If you’re in the U.S. or scroll through social media frequented by Americans, you’ve likely noticed that it’s National Breastfeeding Month. How do I know? Because there are images of mothers nursing their babies popping up all over the place.
To be transparent, I chose not to breastfeed my three children, not due to inability or any failures but simply because it wasn’t the right choice for me. I have immense respect for those who do breastfeed; it’s a significant commitment both physically and emotionally, especially after carrying a baby for ten months. I wasn’t ready for that journey.
What I find puzzling, however, is this: Why is an entire month dedicated solely to promoting breastfeeding on social media? Is there still a need for awareness in this day and age? I genuinely wonder if there’s a single person in the developed world unaware of the benefits of breastfeeding. It often feels like National Breastfeeding Month is less about education and more about showcasing, “Look at me! I’m breastfeeding! Aren’t I amazing?” This makes me question the real purpose behind this month-long celebration.
I understand that breastfeeding mothers face criticism for nursing in public, which baffles me. Why is that offensive? It’s baffling that in a world filled with a diverse range of experiences, some people would find a mother nourishing her child problematic. They seem to have forgotten that public spaces are shared by all, including families and children.
In light of that, I can appreciate the importance of normalizing breastfeeding by doing it openly and without shame. However, dedicating a whole month to its recognition while neglecting other healthy feeding methods seems odd. Why isn’t there a month for all feeding choices? Mothers need support no matter how they choose to feed their children.
National Breastfeeding Month, which initially aimed to aid women in need, appears to have morphed into a shaming game, targeting not just mothers who choose not to breastfeed but anyone who doesn’t meet certain standards. The pressure on mothers to make the right choices is already immense, and filling social media with perfect breastfeeding images doesn’t help those struggling. Consider the mother who’s been trying to get her baby to latch but has faced obstacle after obstacle. What does she gain from seeing flawless breastfeeding photos?
And let’s not forget those who don’t breastfeed, whether by choice or circumstance. We know that breast milk is optimal, but that’s been hammered into us so persistently that it’s clear many of us have made informed decisions or had those choices made for us due to health issues.
What about women in poverty, you may ask? Statistically, they are less likely to breastfeed, and while the intention may be to support them, posting breastfeeding images on social media hardly guides them. Unless we’re actively offering help and resources, it’s not truly assisting them.
Also, has anyone asked these women if they even want to breastfeed? Ultimately, it’s their choice. If a woman is feeding her baby—regardless of the method—there’s no national crisis. While formula isn’t as nutritionally rich as breast milk, it’s an FDA-approved alternative, and there are countless healthy adults who were raised on it.
The issue isn’t the intention behind National Breastfeeding Month but rather how it’s promoted. The competition and division it creates among mothers—breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding—only adds to the pressure they already feel. The unrealistic portrayals of breastfeeding in the media can lead to feelings of inadequacy for those unable to breastfeed as long as they wish.
Instead of marginalizing women for their feeding choices, we ought to celebrate all healthy options available to mothers and their children. Why not consider a National I Feed My Baby Month? At the end of the day, what truly matters is that babies are healthy and well-fed.
In summary, the essence of feeding choices should be about supporting mothers in whatever way they choose to nourish their children. If we can shift the focus of National Breastfeeding Month to embrace all forms of infant nutrition, we can foster an environment of understanding and support instead of competition.