I understand but.....

So this week is World Breast Feeding Week. I have no problems with that, not at all but I do need to share my views.

The past several days I have seen many different shots of women breast feeding their babies. I breast fed my first and I am currently breast feeding my second. I was not able to go as long with my first as I would have liked so we had to use formula for about 6-8 months. I am currently breast feeding my 5 month old and don't plan to stop any time soon. I have my boobs (gasp) out of my shirt most of the day, this kid suckles whenever he feels the need day and night. I don't use a cover in my own home so my oldest sees boob. Lets face it he has seen much more, but that is for another day. I think breast is best, I believe that it really has the nutrients that every child needs and God gave us boobs for something (other than men) (no she didn't). I also know that there are mommies out there who can't feed their babies the same way I can or choose not too and that formula has been made and modified to give babies the nutrients very similar or close to what is created by my body. My oldest did not suffer in any way by being fed formula for many months and he is the roughest toughest kid around. AND (shocker) we used Walmart brand formula!!!!! (yes I'm a bad mommy who likes to save a penny here and there) did I mention he is still alive? SO I support you booby feeding mommies out there and if you are nursing in public I will not gasp in horror or ask you to cover up. I applaud you for making a choice and sticking by it and you have my high five the whole way.
I personally am not a person for flashing my boob all over town, if I nurse I will cover myself and my son or go find a private area to nurse. I don't necessarily agree with nursing and shoving it in your face. I think it is a very private thing for mommy and baby. It is a very personal thing for me and my son to bond, I like looking in to his eyes and holding him and cuddling him but I like to do it where it is quiet and private. I will cover because you don't need to see my boobs. My kids and my hubby can but not you, stranger. I like my boobs and I like to have modesty also. Modesty is sexy right? If I'm in a public are where men will be I will cover myself but if I'm only around women I will be boob out!! (after assessing the situation). I respect others and understand if it offends you. I don't always want to see some strangers boob just because they are nursing a child but I also understand if the baby doesn't like to be covered and nurses better uncovered.
OK.....lets go back about 50 years. My grandmother grew up in a time where nursing was considered improper, formula was the way to go and that is what you did. Of course they had a choice but a lot of people (like my grandmother) chose not to nurse because Dr. would say that it was healthier for the babies to be on formula. My mother nursed all four of her kids but that was in a time where it was just starting to be supported and encouraged and A LOT of people were horrified, HORRIFIED, if a women nursed much less in public. SO the people who are getting upset are people who grew up not truly understanding the importance of nursing, They may have been raised where it was considered improper or wrong. They see it as an indecent thing to do in public. These are also the people who listen to us talk about the sex and drugs on tv that isn't being blocked or the cuss words that people say. We are taught that all these things lead to bad thoughts and immoral activity, but it's ok for us to just whip out our boob and feed our younglings. It's not sexual it nurturing. Boobs are boobs whether they feed the little people or create any funny feeling in your pants. I feel that some modesty is required or considered but at the same time I understand why it may not be necessary. Before I had kids I couldn't believe that a mother was nursing her child in a waiting room and i was disgusted. I would always be embarrassed and feel awkward if a mother tried to soothe her crying child in public with no cover and not even try to cover  it. I know that when you cover your baby EVERYBODY knows what your going to do (who puts a blanket over a babies head to put them to sleep?) but at least you made a decision to not upset any other parent or person and have some modesty. (people still have an imagination).
I will never tell you to cover yourself if you are nursing, I will never tell you to leave the building or room if your feeding your baby. I PERSONALLY want to have some modesty and keep myself covered (modesty is sexier). Trust me at home I am all out there but when I'm in public it is easier to be covered. Even in Florida where it is hot as hell I try to cover with a light weight blanket or go into a private room or booth. Judge me or hate me but I feel that it is a double standard. Nobody should be looking but we shouldn't have anything for them to look at (like naked boobs).

 Again I support breast feeding whether it is in public or not. I am not brave enough personally to have my boobs showing all over town but if you are power to you. Before you get offended when someone asks you to cover up just remember that cultures, people and their backgrounds are different. They have their reasoning just like you do.