Breastfeeding Debate Ensues

Is Facebook declaring breastfeeding obscene? To nip or not to nip seems to be the debate lately with the increased coverage of celebrity births and whether or not photographed breasts represent sex or nurture. Naturally, this debate has two sides, for and against breastfeeding. And of course, there are some individuals pro breastfeeding but against public breastfeeding.

People obsessed with breasts' sexual associations are often critical of women publicly breastfeeding because they view the 'uncomfortable' act as obscene. For persons well aware of breasts' original and impressive function to sustain human life, the decision to breastfeed is automatic, resulting in a bonding experience with their babies. Sustaining human life though is not enough to settle this debate.

Myths exist. Not enough milk production. Always painful. Baby not gaining weight. These falsities along with many other misleading beliefs permeate our society in an attempt to give women an excuse not to breastfeed. For not only may these problems plague mothers, but unleashed lust might result. Refuting these untrue statements is imperative to support and protect a woman's right to feed her child whenever and wherever she wishes just like any other parent out their choosing to bottle feed their baby manmade formula or perhaps worse -cow's milk.

Luckily mothers can consult La Leche League International for guidance. Some resources available include answers to questions, lists of providers specializing in the lactation field and legislation specific to the mother's locality. Most important, the myths, of which there are many, are disproved, such as...

Not enough milk production. Breastfeeding early and as often as the baby is hungry is important. When feeding frequency decreases, milk production will eventually diminish. There are RARE occurrences when a mother produces insufficient amounts of milk but remedies exist.

Always painful. Breasts may be tender at the onset of breastfeeding but discomfort subsides once the baby is correctly attached. If pain persists, common medical conditions may be the cause and treatments are readily available by visiting a knowledgeable health care provider.

Baby not gaining weight. Failure to thrive is not due to poor milk nutrition but rather inadequate intake. Mothers generally, malnourished or not, produce milk adequate for their babies. They just need to be shown by a professional how to correctly breastfeed and get into a routine that suits their child's eating habits.

With the materialization of the human species, women breastfeeding their offspring has been the norm. Some people may argue times change, but breasts have not changed. They continue to work successfully as nature intended transcending cultures for centuries. Yet, hullabaloo ensued back in April 2006 [Breast-Feed or Else] when the World Health Organization made statements implying children's health at risk if not breastfed. What really has changed is society.

Breasts are everywhere in a sexual way. Covers of magazines. Peeking out of tops. Flaunting them on the beach. And, that's fine. Why can't the breasts serve two purposes in our culture? Upcoming generations will surely debate this issue, but one fact will remain - breastfeeding is best for babies and should be allowed in private AND public. Perhaps if more women are photographed breastfeeding, it's 'tabooness' for the immature will subside.