I didn't get breastfeeding until I got pregnant. I seldom saw breastfeeding women. My mom never talked about it. Hollywood movies don't show it. Breastfeeding is natural you say? What about those dolls with the tiny bottles, and all the training I received as a little girl? Welcome to the United States of America.
In a fast-paced culture, breastfeeding bums people out. It's extremely easy if you don't mind pulling your boob in front of everyone. Sometimes you can do it on the run. Other times you have to sit... It's kind of bottle feeding with an oomph and for many a sexual innuendo, or just plain gross.
Three weeks ago (during the beginning of February, 2012), my husband and I decided to visit our relatives in Orlando, Florida. My aunt works at Disney World, so we decided to take our three month old son to the Animal Kingdom. The temperature felt nice. The park was far from crowded, and we were all excited to tackle this adventure of strolling around a theme park with a baby. I knew we would have to rest every two or three hours, since my son feeds diligently within that time frame. Apparently, my husband and I were the only ones aware of that.
My relatives started to show their discontent whenever we stopped. Some even argued: "He needs more food! That poor thing stays hungry and that's why he cries too much!" If I added food to my son's diet (breast milk only), he would turn into a balloon. He is three months old and already weighs more than fifteen pounds.
Aside from relatives, people would stare at us. I could tell they were thinking: "What is she doing? Doesn't she know there is a cute, plastic thing called a bottle? Is she from the third world or something?"
I felt proud of myself, but intimidated by the humans around me. I covered my breast, not because I minded, but to be polite (many people think it is rude to breastfeed with your boob visible). Ah, well. At least I felt appreciated, not only by my son, but by the animals that gave me their silent hoorahs every time I sat down to breastfeed.
Do you have a similar story?
