Breastfeeding Shame.

[helle]

I'm not usually one who does the BF vs FF rant thing. I think that the way we feed our babies in a mumma's choice and I prefer to stay out of it. So long as they're being fed, loved, and cherished I say, who cares how their bellies are filled.

But, you know what, today I'm gonna add my bit.

My name is Teagan and I suffer from Breastfeeding Shame.

I have always been asked the questions "are you still breastfeeding?" or "So, how long are you going to breastfeed for?". At the start of our journey I could buy myself six months of "until the teeth come" and then that was it, nothing else was said. But now, those teeth are here, all 6 of them and I don't have an "excuse" as to why I'm still breasfeeding.

Today I commented on how DS still likes me to feed him to sleep (not saying how I fed, just that he likes falling asleep to a feed), and that I should probably start to teach him to self settle. A comment was made that he should fall asleep with his bottle in his cot, to which I said that he was exclusively breastfed.

"well... how long are you going to breastfeed for?"

and I do it EVERYTIME.

I break eye contact, shrug my shoulders and mumble "I dunno"

I am embarrassed that I am still breastfeeding my son. I feel shameful that my child is still feeding in the normal, natural way. In the way that my body has been designed to feed my babies. In a way that every womans body has been designed to feel all their babies. I don't have the balls to look someone in the eye and tell them "I really want to breastfeed DS until he is two, how the WHO recommends" I feel completely and utterly embarrassed and shameful!

What. The. Hell!?

I love breasfeeding DS. I love how he giggles when You say "booby". I love how his little face lights up when he hears the *snap" of my bra clip. I love how he grins when I get a boob out, how he pokes at my nipple with one little finger and how he goes for the lunge, mouth wide open and full of enthusiasm. I love how he snuggles in for his bed time feed and falls into such a deep sleep that he falls off the boob with a little dribble of milk still running down his cheek. I love it's conviency, I love everything about breastfeeding!

So, the next time someone asks me "well... how long are you gonna breastfeed for?" I'm gonna tell 'em, and I'm gonna tell 'em good. With pride, and not shame.

[Enchanted]

Good on you babe!! You should be SO proud of your efforts and that you have such a great bond going with your little man!

So many people feel threatened and offended by breastfeeding and often don't know how to deal with it. It is such a shame. I copped comments with DD similar to yours and was told by family members that you should stop feeding once they can ask for it because apparently it's gross! *sigh* Just know that you are doing the best thing you can for him and while you are both happy then keep it up gorgeous and make sure you give it to them next time

[onthefly]

I always find it kinda funny that it's often perfectly acceptable for babies to sleep with a dummy or a bottle, but not a breast....

Anyway, good for you. No shame in feeding or comforting your child!
I was never really asked, but come on - your boy is not even 9 months old! Why does anyone else care anyway?

[helle]

I always find it kinda funny that it's often perfectly acceptable for babies to sleep with a dummy or a bottle, but not a breast....

I was thinking the exact same thing on my drive home. Whats the difference? Other than the fact that one is skin and one is plastic. They both offer the same sort of comfort.

[Deedles]

Beautifully said hun! You should never be ashamed to tell someone you are still breastfeeding and plan to for as long as your comfortable and can do it!
I would have done it with DS1 till he was 2 but I just ran out of supply.
I am hoping to go till 2 with DS2 and I am just so happy to be able to BF.
Even though atm I have a nice big tooth mark in my right boob, I still love it!

[RhiChiChi]

I love breasfeeding DS. I love how he giggles when You say "booby". I love how his little face lights up when he hears the *snap" of my bra clip. I love how he grins when I get a boob out, how he pokes at my nipple with one little finger and how he goes for the lunge, mouth wide open and full of enthusiasm. I love how he snuggles in for his bed time feed and falls into such a deep sleep that he falls off the boob with a little dribble of milk still running down his cheek. I love it's conviency, I love everything about breastfeeding!

