New year, same immature behavior on Instagram. Dozens of commenters rang in 2019 with some good, old-fashioned (and wildly inappropriate) mom shaming after actress Hilary Duff posted a photo of herself eating while breastfeeding her two-month-old daughter, Banks.
Were they angry that Duff could drop pieces of crispy Brussels sprout leaves on her baby girl? Upset that she dared to take a bite of food with her eyes closed? Not quite. Instead, commenters referred to an earlier post from Duff — in which she revealed Banks has colic, a term the American Pregnancy Association says describes “any baby that cries for an extended period of time” — to criticize the Younger star’s dietary choices.
“Brussel [sic] sprouts cause gas girl, no wonder your baby girl be having colic,” one person wrote. “Whatever we eat they consume as well unfortunately a lot of greens and beans will do that.”
Another chimed in, “Sweetheart that right there could be the reason for colic…. Brussels sprouts are a very gassy food as well as cabbage and could be causing sweet baby a tummy ache.”
Gas, either caused by a mother’s food choices or by the baby swallowing too much air while crying, can cause or worsen colic for the 20-25% of babies impacted by the condition; however, it’s not the only reason babies might fuss. The APA notes that a variety of factors can cause or enhance colic, including a heightened sensitivity to stimulation, hunger, acid reflux, and an immature nervous system. Though frustrating for parents and uncomfortable for infants, colic typically goes away after three to nine months. In the meantime, parents can help ease excessive crying by holding and consoling their babies. Of course, it’s best to consult with your doctor to find a personalized plan that’s best for you and your family.
As if Duff — who literally drank her own placenta to provide her baby with more nutrients — doesn’t have enough to deal with at the moment, “concerned” fans also criticized another aspect of her photo: the napkin carefully draped over her baby’s head. “Don’t cover the babies [sic] face,” one angry commenter wrote. “You don’t eat with yours covered.”
Dios Mio. There are many reasons Duff might have covered her daughter’s face. Maybe the sun was too bright, and she didn’t want to disturb Bank’s delicate eyes. Maybe she didn’t want her baby’s head, or her breast, to burn. And, maybe — just maybe — it’s none of our damn business why Duff chose to cover up.
It’s a new year, people. Instead of ripping each other apart for minuscule things, let’s focus on supporting each other through times good and bad. Or, you know, we could all vow to simply refrain from being jerks.
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