The topic of breastfeeding in public is one that has two distinct sides — some feel moms should cover up, retire to a different room or leave the premises when their babies need to nurse. Others, myself included, feel moms should be able to feed their babies whenever they are hungry. It's not immodest or low class to nurse a baby, even if you don't cover up. But it's hard to change public perceptions if more women are not openly nursing their children without fear.
Life-sized breastfeeding signs
That's where these breastfeeding signs can really make a difference. These moms are comfortable, confident, relaxed and self-assured. They're just moms, feeding their babies, and placing the signs around the community (this one is sponsored by the Niagara Region Breastfeeding Coalition in Ontario, Canada) will help normalize something that is already quite normal.
"It's refreshing to see public campaigns working on making breastfeeding more visible in communities as opposed to just putting up posters with lists of 'benefits' of breastfeeding," says Rachelle Lesteshen, a Breastfeeding USA Counselor (and advocate). "Most people would agree that breastfeeding is important, but if you are not seeing other mothers breastfeeding, you may not be comfortable doing it yourself."
She also says these signs can help breastfeeding moms feel welcome and supported. This can make a huge difference in how a breastfeeding mother feels as well as how she is perceived by others. It's not normal for a mother to force her infant to wait to eat while she wails in despair because Mom's worried about what other people will think. Being able to breastfeed at the mall, at the doctor's office, at the library, at Target — that's what we should encourage moms to do instead of breaking the law by asking them to cover up or move.
Those who say, "I support breastfeeding, but…" really don't support breastfeeding at all. It places a burden on a mom, forcing her to put the needs and comfort of her child and herself aside for the perceived comfort level of other people, who can simply look away. It doesn't make sense, does it?
These breastfeeding signs are amazing, and I hope they really catch on throughout the rest of Canada and through the States as well. The more support nursing moms have, the better it is for everyone.
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