So Gisele Bundchen has felt the need to apologize for saying in an interview with Harper's Bazaar that breastfeeding should be law for the first six months. Why shouldn't it be?
Only 80% of us first time mothers even start with the intention to breastfeed our babies from day zero. 80%? Shouldn't we all be at least trying it before we discount it as "not for us"? I'm not trying to come across as a lactivist, but it bothers me that there are babies born in the United Kingdom won't even get the ultra-healthy and ultra-important colostrum during their first few days of life because their mothers decided that breastfeeding didn't go with their lifestyle.
Sure, there are more than enough reasons why breastfeeding doesn't work for everyone. I think that sensitivity to women who cannot breastfeed should be very high when lactivism comes into play, but let's not kid ourselves. Women who can't breastfeed or babies that can't be breastfed form a very small part of the percentage which don't start from the beginning. On our street, there are three babies who were born within two weeks of each other. My daughter is the only one that is breastfed. One of the baby's mothers told me that she wanted to be able to go and have a night out clubbing with her friends at the weekends, so it wasn't convenient for her. Well, at least she's not going to feed her drunk, I guess.
When my daughter was three months old, her weight dropped off a lot. We were told by the health visitor to try one bottle of formula per day to see if it helped her get back on track. The first time I gave my baby girl a bottle, I was in tears. I felt like I'd failed as a woman - I'm supposed to be able to give her all she needs for the first six months. I might've been a tad over-emotional, but why don't all women who are able feel this way when they choose not to breastfeed. It's the best start for our babies, it's the best nutrition and the best way of bonding. I love the connection I have with her, and the way it makes me feel knowing that I'm starting her off on the right track.
Have I had a glass of wine with a meal? Absolutely. I was never a clubber before I had my daughter, so I guess I don't have to feel like I'm missing out on a night on the razz. I'm very, very proud to say that I'm part of the 20% of mothers still breastfeeding at 6 months, and I plan on continuing (in conjunction with our newly started solids) for another 6 - 18 months longer. It's great for me too - weight loss and many other benefits come for breastfeeding mothers.
Where a mother and baby are able to start the process of breastfeeding together, full support and encouragement should be given so that it can continue. Gisele, you don't need to apologize. Mothers need a high profile breastfeeding push, and you're absolutely spot on.
If you're looking for support - check out La Leche League in your area for more information.
