Breastfeeding Isn't a Dirty Word

My blood has been boiling for over 48 hours. Maybe one day, I'll be one of those chill moms, who doesn't care. Go with the flow, chill, and just enjoy everything...not care about idiots. So this may be a bit long winded, but after this morning when I couldn't gather all my thoughts, I had to get it in writing somewhere!

I saw this post on a DJ's Facebook page, who I was a fan of about his wife: "Stacey is appalled by a woman at this restaurant that is breast feeding her child that has a full set of teeth."

Ok, here are some of the worst responses:

"Gross."

"That is crazy!!!!!! Are you in a third world country? If so, it is ok."

"Ahhh, ya. I would be too. Nasty. It gets to a point that it's not for the child anymore, and instead is replaced by this misguided belief that she is helping her child. Nasty!"

"kid prolly standing up to her tit... is he wearing a bib or using the restaurants dinner napkin? it's all about etiquette."

"I thought they banned this....they need to."

"Some people need sterilization!!"

"Ouch! Not while we're eating ladies, please. Don't get me started on the child's age."

"hope they crank up the air & he starts chattering. that's nasty."

Most people's suggestion? Go nurse your baby in the restroom. YES, for real.

Here are my comments:

"These rude comments are appalling and totally uneducated. Are you as disgusted to see babies/toddlers drinking bottles or sucking pacifiers? Breastfeeding is a way to feed or comfort a child, the same as a bottle or pacifier, and women shouldn't have to go to the germ filled bathroom or their car to feed their babies. And babies don't realize, Oh I have to wait to eat. An older child who still nurses may understand that, but a full set of teeth has nothing to do with it. Look the other way and get a grip. There's no need to stare at something way more natural than a bottle. Its hard to keep a blanket over a baby while nursing. Babies dont have blankets over their heads while drinking a bottle. Breasts were made to feed children. Society has Sexualized them so much, and thats Why you are uncomfortable. Would staring at a half naked picture Of a model while you're eating make you "sick" or "disgusted"?? Give me a break. Breastfeeding IS allowed in public and restaurants everywhere so get used to it! And before everyone starts in on how this child wasn't a baby, I get that. I'm just responding to an array of idiotic comments. The sterilization one was probably the most outrageous, so pat yourself on the back for that load of crap!!"

I actually called in and was on the radio this morning too. I didn't get all of my points across because it was early, I hadn't had any coffee, and I was nervous and shaking like a leaf and watching Parker and Lily play on the stairs. But it felt good to serve as a representative for breastfeeding mothers.

I hate to break it to everyone, but breastfeeding is not gross, inappropriate, or sexual. It is one of the most natural things a woman can for her child. It is more natural than bottles and formula. God made breasts so that women could nurish their children. It makes you uncomfortable because you are uneducated about breastfeeding or you are equating the breast to sexuality, largely due to society and the media's influence. It is so so SO sad that the United States is so uncomfortable with breastfeeding. If everyone didn't act so weird about it, we would save millions of dollars by not supplying formula through the WIC program. Even doctors are paid to encourage mothers to try different types of formula samples. It is sad and pathetic that we think breastfeeding is weird, when, in actuality, formula and bottles are extremely unnatural. We would also have healthier children who are less likely to get sick or become obese.

Furthermore, many children do not stop breastfeeding at the magic age of one. Children breastfeed for nutrition, comfort, and bonding with their mothers. Teeth have nothing to do with it. When Parker got his first teeth, he did bite or time or two, and people would say, "Uh oh, he has teeth. Time to start formula." Uh, give me a break. Saying ouch! once or twice did the trick.

Parker is 12.5 months and still nurses at least 5 times a day. When he doesn't eat well during the day, I'm glad I can nourish him with breastmilk, instead of having to supplement with something like formula. He gets everything he needs from it. He is very healthy due to all the antibodies that I give him through the milk. He is comforted and knows that he is safe. Just as a pacifier, blanket, or bottle that many children have until they are 3 or 4, breastfeeding serves as a calming and comforting tool for him.

I don't know how long I will breastfeed him. He is more inclined to nurse when he first wakes up and when he goes to sleep. He eats lots of big people food. He is a busy little boy with his toys and his sister during the day. But he still nurses, and I will not go through some forced weaning scenario just because people think its "gross" or like they just arrived in "some third world country."

If you breastfeed--I encourage you to do it in public! Make everyone aware that it is not gross, perverted, or weird. It is the most natural thing you can do, and one of the best gifts you can EVER give to your baby.

Also, I know lots and lots of people who give their babies formula. I would never talk ugly to them or stare at them in disgust or make judging misconceptions about them. I am still respectful of them, and people MUST respect nursing mothers. I do however, try to encourage every expectant mother I know to at least TRY breastfeeding. I didn't breastfeed Lily, but thanks to two VERY special and dear friends who gave me tons of advice and offered support, I have had a very successful breastfeeding relationship with Parker.

The most skin I ever show: (this is actually the first nursing picture I have ever posted of Parker)

Edit: I almost forgot-I'm linking up with Toddle Along Tuesday!