What do YOU think about Breastfeeding?

The following are questions I have submitted to different people-some are moms who have breastfed,formula fed or a combination.Some are women who have yet to become a mother.Some are from a man's point of view........I asked for complete honesty and that's what I got!

If you would like to add your opinion,please Email me at:

moreorlesscrunchy@gmail.com


Can you recall the first time you saw a mother breastfeeding?When-and what did you think?


"It was my aunt breastfeeding her first. I was around 9 and was slightly uncomfortable with it because I had never seen it before."

"My first strong memory of a breastfeeding mother happened when I was in Mexico on a mission trip (I must of been around 11 years old). The mother had her child in a sling of sorts and was letting it all hang out so the baby could eat at ease. There was absolutely no reserve or modesty and nobody seemed to care! I remember being a bit shocked, but not really caring too much either (since nobody else made a big fuss, why should I?)."

"I recall being more curious about it than anything else - I was very young."

"I think I was around 10. I was wondering why she didn't go to the other room. I didn't like seeing her breast."


" Honestly don't remember...."



What do YOU feel the benefits of breastfeeding are?


"I know most people say that it's a special bond between the baby and the mother but I honestly had the same bonding experience with my formula fed babies. I do think that it's healthier for the child, it's definitely an immune system booster."


"The baby gets the nutrition designed EXACTLY for him/her! It's the perfectbalance! Substitutions, like formula, simply can't equal it. Other benefits are that it helps with postpartum weight loss A very very nice thing - lol!"


"Great nutrition, mother-child bonding, kinda the way God intended :)"


"I really don't know. I just think cows milk is made for a
baby cow. Human Mothers milk is made for human baby."


"It is good for mom and baby, free, and helps bond with baby."



What do you feel about children seeing a woman breastfeeding?


 "I want children to see it to realize that breastfeeding is normal and natural. I love that my children see me breastfeeding and have almost forgotten that I used a bottle with the other siblings. I think it's sweet that they want to breastfeeding their babies, their stuffed animals, and offer to feed their brother."


"Weeeell... if they asked about it I'd probably just say, "see, she's just feeding her baby like Mommy does." I'd make it as little a deal as possible and move on *shrug* "

" I think it's ok - as long as it's at least a little bit discreet"

"I don't think children should see the breast.
But if they don't see the breast it's fine."



"Depending on the age.... this is actually interesting because I had a hard time nursing my youngest in front of my tween sons for the longest time."



Is breastfeeding sexual?


 "Not in the least."

"No"

"Oh god no."

"No."

"Not at all."



Do you feel breastfeeding is a sensual,intimate moment that should be kept private?


"Nope. If a mother feels that way, by all means, keep it private but that's not how I feel about nursing."

Not sensual, in my opinion, but private, yes. But then again, I'm a very private individual in the first place! I have a VERY hard time breastfeeding anywhere but at home!

" I think it should be done with taste. Contrary to some beliefs, I'm not sure you should whip out a tit and breastfeed at a dinner party (I've seen it). Just because it's beautiful and natural doesn't mean women have the right to do it any and everywhere at any time."

"Yes, I think it is a intimate moment for mother and baby. No. I don't think it should be kept so private.
I feel that no one ever see you breastfeeding.But I do think women should have respect for others and not show the breast. Knowing what you are doing is fine. I think others see it as a intimate moment too."

"No it is a necessity for a mother that chooses to do so."



What do you think most people feel when they see a woman breastfeeding?


"I think most people's first reaction is to be a bit uncomfortable which saddens me."

"Most people seem to glance furtively and move on... like its something R-rated... I'm not sure what they feel, though."

"I think it depends. Is she being discreet? Is there boob showing? Is the kid too old?"

"Awesome! well I do. I love to see a mother Breastfeeding not with a bottle."


"I think it makes most people feel embarrassed."



How often do you see a mother breastfeeding in public? Is she modest?


"I honestly don't remember seeing anyone breastfeeding in public unless you count in a mother's group at church or in the nursing mother's room at church. I've never seen anyone *not* be modest about it but I don't think a quick glimpse of nipple if you look before the baby is latched on to be immodest."

"Almost never, to be honest. The rare occasion that I have, yes it's always been modest. Most women don't want to show skin! They just want to feed their baby."

" It happens frequently and most of the time yes she's modest."

"Not so often any more. I say the ones I have seen its a half an half with the modest."


"Is she modest? I really don't pay attention...and I don't get out much. LOL."


Should a mother use a blanket to cover up while breastfeeding?


"Not unless the mother wants to do so. I don't like the blanket, I get overheated easily and so does the baby. We can nurse discreetly without it."


