Babies, Breasts, & Bigots.

Okay...Perhaps "bigot" is a bit too strong of a term for someone who is "anti breastfeeding". However, when that old lady or business man looks down their nose at you with a look of utter disdain when you are trying to feed your child in public, bigot really is the word you want to shout at them.

When we got pregnant I knew that I wanted to breastfeed. It's natural, cost effective, and a great opportunity for mama and baby to bond from day one. What I didn't know is that I would become somewhat of a breastfeeding advocate. I'm a member of a group on Facebook called Breast Is Best. It's a great community full of "milky mamas" who advocate breast feeding and offer advice for those who may be struggling. This group has really encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do what is natural for me and my child. When Colton was an infant he did great nursing under a cover or a blanket, he actually preferred it. It was dark and warm and he could peacefully fall asleep at my breast and enjoy a snooze. As he got older and more active he wanted less to do with being under a blanket and it became a huge source of stress for me because I felt like I couldn't nurse him in public. Eventually this lead to me doing everything I could to not nurse him in public. Once he started solids it was easier because I could bring baby food or puffs and get him through to his next feeding.

Problem solved, right? Wrong...

Here's the thing. Breast feeding is all about supply and demand. The more milk baby drinks the more milk your body produces. As I started pushing the time between Colton's feedings, my body stopped producing as much milk because it registered the breaks as him not needing as much.

The slower your milk flows the less interested your baby is in nursing. The less milk you have the slower your milk flows. It's a frustrating and vicious cycle.

I rarely cover Colton up when nursing these days. I'm not one of those milky mamas who let it all hang out but I don't stress out about someone possibly seeing a part of my body that has been inappropriately labeled as "dirty". I'm not showing my breast in an attempt to entice your husband or to traumatize your teenager. I'm simply trying to do something that my body was MADE to do since the beginning of time.

Next time you see a mother nursing in public, whether she is covered up or not...Look her in the eye and smile at her. Give her a "good for you!" You have no idea how much it will mean to her to hear some positive input for a change. If someone nursing in public bothers you, then DON'T LOOK! Problem solved.

For mom's looking for a great community on Facebook that supports breast feeding I really suggest you check out Breast Is Best. If anyone is looking for more information on breast feeding check out the La Leche League website as well.

Isn't he adorable?