One mother's backwards choice of birthday cake for her young son has rubbed people the wrong way.
In the village of Barton Seagrave, Genie Kaur and her husband Ronni held a party for their three-year-old, Kamron, earlier this month, with his colourful Victoria Spongecake displaying a set of massive boobs in a bikini as a way of hopefully weening the little man off being breastfed.
Via Metro, the 39-year-old housing officer is now defending this X-rated slab of cake that was served out to other kids.
"It was going to be the last time [breastfeeding] on his birthday, as soon as he cut the cake, sort of like the last supper," explained Genie.
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"It was to celebrate and maybe wean him off. We explained it was the last time, but instead of him being happy, he was sad. He was very vocal saying he wanted his 'booba.'"
Attending fellow parents were pre-warned about the cake, thankfully, yet the post-party reaction on social media blew up all sorts of awkward conversations.
Genie commented: "I posted a picture of the cake on Instagram and Facebook and I was quite shocked by the responses. Lots of people were critical, not just of the cake but also because I was breastfeeding a three-year-old.
"Breastfeeding is working for me, so what’s everyone's problem?" she asked. "There's so much pressure from society to stop. Breasts are sexualised. This is for the comfort of my son. You can make it a beautiful weaning journey and we meet each other's needs."
The mother-of-two went on to admit that this backlash has only strengthened her feelings on the topic.
"I had intended to stop breastfeeding, but since the debate started on social media, I've decided to carry on until we are both ready to stop," she noted.
"I've done lots of research and breastfeeding at this age is really good for them. Why should I bow to society's pressures? It's baby-led feeding and he's not ready to give up and I don't think I am.
"I never planned this. I haven't put any pressure on myself. What's everyone's problem with it? People say it's not natural – but it is."
Self-described as the 'spokesperson for breastfeeding toddlers', Genie then left a parting message for similarly-situated parents.
"I would say to all mums, don’t give up. Don’t let people tell you what to do. If you are not ready to give up – don’t," she stated.
Topics: Parenting, Food And Drink
Dan Seddon