This past 11 months of nursing have been such a learning experience for me. I never saw a woman nurse before I did it myself, and I never knew another one who talked about it. I was scared, and nervous, and felt fumbly and awkward, but I did it. I can’t say the same for 6 other women who were pregnant at the same time. They’ve all since quit. The social acceptance part of it was huge for many of them, and they didn’t want to be hidden away. I can understand it, but I don’t support that as a reason for quitting. I was at a large event recently (sustainable living fair), and I found a spot outside the restrooms to sit and nurse my son (I sure wasn’t going into the restroom to do it) and I didn’t really care if anyone looked because I was 99% covered. But then a little girl ran over yelling “Baby!”, obviously having no idea that I was nursing, and her parents weren’t far behind. I tensed up, afraid that they would be uncomfortable, or that I’d have to defend myself, or that the child would be horrified. There was no need. The little girl never noticed, and her parents gave me a knowing smile. It was lovely, but such a shame that I have to be ready for a confrontation. If these images were more readily available, there would be no need…or at least less of one.

Thanks for sharing.

At least my son will grow up a breastfed baby and will see his future younger siblings breastfeed as well. Plus, we have taken amazing pictures of him nursing to show how beautiful it can be. I want to cherish those memories always.

And I found the new version of My Beautiful Baby. It loses something without the contact of breastfeeding.

Almost want to write into PBS to let them know I find bottle-feeding disgusting (I don’t). It seems like outrage is the only thing they listen to, as opposed to common sense.