The i like…Breastfeeding
By Jacky Souders
Every so often, it seems breastfeeding becomes “public enemy
number 1.” What with all the Time Magazine “Are you Mom enough” cover, moms
being kicked out of a public place for breastfeeding a hungry baby, and lets
not forget all the Facebook vs breastfeeding mothers epic battles.
I am a breastfeeding “Mummie” (or as I like to say “a Mummie who
makes Nummies!”) My oldest daughter (now 4 years old) was breastfed for 11
months and my youngest daughter is currently nursing at 31+ months old. (“Currently”
nursing...... not the nails on a chalkboard “STILL” word..... *EWWWWW!
Talk about wiggle shakes!*) Now granted my youngest only nurses once a day and
she is a toddler who is breastfed.... imagine that! ......but I digress.
There is a negative view (in the general public) when it comes
to breastfeeding. Now, the reason for this is subjective.... I have heard many
reasons why people “don’t want to see THAT.” The reasons range from
“Ewwwwww.....that’s gross”, “that should be done in private”, “you can’t whip
your b@@bs out like that!”, “If I can’t pee in public...... you shouldn’t feed
in public.” (The last one I have ACTUALLY heard! Luckily it was not directed
toward me.... but REALLY?! I mean REALLY??) Now with all
of those “reasons” there is not one that is legit. A breastfeeding mother is
not breastfeeding for anyone else, other than her child. Humans were meant to
eat and breastmilk was meant for human babies/children to eat. People eat
outside ALL the time.... breastfeeding really is no different.
But what do you do when you are faced with a “Negative Nelly”
who feels that they just HAVE to speak their opinion or decides to
have a staring contest with you.. Well there are a few tips to help you can
handle this.
1.
Squish them with kindness! Smile a Alice in Wonderland’s
Cheshire Cat smile, drop your head in a coy tilt, bring your shoulders forward
and wave. (This works like a charm on the staring contest crowd. They will get
the hint that “they have been spotted” and their little “game” is not welcome.)
2.
Take your pointer finger and your thumb, line them up with
“Negitive Nelly’s” head and pinch.... over and over and over again. Then say
loud enough for them to hear, “Oh darn! My pinching super powers are not
working! Where have you hidden my Kryptonite?!!!!!!”
3.
Share the knowledge. Some people make comments simply out of
ignorance. They may not have been around breastfeeding so therefore are not
educated in what breastmilk actually is. You could tell them that “It is
optimal for both babies and mothers. For babies it can protect against
infections, SIDS and reduce the rates of later health problems including
diabetes, obesity, and asthma. For mothers breastfeeding helps the uterus to
contract and bleeding to cease more quickly after delivery. Breastfeeding
can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and also provides a great way
for mothers to bond with their babies. The World Health Organization and The
American Academy of Family Physicians recommend breastfeeding a child to two
years or more. As the nutritional benefits of breastmilk continue to grow as
the child grows.”
4.
Look the person in their eyes, smile sweetly and say "Would
you like some? She won't be much longer, then you can have your turn." As
you watch them retreat, look down at your Nummie Lover (Child) and say
"Guess they didn't want to wait their turn" and shrug.
5.
You could also sick your 6 foot 7 inch, 300 pound of solid
muscle, your worst nightmare of a bodyguard (named Mouse) on this person. (I
know.... who has Mouse on hand....but come on.... that would be AWESOME! ADMIT
IT!)
6.
Or you could do what I always did.... ignore them and turn all
your attention onto your child that is nursing. Talk to them in sweet tones,
sing them a song, kiss their little fingers....then afterward tell your
husband/partner/friend and come up with “Oh I will so do that next time!”
ideas. (I have come up with so many “next time” ideas and have never used them.
But it is fun thinking up new ones!)
In all seriousness, the best thing you can do is follow your
heart and your gut. Do what you feel is best for your family and what you are
comfortable with. Try not to let the “Negative Nelly’s” ruin your day or your
breastfeeding journey.
And when all else fails.......do tip number 2! Pinchy Pinchy!!!!
Mummie
Jacky Souders is a 30 year old, stay at home Mummie to two
sweet/crazy/beautiful girls (Hi Pooker and Kit Kat!) and three angel babies,
wife to an amazing and supportive husband (Hi Hubby!), and is the creator of
Mummie's Nummies, a breastfeeding support
blog. Jacky dreamed to create a place where breastfeeding "Mummies"
can go to for support, have a place to turn to WITHOUT judgment and share their
stories with others. To create a place where NO "MUMMIE" FEELS ALONE.
That is when she created Mummie's Nummies!
She believes support is the main key to a successful
breastfeeding journey. Jacky is not a certified Lactation Consultant or doctor.
She is a normal breastfeeding "Mummie" with a passion for
breastfeeding.
She would love to say she owns a house, with her husband, in
Bartow County Georgia...... but who is she kidding? Her daughters ALLOW her and
her husband to live in their home with them!