"Not necessarily. It's only when burping or re-adjusting or switching sides that a blanket would come in necessary/handy. No woman should feel like she HAS to use a blanket, though."

"YES."

"YES!!!!!!!!! It is Not sexual, But we teach are kids not to
show their bodies and just because it is breastfeeding doesn't mean its ok to show it then."

"Only if she chooses as long as she is not being over the top immodest."


Do you think more women are driven to formula feed instead of breastfeed out of shame (in public)?


"Absolutely. I have support and know that breastfeeding is the best way of feeding an infant and I STILL felt uncomfortable nursing in public at first."

"Partly, yes. Though, honestly, when I formula fed my first I felt VERY ashamed when feeding her in public. I thought for SURe I would get comments of the "you should be breastfeeing!" nature. (For the record, I never did) So, I think shame can go both ways."

" I really don't know. I see it happening quite often so I'd say no but I've never been in the situation so it's hard to say."

"No! I think they are lazy and don't want to take the time to do it. Shopping is so important you know."

I really don't know.... I mean there is always the option to pump if you are really uncomfortable in public."



Why do you think the breastfeeding rates are so low in the US?


"It's not as easy as people say. It hurts a lot of the time in the beginning. It is not culturally acceptable to some to breastfeed. People give you a lot of nasty comments for it. The social norm is formula feeding and a lot of people lean toward FF simply because it is the social norm."


"Advertisments everywhere selling formula that is "just as good as breastmilk!" (found in parenting and baby magazines too), low support from family (my family was not too supportive and kept asking me when I planned on quitting!), and don't forget hospitals who are quick to offer an alternative to formula if you so much as LOOK like you're struggling. They even send formula home with the new mom.
Formula seems to be the new "cure all". Oh, you are having a hard time? Just use formula. Your baby has jaundice? Give him formula. Can't latch? Formula makes it better. Baby has pneumonia? Formula! Is he missing a leg? Formula's the answer!! The point is... they just make it too easy to give up and quit."

" I didn't know they were. :) I would guess that formula is easier, less painful, and there could be some "public shame" element to it."

"Lazy mothers, who don't want to take time to Breastfeed."


"It is kind of taboo... people are uneducated and uncomfortable about it."



Are there people/places a woman should never breastfeed around?


"Nope"

"No. A baby needs to eat, regardless of time and location."

"I don't think there is a blanket rule but the situation should dictate."

"Bars"

"I eat wherever I please a baby has the same right. I would much rather observe a baby being breastfed than listen to a hungry baby cry."



Do you think it's disgusting or repulsive to see a woman nurse in public?


"Nope"

"No, not unless she's trying to make herself disgusting and repulsive. I've never seen that happen."
 
" Not especially, it depends on how much is visible. Boob visible while breastfeeding in a restaurant? Not ok."

"No"

"Not at all unless she is being flamboyant which I have never witnessed."




Do you feel mothers should nurse the baby in the restroom rather than in front of people?


"Absolutely not. I don't eat in a bathroom, therefore I wouldn't want my child to eat in a bathroom."

"No, but I could see myself choosing such a location (not on a toilet, but some bathrooms have couches/benches) just for the added privacy."

" Sometimes yes - it's awkward for those around. Again, depends on the company."

"Why would you feed your baby in a restroom that's disgusting.So long as she's covered I don't see anything wrong with nursing the baby in front of people."

 "Ummm no.I wouldn't expect my dog to eat in a restroom let alone a human being."



Is it true babies who receive bottles should be able to eat anywhere?


"Yes"

"Sure"

" Not sure I understand this question. I guess so, since the issue (at least for me) is not the babies eating, it's how much of a woman I may or may not see. :)"


"I don't see why not."


"Yes when a baby needs to eat they need to eat."




Should breastfeeding mothers supplement with formula while on-the-go?


"Not unless they want to do so. I wouldn't ever do it myself."

"No, no need. Some moms will pump and bottle feed while on the go. I prefer to just pull over and stop for a few minutes This generation is all about convenience, ease, personal comfort, and... did I mention convenience? That's really what formula feeding tends to be about... that and the money the formula companies are raking in!!" 

" Entirely their choice. I know mothers who pre-pump milk to take with them on the go if they know there won't be a convenient spot to feed."

"No. I mean they can if they want to.But why spend money when your body makes it for free."

"No,some breast fed babies cannot drink from a bottle."




If a mother is being extremely discreet,should there be an issue with her feeding her baby in public?


"Nope. I'm not going to knock a mother for breastfeeding in public even if she would like to have her entire breast out. It's not always easy to be discreet in the beginning of the nursing relationship."

