Sunday, December 14, 2008

On The Other Side


Being pregnant and becoming a mother has been such an incredible blessing and eye opening experience; so much so, that it is hard to express with words. I feel like I understand so much more; and, eventually, when I go back to practice I feel like this experience will make me a much better doctor and caretaker. Even though I have worked with moms through these experiences for years, it's like they say- it is TOTALLY different when you experience it first and and walk in these shoes...




One thing that has surprised me and aggravated me more than expected is the experience of nursing around other people- whether in public or in my own home. Because of this, I am so appreciative of my friends- the O'Briens- for doing the NIN Project, something I look forward to participating in with Harper. You can watch it at http://www.mothering.com/interactive/mothering-media/mothering-media-archives.html (scroll down to the "NIN Project"). I know friends and patients who have either chosen to not breastfeed their children or have stopped nursing sooner than expected because of our cultural perception and what others think is normal or not. However, I did not expect our culture and people's opinions to affect me as much as they have when it comes to nursing.




It all started at my baby showers, actually. I received several versions of what is known as a "Hooter Hider". Most people who have children or are around women who do, know what this is. And, I can not tell you how many times I have heard, "That is the neatest invention, I wish I had had one of those!" I politely smile at every person who says this to me, but honestly, I hate them! However, I do use mine religiously because it is just one of those things that I do- like many others do too- to conform to society and be respectful of people's feelings around me. Babies are not too fond of them either- notice how they kick around and try to move them out of their way when old enough to do so? It blocks their view of trying to bond with their mom and take in the world around them. And, seriously, we come up with an invention that is a major seller to hide something that is totally normal that we should be unashamed of?! Not to mention we give it this hidious, trashy name... Such is our culture! Then, I can not tell you how many times I have heard different versions of this same story any time La Leche League meetings come up associated with nursing conversations: "I went to one of those groups because I was the first in my family to nurse. It was all I could do to compose myself because you have all these 5 yr. old kids walking up and lifting their mom's shirts to nurse- ugh!" And this one is classic, at one shower this lady that I had just met walked up to me and my mom. She was wearing poor fitting clothes that revealed a decent amount of herself. I only say this because I laughed about her attire after she shared her story. When Harper was acting hungry, she starts in, "Yeah, I was at the grocery store this one day, and this lady was walking around nursing her baby under a blanket and her stomach was totally showing. I just can't believe people do that in normal places like the grocery store- yuck!" To which I responded- well if your child nurses for half an hour about every hour, you are forced to nurse on the go sometimes otherwise you would never go anywhere or get anything done.


Truthfully, I did not expect breastfeeding to be such a sacrifice or as time consuming as it has been. For instance, when Harper was trying to bring in my milk, he nursed non-stop for 13 hours straight. I am not joking or exagerating, ask JB! I thought my life was over... However, even though it is hard at times (it has gotten easier and become a more normal part of my life), I am very grateful for the experience. Like the fact that sometimes I am the only one who can comfort my son. I have the perfect food for him at the perfect temperature, ready at all times. I am decreasing my chances of illness and his and increasing both of our chances of health and wellness by choosing to nurse exclusively! His diapers don't stink. It forces this A-type personality to slow down, sit down and make my son my number one priority, letting everything else go. And best of all, nursing is often the perfect excuse to leave any situation I want out of. Ha! Thank goodness for awesome, encouraging moms and friends who make it easier because it has been hard enough! I had one patient/friend/mentor email me something that JB and I still smile and laugh about. It was the perfect word and came at the perfect time. She reminded me of Psalms 22:9- "Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts." Telling me to remember that Harper was learning to trust the Lord everytime I nursed him; I am a part of teaching him this! Then she joked about how she told her husband one day, "I am never going to be able to wear a shirt again!" I did not even realize I had felt that way, but boy had I ever! Despite all the encouragement, I have been met by plenty of opposing opinions. Even those who are in support of nursing often do not seem very happy that you are nursing around them. Like when I walked into the nursing room at church the other night. I laughed to myself at a room full of women all very diligently using their Hooter Hiders. Seriously?! Hooter Hiders in a room full of nursing women?! First of all, we all have them- boobs or hooters I mean- and second of all we were all using them to feed our children... Meaning you honestly think I have time to stare at you when I am trying to feed my child?! Pathetic culture of ours! Then there is my poor dad, who I told after he commented several times on how uncomfortable my nursing made him, that he was just going to have to get used to it if he was going to be around us. He quickly realized I was right, since it seems this is all we do these days; and now he sits around like it's just normal- because it is! But, I still have other family members who simply walk out of the house when I nurse. Oh well, we spend too much time doing it to have to go to another room everytime we have to eat! And, then there is my precious mom, haha! When we were out shopping at Southlake, she freaked out that I might get arrested because I had to nurse in the park and had forgotten my hider in the car. I informed her that it is the law that a woman can legally nurse anywhere she is allowed to be. At my sister's graduation the other day, she kept re-arranging my hider because she was nervous that the guys behind us were trying to gawk at my breasts. And, she is constantly telling her friends that everyone in the metroplex has seen my boobs because I just "don't care who sees them". I constantly remind her that it really doesn't matter because they don't look like mine and aren't really mine anymore anyway! She is extremely supportive of me nursing Harper, but all of the things she says and does just remind me of how abnormal and uncomfortable our culture has made this NORMAL process. UGH! Also, we recently played Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus at my dad's church in the Christmas Play. I can not tell you how many times I heard the joke of Mary "having to pull a Janet Jackson on stage if Jesus got hungry."
One of my favorite reminders of what an awesome Creator we serve is breastfeeding. Did you know that when a baby latches on to its mother's breast, the baby's saliva tells the mom's body exactly what milk to make for the baby? This fact just gives me chills! God did such an incredible job when He knit our bodies together! In other words, each feeding the milk is different because the baby's needs are different. Sometimes it may need more fat and other times more protein. This is why the same mom can nurse a newborn and a toddler and both will get exactly what he/she needs- NOT the same milk but the perfect recipe for that specific child at that time from the same breast! God created the saliva to tell the mom's breast what the baby is ready for and needs. Pumping, pacifiers and/or formula can NOT come close to doing that! Why do we try to run so far from what we have been created for?!


