Oh Noes...I use my breasts for what??? *slight TMI*

I do not claim to be a "lactivist" by any definition of the word.  I do not want to be critical of how any mother plans to feed their child.  But, I have to say this.



*Stands on soapbox*
I know that some women do not want to be bothered with the demand/ stress/ some times painful process of breastfeeding.  Honestly, I could give two shits if you want to give your child artificial milk, pumped breast milk, or milk "straight from the tap".  Breast is best.  *Added:  If you are doing meth, maybe you shouldn't breastfeed.*  It's proven.  However, I know that it's not for everyone.  Again...I don't care what you do with your child. 


For me, I prefer to give my son the "boobie milk".  And no, I don't want to be bothered with bottles.  I'm lazy.  Who wants to get a clean bottle, make sure the formula is mixed properly, warm (but not too warm) and then clean a bottle once baby is done?  Pshhh In the middle of the night all I have to do is pull out my breast and stick it in his mouth.  That's ultimate convince.

I didn't always feel this way.  I was brought up that babies get bottles...and that breasts were for sex.  As a mother, I see things completely different.  However, I am still amazed at some people's ignorance on breastfeeding.  Now, I am not an expert by any means.  Yes, I've only been breastfeeding for 75 days but that's still longer than some women.  (Again, I'm not trying to dismiss any women's choice on how they feed their children.)

The other day I was at the local flea market and we stopped for milkshakes.  The stand is run by a woman and her daughter usually is there also.  The woman (who we saw very often while I was pregnant) asked if she could hold the baby.  I didn't mind.  Her granddaughter (6) came up and asked "Nana, are you keeping that baby?"  To which she replied "No honey, I don't have any formula."  Her daughter then wrinkled her nose (as did I) as her granddaughter asked "What's that?"  I won't lie, it made me feel good.  That question should be asked more often.  Later on in the day though, I got looks when I openly nursed Jaden.  I try to be modest.  I go into the bathroom to latch him on.  And I try to keep a blanket over my bare breast.  It doesn't always work, since little man loathes a cover.  (Who can blame him?  I wouldn't want a blanket over my head/ food while I ate.)  I still get looks.  I still see the thought pop into people's heads "What is she doing?"

Even tonight:  We were out to dinner with Greg's family.  Jaden was SO good though the whole meal until close to the end.  He was hungry.  I went to the bathroom, latched him on and came back out.  His Aunt Rachael questioned if I should just feed him in the bathroom since there was a lot of teenage boys in the restaurant.  I simply said "Nope.  I'm not ashamed of what I'm doing."  And I'm not.  Nothing was showing.  I practically had my head under the blanket too so Jaden wouldn't pull the blanket off.  Once he fell asleep, I unlatched him and held him.  (He ate for a total of 5 minutes.) And all without showing a hint of nipple.

This makes me mad.  I'm sorry but if it was a bottle I wouldn't be stared at.  But since I have a child basically attached to me, I'm doing something "dirty."  I don't sit with my boob out; nor do I try to bring extra attention to myself and what I'm doing.  No, I don't think that there are "perverts" out there who are watching me nursing my son and getting sick ideas in their head.  Because if I did, that just further fuels the misconception that what I'm doing is a "sexual" act. 

*Jumps off soapbox*

Maybe, I'm a lactivist after all.

Until Next Time:
~MommyToBee