"No"

" Not really - baby's gotta eat!"

"No."

"No"



Is the issue with breastfeeding in public a result of formula feeding being most common in America?


"I do think it plays a heavy role."

"I think it's also a mental thing.. People seem to view breastfeeding as... gross. Messy, too personal... I know my mother and sister and grandmother view it that way... "

" Could be but also you know how we Americans are susceptible to marketing. Hell, we buy bottled WATER. Enough commercials and we'll buy anything."

"Yes"

"No,however I think if breastfeeding were more common it would not be so shocking to see."




How and where do you feel babies should be nursed?


"Whenever and wherever the baby needs to eat."

"Discreetly(out of courtesy to others who don't want to see skin) and anywhere"

" Again, depends on the situation. If public, I would expect not to see boob."

"Anywhere the mother is ok with it.But keep it covered around others."

"They should eat wherever they need to and how they are used to."


Why do you think that media containing sexually explicit images(billboards,magazines,music videos) is acceptable ,yet breastfeeding should be something shameful-even to women who are modest..?


"You got me. *lol* People are desensitized to sexually explicit images and when they see breasts being used for their intended function, it tends to make them uncomfortable because they don't want to relate anything sexual with an infant perhaps."

"Shouldn't be. It's a messed up world... everything is backwards. And I could go on and on and rant about that, but I won't."

" Well we'd have to establish "sexually explicit". But if you mean like bathing suits and low cut dresses in media - well, those things aren't real. It's an image - not a real person." 

"I have no clue."

"Because breastfeeding is not the norm."




What history do you have with breastfeeding (you breastfed,a relative,friend etc)?


"I attempted to breastfeed my older three but they couldn't latch properly, I am currently breastfeeding my fourth child. I have two aunts who nursed their children though one supplemented heavily with formula. I have several friends who breastfeed but also, most supplement with formula as well. My "online" friends are the ones who nurse exclusively."


"My grandmother didn't breastfeed any of her four children ("it was too messy" she says), my mother breastfed at the longest 1 or 2 months per baby, and I... nursed my first for 2.5 weeks then quit out of desperation (I felt like everything under the sun went wrong!). My baby had a HORRIBLE latch that wasn't corrected , due to my absolute ignorance and no help, then we had a horrible yeast infection on top of that plus, later, mastitis. I couldn't handle it anymore and hated every single feeding. It was INCREDIBLY painful! Baby #2 I successfully breastfed for 14.5 months and baby #3 was breastfed for 9 months - then I got pregnant with #4 and lost my milk supply. My husband was very supportive of my desire to breastfeed, thankfully.
I tend to go counter-culture on a lot of things anyhow. Breastfeeding was something I wanted to do regardless of others opinions and the more I researched it the more I wanted to do it ESPECIALLY for the BABY's sake!"



" I think I breastfed - not sure exactly.
A few months back I did see a woman walking through a store carrying what had to be at least a 4 year old on her teet. No blanket, shirt pulled up over BOTH breasts, gut hanging out. It was just horribly inappropriate."


"I was breastfed.
 Breastfeeding is a awesome thing. God gave us free food for babies why spend money when you don't have to"


"I tried to bf my first son but received no support and was a young mother, I did not attempt to bf at all with my second son, my third I started bfing but a hospital stay for her hindered that and lack of support, my fourth bf for about three months until she developed severe reflux and I feel like I was tricked into stopping, my fifth it was months of passing thrush back and forth that made me stop.
 In my experiences it is truly challenging to breastfeed and anyone who can do it has my praises. Any amount of breastfeeding whether for one day or one year is beneficial for baby and you are giving them something no one else can."

Peek-A-Boo....Oops!!!

It never fails.
The first time I open my mouth about something it comes back to bite me right in the...well,you know where.
It happened to  me when my brother and his wife became pregnant when their littlest one was about 4 months old.
My youngest was only 6 months younger than their little one and I thought "Wow,I would never have my kids so close together!"
Uh-huh,sure.......
I gave birth to another baby six months after they had theirs-so their two were 13 months apart and my two youngest were 14 months apart.

So,when it came to breastfeeding in public-and the 'discretion' I claimed all mothers use so consciously-it should've come as no big surprise that I had a...uhm,mishap.