So this is my soap box to say I have now experienced it firsthand, and it drives me crazy and makes me so sad to live in this culture that shuns normalcy and health. I should not be made to feel so bad about something that I am created to do for the benefit of my family. I mean the fact that a girl can walk in a the room scantly clad, revealing more of her body than I would ever dream of revealing, and I will get more judgemental looks/comments from discreetly nursing my child than her outfit will generate is insane. We could be such a healthier, happier nation if we would spend more time and money on teaching and encouraging moms to nurse rather than freely offering formula. This is a reminder to encourage moms who choose to nurse because they are getting plenty of encouragement to pop the top of the formula can and heat, shake, and serve... More blogs to come later on the wonderful formula recipe and why it is quite possibly one of the nastiest things you can give your child!

15 comments:

Christy@pipandsqueak said...

I just sat down at the computer and am nursing Caroline when I went to catch up on blogs and read your wonderful commentary on nursing. Such a complicated issue in our modern world. When we were in Norway they did not use nursing covers and I got used to it though I use mine here. I will nurse anywhere though. I even nursed the other day walking through Northpark Mall. I am sure all the Highland Park snobs loved that.

Michelle said...

HA! I had to crack up at this one! From a momma who has nursed many children I've heard these same things (well, except the whole Janet Jackson thing - too funny!). I agree with you. It's sad that society has turned it into something dirty when the Victoria's Secret window at the mall is more revealing than me breastfeeding my daughter! GAH!
But like you, I've conformed for societies sake and wear my "hider" when in public. You know us dangerous nursing mothers - we might squirt someone with our breast milk if provoked! Hey, now that's an idea! Boobie Terrorism! HA!

CrunchyMamaSky said...

I remember the beginning of this furious passion beginning in me 5 years ago when I found out I was pregnant with Zoey and determined to breastfeed, no matter the obstacles. I've always needed to stand out in someday and breastfeeding has been my out being a Mom. I DARE someone to say something about my hooter NOT hiding in public places. If my girls need to munch, they need to munch - I don't have time to look for anything to hide them with and why would I?! She's EATING! It's anything BUT 'dirty'.
ahhhh society, how I love thee.

Love ya girl!
Tamara, Zoey and Violet

Jessica said...

I totally have the same soapbox issue! I was very careful to always cover up when I nursed Mason, but with Hunter this time I cover up when I am somewhere that I may make other uncomfortable, like large groups or restaurants, but find myself less self conscience when around other naturally minded women, like at the HAND meeting or LLL meetings. Ben is always concerned about other men seeing me nursing, so I respect his feelings and cover up with my "hider". It drives me insane that women can prance around in bras and panties on prime time tv, but nursing mothers are treated like outcasts. I remember everyone always asking me if I needed to go in the other room so I could nurse, with Mason I would oblige and sit in a room all by myself and feed my baby. Now, I say no thank you we are fine here and feed him where we are. I even picked up a couple of the Breastfeeding law cards to keep in my wallet and diaper bag for when people make some comment about my nursing in public being illegal. Glad nursing is going well for you two!

Leila said...

