Breastfeeding: Why breastfeeding needs YOUR good P.R.
You can also find support groups online (if there is no urgent problem) for minor questions and just to get in touch with other breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding.com is a great online resource for breastfeeding information and support and offers lots of fun stuff, too. There are beautiful breastfeeding mom photos, lots of anecdotes and humor, games, stories, articles, discussion boards and chat and links to other helpful mommy-type-sites. Visit their Advocacy link on the left hand side of the window and find out how you can help promote breastfeeding in your community and in the world!
So why is it our responsibility?
If we don't do it, no one else will. It's as simple as that. If more women stood up in defense of breastfeeding by doing a number of things to support it, perhaps it would finally be the norm in feeding infants instead of the exception to the rule of artificial breast milk. Don't be fooled! This is not an easy task: We are taking on some of the biggest money-making, propaganda-producing companies in the world.
HOW?
The easy part is just to talk about it: with friends, family, neighbors. Be proud of your choice to give your baby the best nutrition. For some of us, this is easy, for others who are a bit more shy and private, it's a little more difficult -- so there are other ways to help if you are shy.
For those of us who have no problem being the bold, expressive women we are...this can be fun and exhilarating. Breastfeeding in public when you are out at the mall, or taking a break on a park bench during your daily walk, or having dinner with your partner after a long day. Be discreet, but don't be ashamed. Your baby has every right to nourishment whenever and wherever she/he needs it! You will notice other mothers who may breastfeed or may have breastfed smiling at you sweetly. You may also notice a few looks of shock and possibly disgust -- but you don't need to worry yourself with their ignorance -- the more they see us feeding our children, the better accustomed they will become to this perfectly natural act.
For the more timid spirited, you can encourage your close pregnant friends to breastfeed by just being supportive, by offering advice, support and helping to direct them to local LLL meetings, leaders
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