Hubby and I took our boys to church...Towards the end of the service,Jacobi became fussy and I knew he wanted to nurse.
Of course with my "I'm going to nurse my baby when he needs to eat" attitude,I carefully manipulated my layers on top (nursing tank,tee and button-up) so that he was latched on and nursing discretely.
Everything went without a hitch....until a couple of older women came poking at my baby!!
My infant doesn't like to be disturbed while he's eating and I attempted to warn the ladies that "He's eating..."
Well,HE sat up.
I thought I had myself covered.......Until my friend-who had been observing-got this stunned look on her face....It took a fraction of a second to realize where she was looking.....OOPS!!
I fixed the problem very quickly and I believe it went unnoticed...I hope.

Now,don't get me wrong-I still feel women should nurse their baby when and where they need to and I fully support breastfeeding and doing so in public!
You may ask "Why didn't you use a cover-up?"
Well,Jacobi doesn't like it much and will pull it off.
You might wonder why I didn't take him into a private area.
Well,I needed to help my husband with my other children!

Nobody else appeared to be traumatized,so if they saw anything,they got over it quickly.
Now I am just left with squeamish thoughts of my pastor seeing my boob.

The Nonsense....

A recent news story covered an issue that is far too common:
Breastfeeding in public and,what the public thinks of it.

A woman was forced to make the decision to bring her baby into court with her;while there her baby became hungry-like babies do- and she needed to nurse him.
She was apparently very discreet and would have gone unnoticed had a court clerk not made it known to the Judge that she was breastfeeding.
The Judge called the woman up front and asked:

"Do you think that's appropriate in here?"
"It's not illegal and I have to feed my child"
"Well ma'am,this is my court room and the law doesn't apply here-I choose what is acceptable in my court room-do you understand?"
"Yes"
"OK,we'll get along then"

I couldn't find the actual transcripts right off for exact wording,but he told her it wasn't appropriate in court.

Now,you might be saying about this particular situation that the baby shouldn't have been in court to begin with-and I can agree with this completely-but they made NO effort to have the baby removed or any rules set in place saying babies weren't allowed in the room.

The issue should have been with a baby being in the court room during proceedings,rather than because the woman was breastfeeding.
If the baby was being fed a bottle (which is also much more likely to 'spill') would anything have been said?Doubtful.
My advice to this courthouse and their Judges,is DON'T ALLOW BABIES.

The story itself actually wasn't the worst thing;in the comments,there were posters on both sides of the fence.
Some commenter's were standing up for the breastfeeding mom,saying that babies have got to eat and that they understand her situation.

But some comments related to actually breastfeeding in public appalled me:
"I don't want to see women breastfeeding"
"I don't want my children exposed to a woman nursing!"
"There are places that are inappropriate for breastfeeding"
"That's immoral"
"Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's appropriate in every time and place"
"Breastfeeding women just feel it's their right to do it anytime,anywhere they want"
"A court room is a place of reverence-not for breastfeeding"
"Feed your baby formula while on-the-go...nobody wants to see you breastfeed"
"Pump some milk in case baby gets hungry"
"Plan your trips around the feeding schedule"


With the exception of the last two,the other comments are just ignorant and ridiculous and do NOT support breastfeeding.
This is unacceptable.
I don't have the energy to once again address these comments....I have already shared my view on the original news story page (Which you can view here) and after being met with much disrespect and idiocy (yes,I will call them out.Their opinions are based on a unfounded belief that 1)breastfeeding is a filthy disgusting thing and 2) anyone who does it must be too-especially in public) needless to say,I was pretty furious.

One thing people keep saying is that they have their rights too:
Right to free speech-so they can tell breastfeeding moms how distasteful breastfeeding is.
Right to not be subjected to seeing anyone breastfeed.

Some went as far as to threaten having a breastfeeding mother cited for indecent exposure due to her nursing in a public place-this of course was met with a statement (by me) saying :IMPOSSIBLE. BREASTFEEDING MOMS ARE EXEMPT FROM IE CITATIONS.
Nice try you little worm.....

This makes me even more proud to be a breastfeeding mother.
I WILL nurse my baby when he is hungry.
I will and have always been very discreet while breastfeeding.
But I WILL nurse my baby if he needs to eat.
YOU having an issue with seeing a hungry baby being satisfied in the most normal,natural way-is NOT my problem.
I am sorry that you are so misinformed about breastfeeding....
The vast majority of women don't expose themselves while nursing-but if she does,so be it.
At least she's nourishing her baby.

I'm not even going to waste my time stating such obviously common-knowledge facts.

Telling a woman she cannot breastfeed is discrimination.
If you don't believe that-if you're one of those people who feels breastfeeding is for behind closed doors-I have news for you:
Your opinion is for behind closed doors.
If you don't want to see a baby breastfeeding-stay home.

ANYWHERE MY BABY CAN GO,I WILL NURSE HIM
Sure,I feed him before I leave the house.
I don't make it a point to nurse in public.

