As a Mummy who breastfeeds, I take offense at these ignorant comments. The first and foremost purpose of breasts is to feed a child - they are called mammary glands for a reason. So I have posted this photo of Pickle feeding to show what a beautiful thing it is to me when my darling boy looks into my eyes as I'm feeding him. It is an incredible feeling of trust and nurturing.
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| 76/366 - 16 Mar 2012 |
Now I've had numerous friends who have either been unable to breastfeed their babies for whatever reason, and I'm not criticising bottle-feeding babies in any way. Mummies have to do what is best for them and their babies. Full stop.
What I object to is people telling me that I shouldn't leave the house, or that I should express and then bottle feed (yes, someone actually said this to me on Twitter). Obviously they've never expressed, as it's not the most pleasant sensation, takes far longer than breastfeeding, and it's not like I've got oodles of time to spare. Besides, it's a natural part of life! If you stare at someone breastfeeding long enough, you're bound to see some nipple; my advice if it offends you is: don't look or get over it.
While I love this picture of Pickle, and I do try to be discreet when breastfeeding, I still feel this photo may be a little subtle, so no doubt there will be some future posts.
Cheers, KangaRue :)
well said you, breast fed all mine as long as I could and it is a lovely feeling. In public a carefully draped blanket does the job. I think it is terrible people feel page 3 is "normal" that girls are scantiy glad with all sorts showing and people think it is ok but breast feeding is frowned upon.....people have strange ideas
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful picture. I tried to breastfeed but it didn't work out for me so I haven't had to deal with small minded/stupid people. It makes me wonder how anyone of any intelligence could liken it to pornography. I was actually opened mouthed with shock when I read that. People astound me with their stupidity at times, they really do!
ReplyDeletehere here, that is a beautiful photo, and i agree breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the worldi breatsfed all three of mine, in public and happily posted pictures to facebook of me feeding x
ReplyDeleteI could never get into breast feeding myself but have 2 healthy grown up sons so not doing never harmed them (as far as I can tell!)
ReplyDeleteI do however feel that I missed out on something by not breastfeeding. I have the utmost respect for any Mum that does it.
Well said Kangarue..
Hi Elaine - I wear breastfeeding tops that have layers that cover openings. Blankets can be less effective as babies sometimes need to look at Mum - but yes, when I've been out in a top that only comes down I've sometimes used a muslin. Babies shouldn't have to eat under a blanket - we don't! Yes, totally agree that the Page-3 and the like shouldn't be the norm! There is a great comic strip I've seen that conceptualises that perfectly.
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine - I wear breastfeeding tops that have layers that cover openings. Blankets can be less effective as babies sometimes need to look at Mum - but yes, when I've been out in a top that only comes down I've sometimes used a muslin. Babies shouldn't have to eat under a blanket - we don't! Yes, totally agree that the Page-3 and the like shouldn't be the norm! There is a great comic strip I've seen that conceptualises that perfectly.
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine - I wear breastfeeding tops that have layers that cover openings. Blankets can be less effective as babies sometimes need to look at Mum - but yes, when I've been out in a top that only comes down I've sometimes used a muslin. Babies shouldn't have to eat under a blanket - we don't! Yes, totally agree that the Page-3 and the like shouldn't be the norm! There is a great comic strip I've seen that conceptualises that perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue. Don't feel like you missed anything - there are good and not so good points on both sides. You did the best for you and your sons. Feeding Pickle can be a tie at time - I haven't gotten on particularly well with pumping, so I have to be available for him. Having said that, I do enjoy the bond.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah - did you ever have any issues with Facebook removing photos? I know it's been an issue for some people.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable isn't it.
ReplyDeleteI never had mine removed, but knew of some friends who had theirs removed, i put mine as my profile pictures for a good while in protest, joined a group which was in reply to some having their photos removed, not sure if its still running or not it had thousands of members, but that was when i was still feeding my littlest he stopped when he was about 18 months old hes nearly 5 now! time flies x
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