Breastfeeding is a Man's Issue Too

I'm very grateful to LMJ's dynamic duo for inviting me to join them on their soapbox for a few minutes today.  After all, men care about this issue too.  It's long past time for people to realize that shame and sex have nothing to do with feeding a child.  And it's long past time for men to stand up to support the women who have led this fight for so long.  I may write a blog called "It's Not a Lecture," but it seems there may be some people who need to sit down and get a good "talking to."

I'm married to an incredible woman who's an expert in women's health research.  She's taught me about all of the benefits that kids - and moms - get when moms breastfeed their kids.  I also worked in a pediatrics department for three years, so I saw a LOT of public breastfeeding going on.  And I NEVER saw a mom breastfeed to be provocative.  I did, however, see women who were embarrassed or afraid of what people might say.  Embarrassed to feed their babies.

I guess that's why I was upset when I learned a woman was recently kicked out of a restaurant because she refused to put a blanket on top of her and her baby as she breastfed.  In my town of Lexington, Kentucky.  In June.  In a state where the law prohibits anyone from interfering with a breastfeeding mom.  This woman wasn't parading around the restaurant flashing people.  She was sitting in the back, just trying to feed her kid.  So I know this: it's the opponents of public breastfeeding that are sexualizing the practice, not the moms.  And like you, I don't think someone's sexual hangups should dictate where and when a baby gets to eat.

And I guess that's why I joined with LMJ and all the moms who care about this when I called out Facebook on their ridiculous double-standard of banning breastfeeding pictures while continuing to allow "pro-anorexia" groups on their network.

One of the biggest reasons I'm proud to stand with you is you'll include me.  You'll include anyone who cares about this issue and has something to say.  So I hope you'll also reach out to other people - more influential people - and ask them to join this fight.  Ask doctors and nurses to weigh in.  Ask other bloggers from other walks of life.  Take this to the city council.   Tell those who would mock breastfeeding moms as "narcissists" (look in the mirror, Bill - oh wait, you're already doing that) and those who would have you cover up that their hangups are their problem, not yours. 

And know you're not alone.

Our thanks to Honorary Agent DW for sharing his thoughts on this important issue. Stay tuned for The Great Virtual Breast Fest tomorrow starting at 10am your time. We'll have a list of all our participants and it's not too late to join us!

How are you participating? Let us know.

And make sure to check out the montage and feel free to place it on your blog for tomorrow's fest. Speaking of male reactions to breastfeeding, there's quite a discussion going on over at YouTube. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Comments

[Multi-tasking Mommy]

It really is too bad that when woman are only doing what they know is best for their child, they have to worry about what others will think when she is in public trying to nourish her child!

[Veronica]

October 10th has been and gone for me. I have a post up with some pictures.

I didn't manage to nurse at 10am (have you tried nursing a toddler who is much more interested in playing in the garden? Not Easy) but hey, she'll probably nurse all night anyway so I will get in a 10am feed somewhere in the worlds timeframes.

Thanks a bunch for hosting this, it's a great idea and I'm proud to be involved.

Veronica
Sleepless Nights

[ktjrdn]

I tried to do a trackback, but think I failed. But I put the montage up

[klnopohwuk]

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[facebookhater]

i never had a problem with facebook till now,i mean i use to get annoyed with the fact that you make your pictures private to just friends ,but if a friend posts a comment about your picture even if you are not my friend you’ll see da picture and comment can can see all my pictues by simply clicking that picture.
what did it for me was i tried to add mt nickname, but facebook would would not let me,fine i message them,they asked what i wanted to change it to,and i told them ,next thing i know my account is deactivated, and i get a letter asking me for a copy of my social and id,lololol these people must be crazy or smoking crack or something…i am speechless……no more fackbook for me..and that is why facebook sucks…..

[Breast Enhancement pills]

Yes mother breast feed is the boon for a child growth.

and there is a good news for the women who are seeking breast enhancement pills, because now there are pills which not only help you to look beautiful and sexy, but also help in increasing your and your's children health.

Just read one of the herbal ingrediant

Blessed Thistle - The herb blessed thistle is approved by Germany's Commission E for the treatment of loss of appetite and indigestion. It was used historically by nursing women to increase the flow of milk.

There have been no published clinical trials on blessed thistle for natural breast enlargement, so we don't know whether it is effective or safe for regular use in large doses.

Blessed thistle is believed to stimulate the production of stomach acid, so it can cause mild irritation of the digestive tract lining. It should not be used by people with gastrointestinal reflux disease, ulcers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Blessed thistle should not be used by pregnant women, as it can increase the risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortion.

People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies may be allergic to blessed thistle, because they belong to the same plant family.

[Padded nursing bras]

I agree up to some extent, My man does not have any issues over breastfeeding, however I have a few friends that often complaint that their hubbies are not very keen for the full support!
Martina