So, the next time someone asks me "well... how long are you gonna breastfeed for?" I'm gonna tell 'em, and I'm gonna tell 'em good. With pride, and not shame.

Good on you Teagz!

I always find it kinda funny that it's often perfectly acceptable for babies to sleep with a dummy or a bottle, but not a breast....

Anyway, good for you. No shame in feeding or comforting your child!
I was never really asked, but come on - your boy is not even 9 months old! Why does anyone else care anyway?

Exactly - what is the difference?!

[Deedles]

:yeahthat: Totally!!

[onthefly]

It is weird, right? It's not just me? I know which I'd prefer if I were a baby... just saying

[MummaSue]

Good for you hun!!

Stand proud! You're doing an amazing thing for your baby!

Sue xxx

[sconeonamission]

I had a little bit of shame, but not much and it was mainly towards the end of BF. He was 15 months. Most people were amazed that we were still BF, rather than 'when are you going to stop'

[Manhattan]

I love breasfeeding DS. I love how he giggles when You say "booby". I love how his little face lights up when he hears the *snap" of my bra clip. I love how he grins when I get a boob out, how he pokes at my nipple with one little finger and how he goes for the lunge, mouth wide open and full of enthusiasm. I love how he snuggles in for his bed time feed and falls into such a deep sleep that he falls off the boob with a little dribble of milk still running down his cheek. I love it's conviency, I love everything about breastfeeding!

So, the next time someone asks me "well... how long are you gonna breastfeed for?" I'm gonna tell 'em, and I'm gonna tell 'em good. With pride, and not shame.

Good for you sweetheart! There is nothing in the slightest to be ashamed of, you are doing a great thing for Jackson, and poo to those busybodies who question you otherwise!

Keep up the good work hun

And, fwiw, my DD is the same age as Jackson, and I cop the same questions as you, and I proudly say 'yes I am still bf, and no I have no intention of stopping'.

[aussienic]

I used to feel like that with Ds3 but with Dd I said probably until she goes to school

[helle]

I used to feel like that with Ds3 but with Dd I said probably until she goes to school

baha! cute ^^;

[Marlene]

So, the next time someone asks me "well... how long are you gonna breastfeed for?" I'm gonna tell 'em, and I'm gonna tell 'em good. With pride, and not shame.

Do it hun! you will feel so much better

I used to get asked the same thing....A LOT. I fed Jack until 21 months. I just used to say "until he doesn't want to any more"....and that's what happened, he decided one day that he didn't want booby any more. I am so glad that I didn't have to tell him he "couldn't" have it.

[Yeddi]

That's awesome Teagz. Being able to breastfeed is such a blessing and you shouldn't be made to feel otherwise. As I write that, I know I'm a bit of a hypocrite. I've not told anyone I've been expressing and giving breast milk to my DD in a cup - it's just too taboo and I don't want to have to explain myself. I was only able to BF her for three months before my milk dried up despite being on medication etc. I've always had to wonder what she's missed out on as a result. So despite her almost being 6, when DS came along last month I decided to try and help repair some of her damaged immune system. Besides, she was intrigued by the fact my breasts now produce milk and wanted to give it a try but I just felt to weird starting BF her now and I don't trust those teeth (she's autistic so wouldn't really get the idea that they're not chew toys) so that's why it goes in a cup. I've already started to notice a difference in her behaviour. Breast milk is just amazing and there really is no substitute. You doing wonderful things by not subscribing to other people's hang ups - keep it going!

[Glamoreyez]

Good on you hun!
I am so proud of you!!!! (Not that that means much but you know..)

I couldn't breastfeed but if I could I sure as hell would still be BFing!
Stay proud, stay strong and do it YOUR way.

[Calluna]

Great for you hun! I'm sorry you felt ashamed, I hope your proud of you achievment - because it is a wonderful achievement - so far and I hope telling people so brings you much relief and strength.

[starangelk]

Go Teagz!!