Let me start this post by saying FEED your babies. I don’t care how you choose to do it, just do it! The AAP puts out AWESOME guidelines you should follow those, NOT what your family did in the past. Standards for feeding have changed over the years, yes we are all alive but so were people who didn’t have seat belts in cars.
I wanted to make sure it was known that I am not anti-formula. I am however, pro-breastfeeding. Some might see these two as being the same but they really are not. There are a few reasons why I am pro-breastfeeding.
- It is what our bodies were intended for. This is why women have breasts we are mammals and mammals produce milk to feed their young.
- It is basically free. I was going to say free but I have taken supplements and teas at times to boost my production.
- It really is the best option for a baby. Despite what formula companies try to market this is what babies’ tummies are designed to digest.
I know not everyone can breastfeed easily. In fact, I have had challenges with both girls. Munchkin was lip tied (until she broke the frenulum on her top lip in a fall 
) and Peanut battled some Jaundice early on. Both girls were difficult to feed. We all struggled but I sought help and was determined to continue. With Munchkin I was not in a place with many lactation consultants (in fact one was male… say what?!?!) so it wasn’t easy.
Lately there has been quite the drama with nursing on the social media circuit. A mother in Texas was harassed by Target Employees for nursing her child at the store. I am not sure why but people will actually suggest that a mother should feed the nursling in the bathroom. Would you eat in the bathroom at a public place? Exactly… why should a baby? BLEH!
I actually was part of a small group of moms who met at our local Target for a ‘nurse in’. No one said anything to us while we all fed our beautiful children. It was quite empowering to sit with a bunch of women all happily nursing! Rand McNally said please don’t do anything crazy! HAHA He knows me all too well! There wasn’t any media coverage at our small store (though there was at other stores around the area and country!).
Facebook has been removing photos of moms nursing their babies’. Flagging them as inappropriate. Let’s be honest here. I am not one to put up a picture on Facebook. However, there is NOTHING inappropriate about these photos as long as they are done tastefully. I have several friends with BEAUTIFUL photos of their little ones having a snack. I honestly think that I have seen pictures of girls in bikinis that show more breast than when people post a breastfeeding picture.
It isn’t gross, sexual, weird, strange, ________ (<<<insert your adjective here) to see breastfeeding. You don’t stare when someone breaks out a bottle right? So don’t stress breastfeeding. It is natural. There is NOTHING wrong with it.
I am really thankful that I was able to overcome all the challenges I was faced with early on while breastfeeding both girls. It wasn’t easy but I knew this is what I wanted to do… I nursed Munchkin for 14 1/2 months and still nursing Peanut 12 + months and going strong. I don’t have plans to wean her anytime soon (and she doesn’t seem to want to discuss it either!). She is my last baby and I am willing to nurse her for as long she wants!
And now just for laughs
If you want your own Boobie Infant Hat check out Etsy.com!!! I would own one if Peanut would wear it HAHA