But this insane nonsense of "There are places you just don't do that"...yeah,sorry my baby eats when he needs to.

This is sadly another disappointing situation that has shown me why a women fail to succeed at breastfeeding.
I am near embarrassed to live in a culture who prefers feeding our children second-rate nutrients over seeing the 'real' thing.

This is a moment I am PROUD to be the MINORITY.

'Disgusting'?

                                                



'Distasteful'?

'Indiscreet'?

I THINK NOT

Breastfeeding is Normal

Warning: I am a breastfeeding advocate.

I always find this type of subject particularly difficult to write about;I have been in positions where I wasn't getting the support I needed-and also experienced the reality of having my baby self wean early on due to pregnancy.
I have friends and family who have formula fed their babies or had difficulties and switched to formula.
I have no intentions of bashing parents who have needed to or have chosen in the past to feed their baby formula;sometimes, for whatever reason, formula becomes essential to survival.
You can get by on formula-but why get by when there are other options?
That being said,far too many mothers choose to formula feed without being presented with the 'First' choice of nutrients for their baby.


When it comes to nutritional balance,formula falls short.
Sure,it keeps the baby fed and helps them to grow-but if you were to look at Human Breastmilk through a microscope and compare it to formula,you can see a magnificent distinction in between the two.

Formula was originally created to sustain the life of a baby who would've been fed by a wet-nurse.
In the mid-1900's it became popular for mothers who didn't think they should have to devote their time to nursing a baby.
Formula in,Breastfeeding out.
In American culture,it is now the accepted way in which our babies are fed.

I stumbled upon this article,which was recently published and the majority of it is so true and needs desperately to be said.
At the risk of offending others,someone needs to start talking about this.


For infants, breastfeeding is statistically linked to higher IQs and improved defenses against asthma, ear infections, diarrhea, diabetes, obesity and respiratory problems.

Exclusive use of formula, meanwhile, was associated in independent studies in the 1990s and 2000s with asthma, allergies, diabetes, obesity, skin rashes and ear and respiratory tract infections.


We've all heard about the guidelines that babies need to receive only breastmilk for the first 6 months of life-but less than 35% of babies are exclusively breastfed at 6 months.


By 1971, the year before WIC was created, the product had grown so popular that 75 percent of American infants and 95 percent of American six-month-olds were consuming formula instead of breast milk--even though the vast majority of their mothers had no health reasons for doing so.
One part that I find mind boggling:


Under U.S. law, WIC (like other infant formula purchasers) doesn't have any control over what ingredients formula manufacturers put in their products or how makers advertise these ingredients. Formula makers can add any ingredients they want--and charge whatever they want--as long as they can prove to the FDA that these ingredients don't cause any harm.
Really?!?!
It doesn't have to do any good,as long as it doesn't do any harm??

Okay,let's take it from here.
It is fine even if it isn't necessarily 'complete' nutrition (missing some/all the hormones,antibodies that are naturally in breastmilk-which is meant for human babies).
Formula is merely poorly mimicking what breastmilk is naturally capable of.
Breastmilk is tailor made for each baby-it changes from hour to hour and as your baby grows.

But,someone decided to convince parents that formula was an equal-if not a better replacement nutrition.
Would you like to know why?

Infant formula is now a product turning over billions in global sales each year for several American and European companies. In the United States, it is the exclusive form of nutrition for roughly a quarter of newborns.
(newborns = 75% of women start out trying to breastfeed and half of those stop before 6 mos)
Here's why formula is worth promoting:
Money.
Formula is expensive-not expensive to make,but very expensive to buy.
And once you feed your baby formula,you can't go back.
You.Are.Hooked.
There is no money to be 'made' off of breastmilk.

An estimated 10 to 15 percent of mothers have trouble breastfeeding, and women with certain health concerns--such as HIV, tuberculosis, toxic exposure or dependence on medications that are excreted through breast milk--can compromise their infants' health if they nurse.
So,why don't we support the ones that struggle to breastfeed?
Why not create more milk banks-and why not pay mothers to donate breastmilk?
Isn't it worth it?
Breastmilk is the most normal,nutrient dense form of sustenance and leads to healthier babies.

Does it not just make complete sense to feed our babies the food which our bodies provide for them when and if possible?

Parents are made to believe that formula is a fine alternative.......Doctors are paid (yes,paid!) to give out samples of formula and to promote formula products to moms and dads.
Hospitals give out free diaper bags chalk full of 'goodies', formula samples and coupons.
WIC has made formula easy to get and even though they support breastfeeding,just like most organizations and medical affiliates they are scared to promote breastfeeding as being the most ideal,normal nutrition with immeasurable benefits.

