Hi,
First of all, I want to clarify that I am not against breastfeeding or campaigns about breastfeeding. Breast milk IS the best normal food for all healthy babies and mother and campaigning for it is noble. So, what is my problem?
Well, we must admit that some women just cannot breastfeed because of very acceptable medical reasons like HIV, sepsis, cancer, hepatitis, and seizures. And guess what? They feel terribly guilty for not being able to breastfeed. At some point, they will come to terms with their condition, but after reading a very enthusiastic campaign like "every woman must breastfeed", "if you are not breastfeeding, then you are giving a very bad start for your baby", "no excuses not to breastfeed", or explain in a very very long prose that formula is harmful and mothers who do not breastfeed are literally poisoning their babies, they are devastated and depressed. It gets worse when an old lady or other women asked, "do you breastfeed?" and the answer was no and they looked at you as if you were unworthy as a mother.
People can say, "you shouldn't feel guilty if you are sick." True.
But you know what? it's the most useless advice someone could give.
So, if you are currently campaigning for breast milk, please check your words again and adjust them slightly...
"Breast milk is the best foods for healthy babies and mommies...for those moms with medical conditions, formula can be a better choice."
Easy, right?
There is this website on breastfeeding called BellyBelly that is both friendly and informative and I guess it sets a good example on breastfeeding campaign.
Please, be kind with your campaigns because not all moms are as lucky as you.
Cheers,
Dya
image taken from http://www.mamapop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Breastfeeding_Mother-590x442.jpg
0 comments:
Post a Comment