A woman who shared information about her 'unsupportive' husband on a breastfeeding forum was inundated with 'unhelpful' comments in a spectacular backlash against him.
The mum shared her story anonymously on the online forum Breastfeeders in Australia, which has more than 30,000 members.
Due to the controversial nature of the post's contents, the forum administrators had to delete all comments - which "ranged from upset to concerned and even absolutely outraged" - and edit her original question.
They wrote: "Although all of the comments had the best of intentions, the member did not find many of comments suggesting she was being abused, or that she should leave her husband, very helpful."
The woman's plea for advice
“My husband wants me to stop breastfeeding my son.
"We have daughters together, but he makes fun of my son when he cries for me, and says things like 'he’s such a girl.'
"My husband also thinks I should stop breastfeeding because he says it’s stopping me from losing weight.
"He isn’t open to the idea of talking to a professional about this.
"Has anyone got any advice on dealing with an unsupportive husband?”
Fortunately for her, one response was deemed helpful and suitable enough for it to stay on the site.
It was written by Gina Haitidis who, the forum managers report, has a degree in sociology and criminology, as well as a masters in both social work and forensic mental health majoring in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Qualified enough, then, to comment on the woman's problems.
Gina writes that she "has quite a bit of training in this kind of thing" and, based on the information available to her, she believes that the husband is "possibly unsure of his role in your family dynamic and relationship".
She then goes on to list the three reasons below.
1. "Your third child is a boy and he as a father possibly has had fantasies surrounding the relationship he would have with his son.
"It appears (most likely because your son is still very young) that you are living out your husband’s fantasises, but he is not. This could make him somewhat jealous and insecure."
2. "This is further emphasised through his remarks of saying your son is being like a girl when he cries for you.
"Your husband may be saying this for two reasons – One being again he is not the first point of protection or comfort and two, he would feel somewhat left out of your special relationship."
3. "With respect to your weight I’m not sure of the background to the comment, but if you yourself have mentioned weight loss in the past, then this might be a way of him trying to persuade you in a positive supportive light (although it might not come across that way).
"Or if you have brought it up in a negative light, again his way of trying to somewhat emotionally provoke you to stop.
"He may think that if you stop breastfeeding, he can be with you and have possible a more confident role in both his relationship as a father and partner."
You can read the full post on the Breastfeeders in Australia forum and more comments on the issue on the Mamamia website .
If you are struggling with the behaviour of a partner and think you might be in an abusive relationship, you can seek help via the free 24-hour UK National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.