Why are we so scared to state the facts?
Because no parent wants to hear that they are doing anything less than the very best for their baby.
We don't want to offend anyone.
We don't want to apply too much pressure to breastfeed and scare them away.

The facts need to be stated-
Why should formula be emergency back-up plan only.
What are the actual ingredients in formula and are they ideal for our babies?
Are there long term risks to formula feeding?

A huge problem is that not only are the facts not stated openly and honestly,the support just isn't in place for parents who choose to breastfeed.

I am here to be that little voice and I have but one ambition:

To guide that one somebody to that one resource so that one more baby can receive human breastmilk

 

 

LINKS

Click here to read the entire article

Another great (lengthy) article

How breastmilk changes during the day

Breastmilk changes as baby grows

Breastmilk v formula under microscope

"So,breast or bottle?"

<> <> <> <>

Informed                 (ɪnˈfɔːmd)
—adj
1.	having much knowledge or education; learned or cultured
2.	based on information: an informed judgment

Most women who have breastfed or intend to,know the benefits and advantages to breastfeeding and hopefully are able to and have the support system to turn to by way of family and friends.

But there is a real problem with our medical system and a lack of promoting the option of breastfeeding to mothers during their prenatal months when it needs to be addressed the most!

I've seen OBs for at least part of all four of my pregnancies and the only conversation concerning breastfeeding was always this:

"Do you plan on breast or bottle feeding?"

And for me this was part of my birth plan (a birth plan that was widely disrespected....more on that another day) and came right after:

"What type of pain relief do you have in mind?"

This is how we fail women and babies.
So many women don't understand any real difference between the two other than the container it's served in since they aren't around it
First of all,even if mothers hear all of the benefits-which are delivered in a deceptive manner-they also don't receive the support they need because most doctors don't know squat about breastfeeding!

When mothers are told that breastfeeding reduces childhood asthma-they should be told that formula increases it!
Or that breastfeeding is related to lowering the risk of SIDS-they should be told that formula increases the risk!
Whatever the benefits of breastfeeding,if you don't breastfeed you are losing those benefits and it starts to become a risk-a risk worth taking when it saves lives or when breastfeeding just isn't an option.

It's very misleading to offer breast and bottle up as equal counterparts when in fact they are no where near being equal.
Don't get me wrong,formula has it's place that is undeniable!
My point is that in our culture insufficiency is at it's highest when it comes to informing mothers of their choices.

Doctors refuse educate about it since they don't want to upset their patients or take the time;my home birth midwife was the only care provider that I have ever had inquire about my intentions to breastfeed and then follow-up with advice.
She also called me several times to see how nursing was going.

Doctors just jot down in your chart 'Breast or Bottle' and it ends there-it's like all they do is deliver this baby and hand it to you.
If they are inattentive of the follow-up process,then why are they messing with women's bodies?

There is a significant difference between manufactured infant nutrition and human breastmilk-and women should be informed of this before their baby is born,before the process begins and they realize breastfeeding's not always easy.
And there needs to be someone there to help establish a good breastfeeding experience!

I'm not bashing formula (although I'm sure some narrow-minded people might read that all over this post) so please don't get offended if you have chosen to or ever needed to feed your baby formula.

The intent is for parents to understand the risks and benefits of how they choose to feed their babies-and then have the support they need there to assist them with their choice!

The Bad Word

Hubby called on his lunch break tonight while I was nursing Jacobi.
I sat Jacobi up to burp him and big drops of milky goodness ran down his chin;I mentioned this to hubby and he mentioned that he couldn't say that word at work-that word being breast (milk).....really?
At his job there is apparently a zero tolerance for sexual harassment and anything that offends someone else can send you to the human resource department.

I can't believe we live in a society who has such issues with breastfeeding.
Now,while hubby is proud of the fact I breastfeed,he doesn't want to cause rifts at work and I understand that.
But really,if he said "Formula" or "Bottle" no one would think twice.
This really bewildered me;I mean honestly,the thought that my husband can't acknowledge his infant sons food source without fear of offending someone is just preposterous!

"So basically if a formula feeding parent were sitting next to you and were to be offended,you could get taken to HR" I asked.
"I know it's not fair,but that's how they make the rules around here" he replied.
"Oh,but if you said formula and offended a breastfeeding mother they wouldn't do anything?" I shot back.

(Note: I don't have any intent to bad mouth formula or those who feed it;understand that while I feel breast milk is the most normal,healthy form of nutrition,formula has it's place)

Right.
A billboard down the road has a picture of a stripper-my young boys see this.
A woman dressed provocatively on display for folks of every age is....acceptable?!?
This really exasperates me.

