more >>

So I want to know what YOU think about this subject. I know we have a lot of readers who are mother’s and I want your take on this whole subject.


Should all mothers breastfeed their children? Did you breastfeed your child? Should there be more support for mothers wanting to breastfeed? Is there too much pressure on new mothers to breastfeed?

Related posts:

Breastfeeding 101: Pain-Free Tips for Moms Breastfeeding 101: Pain-Free Tips for Moms FitTrack Beebo Family Smart Scale Review + Coupon Code!FitTrack Beebo Family Smart Scale Review + Coupon Code! 4 Things All New Moms Need4 Things All New Moms Need in 2022 Can Formula Ever Really Replace Breast Milk?Can Formula Ever Really Replace Breast Milk? Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Risks Of Using Formula For Premature BabiesNecrotizing Enterocolitis: The Risks Of Using Formula For Premature Babies

Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on August 3, 2010 at 5:01 PM
Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Maternity Clothes, Stay At Home Moms
Tagged With: Breast, breast-feeding, Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Awareness Month, breastfeeding benefits, Breastfeeding Law, breastfeeding mandatory, Gisele Bundchen, supermodel

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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The Fashionable Housewife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for blogs and websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission on purchases made through our links. There is no extra cost to you! For more info, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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𝕊𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕙 | Fashionable Homemaker & Large Family Life
You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough 😂🫣

I’m loving my no -toxic, non-stick cookware from @caraway_home  It’s as beautiful as it is easy to cook with. And it makes my kitchen look prettier too! 💁🏼‍♀️

Want to learn more about why I’m obsessed with these pots and pans? Visit my blog and search CARAWAY! Or scroll through my feed! 🥳

#homemaker #housewifelife #homestyler #momlife
Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

The grief doesn't just go away, even if you try to ignore it, it's still there. Like the sun. You don’t have to look at it to know it’s there. You can turn your back on it but it will still warm your skin. 

The grief from losing a child is unbearable. 
It is unpredictable.
It is unforgiving.
It is relentless.
It is all-consuming.
And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

Lord Jesus, please… hold me extra tight tonight. 

#babyloss #babylossawareness #babylosssupport #babylosscommunity #babylosssurvivor #stillbornstillloved #stillbornawareness #stillbirth #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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