I don't think she was listing off privileges. I think those are, or at least should be, basic rights available to all. It'd be different if she was sitting there saying "I'm white, married, rich, etc, yay!", but she was just saying how it is here, and how it should be everywhere.
I believe babies are entitled to breastmilk. I also believe--just as strongly--that mothers should not have to breastfeed if they don't want to.
Can these two important ideas come together harmoniously? I believe so. We need:
*to see women breastfeed in public, and to treat it like a normal occurance. maybe even to smile at a mama who is enjoying that time with her little one.
*to see babies being breastfed in books, magazines, and movies.
*to not be given formula samples unless we request them
*to have PUBLIC MILK DRIVES. We need milk banks that are not private companies. It should be an issue of public health. Lactating mamas can go out and pump milk so other mamas can give their babies the healthful benefits of our milk even when bfing doesn't work for them. Mamas who have an excess of pumped milk should donate their milk.
and we can't honestly expect formula companies to give us any of that. and people, misc people, wont either unless WE educate them too. This is OUR responsibility.
Also I wasn't listing these righst that Canadian and other women have to say haha to American women who don't. I was listing them to show that they aren't unattainable ideals, and women can work to achieve change.
and we can't honestly expect formula companies to give us any of that. and people, misc people, wont either unless WE educate them too. This is OUR responsibility.
This is true, but we can hold formula companies accountable for violating the WHO code.
I stayed out of this mostly, but I just wanted to add my .02. I think that breastfeeding woman need more support. If it wasnt for this site, honestly, I wouldnt have known one thing about breastfeeding and I probably would have bottle fed. That being said, I am still breastfeeding my 13 month old. Its cheaper then formula and I know that shes being nourished. Plus, its a bonding thing for us.
Also I wasn't listing these righst that Canadian and other women have to say haha to American women who don't. I was listing them to show that they aren't unattainable ideals, and women can work to achieve change.
Sorry to everyone I offended by my original comment. I don't think bfing is the only choice, and I understand that sometimes there are situations where it isn't the best option.
No, i do not. I am a big supporter of breastfeeding and believe that better support and education/information will bring about increased breastfeeding which will result in future generations of mothers having a much better chance of breastfeeding successfully and furthermore seeing breastfeeding as the first choice. However, i do not feel that having a baby in a society where clean water is available and where the dangers of formula are greatly lessened should mean that you are forced to breastfeed. At the end of the day you should be able to choose whether or not you use YOUR body/YOUR breasts to feed your child.
I don't think she was listing off privileges. I think those are, or at least should be, basic rights available to all. It'd be different if she was sitting there saying "I'm white, married, rich, etc, yay!", but she was just saying how it is here, and how it should be everywhere.
Forgot to edit it, they aren't basic rights available to all, I meant only that they should be available to all.
I believe babies are entitled to breastmilk. I also believe--just as strongly--that mothers should not have to breastfeed if they don't want to.
Can these two important ideas come together harmoniously? I believe so. We need:
*to see women breastfeed in public, and to treat it like a normal occurance. maybe even to smile at a mama who is enjoying that time with her little one.
*to see babies being breastfed in books, magazines, and movies.
*to not be given formula samples unless we request them
*to have PUBLIC MILK DRIVES. We need milk banks that are not private companies. It should be an issue of public health. Lactating mamas can go out and pump milk so other mamas can give their babies the healthful benefits of our milk even when bfing doesn't work for them. Mamas who have an excess of pumped milk should donate their milk.
that's all I can think of now.
we need toy breast pumps.
we need help and support while we learn to breastfeed.
and we can't honestly expect formula companies to give us any of that. and people, misc people, wont either unless WE educate them too. This is OUR responsibility.
I fail to see how I have to check the facts as they are in Canada and many other countries?
Also I wasn't listing these righst that Canadian and other women have to say haha to American women who don't. I was listing them to show that they aren't unattainable ideals, and women can work to achieve change.
This is true, but we can hold formula companies accountable for violating the WHO code.
I stayed out of this mostly, but I just wanted to add my .02. I think that breastfeeding woman need more support. If it wasnt for this site, honestly, I wouldnt have known one thing about breastfeeding and I probably would have bottle fed. That being said, I am still breastfeeding my 13 month old. Its cheaper then formula and I know that shes being nourished. Plus, its a bonding thing for us.
and since when is this site US only?
eek.. to clarify..
I was agreeing with you & your response the_lissa!
I know maja and thank you!
Sorry to everyone I offended by my original comment. I don't think bfing is the only choice, and I understand that sometimes there are situations where it isn't the best option.
No, i do not. I am a big supporter of breastfeeding and believe that better support and education/information will bring about increased breastfeeding which will result in future generations of mothers having a much better chance of breastfeeding successfully and furthermore seeing breastfeeding as the first choice. However, i do not feel that having a baby in a society where clean water is available and where the dangers of formula are greatly lessened should mean that you are forced to breastfeed. At the end of the day you should be able to choose whether or not you use YOUR body/YOUR breasts to feed your child.
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