Respect Women's Choice to Breastfeed

Written By: Felecia Causey

Photography By: Felecia Causey

Models: 

Breastfeeding is one of those topics that everyone has a different opinion on.  Normalizing breastfeeding is a challenge that is ongoing in our society, and mostly amongst families.  Did you know that breastfeeding can be both physically and mentally draining? The negative words coming from those close to a mother can be a lot of pressure. When she makes the decision to do what "she thinks" is best for her and her baby she is often shamed or criticized for that choice.

I am sure there are many breastfeeding mothers that can tell you some awkward, stressful, and hurtful moments that have occurred on this journey.  When people find something that they are not familiar with, especially in families, they quickly become judgmental.

In most music videos or advertisement ads, women's breasts are commonly used to help push a promotion, but the moment a mother decides to feed her baby in public, there is an uproar.   What a lot of people don't know is most babies don't like to be covered up.  The mother must make a decision to feed her child or worry about the negative comments and the horrible stares.

I know many people have so many questions for breastfeeding moms, but sometimes, a person's approach can be downright rude. Every mother and baby know when they are ready to finish their journey. When people continue to ask a mother when she will stop breastfeeding her child because of his or her age, I am sure it can become annoying. The timing will be based on the mother's and her baby's choice, and not on the opinion of what family and friends think should be the limitation.