“My breasts were part of my identity, my confidence, my style, my beauty and my sexuality. They changed so suddenly, so drastically, at a time when my whole identity changed, from person to mother.”said the mother.
Early motherhood has to do with the child, it is about breast-feeding and make sure the child is healthy. Breast milk contains the necessary amount of antibodies that help the baby fight viruses and bacteria. It also reduces the risk of the child having asthma or allergies. For a mother, breastfeeding avoids the problem of obesity. In general, breastfeeding creates a bond between the child and the parents, as it is encouraging and overwhelming for the mother to see the baby grow and thrive on breast milk alone.
Despite knowing the medical and physical benefits of breastfeeding, it is considered taboo in society. Breastfeeding in public is looked down upon by both men and women. Mainly for this reason, a new mom feels uncomfortable breastfeeding her baby in public because often someone objects to it by citing him. ‘vulgar nudity’! If you are a mom or will be soon and your concern is breastfeeding your child in public, then you should read this article. Here, I mentioned the step-by-step breakdown of the problem and the different ways to approach it.
Understand – ‘You don’t have to feel guilty about breastfeeding your little one, even in public!’
Breastfeeding a child should not bring guilt. Feed your baby whenever he is hungry, no matter where in the world he is. If someone tells you it is vulgar, say why it is not. If they tell you to feed your child in the public toilet, just ignore them. You don’t have to listen to all the people trying to teach you something. Feel free to breastfeed in a raised shirt. You can breastfeed by lowering the neckline. Breastfeed in your bathing suit (whatever style you have chosen). And if you find yourself in public in your pajamas, take care of them too, but don’t feel guilty about it.
Dealing with ‘Annoying men’.
Sorry to call the men annoying, but believe me some of them are. As a woman who breastfeeds her child in public, you may have to deal with many men, sometimes even aggressively. Fight with your words, because you must! Tell them that it is your child and your body, so that you are the only one who decides how and when to breastfeed. Smash the twisted sexist mindset right in the face when necessary, don’t hold back.
Dealing with ‘Women Opposition’.
It is sad but true that most of the time it is women and not men who are against breastfeeding in public. For abusers, all you need to do is treat them harshly, just like you treated those pesky men who said you’re promoting nudity. To other women who are against breastfeeding in public because they think this may be a source of bullying, they should be told that they respect what they say, but that they can still fight for what is right.
It may seem like you’re waging a war against those who think breastfeeding is wrong in public, but if you can tell the difference between right and wrong, you certainly have a beautiful motherhood ahead of you. Embrace your body and your child’s needs.
Happy motherhood! Happy Breastfeeding!
