Though I have very strong opinions when it comes to politics, the environment, and religion, I tend to keep them to myself. A heated debate at Thanksgiving dinner is not something in which I’m likely to participate. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs and I believe whole heartedly that they are entitled to them. I have NO desire to push my opinions on others (my husband excluded, of course) nor do I wish to have others push theirs upon me. At the most, I may share my opinion with you so long as I believe it’s because you care what I think, not because you are looking to start an argument.
On occasion, I do enjoy listening to a good debate. As previously stated, my opinions are strong, but I try to keep an open mind. For example, I once heard an argument so strong that I was convinced a certain former political figure of ours had done something right!! I later came to my senses, but my point is as stubborn as I can be, I like to take all sides into account.
That being said…I am taking a stance, both personally and with my business, to support public breastfeeding. I cannot, for one moment, comprehend how or why people are offended by this. Forget that it is a legal right. Forget that it is moral right. It is a BASIC HUMAN RIGHT!! In a society with T&A out the A**, I’m astonished that there is such a controversy surrounding breastfeeding in public.
Perhaps I wouldn’t feel so passionately about this topic had I not felt discriminated against myself. My daughter was born in September of 2009 amidst the global pandemic of H1N1. As you may or may not know, infants are not eligible for the vaccination until six months of age. I have to admit, being a first time mom, my anxiety of her getting any type of illness was through the roof. After one month of being cooped up in the house, my husband and I decided to venture out on a beautiful fall day. It was exciting to get out and expose her to the world outside of our four walls. And, it was a relief for me because I was beginning to feel like a trapped rat. My fear of her contracting a virus far overshadowed any apprehension I had of feeding her in public. We went to a strip mall, of sorts, with a book store, a fabric store and so on. She let me and everyone else in the store know when she was hungry. Without a thought, I went out to the backseat of my car and began to feed her. You would have thought I was holding a pillow over her head the way people were looking at me. It was awful. I was in my own car and being very discreet!! I then decided that, apparently, it was socially unacceptable and never did it again. Well, excuse me, but that’s bullshit!! It’s a wonder I didn’t go insane this past winter. I confined myself to my home with the exception of she and I’s doctor’s appointments. It mentally took a toll on me.
Know the facts. Your doctor will tell you, the government will tell you, hell, even the formula companies will admit that breast milk is the absolute single best thing you can give to your child. You have the legal right to breastfeed anywhere you like. The thought that some people would suggest hiding in a public restroom to feed your baby is revolting to me. If someone tells you this, ask them if they would like to eat in there. Are you kidding me?? I don’t even like to use them for their intended purpose!! The “breastfeeding in public NO SHAME campaign” is not a new or unique concept. It’s simply another front to unite mothers and supporters to raise awareness to the public and give confidence to the women who are doing something wonderful. They should be proud, not ashamed!!
I was, and still am, very naïve about pregnancy, motherhood, and everything that goes along with it. By no means am I claiming to be an expert. I learn something new every day. All I can do is share my own experience in hopes that it will help others. I will continue to share articles and blogs on this topic. The best advice I can give is to educate and surround yourself with the support of other mothers. You are not alone!!
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