This is a campaign started by an intactivist on a mission to spread awareness. It's a woman's perspective of routine infant circumcision. Each post is from a different point of view.
" On August 5, 2014, Elite Daily featured a story with pictures of 12 of its female employees holding signs that stated what each of them would do differently if they were men. Elizabeth Baugh, one of the women featured in the article, held a sign with the message "#IfIWereABoy I'd be able to make choices about my own body."
Elizabeth's message ignores that, annually in the United States, over one million male and intersex children are subjected to forced genital modifications.
This project catalogs messages from individuals whose bodily autonomy would have been denied if they were male. Their statements use the same format as the signs held in the Elite Daily article. "
"I'm inviting all of you intactivist ladies to join me in taking a new spin on this campaign and point out what is happening to baby boys every single day."
"Please invite all the intactivist women you know to take a photo of yourself holding a sign, and in your own words write "If I Were A Boy" and your own intactivist statement.
If you would like to join the campaign, join the group on Facebook! Take your photo and share it on the page! Tell your intactivist friends! :) I posted mine today.
Here's the page:
https://www.facebook.com/ifIwereaBoyintact/timeline
Monday, August 11, 2014
Friday, August 8, 2014
The end of World Breastfeeding Week..
Yesterday was Day 7, of World Breastfeeding Week. But that doesn't mean that sharing information and awareness about breastfeeding is over. It never ends...
I will be updating my blog with our progress. Tomorrow marks 24 straight weeks of breastfeeding. Wesley Jr has still never had a bottle or taken a pacifier.
I am proud of myself, my body, and my beautiful son!! OUR 6 months is getting closer and closer. I can't believe how fast it has gone by! It really does get easier every week...
"When you feel like giving up, just remember why you started."
That's what I remind myself every time I get frustrated and feel like just quitting. It isn't always a piece of cake. It's all up to ME to nourish our son. His daddy doesn't have to help make bottles or help feed him in the middle of the night. I do all of it on my own. I don't mind, he is my son. It's my responsibility as his mother. But that doesn't mean that I don't get frustrated some times. Some times I want to eat dinner without him on me or to be able to have an hour or two outside the house alone. Because we don't use bottles and I don't want to pump, I am unable to be apart from him. It isn't the best deal but he won't be a baby long. I will miss him wanting to be with me every second of his day and night. One day, I'll be wishing I could go back in time and have my baby boy laying across my chest. I love him so much. He is the sweetest, happiest little boy in the world! All he ever wants, is his mama. <3 p="">
I will be updating my blog with our progress. Tomorrow marks 24 straight weeks of breastfeeding. Wesley Jr has still never had a bottle or taken a pacifier.
I am proud of myself, my body, and my beautiful son!! OUR 6 months is getting closer and closer. I can't believe how fast it has gone by! It really does get easier every week...
"When you feel like giving up, just remember why you started."
That's what I remind myself every time I get frustrated and feel like just quitting. It isn't always a piece of cake. It's all up to ME to nourish our son. His daddy doesn't have to help make bottles or help feed him in the middle of the night. I do all of it on my own. I don't mind, he is my son. It's my responsibility as his mother. But that doesn't mean that I don't get frustrated some times. Some times I want to eat dinner without him on me or to be able to have an hour or two outside the house alone. Because we don't use bottles and I don't want to pump, I am unable to be apart from him. It isn't the best deal but he won't be a baby long. I will miss him wanting to be with me every second of his day and night. One day, I'll be wishing I could go back in time and have my baby boy laying across my chest. I love him so much. He is the sweetest, happiest little boy in the world! All he ever wants, is his mama. <3 p="">
Thursday, August 7, 2014
World Breastfeeding Week- Day 6 (late post)
Today, I'm leaning more towards KNOWLEDGE.
If you are not sure if you want to breastfeed, ask questions in a support group or a friend that you know on social media. I have not met a breastfeeding mother that isn't willing to help others with their curiosity about nursing. It could help with any doubt you may have about starting or even when you are confused about something later down the road. I would not be where I am today, had it not been for my support groups. Or for asking questions!
I want to share some groups that I am a part of on my personal Facebook page. Not only about breastfeeding, there are many mommy talk groups, where anything goes. Check them out!!
