Lactation Activist - pretty clever.
That's me. It has been my focus for the past 11 months! I'm slightly obsessed I know. I laughed when I read the word "lactivist" on the back of a book, Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay. It's a perfect term to describe my slightly militant stance on BFing. It's actually a pretty funny book about new motherhood until you realize the author is an alcoholic. The title is a hint obviously!
Anyway, I find that I talk about breastfeeding A LOT. For example, we were at dinner with friends a couple of months ago. Jai put his hand on my leg as I kind of ranted about something related to BFing. However, it is really important ... and here I go again!
That is one of the reasons I enjoy my monthly La Leche League meeting and attend faithfully. It is a supportive environment with women (and their children) committed to BFing. Maybe it makes me feel superior, but mainly I'm proud of my accomplishment. Growing a baby is an amazing feat and feeding a baby is also an incredible ability. I also like to support other women who want to BF their child. Don't get me wrong - I'll be glad to stop this part of my relationship with Julia. I'm looking forward to not having something growing inside of me or attached to me in that way. I need some space! I'm looking forward to doing other activities with Julia - playing with balls and reading to her for example.
I had a funny experience last weekend with a newer mom (11 week old baby). She mentioned how hard BFing is and how it can push you to the edge and you cannot understand if you've never experienced it. I said "yeah, I know it's difficult." It was a weird situation and chalked it up to her new mom hormones, but I wish I had said "I know you've been feeding your baby for 11 weeks and it is hard, but I've been doing it for 11 months."
I know the EDGE. Been there - done that!
: )
4 months ago
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I dropped a subscription to the magazine Brain, Child, because they gave out this horrible misinformation about breastfeeding and making references about "lactation nazis." I wrote a very detailed and substantiated letter to the editor, explaining that NO, herpes is not passed through breastmilk and a variety of other quite ridiculous statements, including the crazy claim that breastmilk wasn't all that much better for your baby. Wha???? I DO support my friends who decide not to breastfeed. It's simply not for everyone, but I think with more information and support, many more mothers would attempt it.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe you pumped for this long. I'm so grateful that I didn't have to pump regularly.