In a world where breastfeeding in public can spark controversy, it’s often strangers who pile on the shame. Sure, hearing unsolicited comments from random passersby can sting, but the real heartache comes when the disapproval comes from family and friends.
Meet Jenna Lee, a mother of three who faced a tough moment over the Thanksgiving holiday. Her own aunt expressed disdain for her breastfeeding her 22-month-old during a family gathering. Jenna took to social media to share her experience, and it resonated strongly with other moms. “I was overwhelmed by the number of women who reached out, sharing their own stories of hurtful comments from family,” she shared with Home Insemination Kit.
Jenna, a talented photographer, decided to take action. She reached out for stories from other moms who faced similar shaming from their inner circles. The response was overwhelming—54 moms shared their experiences, which Jenna compiled into a powerful video titled “The Shame of the Nursing Mother.” Since its release, the video has gained over 35,000 views, shedding light on this painful issue.
The stories featured are gut-wrenching. One mom recalls being told she couldn’t nurse at a family dinner, while another shared how she felt compelled to feed her baby in a bathroom stall, missing out on moments with friends at the splash pad. There’s even a mother who resorted to nursing in her car during her older child’s sports game. It’s a tough reality that many nursing moms face when their own loved ones don’t support their choices.
Jenna hopes her video will foster empathy and understanding. “I want people to recognize how isolating it can be for nursing mothers. When you tell someone to just go to another room, it’s easy to forget they’re missing out on life, too,” she explains. “Seeing the full journey might make a difference in how people approach these conversations with nursing moms.”
Interestingly, Jenna has her own experience with feeding choices; she formula-fed her eldest daughter and feels no regrets. “She’s a thriving six-year-old now!” she beams. Yet, she wishes the reactions to breastfeeding were as nonchalant as those for formula feeding. “When I was formula feeding, nobody made snide remarks or suggested I should hide. The contrast has been striking,” she adds.
The closing line of the video, voiced by Jenna herself, encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: “No one ever asked me to miss out on life when I was formula feeding. Breastfeeding mothers deserve the same respect.”
In case you’re interested in more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on Genetics and IVF Institute. And for those looking for tools to support their journey, Make a Mom offers a fantastic selection of at-home insemination kits.
In summary, a recent viral video reveals that breastfeeding shame often comes not just from strangers, but from family and friends as well. The experiences shared by mothers highlight the need for understanding and support in their breastfeeding journeys.