Alicia Silverstone defends 'mouth-to-mouth' baby feeding

Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Alicia Silverstone defends 'mouth-to-mouth' baby feeding
Alicia Silverstone feeding her 11-month-old son Bear Blu from her own mouth. © Youtube.

Alicia Silverstone has defended her controversial "mouth-to-mouth" method of feeding her 11-month-old son, saying it "makes me laugh".

Alicia, 35, was widely condemned when she posted a Youtube video of herself chewing son Bear Blu's food before passing it from her mouth to his.

Related: Is it ever okay to tell your child they're fat?

Medical experts declared the practice "unhygienic" and thousands of mothers branded it just plain disgusting.

But Alicia says she won't stop feeding her son from her own mouth because she think's it's "adorable" and it makes her laugh.

When questioned about the practice in a Q+A with Amy Heckerling — the director of her latest film Vamps — at the Brooklyn Academy of Art and Music, the actress launched into an impassioned defence of her actions.

"People have been feeding their kids that way for thousands for years," she said. "It's a weaning process. I think it's adorable and it makes me laugh every time he does it.

"He attacks my mouth and I think it's adorable. He also knows how to use his hands and he also eats regular food. He still breastfeeds. Some people think that's disgusting too, which is insane."

Alicia said she doesn't regret posting the video online, and claimed her husband Christopher Jarecki has had several people approach him to voice their support for Alicia's feeding methods.

"Every time my husband goes to the YMCA some guy comes over and says, 'That's how we do it in the south!'

Related: Why our kids need to know more about sex

"Between him getting those great comments and me knowing in my gut it's natural and lovely, I really wasn't trying to tell anybody what to do.

"I wasn't saying this was anything somebody should do. I wasn't trying to be independent or cause such a ruckus. I'm very glad that I did it."

Your say: Do you think Alicia Silverstone's "mouth-to-mouth" feeding method is natural or disgusting?

Video: Alicia Silverstone feeds her baby like a bird

Recipe Search

Tip: Try "lamb & potato" or "Low GI"
advertisement
    Features
    Pictures
    Video
    Gwyneth Paltrow reveals strict daily regimeEver wondered what it would be like to live a day in the life of the world's most beautiful woman? You might need to build up your stamina before giving it a shot. Why you should vote for this Bachelor longshotWhen Reuben Mourad entered the Cleo Bachelor of the Year Awards he hoped his application would get some attention, but not for the reason it has. A constant support, an outstanding First Lady: Bob Hawke remembers HazelFormer Prime Minister Bob Hawke has added a heartfelt tribute to his late former wife Hazel Hawke as the nation mourns the woman he remembers "with deep affection". Hazel Hawke dies aged 83Hazel Hawke, the much loved former wife of Labor’s longest serving prime minister Bob Hawke has passed away aged 83. What your kids are really up to onlineIt's no shock that tweens — children between the ages of eight and 12 — spend an average of one and a half hours online each day, but what they spend their time doing on desktop computer, laptops, smartphones and tablets might surprise some parents.

    Chelsea Flower Show winner Phillip...

    Chelsea Flower Show winner Phillip Johnson's corner of paradiseAustralian horticulturist Phillip Johnson has claimed best in show at this...More >

    The battle for Hazel Hawke's legacy

    The battle for Hazel Hawke's legacyWhen it comes to legacies, no matter who we are and what we have achieved, we...More >
    The best warming winter soupsThe best warming winter soups Horoscopes by Jessica AdamsHoroscopes by Jessica Adams

    Weekly newsletter

    Recipes in your inboxWe send you the latest recipes from the Weekly plus all the week's best bits to your inbox.
    Sign up now >
    ww |

    topics

    Handy hints(740)/ Expert advice(530)/ Books(451)/ natural health(438)/ Royals(391)/ diet(369)/ Food(358)/ Recipes(349)/ Royal Family(322)/ Health(284)/ Celebrities(254)

    Also on Ninemsn