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I don't know how to begin speaking in Alicias defense. I am a 30 year old Mother of four very strong, intelligent and healthy children. I did not take advice from a Doctor or any other person on how to raise them. I fed my children the same way Alicia did, along with all of the "other ways" that people do. I did make sacrifices to breastfeed them also.
I do not think that feeding your child this way is unsanitary, risky, gross, unhealthy, or ruining his development. I can't even comprehend how people can think that it is a negative thing to do. What ever happened to instincts, sometimes they are right for good a reason. I rely on my instincts to be a good Mother and do not need "certain people" to teach me how to care for my babies.
More power to you Alicia. I respect you and think that you are brave to show others what may seem "taboo" in our society. A very good Mom.
My darling sister called me today, apparently just to tell me that she thinks Alicia "must be crazy". I was very surprised, as I thought she would be the one person I know that would join me in saying "I would probably not feed my child directly from my mouth, but it is kind of sweet and to each their own." I am sure Alicia herself did not expect one little home video to produce so much negativity, and I feel very bad for her in that respect. As for those who are saying her son will be mortified as an adult when he looks back on this, I really do not think he will. Obviously, he is being raised to believe this is normal behavior, so why would he be humiliated by it later? Alicia, please just keep living your life the way that you do. You are a beautiful person and a wonderful mother. :)
As a mother, professional, and a human being I applaud your right to do what you feel is right for your baby as well as Alicia's do to what she feels is right. If you feel it is embarassing for the child then I suggest you do not practice it or anything else your child may find embarassing such as driving him to school, giving him hugs in public at 12 or shopping at the mall with him.......Get a grip......Honestly.....
I saw the video as well one one of our local channels here in Houston
I dont have kids but I believe what Naomi and Kaylen Said. So many people dont do what they would like to do whether is raising kids or joining a certain club or whatever because they are so scared of what other people might say, or think, or do etc, because they want to be accepted in society and all that crap. I have a 17 year old step daugther that is like that and I think its so sad that she has to live her life that way. Do I agree on what's she doing? NO! but If alicia wants to feed her baby like that, more power to her! Its her life, her baby and not ours, and we dont have to live her life so its done of our (society's) business. she put the video out there, not to seek our opinion or advice, but because she's oviously very proud of how she is raising her son and i think thats wonderful! I am sure, ok positive, that there are alot of people that dont approve of what I'm doing (leading a vegan lifestyle) but after awhile I just quit trying to explain to them the reasons why I'm vegan. So they think I'm insane and out right stupid, but who gives a ***** they dont have to life my life, I do and thats all that matters
Dr H
I would like to say that I have seen nearly every parent that I know take a binky that has fallen on the floor and lick it clean for their kids... I think that your claims are a bit over the top. My kids shared beveridges, ice cream, lollies, watermelon and all kinds of stuff with me over the years and their dentist gives them a clean bill of health continually. I would also like to add that pathogens can be picked up by infants on a nearly constant basis just by them living life. My kids were forever placing things in their mouths before I could "sanitize"them to my satisfaction. Again- they are in outrageously good health.
I support Alicia Silverstone. I feed my son this way too. I must admit not exactly mama bird to baby bird style. I usually chew up my food and give it to him on my clean hands into his mouth. People in other countries do it. It's called the human blender. My baby who is 10 months old did not like baby food or when I pureed it. He wanted it chunkier and I could only get it to his consistency via chewing it. I have no gum disease and I do not have any diseases in general so I feel safe feeding my child this way. I do not know why all the discussion about this. It just seems so natural to feed your child this way.
I believe she posted the video for people who are interested in her life with her baby, I dont see anywhere her asking for anyones opinions so why doesnt everyone just keep those to themselves. She posted it coming from a good place. I think everyone should either accept it or not watch it, shouldnt be getting anyone this mad.
We all "parent" in a variety of ways....I'm put off by all of the judgements, "disgust" and opinions. Alicia is a beautiful woman and mother...and anyone who follows her as a celebrity knows her stance on healthy living, love and life. I'm from the South and the saying is..."Sweep around your own front door before you sweep around someone else's." Leave Alicia and Bear alone...the proof is in the pudding...he looks VERY LOVED AND HEALTHY.....:)
because of all of the apparent comments that went online after News 4 NY showed the video yesterday morning, they revisited the topic again this morning saying that the majority of the viewers were disgusted by it. They also interviewed three physicians plus a dental surgeon who all said it was an unsanitary thing to be doing. Again, I don't have children, and I wasn't really aware that this type of feeding was even going on. I'm not judging, I'm just completely baffled by it. I'm not sure why or how someone feels this is a proper way to feed a child. Again, I'm not saying it unkindly, I admit, I have little knowledge about it. Is there a health benefit to feeding a child in this manner?
You know? It is silly that people are making a huge deal out of a mother feeding her child. They are bonding as well as mom is making sure that baby is eating good. The whole bacteria in the mouth thing is ridiculous, even coming from a dentist. True, human beings mouths are some of the dirtiest, but honestly it seems that this would build immunity to certain things. My mother never wanted dogs or cats in the house much but I have mine in my house and I even let them eat off my plate. Never once have I gotten ill and I believe the younger kids are exposed, the better. Right on Alicia. Not only will he be healthier, but he will have a good bond with you.
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