My breastfeeding hero is…

Guess what? It’s not the front cover of TIME magazine. This may shock and anger some of you but read on to understand why:

It’s not about the cover mom’s choice to breastfeed longer than most. Or to breastfeed without a nursing cover. Or be photographed while breastfeeding. It’s not about her, really. It’s about the poor perception of breastfeeding this photo creates.

I don’t believe this photo represents the true concept and reasons for breastfeeding.

I don’t believe it represents how I personally feel as a breastfeeding mama.

I don’t believe it supports moms who breastfeed (no matter how long).

I don’t believe it creates cultural acceptance of breastfeeding in our US culture that sexualizes women’s body parts and cannot see beyond that to the natural, biological purpose of breastfeeding.

I don’t believe it accurately captures how the majority of most women breastfeed (guess what, it’s not with a bold stare and a bared chest!).

I don’t believe it portrays breastfeeding as a natural and normal way to nurture and feed your baby.

In a culture that fails breastfeeding mothers, creating negative and highly sensationalized publicity around breastfeeding will not get you into my Hall of Fame. Sorry.

So… who IS my breastfeeding hero?

…the mom who tries anything to reduce the pain of breastfeeding so she can continue.

…the mom who attempts, even if she fails.

…the mom who suceeds no matter for how long.

…the mom who can’t or isn’t interested in breastfeeding but doesn’t tear down the idea for other people who are.

…the mom who blogs or talks about her breastfeeding experiences with other moms to gain and give support and information.

…the anyone who doesn’t whisper, giggle, blush, look askance at a mother breastfeeding in public (or try to arrest them for public exposure).

…the companies that provide special rooms for nursing moms to pump or feed their child (especially if they are labeled with the global icon for breastfeeding, NOT with a bottle! LOL!).

…the fashion designers who are starting to understand moms would like functional AND fashionable nursingwear for the 6 weeks, 6 months or longer they breastfeed!

…the lactation consultants, nurses, doctors, and breastfeeding specialist who stay well-educated on the topic and dispel common breastfeeding myths.

…the dads, brothers, friends who support moms who breastfeed (whether by keeping other children occupied while she nurses, telling her she’s doing a great job, giving hugs, doing a few chores since breastfeeding takes quantities of time, giving mom some extra time to sleep, making sure she is well-nourished… there are so many ways to support a breastfeeding mama!).

My breastfeeding hero, in fact, just might be YOU! It’s all of us when we come together to positively and purposefully support breastfeeding women!

Who is your breastfeeding hero? Comment or write a post and link up here:

This hop is hosted by Erin of The Slacker Mom and co-hosted by Marah of Happiness Redefined and Lori from The Gnome’s Mom.