Only sometime later, she received an email containing a complaint! You’ll ask yourself, what could she possibly have done to deserve such a complaint? A devoted woman volunteering her precious free time for the benefit of this group.
What could she have done that was so wrong?
She breastfed her baby in the presence of these young girls.
How dare she.
When a mother is asked to not breastfeed in front of school-age girls, it really makes me wonder what is wrong with the world.
These young girls will grow up to have a pair of knockers themselves. It’s not like they haven’t seen breasts because frankly you would have to live on Mars to avoid the constant boob exposure. I’m sure they’ve seen their mothers change clothes and likely more than once seen breasts contained in a bra or a bikini, yet a mother discreetly nursing her young child is offensive, it’s dirty and should be hidden!
Is it not positive that children see babies eat from their mother’s breasts? That they see how natural it is? What better way to normalise breastfeeding for the next generation of mothers than exposing them to the act of breastfeeding and encouraging them that there is no shame attached to breastfeeding in public? That they should do so with pride.
When I’ve breastfed in a busy place, children have looked on curiously and asked me questions, but I have never been met with judgment from the smallest in our society. Children accept what we tell them, and they are blessed with innocence. They don’t sexualise or twist what breastfeeding is!
As mothers, it is our duty to make sure that our daughters grow up with the choice to feed how they want, based on their journey, not based on negative statements from previous generations.
If you tell your child that breastfeeding in front of her is wrong, you’re telling her that breastfeeding is bad and that it should be hidden. You’re making choices for your daughter which she should make for herself, if and when she becomes a mother.
So, to the mother who complained: don’t do your daughter the injustice of denying her body autonomy based on your prejudice. Empower her with knowledge and choice.
If she tells you she saw a baby nurse, explain to her that biologically, babies are fed with milk from their mother’s breasts.
She deserves the truth, not some distorted view from a damaged society where breasts are only best when on display in a low-cut vest.
Originally published here.
The Gentle Mum is a woman, simply trying to manoeuvre through motherhood with empathy and respect. Between training to become a breastfeeding peer supporter, completing her degree in Youth and Child studies and pursuing her writing hobby, she can be found on the school run, flustered whilst trying to be the best mother she can possibly be. These are her thoughts and musings on life, alongside the ups and downs of motherhood. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