Breastfeeding Help, Private Talk Group - Facebook
Baby Led Weaning- Facebook
Attachment Parenting Talk Group
Mommy Vents: Support, Advice & Discussion
Opinionated Mamas Private Talk Group
La Leche League!
Kelly Mom!
CDC- Breastfeeding
WHO - Breastfeeding Facts
If you are not sure if you want to breastfeed, ask questions in a support group or a friend that you know on social media. I have not met a breastfeeding mother that isn't willing to help others with their curiosity about nursing. It could help with any doubt you may have about starting or even when you are confused about something later down the road. I would not be where I am today, had it not been for my support groups. Or for asking questions!
I want to share some groups that I am a part of on my personal Facebook page. Not only about breastfeeding, there are many mommy talk groups, where anything goes. Check them out!!
Breastfeeding Help, Private Talk Group - Facebook
Baby Led Weaning- Facebook
Attachment Parenting Talk Group
Mommy Vents: Support, Advice & Discussion
Opinionated Mamas Private Talk Group
La Leche League!
Kelly Mom!
CDC- Breastfeeding
WHO - Breastfeeding Facts
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
World Breastfeeding Week- Day 5!
Nursing in public is a huge topic of controversy. From all different points of view. There are many opinions and grey areas that people like to stand by. But mine is just this: A woman is a MOTHER. Her sole purpose on this wonderful place called Earth, is to reproduce and nourish beautiful babies. Just because we are a "modern" people now, doesn't mean we need to throw out mother nature. We are the "most intelligent" species on this planet, right? So WHY is it too hard to have the best of both worlds? I use cell phones, toilets and motorized vehicles. Does that mean my instincts as mother disappear everytime a new smartphone comes out? No.
In this world of "connection", we are farther apart than we have ever been. People are far too into their phones. Mothers lose time with their children because they have their heads in their phones. When I was growing up, I didn't have a cell phone until I was 13 and the only thing it did- was CALL people. I remember when texting didn't exist. I didn't even start texting until I was around 15 or 16. I feel like friendships were more REAL, at that time. You can't really tell how someone feels about you through a text. You can't tell if someone is talking to you because they really want to or because they are bored. Children don't play outside like they use to either. I use to be out and about with my friends until the street lights came on. Sometimes even later. Until we got hungry and ran home for dinner! I really don't want my children to be too into technology. Running around and climbing trees, exercising without even thinking about it! Using their imagination to build forts in the woods or examining creatures they find in the fields. I want them to be PART of the world.
Everything is changing. And I don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I love the internet. I love learning things and having anything I want to know at my fingertips. I love being able to Skype my family and friends that are 1100 miles away. But when it starts changing how we are as PEOPLE, it is getting out of hand. Mothers should NOT be shamed for doing something completely natural and human, just because they are in public. We may have Google glasses and electric cars but a mother will always be a mother. You can't make an app for feeding a baby from the breast. We are HUMAN. Not robots. People seem to think that we are "too advanced" to be feeding our babies this way. We must be old fashioned, I guess.
I love the bond that comes from breastfeeding. I bonded with my daughter while she was eating too, but it's not the same KIND of bond. It's completely different. I breastfed her for 6 weeks before using formula. When you exclusively breastfeed, your baby is attached to YOU. YOU are feeding your baby. You are EVERYTHING to your baby. No one else can feed them, just you. I love that about exclusively breastfeeding. I feel this huge wave of pride, joy and love when my son is eating. He doesn't know any different. He doesn't know that bottles even exist. He knows nothing but ME. It's a beautiful feeling. I am so happy that I have come this far with Wesley Jr. He IS amazing. It takes just as much effort on your baby's part, to breastfeed. They deserve a "great job!", too.
Breastfeeding is such an important experience for mothers. That's one of the reasons why I nurse in public. I hope EACH time that I can change someone's mind about it...
I feel as though breastfeeding is my RIGHT, not only as an American citizen, but also as a human being. So when someone tells a mother to cover up, it's like they are telling them to stop being so human. "It's 2014..." Like we should know formula exists and so do bottles! But you know what, just because something CAN be easier, doesn't make it the best choice. It doesn't mean breastmilk is outdated. Formula is NOT and never will be breastmilk. Your breastmilk is specifically made for your baby. It changes with your baby's growing needs of development. Formula does not.
