As we navigate the changes brought about by COVID-19, many of us have found ourselves balancing work and home life like never before. With childcare options limited, video meetings have become the norm, and personal and professional lives are intertwined more than ever. In this new reality, it’s crucial to recognize that working parents, particularly mothers, are often juggling a multitude of responsibilities—and they don’t need negativity from the likes of one disgruntled Reddit user.
This individual, let’s call him Mark, recently took to Reddit to voice his annoyance over a female colleague who breastfeeds her baby during their morning video conferences. “We have these calls that don’t require video,” Mark lamented. “Yet she insists on breastfeeding her baby while we’re on camera.”
Mark, it’s time for a reality check. This mother is simply doing what’s necessary for her child, and feeding your baby is hardly on par with inappropriate behavior like using the bathroom during a meeting or engaging in self-pleasure. So, how about you relax?
In his post, Mark goes on to express that while he understands babies need to eat (congrats on that revelation, Mark), he believes his colleague should mute her microphone or turn off her video. “I asked her privately to shut off her video, and she was furious,” he wrote. “She said it’s rude to talk without video and insisted she has the right to feed her baby.”
Despite it being 2020, some individuals still seem to expect breastfeeding mothers to conform to their comfort levels—even from the confines of their own homes. Here’s a thought: if you find it so distracting, perhaps you should turn off your camera or, better yet, just close your eyes. I’m sure your coworkers would prefer a blank screen to your judgmental expressions as you squirm in discomfort over a woman nurturing her child.
It’s disheartening to see that some people echoed Mark’s sentiments. One commenter even suggested, “It’s not breastfeeding itself that’s the issue, it’s the situation. If I had a six-year-old, I wouldn’t bring them to a work meeting.”
Oh, really? Clearly, this individual has never had a child, as they would know that infants don’t operate on a strict feeding schedule. Babies get hungry unexpectedly, and their needs come first. And let’s not forget that with current restrictions in place due to the pandemic, traditional childcare options are unavailable, making it even more challenging for parents. So, if you think your imaginary six-year-old scenario applies here, think again.
Why do breastfeeding mothers still face scrutiny? If you don’t want to see something uncomfortable, you can simply look away—just like when you’re flipping through channels on TV or scrolling through social media. If a mother breastfeeding in public bothers you, it’s time to reflect on your own discomfort, not criticize her.
Mark might benefit from redirecting his energy towards more productive endeavors, such as focusing on work during meetings rather than complaining about a mother multitasking. Instead of criticizing her, he should admire her ability to balance motherhood and work under challenging circumstances.
Let’s face it: mothers are in survival mode right now. Feeding their children is undoubtedly their top priority, while worrying about your discomfort is not even on the list.
In summary, as we navigate these unprecedented times, it’s essential to be compassionate and understanding towards working parents. Rather than judging, we should support one another. For those interested in exploring more about parenting and home insemination, check out this insightful article on Home Insemination Kit, along with Make a Mom for expert guidance, or Mount Sinai for valuable resources on infertility.
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