World Breastfeeding Week

Every August I realize through Facebook and Instagram that apparently World Breastfeeding Week is going on.

 Photo by Simply Blessings Photography

 

I was able to breastfeed all of my children until near or beyond their first birthdays, and it was great.

That being said, I've never really felt the need for World Breastfeeding Week.  I scored one free photo shoot last year with Lee Lee and myself because I was a breastfeeding mother (not the one pictured) but other than that, the week is just like any other.

That being said, many women take the chance this week to share their success with breastfeeding.  They share their pride with sticking with it and breastfeeding for some length of time.  They share their struggles but determination to do what was best for their baby and how amazing the triumph feels.  Then, in the next sentence they add a disclaimer that any way you feed your baby is okay as long as you baby is fed.

You know, during Black History Month, I don't spend the month stating how great the Whites in History are.  I have no problem with acknowledging those who are Black and have done great things in history without needing to pacify other races during that month.

When friends of mine cross the finish line for a triathlon, or marathon, they write on social media about how hard the training was and how much support they received from their family and how amazing the victory feels.  They don't they say, "But if you play tennis, you're still a good athlete," or "Don't feel bad if you can't run a marathon, as long as you're healthy you should feel good too."  No.  These athletes have worked incredibly hard for something, and they are taking a minute to acknowledge their hard work and dedication on a day of victory.

Breastfeeding should be no different.  If there's going to be a World Breastfeeding Week, then women would be allowed to take a minute to acknowledge the hard work and dedication and pain and determination to stick with breastfeeding.  They should be allowed to thank the people who supported them and helped make this possible.  They should be allowed to celebrate the victory without pacifying anyone else.

Well done, Breastfeeding Mamas!  Keep up the great work.

 Photo by Simply Blessings Photography