"People need to understand that when they're deciding between breastmilk and formula, they're not deciding between Coke and Pepsi... They're choosing between a live, pure substance and a dead substance made with the cheapest oils available." - Chele Marmet
With all of this said, nursing in public is a GREAT thing to do. For everyone. The more we see it, the more normal it becomes...
I have nursed in Walmart, at home with family, in our truck, in parking lots with the windows down, in line at the grocery store, at the laundromat, outside in our yard, at an Indians baseball game, in line at the pharmacy, skyping my family, talking to people in stores, on the toilet, in bed, asleep, putting on makeup, eating dinner with one hand, cooking, and cleaning. All while being "uncovered". Why would I do all of that, if I just wanted attention? Why would I do all of that if I thought formula was the same? It's not and I wouldn't. I do all of that for my son. Because he's eating. It's literally that simple. And because he's eating what I was made to feed him. That's it. It's time to wake up people. I will continue nursing in public. I want to nurse in as many places as possible. If I do anything with my breasts out, it's for a great cause.
Nurse on mamas!
Peace.Love. & Breastfeeding.
Day 5 photo*
In this world of "connection", we are farther apart than we have ever been. People are far too into their phones. Mothers lose time with their children because they have their heads in their phones. When I was growing up, I didn't have a cell phone until I was 13 and the only thing it did- was CALL people. I remember when texting didn't exist. I didn't even start texting until I was around 15 or 16. I feel like friendships were more REAL, at that time. You can't really tell how someone feels about you through a text. You can't tell if someone is talking to you because they really want to or because they are bored. Children don't play outside like they use to either. I use to be out and about with my friends until the street lights came on. Sometimes even later. Until we got hungry and ran home for dinner! I really don't want my children to be too into technology. Running around and climbing trees, exercising without even thinking about it! Using their imagination to build forts in the woods or examining creatures they find in the fields. I want them to be PART of the world.
Everything is changing. And I don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I love the internet. I love learning things and having anything I want to know at my fingertips. I love being able to Skype my family and friends that are 1100 miles away. But when it starts changing how we are as PEOPLE, it is getting out of hand. Mothers should NOT be shamed for doing something completely natural and human, just because they are in public. We may have Google glasses and electric cars but a mother will always be a mother. You can't make an app for feeding a baby from the breast. We are HUMAN. Not robots. People seem to think that we are "too advanced" to be feeding our babies this way. We must be old fashioned, I guess.
I love the bond that comes from breastfeeding. I bonded with my daughter while she was eating too, but it's not the same KIND of bond. It's completely different. I breastfed her for 6 weeks before using formula. When you exclusively breastfeed, your baby is attached to YOU. YOU are feeding your baby. You are EVERYTHING to your baby. No one else can feed them, just you. I love that about exclusively breastfeeding. I feel this huge wave of pride, joy and love when my son is eating. He doesn't know any different. He doesn't know that bottles even exist. He knows nothing but ME. It's a beautiful feeling. I am so happy that I have come this far with Wesley Jr. He IS amazing. It takes just as much effort on your baby's part, to breastfeed. They deserve a "great job!", too.
Breastfeeding is such an important experience for mothers. That's one of the reasons why I nurse in public. I hope EACH time that I can change someone's mind about it...
I feel as though breastfeeding is my RIGHT, not only as an American citizen, but also as a human being. So when someone tells a mother to cover up, it's like they are telling them to stop being so human. "It's 2014..." Like we should know formula exists and so do bottles! But you know what, just because something CAN be easier, doesn't make it the best choice. It doesn't mean breastmilk is outdated. Formula is NOT and never will be breastmilk. Your breastmilk is specifically made for your baby. It changes with your baby's growing needs of development. Formula does not.
"People need to understand that when they're deciding between breastmilk and formula, they're not deciding between Coke and Pepsi... They're choosing between a live, pure substance and a dead substance made with the cheapest oils available." - Chele Marmet
With all of this said, nursing in public is a GREAT thing to do. For everyone. The more we see it, the more normal it becomes...
