I’ve only been breastfeeding for a month and I am already outraged at people who sexualize the act of feeding your child. Don’t they realize breasts are for breastfeeding? Why else would women have them?
Damian and I took a walk over to Rite Aid today and then to the park, where he decided it was lunch time, so I picked a discreet bench under some trees and away from the road and basketball court and fed him. A lady came by a couple minutes later with her toddler and we talked for a few minutes. She said I was very brave to feed him in public.
I know her statement was not far off the mark (though I feel more stubborn type-A then brave.) I shouldn’t have to be brave to breastfeed in public though, no woman should. I am protected by Washington law after all (unlike Idaho law, so I guess I am out of luck when I go to Coeur d’Alene.) I have more coverage when Damian is at the breast (because of his handsome big baby head) then what I see some teenage girls in the street showing (heck, more then some of my party dresses.) I personally don’t feel that breastfeeding needs to be hidden away as if it were dirty. Breastmilk as well as nursing at the breast (rather then a bottle) is best for babies, there are more then enough studies to support that statement and I want to give my baby the very best since I can.
I was starting to feel like the only one who thought this way (maybe this is what growing up overseas does to you?) but I recently found a group of women who agree, which was nice. Now if only they were local instead of online… Though I think I am going to try to go to a Mindful Mamas meeting this Thursday, I feel I might find some kindred spirits there.
