Breast Milk is Better Than Any Udder Milk
Political theorist and feminist Iris Marion Young acknowledged “Breasts are a scandal because they shatter the border between motherhood and sexuality”. A topic that is often up for debate in our society is public breastfeeding. Various groups believe that breastfeeding is indecent and even “disgusting”; they believe that it should be done discreetly and not in the presence of others. This stigma on breastfeeding has many negative effects. Women fear breastfeeding in public as a stranger may step in and humiliate her for doing so. Breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not sexual and a healthy child is more important than a stranger’s sensibilities.
Nevertheless, there are still many people who …show more content…
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed for at least their first year of life(Wolf). Breastfeeding can give a baby a wonderful head start on nutrition. The mother’s milk changes as the child grows; if the baby gets sick, the breasts produce antibodies to fight off infection and illness. Breastmilk is perfectly tailored to fit each individual baby’s needs. In addition to this, breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and many other ailments. A woman who breastfeeds is less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, certain types of breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Besides these health benefits, breastfeeding helps the mother and her baby to bond. Breastfeeding is also more beneficial financially and economically; formula and feeding supplies can cost families thousands of dollars a year (“Why Breastfeeding is Important”). Those who disagree with public breastfeeding ask why mothers cannot simply cover up or go somewhere else. When confronted with this, one must ask, “Do you enjoy eating with a blanket over your head?”. Coverings can make feedings hot, dark, and stuffy for babies, not to mention the hassle of trying to get a baby to latch while trying to stay covered. Some children simply …show more content…
Breastfeeding is an integral part of some mother’s lives; we cannot expect these women to hide every time their child is hungry. Although we constantly sexualize breasts, we must remember that the entire purpose of a breast is to feed our offspring. The fact that some women are shamed out of breastfeeding is deplorable. The benefits of breastfeeding are vast and mothers have every right to give this gift to their child, no matter where they
Political theorist and feminist Iris Marion Young acknowledged “Breasts are a scandal because they shatter the border between motherhood and sexuality”. A topic that is often up for debate in our society is public breastfeeding. Various groups believe that breastfeeding is indecent and even “disgusting”; they believe that it should be done discreetly and not in the presence of others. This stigma on breastfeeding has many negative effects. Women fear breastfeeding in public as a stranger may step in and humiliate her for doing so. Breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not sexual and a healthy child is more important than a stranger’s sensibilities.
Nevertheless, there are still many people who …show more content…
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed for at least their first year of life(Wolf). Breastfeeding can give a baby a wonderful head start on nutrition. The mother’s milk changes as the child grows; if the baby gets sick, the breasts produce antibodies to fight off infection and illness. Breastmilk is perfectly tailored to fit each individual baby’s needs. In addition to this, breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and many other ailments. A woman who breastfeeds is less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, certain types of breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Besides these health benefits, breastfeeding helps the mother and her baby to bond. Breastfeeding is also more beneficial financially and economically; formula and feeding supplies can cost families thousands of dollars a year (“Why Breastfeeding is Important”). Those who disagree with public breastfeeding ask why mothers cannot simply cover up or go somewhere else. When confronted with this, one must ask, “Do you enjoy eating with a blanket over your head?”. Coverings can make feedings hot, dark, and stuffy for babies, not to mention the hassle of trying to get a baby to latch while trying to stay covered. Some children simply …show more content…
Breastfeeding is an integral part of some mother’s lives; we cannot expect these women to hide every time their child is hungry. Although we constantly sexualize breasts, we must remember that the entire purpose of a breast is to feed our offspring. The fact that some women are shamed out of breastfeeding is deplorable. The benefits of breastfeeding are vast and mothers have every right to give this gift to their child, no matter where they