Lactation Consultant

A while ago, I posted about breastfeeding and the law. While N.I.P. is protected by the law, there are many nursing moms who encounter looks of disgust, rude comments, and critical stares. This is very upsetting to me as it indicates the ugly imbalance in what our culture deems as decent behavior.

American television and movies are loaded with images of sex, murder, war, sexual and physical abuse. If you go to the mall, you will see stores that sell thong underwear for young girls and outfits that reveal what is not yet fully developed on their pre-pubescent bodies. It doesn’t make sense that these things are accepted as the norm while N.I.P. is perceived as too revealing and “innappropriate”.

Sexualizing breastfeeding is damaging to mother, baby, and society at large. You can read my post about the benefits of breastfeeding. I would add to the list of benefits that breastfeeding lowers infant mortality. Premature babies that are given breastmilk rather than formula have a higher survival rate. In addition to being essential to a baby’s development, breastfeeding provides a bonding experience and connection to the infant that can help combat or minimize postpartum depression. I found an article that addresses breastfeeding as treatment for PPD. When a woman nurses, there is a surge of the hormone oxytocin in her body. This “feel good” hormone makes the mother relaxed and happy.

Our society benefits from healthy moms and babies and should so support and protect N.I.P. Expecting a mother to hide away from the world in order to give her baby the gift of breastmilk is, in my opinion, criminal. This attitude limits a mother’s chance to successfully breastfeed. Gawk at the woman in the see- through tank top, showing off her augmented fakies. Respect the woman on the park bench, feeding her child. If need be, educate others by showing them the research. There are lots of great websites out there. See our list of breastfeeding links.