Why??
Because we have taken something so normal and beautiful and turned it into something dirty.
Should a mother feel ashamed or embarrassed?
Why is nursing a baby in public viewed as such a disgrace;nearly all mothers are exceptionally modest when they are nursing.
But is seeing a breast the problem?
I don't think it is.
If I may venture out here a bit;is is the sight of a breast or is it the fact that there is a baby at the breast?

Let me tell you something as a wife and mother:
I would much rather my young boys see a nursing woman,than to lay eyes on the image of a woman with the intentions of explicit nature.

What needs to be done to normalize breastfeeding?
No matter how a woman chooses to feed her child,she should be supported...right?

Jacobi and I

Oldie,but goodie

Dec 26, 2009
The Blunt Beauties (and trials) of Breastfeeding....

First off this is NOT a myths/truths/benefits of breastfeeding blog.
This isn't to pressure/make guilty feelings towards anyone who has chosen not to breastfeed or hasn't had the opportunity for whatever the reason.

THIS IS however (in my own VERY blunt words) a wonderful description of my breastfeeding experiences,brought on by the thought of ever weaning my little baby-the 3rd one in my lifetime (so far).

Each experience has been special (or difficult) in it's own way,but the thought of actually having to go without being pregnant or nursing is overwhelmingly un-nerving for me,as I have been pregnant or nursing for 2 1/2 years and will (hopefully)be nursing for another 6 months or more.....

So,here goes........


I always figured I'd breastfeed once I had my own children,I mean my mom nursed us kids and almost everybody I knew did it too...My mom had us in a generation where I guess breastfeeding hadn't been the 'norm' for awhile and she was able to defeat the odds and nurse each of us a full year.
So,it shouldn't be a big deal,right?? WRONG!
When I had Caleb I went to the prenatal breastfeeding classes and figured we'd catch on quick..hmmm,yeah-wrong!
We STRUGGLED! My milk machines hurt so bad and (I WARNED YOU!! TMI!) I was bleeding from an incorrect latch on...I supplemented with formula for fear of quiting just from the pain alone-but I was scared to quit,somewhat stubborn and pridefull...I just kept trying and was very sore-I had Mastitis and clogged milk ducts...I had no money to buy creams or special pads to help heal.I thought my nipples would fall off!
Luckily I DID heal and was able to nurse for the most part with a little help from the bottle on occasion.Things were going smoothly by the time Caleb was about 4 months old.
Unfortunantly I ended up weaning him around 10 months because I was a single working mom and couldn't get a regular shift....

Fastforward 3 years to,yep you guessed it! Jeremiah:)
Another rough start-but this time equiped with creams,pads and a wonderful lactation consultant!
The first 2-3 weeks were very sore-but after mastering the 'Hamburger' latch,lol,we got it!!
Another somewhat emotional time was when I became pregnant (again!) and Jeremiah early weaned himself gradualy starting at 7 months and completed by 10 months...
I felt lost.Incomplete.I felt like I'd let Jeremiah down.I'd wanted so badly to make it to his first birthday.
I missed cuddling with him and him holding onto my finger and him trying to stop from smiling with the nipple in his milky mouth-hilarious!
I missed knowing I was his main source of nutrition...I even missed the middle of the night feedings that magically disapeared when formula took place of all that mommas milk...It was a rough time for me.
Fastforward all of 4 months,lol.
PAYTON..my precious Payton.
Perfect latch right away.No pain.Wonderful from the start.
Our only problem was he was very sleepy for the first week or so and I had to work all the magic I could to wake him to eat every few hours.Baths,tickling his feet,undressing him,cool cloths on his face and body.
Things are still going great with Payton.He is an amazing little nurser-that's what makes me dread when he turns his face away from my chest and goes running off to play.I'll miss the little things that people (men and women) who don't get the chance to nurse a baby don't understand:
Rooting-it's cute and it triggers the milk factory that it's time to feed that little cutie.

My babies could contort their entire body to get to their dinner! Payton can't sit on his own,but to get to his food he WILL move his entire body!

When they start to fall asleep (or already are and are still pacifying) and 'let-down' occurs,it's so cool..Payton will have his eyes closed and he's just suckling and milk will start to fill his sleepy little mouth and he tilts his head back and starts gulping in his sleep!! cute!

When milk is flowing so fast and they can't keep up and they are old enough to grasp..Payton will grab the nearest thing (a finger,edge of material) and hold on for dear life as he consumes that milky goodness!

