This post will be controversial, you may not agree with me, but I request you keep your comments tactful, as insulting someone's mothering is crossing the line.
Breastfeeding.
Why is something so natural considered "taboo"?
I made the personal choice while pregnant (actually I've always thought I would) to exclusively breastfeed our daughter Brooklynn from the start. Travis completely agreed. After research, recommendation, and most importantly the strong natural desire to; it was a no-brainer. I do not write this post with any intention to offend those who don't breastfeed, especially because I know some women truly aren't capable, and for that I'm sorry. This post is more so about nursing in public, and why it isn't more commonplace.
I was recently discussing the topic with a friend, while we were both nursing our babies in public, obviously. She's from Texas, but has lived in several European countries over the past few years. She mentioned that when she's there, she's able to nurse her babies in the middle of anywhere public, with no hesitation, as no one around even bats an eye. For some reason, people over there understand the incredible beauty that is breastfeeding and we over here in good ol 'Merica, just don't seem to get it.
I've been thinking about when to post this blog for a while, and after the incident at George W Bush Presidential Library, I was outraged and needed to speak up. http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/dallas/Mom-talks-after-breastfeeding-flap-at-Bush-Library-270057321.html
I challenge all of you to ask yourselves, would you like to eat your meals in a bathroom stall? What about a hot car, that only cools down by the time you're finished, in the cruel Texas summer heat or freezing cold in the winter? Would you like to feel suffocated and hot with a blanket over your face while trying to enjoy your dinner? Didn't think so! So then why the heck are we subjecting our sweet babies to these fine dining experiences? They, of all of us, deserve the highest end cuisine and locale.
When my daughter was first born, until well quite honestly she was almost a year, I would go hide somewhere to nurse her. Which actually shames me to admit, I wasn't doing anything wrong, in fact I was doing something amazing. I was and still am certainly proud of the fact that I exclusively breastfed and continue to with combination of real healthy foods for my daughter. So why was I rushing us off to a cramped bathroom stall (which, for the record, feels gross even in the ritziest places.) to nourish and comfort my child? It's ridiculous really, and I'm saddened I didn't come to this epiphany sooner. Well, for the past seven months I have chosen to breastfeed, publicly and I don't even blush about it. And I thank celebrities with the same beliefs that have bigger voices due to their fame, that can spread the same support like one of my favorites Olivia Wilde in the newest edition of Glamour. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/05/olivia-wilde-breastfeeds-glamour_n_5650596.html
What I hope to get across with this post, is that breastfeeding in public should not be glared at or looked down upon. Women shouldn't feel embarrassed or obligated to "hide" to take care of their baby. They should be able to sit in the comfort of where they are, and without hesitation nurse. There is no reason for people to look at it negatively. Sure you may see breasts, big deal. I guarantee the men that gawk (which by the way, don't be that guy) have all seen plenty, women have their own, and children are naïve enough and should be raised to know it's an okay thing. No one should be offended; it's not an illicit act, it's a natural and beautiful one. So, let's not only stop with the awkward glares or sometimes worse snide comments. Instead, let's encourage mommies to continue nourishing and nurturing their children the best way possible, wherever they please, and do so happily.
and sometimes babies are hungry on nine hour roadtrips, you do what you have to when you can't pull over...
Boobies for the win!
I made the personal choice while pregnant (actually I've always thought I would) to exclusively breastfeed our daughter Brooklynn from the start. Travis completely agreed. After research, recommendation, and most importantly the strong natural desire to; it was a no-brainer. I do not write this post with any intention to offend those who don't breastfeed, especially because I know some women truly aren't capable, and for that I'm sorry. This post is more so about nursing in public, and why it isn't more commonplace.
I was recently discussing the topic with a friend, while we were both nursing our babies in public, obviously. She's from Texas, but has lived in several European countries over the past few years. She mentioned that when she's there, she's able to nurse her babies in the middle of anywhere public, with no hesitation, as no one around even bats an eye. For some reason, people over there understand the incredible beauty that is breastfeeding and we over here in good ol 'Merica, just don't seem to get it.
I've been thinking about when to post this blog for a while, and after the incident at George W Bush Presidential Library, I was outraged and needed to speak up. http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/dallas/Mom-talks-after-breastfeeding-flap-at-Bush-Library-270057321.html
I challenge all of you to ask yourselves, would you like to eat your meals in a bathroom stall? What about a hot car, that only cools down by the time you're finished, in the cruel Texas summer heat or freezing cold in the winter? Would you like to feel suffocated and hot with a blanket over your face while trying to enjoy your dinner? Didn't think so! So then why the heck are we subjecting our sweet babies to these fine dining experiences? They, of all of us, deserve the highest end cuisine and locale.
When my daughter was first born, until well quite honestly she was almost a year, I would go hide somewhere to nurse her. Which actually shames me to admit, I wasn't doing anything wrong, in fact I was doing something amazing. I was and still am certainly proud of the fact that I exclusively breastfed and continue to with combination of real healthy foods for my daughter. So why was I rushing us off to a cramped bathroom stall (which, for the record, feels gross even in the ritziest places.) to nourish and comfort my child? It's ridiculous really, and I'm saddened I didn't come to this epiphany sooner. Well, for the past seven months I have chosen to breastfeed, publicly and I don't even blush about it. And I thank celebrities with the same beliefs that have bigger voices due to their fame, that can spread the same support like one of my favorites Olivia Wilde in the newest edition of Glamour. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/05/olivia-wilde-breastfeeds-glamour_n_5650596.html
What I hope to get across with this post, is that breastfeeding in public should not be glared at or looked down upon. Women shouldn't feel embarrassed or obligated to "hide" to take care of their baby. They should be able to sit in the comfort of where they are, and without hesitation nurse. There is no reason for people to look at it negatively. Sure you may see breasts, big deal. I guarantee the men that gawk (which by the way, don't be that guy) have all seen plenty, women have their own, and children are naïve enough and should be raised to know it's an okay thing. No one should be offended; it's not an illicit act, it's a natural and beautiful one. So, let's not only stop with the awkward glares or sometimes worse snide comments. Instead, let's encourage mommies to continue nourishing and nurturing their children the best way possible, wherever they please, and do so happily.
and sometimes babies are hungry on nine hour roadtrips, you do what you have to when you can't pull over...
Boobies for the win!
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