to be angry with my friend's comment about breastfeeding?

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Basically my (manless childless) friend said to me in an email today that she thought I was 'mad' for 'still breastfeeding' DD age 4.5 months. I thought at first she was joking so emailed back to ask why she thought this... She promptly confirmed that she thought I was mad and went on to explain that she felt that if it was her, giving a bottle and getting more sleep was much the better option!? I explained that there was no evidence - scientific or personal - to support this and that I found her comment wierd. She then became defensive and said she was only joking which I know she wasnt as I had asked her why she thought I was mad and she had explained.

I just feel really angry and have explained to her that b feeding is a personal choice and that people shouldn't comment on other people's feeding choices. I didnt like to say 'don't knock it til you try it love' as didnt want to rub salt into the no man/no child wound.

The whole thing has left me stupidly feeling like a bit of of a wierd hippy. Breast feeding at 4 months isn't exactly 'Bitty' now is it?!

Everyone has different opinions on b feeding and whilst I personally enjoy it and think its right for me, I understand that it isn't right for everyone and would certainly never pass judgement on anyones situation.

Hate falling out with friends over silly things but simply had to stand my ground on this one! Think she now thinks I'm being unreasonable by flying off the handle a little. AIBU for thinking SHE'S the wierdo?

What's with everyone tonight?!? OP has every right to be offended by friends comments! And as for the no man comments had OP not put these you'd have all been asking for more details!!! Jeeze give
OP a break!!!

i didnt think they had 'fallen out' she just took the hump at a naive comment from a 'manless childless' friend

It sounds like she was joking/being lighthearted. She's just saying she admires you for breastfeeding and lacking sleep to do it. With a good friend you can say these things in a "you're crazy" kind of way because it seems too soppy to say "I reeeeeallly admire your dedication" etc etc.

Oh come on! A comment in an e-mail from a close friend saying 'still breastfeeding? are you mad?' argument material?? Really? Don't believe it. Had this as well, but I knew it was from someone who meant well/didn't really know what she was talking about/wanted to take some sort of interest, however cack-handed...

so yes, I think the OP was a bit over the top/unreasonable in her response, but not surprising when she is a) getting to grips with motherhood b) breastfeeding with the associated hormone issues c) very sleep-deprived. Doesn't mean she's a raving loony.

maybe some of the comments are intended to raise a smile, get Op to lighten up a bit over this?

Also, there are other way more serious things going on in people's lives, in comparison to which this seems rather trivial.

I agree with PepsiPopcorn, I think you misread how she meant it.

YANBU. In fact she is mad / wierd. I understand that some might think BFing at 4.5 years is inappropriate, but 4.5 months .

She clearly knows nothing about it...

I am giving DS2 formula now (after 6 months) but I personally would not want to give any formula before weaning at 5.5-6months because of the whole virgin gut theory.

She is also v v rude to tell you that your method of feeding your baby is not appropriate.

Bringonthegoat I missed the reference in the OP and thought "no-man wound" was some sort of obscure fanjo reference

< snorts with laughter >

Excellent!

I find this quite odd. Before I had my DCs, I had no opinion whatsoever on breastfeeding. Im surprised the friend expressed this sentiment but to be honest, if I were the OP I would've shrugged it off. So Y were BU to be angry.

I think ff does seem like the easier option to childless folk..

My older Sister has made constance comments like this.
First it was it'll be easier for us to go out with your DS when you've stopped BF him (2 months old). Then, when I started BLW him, but how will he eat yoghurt? Then, you can't give him garlic this early in the day (lunchtime, loves garlic, Italian restaurant).
Because she thinks she knows better than me as her friends have children . She's my ignorant bitch Sister, so I ignore the comments. Yes it's rude to make comments but until you've been there you don't know it's rude. So let it wash over you and bite your tongue when she makes other comments or fall out with her, depends how important your friendship is to you. I for one will try not to be so insensitive as to comment to her face that obviously she's not planning on having children due to her relationships, health and age.

constant, even.