It really confuses me that North Americans bicker about NIP when Muslim women who are shrouded head to toe in veils and burkas are allowed and encouraged to "whip it out" at any convenient time to nurse their young-lings and not even an eyelash is batted. HELOOoooOO! Do you get it now? IT IS OKAY!!! There is no shame in it at all. NOT SHAMEFUL! It's a necessary and vital part of raising healthy children.
The WHO or World Health Organization BTW also endorses, encourages and recommends very strongly that our babies be breastfed until 2 YEARS of age at least! I breastfeed my 15 month old shamelessly and am not about to change my NIP behaviors. Why? It's part of being a good Mom and giving my DD the best start in life possible and that's all that any Mother ever wants to do for their kids.
Have I tried covering up completely? Yes. I still try. Is it successful every time? Heck no, my DD just hates being covered. Should I hide then from public places? Heck no! If I did this every time she wanted to feed or be comforted then I would never leave my home or I just would end up toting around a distraught, angry, screaming, and lets not forget mistrusting toddler. You'd notice me then for sure! One big secret I have learned is that a toddler that is being nursed on demand and responded to immediately is almost invisible. It's the child being denied or told to wait for nursing and that is throwing a kicking and screaming fit; that gets EVERYONES attention.
Do I know about nursing shirts? Sure. I had one and it was useless. it covers a bit more back and belly however DD would push it up to my neck almost and fully expose me anyways. She just doesn't like stuff in her face while eating. Come to think of it, neither would I. No one would. Especially a new person just brought into this world 15 months ago that is exploring our world and learning about everything she sees for the first time ever! Can you imagine. Then eye contact too is key for her. She wants to see Moms face and hair and eyes. It's a special chill out time to get some Mommy time in too. Before you judge so hard imagine walking a mile in her baby booties for just a second. Would you want to be covered completely and denied Mommy's face and the world that stimulates you so intensely? Worse yet would you like to eat in a filthy and smelly public bathroom facility? Keep in mind a baby's sense of smell is much much keener than yours and mine! YUCK!
No, I think I am just fine meeting my baby's needs as fast as humanly possible. (DD would agree!)If she'll peacefully nurse covered up today then fine with me. If not, then fine with me. It's her choice really. She can't talk yet and voice her needs so that's why I, her Mommy, is here today. I speak for her because if I don't then no one will. That's what loving Moms are for. Shame on others for judging our defenceless and innocent children. She nurses for love, comfort, nurishment and for many other reasons, too numerous to list. One thing that I do know for certain is that she does not nurse just to piss you off.
Angela
Dr. Phil and his guests strike up heated conversations as they debate the latest hot topics. Should women give up their right to breastfeed their babies in public so other people don't feel uncomfortable? Will passing out condoms in schools prevent unwanted pregnancies or just send the message to kids that it's OK to have sex? And, is it acceptable for others to discipline your kids if they see them acting out in public, or should they just mind their own business? Dr. Phil weighs in on these controversial subjects. Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