I have nursed in Walmart, at home with family, in our truck, in parking lots with the windows down, in line at the grocery store, at the laundromat, outside in our yard, at an Indians baseball game, in line at the pharmacy, skyping my family, talking to people in stores, on the toilet, in bed, asleep, putting on makeup, eating dinner with one hand, cooking, and cleaning. All while being "uncovered". Why would I do all of that, if I just wanted attention? Why would I do all of that if I thought formula was the same? It's not and I wouldn't. I do all of that for my son. Because he's eating. It's literally that simple. And because he's eating what I was made to feed him. That's it. It's time to wake up people. I will continue nursing in public. I want to nurse in as many places as possible. If I do anything with my breasts out, it's for a great cause.
Nurse on mamas!
Peace.Love. & Breastfeeding.
Day 5 photo*
Wolrd Breastfeeding Week- Day 4
So today, I got a message on Facebook from someone. I don't know this person at all, in person. Only through Facebook. The message said, "What the... Lol." And then "hey." So I replied with. "hello." He said, "what a pic. A boob." Like I didn't see my breast in my profile picture... My profile picture on my personal page is of my son NURSING. It's one of my favorite photos of him eating. He looks peaceful and comfortable. I just love it. And so in spirit of World Breastfeeding Week, I chose to use it as my main picture for the week. I had never done that before.
Anyways, so I replied back, "yea, it's world breastfeeding week and awareness month." He gave me a thumbs up emoji in return. I wasn't really sure if it was a thumbs up in a supportive way or in a sarcastic rude way... So I just said, "thanks for your support." I figured I'd give the benefit of the doubt and just move on. I got another thumbs up. And a "good thing I'm not a boob guy." I am not sure how that came into the conversation, but it did. And I immediately felt annoyed. WHY does he see my picture as sexual? I'm feeding my son. Why would a person even think that way when they look at it. All you can see is my sons face, him latched, and his hands. It's even in black and white... So I just said, "I guess..." And added: "It's only to help normalize breastfeeding. The more you see it, the more "normal" it becomes. That's the point." And he ended the conversation right there with: " yea. Thanks." I was so glad that it was over so quickly. I didn't feel like arguing with someone about it. I'm so over that. If you don't like it, don't look. If you see it sexually, than I'm sorry but someone didn't teach you how to respect a woman's body enough to know the difference. Definitely don't write me to insult me, disrespect me and annoy me with stupid comments.
Let's continue to nurse in public and share beautiful nursing photos!!
. Day 4 nursing photo*
Anyways, so I replied back, "yea, it's world breastfeeding week and awareness month." He gave me a thumbs up emoji in return. I wasn't really sure if it was a thumbs up in a supportive way or in a sarcastic rude way... So I just said, "thanks for your support." I figured I'd give the benefit of the doubt and just move on. I got another thumbs up. And a "good thing I'm not a boob guy." I am not sure how that came into the conversation, but it did. And I immediately felt annoyed. WHY does he see my picture as sexual? I'm feeding my son. Why would a person even think that way when they look at it. All you can see is my sons face, him latched, and his hands. It's even in black and white... So I just said, "I guess..." And added: "It's only to help normalize breastfeeding. The more you see it, the more "normal" it becomes. That's the point." And he ended the conversation right there with: " yea. Thanks." I was so glad that it was over so quickly. I didn't feel like arguing with someone about it. I'm so over that. If you don't like it, don't look. If you see it sexually, than I'm sorry but someone didn't teach you how to respect a woman's body enough to know the difference. Definitely don't write me to insult me, disrespect me and annoy me with stupid comments.
Let's continue to nurse in public and share beautiful nursing photos!!
|
| Normalize Breastfeeding |
. Day 4 nursing photo*
Monday, August 4, 2014
My baby doll is growing too fast!
Gracie is going to be 3, in November! "Time flies!" That's no exaggeration...
I feel like I was just watching her learn how to crawl, last week. She will be in school in two years! I am SO excited about that. I love school supplies. I love the smell of fresh notebooks, shoes, pencils and backpacks. I'm excited for her, even more. She loves playing pretend school at home. She loves coloring, writing notes and watching educational videos. She knows her colors very well. She knows animals. She knows how to count. She knows all the shapes, her favorite is the triangle. If she sees one, she yells out "triangle!". Whether it's a potato chip or a sign on the road. It's adorable. She knows how to identify foods. She makes us so proud!
