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Soapbox: Breastfeeding In The UK
There's just not enough support for breastfeeding mothers in this country, especially for young mothers. I can't believe there's no law stating that a breastfeeding woman is allowed to feed her baby in any public area without being harrased. How many toilets and small box-rooms do mothers have to sit in whilst nusing their children? On a visit to a theme park with my toddler and baby, Iwas forced to sit in the cleaners' stockroom if Iwanted privacy! Instead of settling down amongst the mops and buckets, I chose to feed my baby on the bench outside instead, much to the horror and disbelief of passers-by. You would have thought I was performing a disgusting act instead of feeding my baby! It just makes me so angry that this country has still got hangups about it. We have turned breasts into a sexual feature of the female body, when first and foremost they are for feeding our babies as nature intended. I hear of mothers who feel they failed at feeding thier children because they didn't produce enough milk, their nipples became too sore or they just weren't comfortable with it. This makes me sad because all those problems could have been overcome with a little help and support. I was 21 yrs-old when I had my first child, I armed myself with as much information as possible and broke my family tradition of formula-feeding. When I gave birth, my baby went straight onto the breast and stayed there for almost 3 years. I'm lucky I had the confidence to feed my baby whenever and wherever was necessary, and for as long as she wanted to be fed. I overcame pre-eclampsia, mastitis, and mild post-natal depression, to make sure my baby had all the nourishment she needed. I enjoyed every second of my breastfeeding time, with both my children, and I try to share my experiences with expecting friends wherever I can. I had to do it alone though, society was not welcoming of my choice and didn't make it easy for me, but my determination has gave my children the very best possible start in life. I have myself to thank for that. |
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