I am late to know that August is “the” breastfeeding month yet I am happy that I’ll be taking part of this celebration because I am a certified milk mama 🙂
To be honest, I was one of those who thought breastfeeding in public was distasteful – until I became a mom. Breastfeeding is natural and is for babies, babies who strongly depend on their mommies for milk. Could you expect babies to follow a certain schedule or to wait until you reach a private space to breastfeed? Adults can drink water wherever they want and so should babies get to have their milk anywhere.
Mommies shouldn’t have any problems breastfeeding in public, we should overcome people who double takes on us especially men. If they find breastfeeding arousing, it’s their problem their brains are hanging in between their legs. I pray that people can actually be apprehended if they make untoward, sexual, and discriminating remarks against breastfeeding moms. If they find it disgusting then they should move along. Us moms have a greater concern than theirs which is our baby’s health and well-being.
It’s great how different governments have backed up mothers in their fight to breastfeed. In the Philippines, establishments MUST have nursing or breastfeeding stations although I know some big shopping malls who are not following this yet. And again I pray that the government actually check these establishments out.
I fight for the right to breastfeed!
Breastfeeding stations make it easier for moms to comfortably nurse their children. Actually the law states that these lactation stations should have adequate facilities like a washing area, comfortable seats, and milk storage. I wish shopping malls would comply to this soon as nursing moms are there most of the time with their children doing errands, shopping, and grocery.
Nursing employees also have the right to be given lactation periods in addition to their regular time-off for meals to breastfeed or express milk. This is considered compensable hours worked. This interval should not be less than 40 minutes for every eight hours of work.
Breastfeeding education is also now included in the curricula of schools in the Philippines. I guess this is the best key towards a healthier future for our children. Getting kids to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and develop in them a positive attitude towards it. So mommies, let’s all nurse our kids and their futures. Say I am a proud breastfeeding mommy!
** photos taken by my husband who’s been a great support partner in breastfeeding our baby boy