She literally amazes me sometimes with the things she knows. I'm always asking, where did she learn that? I didn't teach her that... It makes me jealous, which is silly. At a certain point, your babies start learning from other people. They start learning by watching the world. And listening to conversations. It saddened me when I realized it, but I can't possibly teach her EVERYTHING. She's like a sponge! She soaks it all up. She says big words too. For example, today she learned the word "frustrated". And she uses it a sentence, correctly. It's the cutest thing ever. She will be upset at a toy or something and say "mom, I'm frustrated!". I just agree with her and tell her she did a great job at explaining how she feels. It's much better for her to express her feelings with words. When she starts a tantrum, like all 2 year olds do- I ask her to use her words. It helps a lot! That way I am able to understand what is bothering her and talk WITH her about it. She loves learning new words. And I love that she does. So I'm sure she's going to LOVE school! I cant wait to see her smile when the bus stops at our house and picks her up. Of course, I'll be a little sad that she is leaving my side and growing up. But her happiness makes ME happy. And that's all I really care about... So I am super excited for school to begin. I am counting to the day I can take her to buy her supplies and get her ready for the bus. I'm sure when I hear the school bus coming down the road to drop her off, I'll be just as excited for her to come home and tell me everything she learned that day. And to have her back by my side.
I feel like I was just watching her learn how to crawl, last week. She will be in school in two years! I am SO excited about that. I love school supplies. I love the smell of fresh notebooks, shoes, pencils and backpacks. I'm excited for her, even more. She loves playing pretend school at home. She loves coloring, writing notes and watching educational videos. She knows her colors very well. She knows animals. She knows how to count. She knows all the shapes, her favorite is the triangle. If she sees one, she yells out "triangle!". Whether it's a potato chip or a sign on the road. It's adorable. She knows how to identify foods. She makes us so proud!
She literally amazes me sometimes with the things she knows. I'm always asking, where did she learn that? I didn't teach her that... It makes me jealous, which is silly. At a certain point, your babies start learning from other people. They start learning by watching the world. And listening to conversations. It saddened me when I realized it, but I can't possibly teach her EVERYTHING. She's like a sponge! She soaks it all up. She says big words too. For example, today she learned the word "frustrated". And she uses it a sentence, correctly. It's the cutest thing ever. She will be upset at a toy or something and say "mom, I'm frustrated!". I just agree with her and tell her she did a great job at explaining how she feels. It's much better for her to express her feelings with words. When she starts a tantrum, like all 2 year olds do- I ask her to use her words. It helps a lot! That way I am able to understand what is bothering her and talk WITH her about it. She loves learning new words. And I love that she does. So I'm sure she's going to LOVE school! I cant wait to see her smile when the bus stops at our house and picks her up. Of course, I'll be a little sad that she is leaving my side and growing up. But her happiness makes ME happy. And that's all I really care about... So I am super excited for school to begin. I am counting to the day I can take her to buy her supplies and get her ready for the bus. I'm sure when I hear the school bus coming down the road to drop her off, I'll be just as excited for her to come home and tell me everything she learned that day. And to have her back by my side.
 |
| Gracie Lynn, my baby doll. |
WBW {day 3 photo}
I didn't share my Day 3 photo on last night's blog post. So here it is!
Day 3
*Be sure to follow me on Instagram!
username: Mandasue_08
"When you feel like giving up, just remember why you started."
Day 3
*Be sure to follow me on Instagram!
username: Mandasue_08
"When you feel like giving up, just remember why you started."
Sunday, August 3, 2014
World Breastfeeding Week- Day 3
How is your breastfeeding week going? Mine is going great! I feel like I have contributed to the cause. I am posting a nursing picture every day on my personal Facebook page, as well as my instagram. I am receiving only positive in return. I have not had a negative comment about it. *So far. I feel as though I am helping to "normalize" breastfeeding! Most of the people on my Facebook are fellow moms, family, or friends from my hometown. Maybe they are getting use to my pictures and it's working!!! Every day, after I post a picture of my son nursing- I expect a rude comment telling me to cover up. Or someone that supports breastfeeding, but only if they are covered. You know how I feel about that. Either you support breastfeeding or you don't. There's no in between.
