10 Things That Have Nothing To Do With Why I Breastfeed...

By: Stephannie Mounce (Guest Blogger) 

Stephannie Mounce  from The Dishes Shares her Ten reasons why she doesn't breastfeed. 

 Breastfeeding seems to be getting a lot of attention lately. Some people are positively supporting it and others are doing everything they can to discourage and shame those who decide to breastfeed. Quite frankly, what I do with my boobs and my baby are not any of your business. So, here are 10 things that have nothing to do with why I breastfeed.

1.) Your husband. The thought of your husband sexualizing the breast being used for what the breast was intended for was not on my list of 'pros' when I made my choice. Believe it or not, your husband didn't influence my decision at all. I can almost guarantee you that he is going to look away before you do, because the majority of the time it is the women who have the problem with other women breastfeeding in public. If your husband cannot control himself while I feed my hungry child, I think we have a larger issue to consider and the root of the problem has nothing to do with the method of feeding I have chosen. So, no. I do not breastfeed to attempt stealing your man away from you. Leaky, milk engorged boobs and all.

2.) Your children. No, I am not trying to scar your children for life or force the sex talk to happen at the age of four. I am simply here at the playground just like you, except my daughter is hungry and screaming in my ear. To make her stop, I am going to insert my breast casually and yet, subtly into her mouth. That's all. If using this natural method of baby feeding makes your child curious and they ask you why my boob was in my baby's mouth tonight at the dinner table I can only urge you to tell them that is how some babies eat. I know, how dare I assume it's acceptable to explain at such a young age that boobs weren't put on a woman's body to be plastered all over Victoria's Secret and they actually do something quite miraculous.

3.) You choosing to formula feed. You might not believe me, but I am genuinely happy to hear you are feeding your children. I have enough going on in my own life, I do not have time to criticize what you decide to pump into your babies gut- seeing as how they are just going to poop or puke it out. I do not think I am better than those who formula feed their kids. 99 percent of the reasons I do actually breastfeed are out of pure laziness, like not wanting to get out of my bed at 2 a.m when I could just roll over and stick my boob into her mouth.
4.) Being a stay-at-home mom. If I was a working mom I would still be giving it the same effort as I am now. Luckily, I have been blessed and I don't have to work and pump but if I had to- I would try.

5.) Burning extra calories. Being a woman of smaller figure and a ridiculously high metabolism, this is just an extra bonus. If breastfeeding didn't burn any calories at all I would still be breastfeeding. So next time I show up at an event and hear "She is so skinny after two kids! I should've breastfed!" I will probably smile, but really it had nothing to do with my choice. I pile high octane crap into my body 72 percent of the day.

6.) Hogging all the feedings. If you are under the impression that I have enjoyed waking up five times a night for eight months straight for feedings, I would be more than happy to give them to you. My baby cries every time she smells me. I can assure you, I would LOVE for you to take a feeding off my hands... or breasts.

7.) Bragging rights. As nice as it is to say that I have accomplished and am exceeding my goal of breastfeeding for six months, that is not the reason I am doing it. If anyone is bragging about cracked, bleeding nipples I will be extremely surprised. I do not go around waving a giant flag in the faces of mothers who didn't or couldn't breastfeed and I do not think it makes me any more of a mother. It simply just happens to be working out between my daughter and I.

8.) Sending my child to Harvard. If my daughter ends up going to Harvard, I am going to guess it is because she studied hard and enjoys learning. It probably has nothing to do with me breastfeeding her eighteen years ago. If between now and then they are absolutely positive that there is a correlation, who knows. Maybe I will revoke this statement and act like I knew a trade secret this whole time, but lets be honest. It didn't influence my decision.

9.) What anyone's family thinks. Your grandmother, my aunt, so-and-so's uncle twice removed who remarried back into the family... they may all have opinions on breastfeeding, they may even have extensive backgrounds in children and their behaviors. But no one knows my baby better than I do, and I happen to know that for us, breast is best. It is healthy, convenient, natural and inexpensive. So, despite your great great grandmother swearing up and down that there is no difference between breast and formula, I am still standing by my decision and no, I will not cover my baby's head because she thinks it is inappropriate.