When I call from work or someplace to check on him and he's cooing or fussing in the other end of the phone and my body (on it's own seriously) starts anticipating a nuzzling baby.

When another person is holding them and they start rooting (hah!) sometimes it's embarrassing (sorry dad!) and other times it's funny (mom,Gina, enjoy the slobber spot!).

Each of my babies had they're own cry for when they were hungry.
Calebs was just a "Ah-ha,ah-ha,ah-ha"
Jeremiahs was funny "Ya-ya,ya-ya,ya-ya"
Payton lately is a straight up SCREAM!! I'm pretty sure he caught it from my nephew Rocky,lol.

They each did like a "uh...uh,uhhh,uh" grunting noise when they were rooting.

Caleb used to get really mad if the milk didn't come out right away and he'd latch on and then pull off screaming,and then try to latch on again while screaming,lol..Using this technique he said "momma" at a very young age,lol.

I co-slept with all of my babies (still do Payton) and I've had more than my share of 'oopsie hickies'..I was too alseep and they started rooting and did NOT find the right spot,but started sucking anyway.One thing is it got my attention!!!

It's hard if I want to go anywhere without my baby...Work has gotten easier and Matt does pretty well with Payton.
Jeremiah was a stubborn one who would NOT take a bottle.
Payton hasn't had one yet either and won't if I can help it.
One thing is a lot of people are nervous about watching a breastfed baby,so I don't get much of a break.Matt's used to it by now (it was hard with Jeremiah) and so a trip to the gym or the store if made less than 2-3 hours is possible with a little planning.
Sleep may not be a normal occurance for a breastfeeding mommy,but sitting down is almost a must during most feedings,so while things might not get done,the chair cushion is very broken in.
Of course once we've got more than one child,we DO learn (at least to an extent) how to cook,clean and deal with our other children while nursing.We don't have a choice.

I know I myself can make a peanutbutter sandwhich for the two other boys while cradling Payton...I don't really like to as it's a huge job!
Breastfeeding burns 300-800 calories depending on how much your baby eats-just had to throw that in there!! lol
As this year comes to an end it has me thinking about my children and all the things I'm blessed with.
I'm glad that I have an opportunity to bond in this special way with my boys-it means a lot to me to grow them all from what my body makes for them..It's neat to know that the process doesn't end after the womb.
I will deffinently charish each moment,good (milky giggles) and not so great (ouch,you bit me!!!) for it all ends too soon.


***UPDATE:
Since I blogged this going on two years ago,Payton weaned himself at 13 months old.
I knew he was starting to give up that special time when he would try to turn around and watch his older brothers while nursing.Needless to say it was a task that was nearly impossible and he choose to be 'one of the boys'.
I wasn't quite ready for Payton to quit nursing,but less than a month after his 'last meal' I discovered I was pregnant for baby #4.
This gave me something to focus on.
Our 4th boy,Jacobi was born at home.A beautiful waterbirth,so peaceful and empowering.The whole process was just amazingly calm and Jacobi latched on for his first out-of-the-womb meal like he'd done it a thousand times....Well,I think he nursed more than a thousand times during his first 48 hours!
He was a larger baby at birth (8 1/2 lbs) and very alert,yet content as long as he was as close to my skin as he could get.
They say babies nurse good early on because near their food it smells like the womb.
Well,Jacobi was a viscious eater and I was praying to God that my milk would flow soon....I willed it to!
It did come in shortly after the 48 hour mark and Jacobi and I were both overjoyed!
Jacobi is now 2 months old and we're doing great...He eats whenever he wants to and I am just fine with that.
I know he sometimes just wants to suckle,be close to me and that he may not always be hungry.
It's comforting to him being so close to me.His big brothers don't know any different really.They know that some babies eat from bottles,but in this house they drink mommas milk.
Caleb (my oldest,7) is full of questions about how the body works and he asks 'is there medicine in the boobie milk?' I tell him,'yes,in a way there is!There are lots of antibodies which help us feel good and stay well'.
Jeremiah loves to sit next to Jacobi while he nurses.He even tried to breastfeed him...He pulled his shirt up to his chin and really wanted to be of service to 'HIS baby'.
Payton watches while Jacobi eats-but he doesn't seem to remember that 11 months ago that was HIS food source.
I am blessed to have a supportive family,an understanding husband and children who love their mommy and baby brother so much.
There may be another baby in our future if God chooses to bless us with yet another...until then,I just want to enjoy the children I have and anticipate a long nursing relationship with Jacobi.
~As of now I have been pregnant and/or nursing for over 4 years straight.I've nursed for over 3.5 years out of my life.

Milk break at the raspberry patch!