I’m not going to get into the ‘breast is best’ debate. Personally, I think breastfeeding is best for my child but I completely understand for many women, breastfeeding is not possible.

In the end, it comes down to personal choice and what our bodies can or can not do. You can’t force someone to breastfeed who isn’t comfortable with it or is in constant pain. Likewise, so many women find disappointment that their bodies won’t let them breastfeed.

This is not the point of my post.  What I want to talk about is the shame many women feel to feed their babies in public.

One lady I know recently encountered the disapproval of one man while feeding her baby. She wrote an open letter to said gentleman. I think her letter says it all. To all the breastfeeding haters, you are all only here because your mothers fed you as we feed our babies. Have a think about that.

An Open Letter to The Man Who Shook His Head:

To the man who gave me a disapproving look and then shook his head while I breastfed my baby…

I wanted to publicly apologise for my behaviour. As you sat down to have your lunch I proceeded to remove my breast and breastfeed my baby. At least that’s what you assumed I was doing, underneath my wrap. You are indeed correct. I was breastfeeding my baby.

This may come as a shock to you but you do not look like the Mona Lisa while eating that seasoned bit of cow you were chewing in your mouth. I would have loved to have given you the same look you gave me, however unlike you I understand that food is a need, not a want. Just like you need food to survive, so does my baby.

I also understand that without breastfeeding you would not be alive to sit there so smugly and shake your head at me.

This was not actually an apology nor was it written for you. It was written for all the mothers that breastfeed and all the mothers that don’t. What we do is nothing short of a miracle! It is human nature in its most natural form. We are mothers. We use our motherly love to keep the human race going and we don’t need your disapproving looks while we do it.

Rant over!!!

Actually F*** you

Now, rant over!!!

Sincerely,

Your Mother, Sister or Daughter

——————————–

How can someone judge how a woman feeds her baby? Why is it ok to bottle feed your baby in public but not breastfeed? We are doing the same thing, providing life and nutrients for our babies. Three cheers to this lady. As a breastfeeding mother, I am proud that we have some great women standing up for our rights.

Breastfeeding is not easy. It is only made harder when we feel trapped into only feeding our babies hidden away in a dark room.

I am equally as proud of the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). I don’t believe any other country has a breastfeeding association that does as much for women’s rights to breastfeed as ours! We are a lucky bunch of mummies to have such supportive advocates.

Also, a big shout out to all the wonderful cafes, restaurants and venues listed in the ABA’s Breastfeeding friendly list! Thank you for supporting mums whether they breast or bottlefeed. To find local venues in your area see here!

And congratulations to all the breastfeeding, bottle feeding and mixed feeding mothers. Thank you for nurturing your baby. Thank you for giving your baby what it needs. Most importantly, thank you for giving it to them when and where they need it.

Have you ever had someone make you feel uncomfortable whilst breastfeeding your baby? Please share in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com