It seems as though in this day and age, you can’t do anything without offending someone. When I first found out I was going to have a baby I knew for a fact that I wanted to breast feed. I had my heart set on it and was lucky to not have any complications. I understand it’s every woman’s choice and I whole heartedly support whatever a woman decides. However, I believe that a lot of new moms and even older generations aren’t as informed as one could be. If it’s not for you that’s okay but don’t make those who choose to do so feel uncomfortable. If you don't want to see it, don't look. Normalize Breastfeeding!Most men and women see breasts as sexual but my sweet 8 month old baby sees them as food. Why can’t they be both? Before bottle feeding and formula was created, women used wet nurses; women who breastfed another’s child. It was completely normal to breastfeed your child any and everywhere and it was even normal to pay someone else to breastfeed for you. When formula was created the advertising created to downplayed the amazing benefits of breastfeeding. Why? They did exactly what they were supposed to do-- worry mothers into thinking that breast milk wasn’t sufficient in attempts to make money. All of the early formula advertising I could find stated in some form, “the closest thing to mother’s milk.” My only question is: if their goal was to be as close to mother’s milk as could be, how could breast feeding not be what’s best!? My goal in this article is to not bash one decision or the other but, to simply inform (in my opinion) all soon to be mothers and even the general public about breastfeeding. It is one of the most natural things that you can do for your baby and for most mothers, producing milk begins the second you give birth. As I said in the beginning, I was blessed to not have complications with breastfeeding. If I had, I would have obviously used formula and I even chose to supplement with my son. Breastfeeding is hard work and can be very scary for new moms. You can’t tell how much or how little they eat every time because you can’t physically measure it. But, as long as they’re gaining weight and having regular bowels then the doctor says to rest assure that they are doing just fine. Breastfeeding is so much more than just feeding your baby. It is basically giving them a head start in life, making them less susceptible to a long list of illnesses as well as allergies, obesity and SIDS. Researchers have done studies to show the positive correlation between breastfeeding and cognitive development. There are even linked health benefits for mom! Breastfeeding helps with postpartum issues for instance, helping your uterus contract after birth, postpartum depression and lowering stress levels. It has also been discovered that it may help reduce your risk of ovarian and breast cancer. In addition to all the physical and mental benefits for my baby and myself, it is an incredible bonding experience that I could never replace. I am more than just a food source. I am her pacifier when she’s scared or in pain, her comfort when she’s cranky or doesn’t feel good. I am the one she looks for when she doesn’t know what she wants. It’s a beautiful bond that I will only get to experience for a small amount of time. Please don’t make me feel bad for it. Please don't ask me to go to the bathroom or to the car, if it truly offends you, you don't have to look. If my baby needs to eat, I am going to feed her. I’m not doing it to offend you or to show off my breasts. Please remember...It’s not about you, it’s about her.
