Breastfeeding as an Act of Resistance
We live in a time where information is at our fingertips; yet, we most of us feel so completely lost… especially as parents.
We are often looking for the way in which we can best raise our children, but then are simultaneously met with contrary opinions that plant seeds of doubt in our minds. It’s a constant internal battle of doing what we believe is right & assimilating within our societies & cultures.
As humans, we yearn for community. We yearn to be like one another, to be connected. In fact, we need this in order to survive. However, in modern societies we have been tricked into thinking that this is not the case. Parents are more isolated & lonely than ever. When we’re divided & isolated, it is easier for us to give up our power in many big & small ways. Wait, wait, wait… how does this all relate to breastfeeding?
I know from working with families just how much shame parents feel when they confess to “still” nursing their child who is a toddler, preschooler, or older. They’re bombarded with messages that tell them that it’s “gross,” that they need to “just give a cup of milk,” or — worse — are faced with the hyper-sexualization of the incredible tools they’ve been given to feed their children.
We want community, & yet community turns our back on us. We want information, but the information is scant. We want support, but we don’t know where to find it. This causes us to turn further inward & hide the fact that we are still breastfeeding.
We need to realize that this is by design. We have been deprived of ancestral ways of knowing how to care for & feed our children. Cutting off community shuts off the flow of information. It isolates & confuses us. We stop talking about what has always been “the norm.” It hardens us. We become reliant on stuff to fill the void which could be filled by our responsive parenting. It makes us question even what feels in our core to be “right.”
As a mother who breastfed her child well beyond the time that society deems “acceptable,” I truly believe that breastfeeding beyond twelve months old can be a powerful act of resistance.
It’s leaning into what works seamlessly & what helps our children feel safe.
It’s a way of grounding us as we continue hurdling towards the unknown.
It’s knowing we are able to nourish, hydrate, & shield our children from illnesses.
It’s a reclamation of power & community.
It’s a rejection of endless consumerism.
It’s a direct challenge of societal norms.
I believe that extended breastfeeding is an act of resistance, because no one can take it away from us unless we yield to the social pressures.
Now, I am not foolish enough to believe that extended breastfeeding alone will save us — there are a multitude of reasons people choose not to or cannot breastfeed at all. But, I do think that it acts as a tiny portal into a world which is bursting with love, sustainability, & abundance. Free of corporate influence. For those of us who are privileged enough to get this opportunity, it is a reminder of how powerful we are, how much of an impact we can have on one another, & how we can shape the course of mothering.
By standing firm in your decision to go against the current societal norms, we empower others to do the same. We can stand firm in our nurture.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
