World Breastfeeding Week ends today, and the fifty-one weeks of the year I rarely post about nursing will resume again tomorrow. As someone who has been breastfeeding for the last twenty-five months, here are some ideas for everyone on how to promote breastfeeding year round.
For Everyone:
+ Make nursing women comfortable when you can. When a breastfeeding mother comes over to your home, briefly tell them they are welcome to nurse the baby wherever they feel comfortable. Personally, I like being near enough to enjoy conversation, even if I’m not comfortable being in the room (which has happened on occasion).
+ If someone starts breastfeeding in your presence, smile and maintain eye contact (which helps you not to notice moments of indiscretion.)
+ Always keep in mind that discomfort nursing in public is one of the top reasons women cite that they don’t breastfeed as long as they intend to. Many women (like me) have been spoken to unkindly, even while using blankets and trying very hard to be discreet. If you are uncomfortable with how someone is nursing, try to put yourself in their shoes. I had trouble nursing discreetly last week when I was travelling by myself, 600 miles away from home in 98 degree heat, with two small children. I can recall one compassionate smile that was a true encouragement to me.
For Breastfeeding Moms:
+ Consider nursing in front of your older sons, brothers and other male relatives. I honestly believe this is one of the best ways to shape our culture to have a healthy view of breastfeeding. When teenage boys see a woman nursing at the mall, it would be awesome if they would equate that with their mother, sister or dear aunt and not maxim magazine.
+ Nurse discreetly in public. This is a middle ground between the few who are indiscreet and others who won’t nurse in public at all. Use your husband as a blanket-holder if you are uncomfortable or practice at home. Again, society is shaped when women show that breastfeeding is a normal and discreet procress.
+ Be encouraged. You are doing the very best you can for your children. Don’t let others drag you down!
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