Breastfeeding seems to be one of the most contentious subjects on social media lately. With all so many people clicking “inappropriate” on breastfeeding photos and commenting on how “disgusting” it is for a woman to post pictures of something that is so “intimate” or “private,” I figured I’d throw in my two pennies.
I totally post breastfeeding photos.
And here is why:
1) To normalize breastfeeding. You know why so many people are offended and downright appalled by pictures of women breastfeeding? Because it’s not common to see a woman breastfeeding. I see many babies, and I see lots of adults eating on the daily, but not many women breastfeeding. The more it is out there, the less shocking it will be.
2) Breastfeeding IS normal. In fact, the first 2 months of my kid’s life, it happened more than 10 times a day. It’s literally the only reason my son, and billions of other children in the history of man, survived. I feed him from my breast, just as another mom feeds her child from a bottle. Both are normal, and both are beautiful.
3) I want my child to have a healthy relationship with nudity. Aka I do not want him to see a mother breastfeeding her child and think “sex.” There have been MANY studies on the psychology of sexuality, and children who are not “hidden” from nudity actually have a healthier relationship with it. He will grow up to respect a woman’s body and recognize the difference between a woman breastfeeding and something which is sexual. Because they are not two in the same, and Lord help those who see it as such.
4) I want the world to have a healthy relationship with nudity. Because enough said.
Just remember: even men were required to cover their nipples once upon a day, until they protested. One day, maybe women protesting will make a difference too. Until then, here is a picture of me feeding my child with my breast, the way the Universe intended me to do.
en routrospect 