Am I really making a difference? I think so! The followers on my instagram are mostly mommies. So it isn't a big deal to post nursing pictures on there. I never get any bad feedback. Although, some of my friends on there do. I HATE it. I hate how someone can take a precious moment captured on camera and ruin the positive from it by saying hurtful things. I hope by sharing my photos, I am spreading awareness... I hope I am helping a mother out there somewhere become comfortable in her own skin. Comfortable enough to feed her baby without feeling like a hundred eyes are burning in the back of her head. I hope it shows young men that breasts aren't a sexual object, they are innocent and nurturing. They are there for one purpose. To feed children. I hope men respect women enough to see the difference. I hope husbands, dads and brothers see that we are not being obscene. We don't need to cover up. I hope the mothers, sisters and friends can see the truth, that we don't do it for attention. We don't want to be pushed into another room during family gatherings or holidays. We don't want to be shamed for doing what's best for our babies. We need YOUR support the most! Women should be standing up for one another. Family should be supportive. Especially the significant others out there that should be encouraging us. We are nourishing our babies in the best way. That's something to be proud of.
I have been blessed with a fiance who isn't bothered by breastfeeding. He was completely supportive of me when I was trying to go uncovered in public. It took a little time, but when I did, he didn't make any negative remarks. He didn't say he was embarrassed by it. He didn't tell me I need to cover up because I'm being inappropriate. I love that about him. He didn't make any deal about it at all. He said do what you want , Whatever makes you happy. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says. They don't have to look! He knows how good it is for our son to get my milk. He thinks more moms should try it. He probably even loves that he doesn't have to help feed him! Haha! He knows how exhausting it can be... I feed Wesley on demand. Never have used a bottle. Not once. This is week 23! I have been very committed to exclusively breastfeeding, "from the tap". I do not want to pump. I am at home all day, every day. It just seems like it would be even more work for me to pump while I'm home. With a two year old, no thanks! I'll pass on the extra dishes to wash, the extra money spent on storage bags and worrying about freezer space. Pumping is VERY convenient for some mothers. But I'm no good at it. Breast is easiest for ME.
World Breastfeeding Week isn't just about feeding your baby from the breasts though, it's about babies getting the best milk possible. Whether directly from mama or from a bottle of expressed milk. If you are giving your baby "liquid gold", you are doing an awesome job!
I know that no matter HOW or WHO your baby gets their milk from, you are dedicated. You deserve respect. You deserve to be comfortable feeding your child. Whether 1 month old or 3 years old. Breastfeeding mothers do not deserve to be ridiculed. It's outrageous to me, to think that mamas have to defend something so natural and normal. I don't get it. And that's why I am dedicated to helping other moms on their journey with breastfeeding. I love helping mothers learn to love their own bodies. They truly are amazing. Women are the most beautiful thing on this planet. We can do ANYTHING...
We can make babies, give birth, feed our babies, and raise them, all by ourselves!
We are strong.
We are powerful.
We are beautiful.
We are WOMAN.
Am I really making a difference? I think so! The followers on my instagram are mostly mommies. So it isn't a big deal to post nursing pictures on there. I never get any bad feedback. Although, some of my friends on there do. I HATE it. I hate how someone can take a precious moment captured on camera and ruin the positive from it by saying hurtful things. I hope by sharing my photos, I am spreading awareness... I hope I am helping a mother out there somewhere become comfortable in her own skin. Comfortable enough to feed her baby without feeling like a hundred eyes are burning in the back of her head. I hope it shows young men that breasts aren't a sexual object, they are innocent and nurturing. They are there for one purpose. To feed children. I hope men respect women enough to see the difference. I hope husbands, dads and brothers see that we are not being obscene. We don't need to cover up. I hope the mothers, sisters and friends can see the truth, that we don't do it for attention. We don't want to be pushed into another room during family gatherings or holidays. We don't want to be shamed for doing what's best for our babies. We need YOUR support the most! Women should be standing up for one another. Family should be supportive. Especially the significant others out there that should be encouraging us. We are nourishing our babies in the best way. That's something to be proud of.
