Kate Hansen's Blog and my thoughts on Breastfeeding

My friend thought I would find this blog interesting, she was right! Thanks P!
The author's art is quite striking. She has captured motherhood so well and so beautifully. The content of her blog is also refreshing and thought provoking...and right up my alley!

Her recent post on the sad state of the double standard on breastfeeding that exists in our society is an interesting read. If you have a minute check it out.

I was actually thinking about this the other day while I was breastfeeding my 11 month old in public. I often hear of stories where women get told to cover up, or to go somewhere private to "do that". Luckily I have never had to experience such negative comments, although sometimes I wish someone would say something idiotic to me so I may enlighten them! Hahaha!

Here's the thing. Women have the right to breastfeed wherever, whenever, however they want. Our society should just accept that and normalize that. This does not mean that women should not cover up if that's what makes them comfortable. Vice versa, if breastfeeding uncovered is easier, then by all means women should do that. It should just not be an issue, at all. It should just be something as normal as breathing, blinking, walking, eating...you get the point. Do people tell each other to do those things in private? Don't think so.

Personally, both of my kiddos breastfeed (breastfed) more comfortably uncovered (as in without the aid of a blanket or nursing cover) and this works for me too. People are ignorant in thinking that women who breastfeed are being sexual, exposing themselves for everyone to see. How ridiculous is that!? As a matter of fact, I bet a sexy girl at the beach in her bikini is showing more boob than I ever do (and other breastfeeding moms do) when breastfeeding!

So next time you see a mom breastfeeding think about exactly what she is doing. She is nourishing a baby, giving it everything it needs to grow, be content, feel secure, be healthy and happy. She is helping raise the next generation. Who doesn't want to see happy, healthy babies growing well? When you look at it that way, it's easy to see it's purpose and how much of a non-issue this should all be! And of course it would help to make it a non-issue if the fact that breasts are primarily designed to provide nutrition was acknowledged, any other "use" breasts have is secondary. The multi-functionality of breasts should be celebrated, it shouldn't be something to be ashamed of! If we view it this way it's easy to support breastfeeding in its entirety, including women's right to breastfeed as they please.