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Proud breastfeeding mom...Dec 30 '00 Write an essay on this topic.I am new to this entire Epinions site, but I found this topic quite interesting. I am a proud breastfeeding mom of four children. The reasons I chose to breastfeed were simple: 1) To build up the immunity in my babies, 2) Because I could, 3) I believe that the nutrition is superior (more DHA), 4) To limit ear infections, and 5) It was supposed to help prevent some causes of speech delay. Having said all this, even with breastfeeding, two of my children suffer from speech delay issues. Oh well, I guess it was worth the try. In any case, I took some offense to some of the opinions of the non-breastfeeding moms. They seem to feel that they are being judged by the breastfeeding moms. Well, I can tell you that in my case, I think that I was judged by those who were not moms as to my choice. When I had my two older children I was a Senior Manager in Information Systems at a well known high tech company. I had to pump during lunch etc., in my office. Obviously I did this with the door closed, but I was told by someone who worked at the company that they thought it was unprofessional to worry about such things at work. When I had to fly to Austin on a business trip, I insisted on taking my baby with me. Since I was not very good at pumping (even with the top of the line Madela), I knew that I would "dry up" if I did not take my son. My husband went with me so that he could take care of our baby while I was at the office. I had untold number of comments that they couldn't believe I was taking my baby with me. When my second child was 10 months old I decided to "chuck" my career along with my MBA and become a stay at home mom. I then decided that I really wanted to try once more for a little girl. So then what happened, well I got twins--boys! Since I was then a stay at home mom I decided to breastfeed again without having to supplement with formula or pumping. This brings me to my second bone of contention with some of the non-breastfeeders--and that is the problem that they have with people breastfeeding in public. By my nature, I was somewhat uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, so with my first two children I did go to the public bathrooms when I was out. I felt very guilty about this, however. It is pretty disgusting to be feeding a newborn in some rather dirty bathrooms! With my twins, however, my attitude changed. There was no way I was going to take a then 4 yo, 2yo, and two newborns to a public restroom while I nursed two infants. You try telling small kids not to touch anything for forty minutes or so, so you can nurse. It simply wasn't possible. I then decided to be a little more brave and nurse in public. I tried my best to always be discreet, but I'm afraid that is not always possible. I read one opinion from a woman who said please always make sure your stomach, bra, breast etc., doesn't show if you breastfeed in public. This is much easier said than done. Although I always tried to cover up, things happen. As a newborn, sometimes the baby comes "unlatched". You then have to try to get them to latch back on while you are trying to stay covered etc. When the baby gets a little older, they try to continue pulling down the receiving blanket that is supposed to be ensuring your privacy. I am sure at times, I have not been entirely covered by one of these little "incidents". I read someone's comment that they thought such "incidents" were terrible for little ones to see. Ladies, let's be real. Little children do not have the hang ups that we as adults do. They do not see a woman's breast and see some kind of sexual object. When your child sees a woman breastfeeding in public and wants to know what she is doing, simply explain to them that the woman is feeding her child. If your child is old enough to understand, you can even use it as a learning experience to teach your child about things like where the milk they drink comes from, etc So while I would never judge a woman for not breastfeeding, please don't judge me for doing the best job that I can to do what I feel is right for my child. I do know that breastfeeding is not right for every woman. Some are taking medications, some are physically not able to breastfeed, some don't produce enough milk, and some simply choose not to. I would like to offer encouragement to all those woman who are trying, but just can't get the hang of it. Please call your local La Leche league. They were instrumental in helping me when I was ready to give up nursing my first baby. He wanted to nurse around the clock, and the doctors were pretty useless. I never attended their meetings, but they were incredibly helpful over the phone. One other comment, sometimes breastfed children tend to become a little "chunky". Okay, mine got downright huge. My doctor told me he thought I had cream in my breasts! Anyway, if I heard it from one person, I heard it from over 100 people that they thought my children would be football players. Just so you know that line gets a little old. While I'm on the subject, one other thing... Although babies are really cute, it is really not necessary to go up to a child that you don't know and touch him.... Some babies and some moms are not too appreciative of that.  |
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