This is the kind of thing that really ticks me off: http://www.newser.com/story/114737/study-breastfeeding-mothers-seen-as-less-competent.html. The gist of the story is that men and women view breastfeeding moms as less competent than other women in general, and specifically less competent in math. Are you kidding me?
As for the math part, well, you got me there. I'm no math whiz and you'll never catch me saying otherwise. But that was true well before motherhood came on the scene. And given that lawyers aren't known for our math skills, I guess I have good company ;)
As for competence, first of all, why would choosing to nurse mark me as less capable than if I had chosen to feed formula? For the record, I don't judge the formula feeders; formula is a viable option for women who can't nurse, and the most important ingredient for a child's health is love. Nursing moms don't have the monopoly on that.
But, anyone who wants to talk about nursing moms being incompetent, walk a day, a week, or 8 months in my shoes and get back to me. You'll be waking up by 5 every weekday, nursing twice a day, pumping four times a day, and putting in a full day's work. Sound tough? It is. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. My baby's worth all that and more.
More importantly though, it's sad to think that people really view nursing moms so negatively, because I've never felt more competent than I do now as a mom. I've accomplished a lot of things in my 32 years that I'm proud of, but knowing that I can grow, protect, and deliver a life into the world and then nurture him with the most perfect food nature can provide is the most satisfying, empowering accomplishment of all. There's no greater feeling that knowing I can satisfy his needs so completely, and I already know I'll miss it once that stage of life is past.
I'm glad to see several high-profile celebrities lately make a point of proudly saying that they breastfeed. These women can outsource nearly every detail of their lives, and they still choose to reserve this most important task for themselves. And for all their money and fame, they have no advantage over the rest of us there, no shortcuts. I think their example says a lot.
I believe that in order to reverse this unfortunate stereotype we nursing moms need to encourage and support other moms who choose to do this. Not look down at those who don't, but help lift up those who do. A few weeks ago a lady in my office saw me walking with my pump bag. I don't recall that we had ever spoken before, but she stopped to tell me how much she admired that I was still nursing even after returning to work. It was just a moment's conversation but it made my day.
Now whenever I walk through the building with my bag, I like to think that I'm silently serving as an example that you can be a mom and a capable worker. Maybe seeing that I can make it work will encourage the next new mom to try it too. Or at least not to view those of us who do as incompetent.
Ok, off the soapbox and off to bed...
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