I have been blessed with a fiance who isn't bothered by breastfeeding. He was completely supportive of me when I was trying to go uncovered in public. It took a little time, but when I did, he didn't make any negative remarks. He didn't say he was embarrassed by it. He didn't tell me I need to cover up because I'm being inappropriate. I love that about him. He didn't make any deal about it at all. He said do what you want , Whatever makes you happy. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says. They don't have to look! He knows how good it is for our son to get my milk. He thinks more moms should try it. He probably even loves that he doesn't have to help feed him! Haha! He knows how exhausting it can be... I feed Wesley on demand. Never have used a bottle. Not once. This is week 23! I have been very committed to exclusively breastfeeding, "from the tap". I do not want to pump. I am at home all day, every day. It just seems like it would be even more work for me to pump while I'm home. With a two year old, no thanks! I'll pass on the extra dishes to wash, the extra money spent on storage bags and worrying about freezer space. Pumping is VERY convenient for some mothers. But I'm no good at it. Breast is easiest for ME.
World Breastfeeding Week isn't just about feeding your baby from the breasts though, it's about babies getting the best milk possible. Whether directly from mama or from a bottle of expressed milk. If you are giving your baby "liquid gold", you are doing an awesome job!
I know that no matter HOW or WHO your baby gets their milk from, you are dedicated. You deserve respect. You deserve to be comfortable feeding your child. Whether 1 month old or 3 years old. Breastfeeding mothers do not deserve to be ridiculed. It's outrageous to me, to think that mamas have to defend something so natural and normal. I don't get it. And that's why I am dedicated to helping other moms on their journey with breastfeeding. I love helping mothers learn to love their own bodies. They truly are amazing. Women are the most beautiful thing on this planet. We can do ANYTHING...
We can make babies, give birth, feed our babies, and raise them, all by ourselves!
We are strong.
We are powerful.
We are beautiful.
We are WOMAN.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
World Breastfeeding Week- Day 2
Today was "The Big Latch On"! This morning at 10:30am, women all over the world latched their babies together for an entire minute. Pumping mothers were also included in the latch on event. The goal was to get even more latch ons than the previous year. If you missed it this year, you can participate next year or help spread the word! For more information, check out The Big Latch On! I did not attend any events this year, but Wesley was latched this morning, as always. We may go to a latch on in our area next August, but that depends on whether Wesley is still breastfeeding... He would be 18 months at that time. My goal is 1 year, but babies don't usually wean "cold turkey". It can take time or we may not be ready to stop. Only time will tell!
Daily Breastfeeding Photos:
Friday, August 1, 2014
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! -Day 1
It's World Breastfeeding Week! From August 1st-7th. A whole week dedicated to helping, supporting and normalizing breastfeeding. And not just in America. Many mothers around the GLOBE need support. While America is at the top of the charts for discriminating breastfeeding mothers, we are most certainly not alone.
World Breastfeeding week is not just about awareness. You can help by sharing great information to new breastfeeding mothers or by talking to an expecting mother about her option to breastfeed. You can help by nursing in public or giving a breastfeeding mom a "great job" as you walk by in the grocery store. Anything as simple as a smile, can go a long way. Breastfeeding isn't as easy as it looks for everyone. Some mothers come across many obstacles during their journey. I've had a great experience thus far. We are 23 weeks in, as of tomorrow! 160 days, today! It feels great!!
To the mamas still working on those first few weeks- keep going! It truly gets easier.
To the mamas going on 6 months- you're awesome! If this was your goal, well done! If you aren't quite done yet, don't stop now!
To the mamas going on 1yr- don't stop if you don't want to, nurse on! The benefits of breastmilk do not end at one year.
To the mamas going on 3 yrs- you're amazing! Wean your baby when you TWO are ready! Not when someone tells you it's time. Each baby is different. Each child weans at their OWN pace.
To the mamas that haven't quite found the courage to breastfeed in public- I hope you do. I hope when you do, you feel empowered and free. I hope you get smiles, not stares. I know you can do it! You are mother. You are strong and brave. If you can handle everything you've been through so far, you can do this! But do it on your own time. There are millions and millions of mamas out there just like you. You are NOT alone.
To the mamas that nurse in public on a daily, weekly or monthly basis- Go you!!! Thank you for normalizing breastfeeding! Thanks for making something normal, normal. Feed your baby! You're doing a great thing every single time you feed your baby. You are helping everyone around you see how innocent and beautiful it is to nurse. Keep calm and nurse on mama!
