I am the first to admit I was against breastfeeding thinking it was vulgar and unnatural - until I become a mother myself almost 3 weeks ago. I believe there is a stimga about breastfeeding in Australia where it is seen as pornographic and explicit in public by many (and I once again I admit I was once one of those people).

For many people (mostly men I believe) a naked breast is purely seen as a sexual object and not one of nourishment and survival.

Apart from that, I personally felt alot of pressure from midwives in the hospital to 'only' breastfeed - however my daughter breastfeeds every 1-2 hours at night, giving me very little sleep to the point that it was affecting my health and milk supply. I now only bottle feed at night and it has been my cure to fatigue and makes my bonding experience with Rachel even more special as I am more alert to be with her. Last night I was blessed with over 6 hours uninterupted sleep and Rachel was happy and alert during her bath time and even managed a little smile as we locked gazes.

I feel that bottle feeding allows my husband to bond with his daughter and gives me a break to revive my body and spirit.

However I do feel that every woman has a right to choose what is best for not only her child but also herself. Breast or bottle - we are keeping our children alive and preparing them to face the world. I just wish that the general public can respect a woman's decision. Let's face it - we all eat in public. Why can't our children?

Let's hope our small voices can create a ROAR in parliament!!

xx