I know that breastfeeding has been in the news a lot lately and that makes my heart smile. Many people cringe at the mere thought of a child nursing from it's mother's breast. But I feel that it is something that should been seen and talked about. There is no reason for mothers to feel like they need to use an overpriced tarp with some derogatory name brand to hide what she is doing, or even worse, feel that she should use a public restroom to feed her child. All 50 states have laws in place to protect a mother's right to breastfeed anywhere the need should arise, but still there are many that take issue with it. I have breastfed my son every single day for 2 years now and I will continue to do so until he lets me know that he is done. Yes, it can be painful, yes it is certainly exhausting at times, but I still feel like it is an honor to be able to provide him with such a wonderful substance. Many mothers who choose to formula feed their babies for whatever reason often feel that breastfeeding moms are rude and judgemental toward them. However, what those formula feeding moms don't realize is how much flack we breastfeeding moms get as well. I constantly get comments from my parents, grandparents, my clients at work, other moms, even my own husband that it has been going on for too long and he is too old and blah, blah, blah. I turn a deaf ear to that nonsense, just because it isn't considered"the norm" here in the United States, that doesn't change the fact that many other countries breastfeed their children until they are three or even 5 years old. I made this choice not only because of the tremendous benefits for my child, but also the benefits for myself. Lower risk of many cancers, forces me to eat healthier than I might otherwise, and simply the fact that it is free.
When I see a mother breastfeeding her child in public I smile and know that I am witnessing a special, loving moment and I hope that a day comes when more and more people will see it that way as well.