To the mamas who choose to cover up in public- whether you are covered or not, you are helping. You are doing a wonderful job of showing how our babies don't eat on any one's schedule but their own. And you WILL feed your baby. And just because you're covered doesn't mean it is something to be ashamed of. It doesn't mean you are ashamed of yourself. It doesn't mean you don't support nursing uncovered. It is your preference. You would nurse uncovered if YOU wanted to, you choose not to. And that's okay too!
World Breastfeeding Week isn't just for the mamas that are nursing right now. It's not for the mamas that nursed for a year. It's for ALL the mamas that have nursed. Whether it was for 2 days or 2 years. It's for those mamas expecting a new baby. It's for the mamas that need the support to keep going, when in doubt. For the mamas that didn't have the chance to nurse but wish they did. It's for the mamas helping other mamas. It's for the mamas having some tough times with latching, milk supply or discrimination. For the mamas fighting for their right to feed their baby with friends, family or strangers. Breastmilk is not just milk. It's liquid gold. It's the best gift you can give your baby and the world. It's the closest you can be to your baby. It's the power and love you feel when you can nourish your baby with your body. It's the journey you two will have in your hearts for the rest of your life. It's more than milk. It's sleepless nights and stressful days. It's bad looks at the store and that sleepy smile on your chest. It's LOVE...
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!!!!!!!!
*I will be posting a nursing picture on every day to help normalize breastfeeding on social media*
World Breastfeeding week is not just about awareness. You can help by sharing great information to new breastfeeding mothers or by talking to an expecting mother about her option to breastfeed. You can help by nursing in public or giving a breastfeeding mom a "great job" as you walk by in the grocery store. Anything as simple as a smile, can go a long way. Breastfeeding isn't as easy as it looks for everyone. Some mothers come across many obstacles during their journey. I've had a great experience thus far. We are 23 weeks in, as of tomorrow! 160 days, today! It feels great!!
To the mamas still working on those first few weeks- keep going! It truly gets easier.
To the mamas going on 6 months- you're awesome! If this was your goal, well done! If you aren't quite done yet, don't stop now!
To the mamas going on 1yr- don't stop if you don't want to, nurse on! The benefits of breastmilk do not end at one year.
To the mamas going on 3 yrs- you're amazing! Wean your baby when you TWO are ready! Not when someone tells you it's time. Each baby is different. Each child weans at their OWN pace.
To the mamas that haven't quite found the courage to breastfeed in public- I hope you do. I hope when you do, you feel empowered and free. I hope you get smiles, not stares. I know you can do it! You are mother. You are strong and brave. If you can handle everything you've been through so far, you can do this! But do it on your own time. There are millions and millions of mamas out there just like you. You are NOT alone.
To the mamas that nurse in public on a daily, weekly or monthly basis- Go you!!! Thank you for normalizing breastfeeding! Thanks for making something normal, normal. Feed your baby! You're doing a great thing every single time you feed your baby. You are helping everyone around you see how innocent and beautiful it is to nurse. Keep calm and nurse on mama!
To the mamas who choose to cover up in public- whether you are covered or not, you are helping. You are doing a wonderful job of showing how our babies don't eat on any one's schedule but their own. And you WILL feed your baby. And just because you're covered doesn't mean it is something to be ashamed of. It doesn't mean you are ashamed of yourself. It doesn't mean you don't support nursing uncovered. It is your preference. You would nurse uncovered if YOU wanted to, you choose not to. And that's okay too!
World Breastfeeding Week isn't just for the mamas that are nursing right now. It's not for the mamas that nursed for a year. It's for ALL the mamas that have nursed. Whether it was for 2 days or 2 years. It's for those mamas expecting a new baby. It's for the mamas that need the support to keep going, when in doubt. For the mamas that didn't have the chance to nurse but wish they did. It's for the mamas helping other mamas. It's for the mamas having some tough times with latching, milk supply or discrimination. For the mamas fighting for their right to feed their baby with friends, family or strangers. Breastmilk is not just milk. It's liquid gold. It's the best gift you can give your baby and the world. It's the closest you can be to your baby. It's the power and love you feel when you can nourish your baby with your body. It's the journey you two will have in your hearts for the rest of your life. It's more than milk. It's sleepless nights and stressful days. It's bad looks at the store and that sleepy smile on your chest. It's LOVE...
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!!!!!!!!
*I will be posting a nursing picture on every day to help normalize breastfeeding on social media*
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