Have you seen the TIME Magazine cover photo this week? How could you not? Unless you are anti-news and social media, you've see it. Here it is again...GASP!
Did it bother you? I think the photo could have been classier, more loving, but in general it's beautiful for a mom to nurse her child...infant, toddler, older toddler....whatever.
A local talk radio show was discussing this "extreme parenting" option of exentded breastfeeding and the conversation was VERY offensive to me. I texted into the show as I often do, and then sent a LONG e-mail this morning.
Here's the e-mail:
Hello,
I am an avid listener and have been
for many years. I want to say I have really enjoyed the change of pace with the
addition of Dana; a mom’s point of view is very appreciated. Although easily
distracted, Skittles is refreshing.
I am writing today to continue my
text conversation about extended breast feeding. I texted yesterday at
4:39p.m. You were done with the conversation and I couldn’t stop myself from
voicing my opinion. I told you “I am so disappointed in the 2 of you. I am a
proud breastfeeding mom of a 20 month old. Just because our society says it is
weird is that what you accept? I will send an email later. I hope you take the
time to read it and be educated. Dana…are you sure you did the best thing for
your children forcing them to wean if you did?” You responded telling me 20
month old nursing is not weird 6 years old is. I then responded that you don’t
know all of the circumstances listing allergies, physical defects and mental
problems. Then is hit the zinger button… “Lots of reasons beyond mom not
wanting to let go. Why does that give you a reason to bully her or the many
other extended breastfeeding moms? You should
apologize”
Your next topic was bullying…I find
it fitting that your show took so much of its time to bully an entire segment of
the population then you go on to say “Bullying is bad”. WHAT???? What gives
you the right to say my style of parenting is disturbing enough that you feel
the need to call me out and say HOW DARE YOU?
The TIME Magazine cover started this
touchy issue….it seems to always be at the boiling point….I agree…distasteful.
If I were to have taken that picture I would have set it up differently. The
AAP (American
Academy of Pediatrics) has
recently agreed with the long-standing view of the WHO (World Health
Organization) that breastfeeding should continue until the child is 2 or beyond
as long as is mutually acceptable and desirable for both
parties.
I would have had the mom sitting in
a chair, dressed for work, child snuggling in her arms nursing….like you would
expect to see. I think it is beautiful that this mom of a 3 year old takes the
time to give him the emotional connection SO many older toddlers
need.
I beg both of you, and anyone else
who has a question, concern or just curiosity to attend a LaLeche League
meeting. They are held all over the city at different times. I PERSONALLY
invite you to my group’s meeting coming up on Monday May 21 at 7:30p.m. We
would love you to see the wide range of ages of kids, range of moms and the
beautiful support women give each other. If you want to attend a different
group, here is the website http://www.llli.org/web/missouri.html
Finally I would like to address the
ignorant woman who called stating that having a baby drink another moms milk is
like drinking someone else’s snot. HOW completely ignorant. Are you aware that
breast milk is a living organization that when given to a premature baby before
it’s mother’s milk come in can help the babies lungs and brain continue to
develop as if it was still in the mother’s womb? Did you know that we have a
local hospital with a milk bank? https://www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org/news-release/saint-lukes-heart-america-mothers-milk-bank-open
Breastfeeding is a BEAUTIFUL NATURAL
act that should be viewed as such. It angers and disappoints me that Americans
are so sexual. Evolutionary speaking breasts are for attracting a mate because
they show potentially that the mother could nurture children which in turns
increases the survival rate and continues the man’s genes. I believe that
breasts have dual purpose….but just because the SEX is the par that we have over
sensationalized does NOT mean that breastfeeding should be seen as icky but
rather an educational experience.
Ever wonder why Europe has less of a teen drinking problem? It is in part
because alcohol is part of their culture, it is not taboo only for adults, it is
normal. Breastfeeding is the same in MANY countries. Americans are yet again
behind in the acceptance and education in this life-saving natural event.
People need to educate themselves so they don’t look like idiots and don’t
wrongfully make other people feel bad about their
decisions.
I know this e-mail is quite long,
but as you can see I am very passionate about this
topic.
1 final note….to make breastfeeding
“normal” we need to have heated discussions, moms need to breastfeed in public
(discretely, I agree) and our children need to be exposed to the natural reason
for our bodies to have these parts.
What are your thoughts? Did I cover all the bases? Did I offend anyone?
