October 13, 2007Ladies, relax!...it's (I'm) not that seriousWomen take breast-feeding seriously. So seriously they failed to see I was poking fun at myself, not breast-feeding, in the introduction of my column. My use of the word "gross" was a writing tactic. I was my own foil to draw readers' attention to what otherwise could have been a very staid column about a case in Massachusetts. My depiction of my reaction to breast-feeding was supposed to be juvenile, hence the word "gross." As in a 13-year-old's reaction, "Oh that is SO gross!" Not Hannibal Lecter gross. (Maybe as a wordsmith, I see a clear distinction. After all, kids think a zit is gross.) That said, I am uncomfortable in the presence of a woman breast-feeding her child. If you want to hit me on that, hit me on that. But I'm being honest. I believe it is a natural, but private act. Many things we do are natural, but we'd just as soon others not be privvy to them. I'm sure I've probably been in the presence of women breast-feeding, and I didn't know because they were modest and covered themselves. But when I'm aware, I'm uncomfortable. The benefits of breast-feeding are countless, which I note in the third paragraph of the column. Additionally, the two women I interviewed unknowingly spoke for me. I understood and knew everything they said was true. The point of the column, which seemed to escape most, was that the doctor is not the ideal advocate for the cause. Of course, she needed extra time to pump. But she also seems to be someone who wants special treatment after special treatment after special treatment. (There are some details that didn't make it into the column that suggests she is all about "me," making her life decisions, and then expecting others to accomodate her choices.) It is my belief that the overwhelming majority of breast-feeding mothers are not self-centered. They simply want sanitary and comfortable accomodations. They deserve that. s |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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Comments
[October 14, 2007 9:12 AM]
Mary A. SutphinI quite agree with you on breast feeding in public being "gross." I breast fed three children, never once "pumping." If it was necessary to nurse while away from home, it was done in a private place, then usually with a light blanket concealing my breast. I also agree with your statement of the doctor "Being all about me."
I would love to know the responces you receieved from ladies in my age group, where breast feeding was not such a big deal, but a normal event.
Mary A. Sutphin
[January 25, 2008 6:39 PM]
AHere is some suggestions for breastfeeding moms: When going shopping, use the dressing room . It is more sanitary than restrooms.
[April 4, 2008 7:12 PM]
StarrI agree about the dressing room - the bathroom in such places is also very noisy and loud.
I advocate the idea of a mother's room - the kind that Baby's R Us has in their stores.
This would be a great way to support all mothers, but especially those that don't breastfeed "because" of the lack of support and private areas to tend to their child.
For a store to add this small lounge like room, with a changing table, boppy for support, a comfortable couch/chair would not cost them much at all. Especially when it brings in tons of positive praise from mothers out shopping with their children.
It would be a wonderful way to avoid the negativity so many have towards this. I've nursed all my kids, trust me a car isn't a great place to nurse. Neither are most businesses restrooms - some offer no other alternative.
An added lounge in some bathrooms would be a blessing. Especially restraunts - since your child usually decides to be hungry "right" when you're about to eat.
Do you think I have a valid suggestion?
[April 7, 2008 4:44 PM]
StaticLet's be adults here if a mother of a infant child needs to nurse then so be it, this was acceptable behavior in the past now being made a "gross" act now.
I believe the point you trying to get across is political correctness has run amok and we need to be adults.
If a mother needs to fulfill a natural role in life then so be it. We must accept our position in life and ignore mother child instead looking and pointing.
We must grow up at some time. Why not now.