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I got to thinking the other day about our culture and the amazing privilege of being an American. (Can I get an Amen?!?!) Oh sure, there are plenty of things we need to change; but there are even more ways we have it right. I’m thankful for a land where I can raise my children the way I see fit and where we’re pretty safe overall. Granted, violence happens. Sometimes even rioting in the streets. But on the whole, and compared to most of the world, we’re pretty darn cozy here.
Thank God for that.
One of the ways we’re getting it right is the swing back toward breastfeeding. Knowing what we know now, it’s hard to imagine why we would have ever swung away from boobs to begin with.
The Formula Fad
I try to understand the fad of the mid-1900’s where women preferred formula over breastfeeding. It became a status symbol. Only poor people who couldn’t afford good formula breastfed their babies.
Formula. It just sounds like it comes from a test tube. I mean really… “formula”? What genius came up with the idea of calling it “formula”? It doesn’t even sound appealing. The thinking of the mid-century mother puzzles me.
Back to the Boobs
And now, sixty plus years later, here we are. Breastfeeding is vogue again, and I for one couldn’t be happier. The benefits are amazing for the moms and beyond compare for the littles. Almost nobody disputes that.
And yet people get so uptight about it. Why????
They’re just boobs, people!
Everyone has them in some form or another. Nursing a baby isn’t indecent. I believe it’s one of the most decent things you could do.
Support Each Other
When we see a mom breastfeeding in public, many of us pretend not to notice. Maybe even a few who don’t approve of her choice to feed so publicly. The truth is, we could all use a little kindness and support.
So if you see her being harassed, take her side.
If she’s struggling to get the top off her water bottle or get her hair out of her face, offer to help.
If she’s struggling to keep a rambunctious toddler under control while she feeds a new baby, sit and chat with her and use your free hands to help herd a straying toddler back to his mom.
Kindness and compassion make all the difference.
Just A Mom
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we need to make poster signs and march somewhere. And I’m not a nut who thinks formula should be banned, burned, or snubbed. Much as I love nursing, I don’t hate formula. I’ve even used it.
I’m just a mom who sees firsthand the benefits of breastfeeding. So I believe that any mother who is willing to make the sacrifice to breastfeed – and yes it is a sacrifice – should be applauded instead of scowled at when she feeds her hungry baby in public.
One person at a time, little by little, let’s make our country breast friendly. Let’s join together to support and love moms who just want to do right by their kiddos. Stand up for a mom, or buy her a smoothie, or even just tell her she’s doing a good job. Let’s nurture these warrior moms who are willing to make people uncomfortable because they believe their little one is just worth it.
Can you think of other ways we can support each other? Please share them in the comments!