10.) Making a statement. In this world full of hipsters and people trying to stand out or change whatever seems to offend them this week, the last thing I am going to use my baby- or boobs- for is to try to make a statement. Yes, I am breastfeeding. No, I am not going to use a cover. No, I am not going to stop whatever I am doing to excuse myself to a separate area while I feed my baby. It isn't to make a statement, it is simply because I don't have time for that crap. If there is ever a time I am just feeding my baby and doing absolutely nothing else, it is a miracle. I am usually balancing my nursing baby on one knee, helping my toddler go to the bathroom with a seven year old following all of us rambling on and on about the possibility that if it rains today she will burst into a mermaid and her cover will be blown. I am not trying to offend you or change the world. I am simply trying to keep my baby fed and not make my life any harder.

The choice to breastfeed was made between me, my baby and her father. I know it is hard to believe that we could be so inconsiderate to NOT think of everyone else in the entire world and their beliefs or preferences, but we only had nine months to choose how we were going to feed our baby. And that's all that is going on here. I am just here, feeding my baby. Now someone tell me "Good job" for Pete's sake.

Source- 10 Things That Have Nothing To Do With Why I Breastfeed (The Dishes) 

October 14, 2015/ Kristy Kemp/

Kristy Kemp

My name is Kristy Kemp. I created Breastfeeding Mama Talk back in September 2012. My motivation behind creating Breastfeeding Mama Talk was to be that support system for breastfeeding mothers around the world.

An Open Letter To All Mamas...

This is an open letter to moms in all walks of life. So that they know they aren't alone, so that they feel appreciated and cared about. All moms need to know their worth and realize that they mean everything and so much more to our future generation. We need to focus on building each other up so that they can build their family up cause a happy mom makes life the bomb!

Dear Moms,

To the mom with the screaming toddler at the store. I do not judge you. I do not think nasty thoughts. In fact, I think to myself, "I've been there, I feel your pain." I will give you a smile because I would have wanted the same. It does get better, the tantrums don't last forever. Okay , I lied even when they are teenagers they may still bicker and scream, but you're not alone and I'm here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on or ear to vent to. 

To the mom who tried to breastfeed, but didn't have it quite work out the way you had hoped. I have been there mama and you know what? You tried, you struggled, you moved on. It may feel like you failed, but you didn't. Every drop truly counted. Please stop beating yourself up. Your baby has a full belly, a loving mommy, and you're doing your best, that's all you can do. 

To the stay at home mom.. You wear many hats. You cook, you clean, you care for your kids, you carpool, you're a teacher, you're so much more than the "Stay at home mom" title you claim stake to. Some days you may feel hopeless you may feel defeated, sleep deprived, moody, & watch the clock until it's time for bed, but just know that as thankless as your life may be you are worth a whole lot more. Chin up, you got this mama, & your kids do thank you just  in kisses, cuddles. and hugs! 

To the working mom.. You work so that you can provide for your kids. Kids need love and attention, but they need food and a roof too. You are doing what you have to do for your family and while it may be tough having to miss out on some aspects of their life just know that the times you do get to spend together are that much more special. No matter how busy or hectic your life gets you are always there for your kids.

To the single mom... No one ever really plans to be a single mom , but you do what you have to do. You have to be the mom and the dad too, you overcompensate with love, talks, & cuddles because you never want your kids to feel unloved. You're a fighter. You don't have help with the cooking, the cleaning, the laundry, but you always seem to get things done well the important stuff anyway. The dishes can wait until tomorrow. Who's keeping track anyway? 

To the moms who feel under appreciated... I look at it like this. You're at home with the kids and because you're so badass you manage to get everything done so that when your husband comes home he has no clue as to all the time and energy you put in that day. I'm sure your husband appreciates you, but just doesn't do a very good job of reminding you. I'm sure if you left him home alone with the kids for a week he'd get a very good idea of all that you do to maintain the home and kids, but who are we kidding? After a few hours he'd be on the phone begging for your return. You are special mama and you are worth so much more than what words can express. Please don't ever doubt yourself. Your family appreciates you, I promise! They just may not express it enough!

