Dealing with breastfeeding judgement

[Motherofking]

A family member really judged me exclusively breastfeeding . When my baby was 4 Months old Said my baby won't gain weight and I would be breastfeeding for years because it's a bad habit that's hard to break. Told me my baby needs formula. I tried giving formula but my baby refused and only wanted breast but I'm happy with it anyways . Anyways I just recently found out that her almost 5 year old still has a bottle of milk before bed. Honestly I was judging but then I feel the need to say something back to her , and making judgemental statements to her face about it and basically make her feel bad the wag I did but I know it's not the right thing to do. So decided to keep my mouth shut. What would you do in my shoes ?

The way*

If you like this relative then smile and nod but ignore. If you aren't fussed about maintaining a friendship with them, tell them that they can keep their opinion to themselves and you'll do the same.

You did the right thing. Tit for tat judging is no good for anyone.

How you deal with any kind of judgement about your babies, including ow you feed them is to smile and nod. If they persist, you just say "this works for us" and change the subject.

This really isn't worth your time or energy getting involved with such pettiness.

Oh come on! Of course you don’t need to say anything to her. You’re just looking for a reason to lash out because she made you feel bad when you breastfed. You’re an adult. Act like one and realise it’s none of your business.

Just don’t get involved in any advice other people give you. Either nod and smile and ignore (hassle free method) or tell them you don’t owe them an explanation for any of your parenting decisions and suggest they keep their opinions to themselves (Direct method). I think you need to use the Direct method with her in future. Be very firm. If you’d said that in the first place I don’t think you would be so bothered now about what you’ve found out. Don’t bother with tit for tat or passive agressive stuff. If there’s further advice you tell her firmly you’re not interested and you don’t appreciate it.

Ignore other people. Do what works for you.

I think you did the right thing. She was very wrong to judge you (and also very wrong about it being a
‘bad habit’) but there was nothing to gain from getting involved in a tit for tat. It’s hard, but just try to rise above it.

She should mind her own beeswax, it’s up to you how you feed your babies.

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't ask for advice.