Is it still socially acceptable to ask someone if they’re breastfeeding? It’s a valid question. In today’s world, conversations about breastfeeding are often laden with emotions and judgments. If you ask a new mom whether she’s breastfeeding, you might find yourself in a precarious situation. If she responds negatively, you might feel compelled to give her a lecture about “breast being best,” or even throw a disapproving glance. Conversely, if she says “yes,” you might feel the urge to add, “But isn’t he too old to be asking for it?”
A friend of mine recently mentioned that she wants to buy my book, Work. Pump. Repeat., for a pregnant friend returning to work in November. However, she expressed hesitance, saying, “I need to find out if she’s breastfeeding first. I don’t want to be THAT person.” This struck a chord with me because I often want to ask friends, especially those heading back to work, if they intend to breastfeed so I can offer them support or even pass along my nursing clothes. But the fear of adding to the overwhelming pressure to breastfeed holds me back.
It’s disheartening that we’ve reached a point where discussing breastfeeding feels so fraught. It’s a natural and biological process, yet even mentioning that feels risky because I worry about sounding judgmental. I feel compelled to clarify that while breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t work for every woman. It’s normal, but many working moms face hurdles that make it challenging. And while it’s the biological norm, some women must prioritize their mental health, making breastfeeding an unfeasible option. All these considerations are valid too.
How can we address this delicate issue? It’s troubling that we’ve complicated what should be a straightforward conversation about feeding infants. Is there a way to communicate that, regardless of how someone chooses to feed their baby, we support them unconditionally?
What are your thoughts on this? If you want to dive deeper into topics around family and parenting, check out this insightful post on Modern Family Blog.
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In summary, while discussions about breastfeeding can be tricky, it’s essential to foster an environment of support and understanding. We should feel free to talk about our experiences without fear of judgment or pressure.
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