This Is About So Much More Than A Breastfeeding "Event"...

When I became aware of the Milk For Thought bus tour and the Big Latch On event I became truly inspired to get involved. This is not unlike me, I often like to be a part of the things I find meaningful and important and have quite a list of successful projects that I am proud to have been a part of. These particular events, though, are becoming so much more than just a fun project to be a part of, just like many of them do. It is becoming a catalyst for change. 

As we continue to hear about women being made to feel uncomfortable, unsafe, insecure and unwelcome when nursing in public I can't help but feel confused, sympathetic and quite frankly - a bit outraged. When I heard about Afrykayn Moon in Troy, MI. who was almost kicked off a bus for nursing her two week old baby something inside of me snapped. I took my interest in these events to the next level and I decided to commit to coordinating the Grand Rapids BIG LATCH ON. I thought about a location carefully and it seemed the Rosa Parks Circle, the place named after the strength of a woman who chose to stand her ground by NOT getting off the bus would be the most appropriate spot for such an event. 

My vision for this event is a strong crowd of women from all backgrounds come together to nurse in a public setting to say to Grand Rapids - and the world - that nursing in public is important and beautiful, and to connect these mothers with businesses that support them. In doing this we will also be connected with thousands of other mothers around the country and beyond who are also participating in the Big Latch event. 

This debate about whether or not it is OK for a woman to breastfeed (in public or otherwise) should consider this fact: We ALL learn by seeing. When we hide breastfeeding or discourage women from nursing freely (however SHE is comfortable), we also discourage new and future mothers from successfully breastfeeding their babies. It is so socially important that people - all people - see breastfeeding so that we will also start doing it successfully and in greater numbers.  At the very least, it should not be DIScouraged. Ever.

We know breastfeeding is best, we know that babies who are breastfed have the very best and most affordable nutrition available and we know the emotional and health benefits to both mother and baby. The benefits and the value of breastfeeding are undeniable - yet women everywhere who chose to do it are often placed in difficult prediciments where she is forced to choose between feeding her baby and something else. Until we fully embrace and support these women we will continue to struggle with our breastfeeding rates while our mothers will struggle with HOW to breastfeed. Our acceptance of public breastfeeding is THAT important. It's no longer enough to accept that inconveniencing a mother who is carrying around a baby, a diaper bag, purse, possibly a stroller and a grocery list who simply NEED to feed their baby is somehow better than inconveniencing the people who are made uncomfortable simply because it is something they don't truly understand. If it can be acceptable to use breasts to sell everything from toothpaste to beer, then breastfeeding - nourishing our young - should never be an issue.

I have been trying hard to think of a way to really promote and encourage local businesses to get involved and use this as an opportunity to stand up and proclaim that they are a nursing friendly establishment. We would give these businesses some information and suggestions on how to handle families and nursing mothers, set up some criteria and supply them with "free to feed" stickers to display so mothers know they are in a protected environment. Along with this, they will be included on an online resource of nursing friendly establishments for mothers to connect with. These events are the catalyst for such a list for Grand Rapids, and hopefully, beyond. 

As far as my vision for the bus event, I would really like to hear stories from women of all ages with all levels of experience in breastfeeding. I would like to see us build bridges towards progress in all areas of motherhood by connecting with each other, healing the past and promoting stronger futures. The time is right. Now.

Breastfeeding is healthy and beautiful.

Comments

[Ssfagel]

Agreed that more people have to witness breastfeeding. It is horrible that most people feel uncomfortable around something so natural. Even using a breastfeeding cover in public, I get more that my share of dirty looks. Its horrible and disheartening that so many peole view something so NATURAL as UNATURAL and not normal

[Juliea]

Yes! Yes! YES!

My biggest point for nursing in public (other than it just being silly to be against it) is that it is SO important for people to witness nursing.

We have entire generations of breastfeeding moms missing. What are the children who were raised like you to do? Unless you are already a natural minded person you would be likely to not breastfeed your young when you have them either. You certainly wont have the support from your mother that you need because she doesn't understand or value breastfeeding. Support is one of the greatest tools a mother needs to breastfeed successfully. Unless someone like you connects with her BF community and finds that support, feels like she is safe and not judged, she may struggle greatly.

The more we nurse our young for others to see, the more others will follow suit. <3

[ckb]

I think these events are great. I was not breastfed as an infant (my mother thinks it is "gross and wrong") and do not have kids, but I am an advocate for the natural feeding of infants. Events like this help others who may have been raised like me to be exposed to something that may have been hidden or discouraged.