To the step mom or as I like to call it bonus mom... You may not have given birth to your bonus kids, but you want to be there for them however you can. Some days are hard because you may not know your place, you may question when or if you should step in, but you are there for them when they need you. You will never try or want to replace their mother, but you do a damn good job at standing in when you're needed. Your life gets messy, dramatic, and downright cruel at times, but the amount of love you have for them makes all the bad seem so small. Take it one day at a time because you will screw up , but just make it to another day and start all over again. 

To the mom who gave birth and made the hard choice to give your baby a better life that you didn't feel you could give. Man oh man is this an emotional one. You have done one of the most selfless acts a mother can do. You knew that you could not give your baby all that you felt he/she deserved so you hunted long and hard for parents who could. You  made the hardest choice you would ever have to make for the best interest of your baby. People act like it's so easy, but if it was, why do so many moms change their minds about adoption as soon as they hold their precious bundle of joy? Because you are a mom and you fall in love right at first sight. You were able to stay strong and do what you know in your heart was in the best interest of your baby. 

To the mom who adopted. You are so powerful. You are strong and you have a heart of gold. You have took a life that came from another to give that child a good life, a place to call home, and someone to call mom. You face struggles just like anyone else, you sometimes question if you're doing enough, saying the right things, and boy do you make sure they know they are loved. You have made a beautiful life for that child and you feel so lucky that you were given such an incredible gift and you do everything it takes to keep your promise of giving that child the best life they would have otherwise not have gotten. 

All moms are beautiful, all moms should know their worth, and all moms should feel loved and cared about. No matter what kind of mom you are, no matter what choices you made, you all have something in common and the common denominator is that you love your children. No matter how many mistakes you made, doubts you may have, you just gotta take it day by day it's a crazy ride mamas, but you take that ride with love and pride. 

Sincerely,

A mom who wants you to feel loved

October 07, 2015/ Kristy Kemp/

Kristy Kemp

My name is Kristy Kemp. I created Breastfeeding Mama Talk back in September 2012. My motivation behind creating Breastfeeding Mama Talk was to be that support system for breastfeeding mothers around the world.

Review of Boobin' all day... Boobin all night By: Meg Nagle

I follow Meg Nagle on her Facebook page,  "The Milk Meg" and since day one I have been a huge fan of her work. One of her blogs that actually "broke the internet" after I shared it on my page was how I first discovered her. The blog was - "Nine Reasons My Child Is Not Too Old To Breastfeed" from that day on I knew Meg was definitely someone to follow. So I was pretty excited at the announcement of her new book and had to get my hands on it! 

Boobin' all day Boobin' all night is a book that discusses all aspects of breastfeeding, sleep, & natural approaches. From breastfeeding your baby to sleep, Breastfeeding and cavities, safe co-sleeping/bed-sharing, Gentle night weaning tips, and more. Its an excellent resource with evidence based information right at your fingertips.

The number one thing I love about the book is that it gets into many topics I see new breastfeeding moms worry about such as explaining why breastfeeding through the night does not cause cavities, breastfeeding baby to sleep is not a bad habit, gets into why our babies wake so frequently and gives great explanations as to why. 

Meg is not only a certified lactation consultant, but she is a breastfeeding mother herself. So she has the education and the first hand experience. She is very passionate about moms following their instincts and promoting the biological norm. Over the years society has changed, but the needs of our babies have not and she is excellent at explaining that. The reason so many moms doubt their own instincts and abilities is because of outside influences such as family members, health care professionals, even random strangers at the grocery store.

I loved the funny illustrations included in the book. Definitely depicts real life motherhood.

I run a breastfeeding support page and blog to educate and bring awareness to moms all over the world and I would definitely feel confident recommending "Boobin All Day and Boobin All Night" to moms looking for evidence based information and reassurance on following their own instincts.