Ummmm What?

On Saturday, Shawn (Greg's brother) was surprised by a surprise birthday party thrown by his girlfriend.  A little into the party, Jaden started to get fussy.  He was obviously hungry.  And, me being his Mommy and the "only" one to feed him... I announced my intentions.  Did I have to tell people that I was planning on breastfeeding my child?  No.  But I did out of respect if anyone had any problems with it.  No one objected so I assumed it was fine.

HA. Ha.  Ohhh the joke was on me I guess.

Greg's boss' (Chris) boyfriend (Gene) didn't hear me ask if anyone had an issue with me feeding Jaden.  Little man was nearly done when his man turned around and saw what I was doing.  The conversation proceed as such:
Gene:    Awww HELL What kind of party is this?
Chris:    She said she was going to feed him. 
Gene:    Rachel.  SHAWN!?!?  RACHELLLLLLLL!!!!! Get in here. 
Me:       Jaden, we told them, didn't we? We don't care.  Little man is hungrrry.  *Saying to my son, who at this point is the only thing that matters*
Gene:    Naw, that ain't right.  That's just SICK.
Rachel:  What's wrong, Gene? 
Gene:    What kind of party is this?!?!  People whipping out titties.  Little babies all around.  What kind of sick shit is this?
Rachel:   She said she was going to do it.  It's not my fault you can't hear. 
Me:        He's just jealous he can't get some.  Would you like some milkies, Gene?  *Gene storms out, Chris chasing after him* I guess he's not hungry.

Seriously?  You are going to throw a fit over a child eating???  This is the kind of ignorance that I cannot stand.  I can understand that some people are uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding.  (Since it is America and well, breasts can ONLY be for sexual arousal.)  However, to try to point out that a woman is feeding her child?  That makes no sense to me.  If you don't like it, fine.  I will cover up.  But I will NOT move because you have an issue with it.  I was in a private home where the owner knew I was breastfeeding.  If YOU don't like it, YOU move.  I am not going to be shamed by doing something so natural and special for me and my son. 

I'm sorry, but I feel very strong about how I feed my son.  I don't see a problem with something so organic.  Mayed I should have been respectful and moved myself from the room.  But I did tell everyone.  And I don't regret having a satisfied baby at all.

Until Next Time:
~MommyToBee

Am I becoming one of those hippy moms?

Okay...let me first say...that last year at this time I was *newly* pregnant.  Yes, I knew already.  I was practically sick from day one.

With that being said...onto the post:

I'm not exactly sure how to word this, but I'm going to try my best. 

I have been thinking about different things I want to do for Jaden.  I knew I wanted to breastfeed for at least 6 weeks.  Then it became 3 months...then 6...then a year.  Now, I'm thinking I want to let him self wean.  Not only do I want to self wean, but I also want to continue to pump (as long as I'm still producing milk) and donating it.  *Which I haven't told Greg...I'm sure he would be supportive...after much discussion* 


Something that newly popped into my head was maybe to start cloth diapering.  I realize I might be crazy...but I think it'll be good.  I have no idea why I'm thinking I want to start, but I think it's because I realize how much money we spend on disposable diapers.  Seriously, he goes through about 14 diapers a day and that means we go through about 400 diapers a month!  That adds up quick.  And besides, cloth diaper covers are so cute.  (And can be made from old t-shirts)

Yes, I know I might sound a little nuts.  I've become a co-sleeping, breastfeeding, cloth diaper considering, vaccinating, possible extended rear facing, baby wearing momma.

Pretty much, I'm becoming a "hippy" mom.  And I'm okay with that. 

Just further shows how your life changes with that first cry.  And will continue to change as he grows.

Until Next Time:
~MommyToBee

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