Serena Williams Appealed To Mums Online After Getting ‘Emotional’ About Breastfeeding Conundrum

Serena Williams asked mums on Twitter how long they breastfed their babies, as the thought of stopping made her feel “emotional”.

The new mum, 36, asked the question alongside a tender snap of her cradling her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. who was born on 1 September.

“Fellow mums: How long did you breastfeed?” she tweeted on 6 December. “Is it weird that I get emotional when I even just think about when it’s time to stop?”

Fellow moms: How long did you breastfeed? Is it weird that I get emotional when I even just think about when it’s time to stop? pic.twitter.com/YOz4oeIajH

December 6, 2017
The replies to the tweet, which had nearly 10,000 likes, showed that Williams was most definitely not “weird” for feeling emotional about this decision.
16 months. Hated giving up (child chose it). Still feels sad. I’ll never have another baby so that was my only time. Cherish it xxx
Totally not I felt this for a while… Weining my daughter off was the most emotional experience ever.. Omg

December 7, 2017
It’s not weird @serenawilliams You’re doing great. Emotion dips when they get teeth. May want to stop then!
13 months and no it’s not weird. Embrace things happening naturally.
Many agreed that every child is different, and there is no “right age” to stop.
3.5 years. With both kids. Don’t stop before you & your child feel it’s best time! La Leche League can provide great support.
I let my baby tell me when ready to stop. It was so gradual, that b4 I realised it, my baby was now a preschooler and hadn’t breastfed for 2 weeks. No regrets, no sadness. Only happiness and joy.

December 7, 2017
I’m breastfeeding my little girl, she’s 3.5 years tomorrow… Taking her lead and allowing her to continue whilst we are both happy to do so. Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, which continues to provide benefits for as long as you feed.. And not weird to get emotional X

December 6, 2017
3.5 years (and I did it on the down low for another 1.5 years). My son didn’t want to stop. Best decision I made. Every child I different. He’s my only and I wouldn’t do anything differently.

December 6, 2017
The NHS recommends that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of their life. The World Health Organisation agrees, recommending: “Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.”

“There is no right or wrong way to stop breastfeeding,” the NHS states. “For lots of mothers and babies, stopping breastfeeding happens gradually as the child grows and eats more solid foods.”

For more information on how to stop breastfeeding, read our guide here.