In Defense of Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy
Someone once left me the following comment: “Breastfeeding a toddler is perverted.”
PHEW… There's just so much to unpack here. I try so hard to lead with compassion & assume good intentions, but this stuff right here makes my blood BOIL.
Sometimes folks wonder why we need to promote, protect, & support breastfeeding (by assuming that the need isn't really there for folks who live in places like the US). Then, we are slapped in the face with stark reminders about just how far we still need to go to make lactation known, safe, & accessible for all families who wish to do so.
Promotion of breastfeeding is hard. It doesn't bring in money – only saves (the country) money (via decreases in healthcare costs, to name one) – therefore, its promotion tends to fall squarely on the shoulders of public health advocates, healthcare staff, & lactation professionals. Finding creative & effective ways to promote something that is hardly protected (with some exceptions, such as the PUMP Act) nor supported (few skilled lactation visits are covered with insurance) is not easy.
Next, enter: cultural norms. We have a society that was mainly bottle-fed who now has to come to terms with the resurgence of a “dated” way of feeding infants. We have also seen the hyper-sexualization of women's bodies, which further removes us from the main purpose of the breast: to feed our children. Something I often taught other colleagues in public health was “culture eats policy for lunch." This means that we can have all the policies in the world, but if the cultural norms do not support what the policies are seeking to protect, then they are often ineffective.
How can we expect parents to confidently follow lactation policy guidance when we are called disgusting or perverted? This type of language can lead to a slippery slope in terms of legal implications. So, how can we change the hearts & minds of folks who are this averse to a very typical human behavior?
In my opinion, those of us in public health need to take a firmer stance on this topic & throw more energy into reducing harmful rhetoric. It cannot be sitting squarely on the shoulders of lactating individuals to do the heavy lifting on their own. It is hard enough to successfully breastfeed with all of the systemic barriers (I am looking at you, paid leave), but when we have the added worry of being harassed in public shows there is much work to be done.
So, what can we do as professionals? For starters, here are some recommendations that include hospital, employer, & community supports. Next, we all need to brush up on breastfeeding basics—unfortunately, a lack of education on the topic tends to lead to apathy. Lastly, we need to be the ones to stand up when we see folks feeding their babies in public—by openly encouraging them, offering support, & standing up to any naysayers to protect the dyad.
We have a lot of work ahead of us—but, I am cautiously optimistic that we can move the needle on cultural norms to normalize & celebrate lactation.
If you’re a parent who is feeling discouraged by this topic: please know that you’re not alone & deserve to be held during this phase of breastfeeding (just as you were at the beginning!). Be sure to check out the My Weaning Pals Community or 1:1 Breastfeeding Support if you need it.
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.