Amen sister!! I used to laugh at the looks people would give me, whenever I would nurse Turner! I think my favorite was when I was told to go nurse him in the bathroom! Ha! My response was "would you eat your lunch in the bathroom?" It is so sad how we are made to feel ashamed or that we should go hide to feed our babies. I am so proud that 18 months later Turner is still nursing well and its even better that he finds security in knowing that he can come to me anytime for comfort! You are doing such a great job with Harper! Keep it up and don't stress about hiding your hooters!!!

Lesley said...

Hey
Wow--just read your post and I hate that you re feeling this from all around you! I am sure that was around me too...but I think I was feeling so much opposition from all the other stuff I did, I just chalked it up to one more thing! Alright-I have lots to say on this subject...but after trying to type it all, i have decided I just need to talk to you about it!! Did you get my message about this week?? I am doing Grapevine mills on Thursday but still free the rest of the week for the most part!

susie said...

I almost woke up the baby, this made me laugh so hard. I hate those hooter hiders. I refuse to use one and do use a blanket as I'm still (almost 7 weeks pp) not able to get this baby to latch without showing my nipple. I also do not understand using those hider things in the cry room.

I'm a public nurser and always have been. I don't intend to change, though I do try to be discrete. Well, within reason. :)

Nice post.

susie and her girlies

Mix and Match Mama said...

Hey Cindy,
I'm so sorry that you feel this way about your breast feeding experience. Some girls (like me) pray about whether or not to breast feed before they give birth and totally feel the peace of the Lord when they decide not to breast feed from the beginning. It's just not for everyone. Millions of babies (like Kensington) grow healthy and strong off of formula. Everyone's journey as a mother is different, however, embrace your journey and don't have any regrets. Your girl, Shay

feltsdia said...

Wow, Cindy! Yuck for the stress that this has put you under. I totally understand passion and you've got it! I hate to say it, but I was one of those who'd leave the room. Only thing is that I didn't realize that I should even be outraged. How you open my eyes!

The Anderson's said...

Your passion brings a smile to my heart! I love the comments of these passionate mommies, too. I love the great picture of the nursing Mary...Janet Jackson was the last thing from my mind...absurd! Thanks for sharing your experience. As always you are encouraging others.

Reese Family said...

LOVE IT! I totally understand. And I love your honesty! =) The Janet thing made me laugh though.

Mommypotamus said...

When Katie was a newborn I ran across this passage in "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears:

"An insightful description of weaning is found in the writings of King David. 'I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.' The psalmist David equates his feelings of peace and tranquility with the feeling of fulfillment that a weaned child has with its mother."

When I read that I realized that most people associate weaning with deprivation, not fulfillment. I personally do not like to stop eating when I am only half-full, and I believe that Katie is receiving emotional nourishment through nursing that won't be complete until, well, until it is! That said, she turned one year old this week, and I have noticed that it is becoming more difficult to nurse her in public the older she gets. How will I feel when she is two? or THREE? I don't know, but I intend to stick to what is right for me and Katie regardless of public pressure to do otherwise. Oh, and sorry I made you a nursing cover! Newbie mistake, I have grown to loathe them myself : - )

Mae Burke said...

Mrs Cindy,
You make me smile SO big.

There is a lot I have to offer up right now, but I think you need a light comment, so on that note I say:

I have mentioned-as if it isn't noticable- I am a well endowed young woman, and this little baby is doing nothing more than encouraging this abnormal growth. So if you ever are so frustrated that you need to have someone sit in the waiting room at work, and feed her precious loved one all day to shout ITS OK! you know where to find me...just give me about 6 more months. I'm sure it'll have someone talking.

Hehe, miss you guys.
Mae

katesaab said...

I just got home from dinner and had to read this - I loved it! It's so true! I was at the store right after Mariana was born and I went to the dressing room so I could sit down to feed her and the attendant said "well, it's okay as long as you close the door!" Ha! Then we were at a restaurant and after I started nursing (with a cover on!) the waiter didn't even acknowledge I was there anymore and only made eye contact with Tarek. South America here I come! :)

dianthe said...

i just sat down to read all of your entries and this one is SO true!! when i was pregnant, my goal was to nurse for 6 months and then i'd be done - here we are almost 14 months later and Sydney isn't coming to close to weaning - and i NEVER thought i would be an "extended" breastfeeder! she's now even learned to ask for it by saying "nuh nuh" - yes, i've taught her to say "nurse"!!

i never got on the Hooter Hider train - my mom bought me one and i returned it when i couldn't figure out how to make it work - i'll nurse in public without a second thought - i just wear a nursing tank under everything - but not because i'm worried about anyone seeing my boobs - it's so that i don't scare the world with my flabby belly!