So...evidently Facebook doesn't allow pictures of breastfeeding babies on their site, calling them "obscene". And sorry if you had already heard about this, but I am slow on the uptake in the recent news division and just found out yesterday.
What the heck? Seriously, I thought this was the 21st century. Or maybe the problem IS that this is the 21st century, but obscene? Breastfeeding? That's what God put them there for buddy! I get so frustrated with this kind of attitude, I really do. We are flooded in this country, left and right, with images of breasts as a commodity. They are used to sell movies, to sell CARS. But NEVER do you see practical examples of breasts being used for what breasts are for: feeding babies.
And I suppose its no wonder then that formula is the norm for a baby's diet in North America. The WHO (the World Health Organization, not the band, lol) calls it the 4TH choice when considering feeding methods (1. being breastfeeding, 2. being expressed milk from the babies mother and 3. being expressed milk from a milk bank), but around here we are told that formula is "just as good these days", that breastfeeding is hard or painful, that it ruins your breasts, that most women/breasts cant produce enough milk, or that the father wont bond with the baby if you breastfeed. We are told its inconvenient, that its gross, and that it is innapropriate and should only be done in private.
Well I am here to tell you that NONE of that is true. And breastfeeding is NOT obscene! And until all these untruths about breastfeeding are no longer spread around (even by doctors at times!) and until we see (literally SEE) more mothers breastfeeding and it's no longer compared to a sexual or private act, children and women are the ones who suffer for it!
By labeling breastfeeding as something objectionable, Facebook is perpetuating all these myths and stigmatizing women who are doing nothing wrong, who are in fact doing something very right, and very natural.
Seriously, I would delete my account, if not for the fact that I plan on participating in the Nurse-in that is comming up!
*Note- please believe that I am not trying to be rude or uncompassionate to women that are unable to breastfeed, or have chosen not to. I WILL say that if you have been labeled unable to breastfeed in the past, or are having troubles currently not to buy that you "cant" without first talking to a breastfeeding consultant or a La Leche League leader. The medical field is often too quick to give up in this country.
21 comments:
I saw this on facebook Courtney and I totally support what all those women are trying to do. Aidan had problems with breastfeeding and I did see a lactation consultant but after a week of him not even getting an ounce per feeding it was time for me to move on. I hope with the next one everything works out! Here's too seeing more babies and boobs at work! (in the healthy, natural sense)
I agree with you 100%. I think Breastfeeding is OBVIOUSLY the most natural and healthiest thing for babies. I will breastfeed anywhere, and anytime. Not trying to make people uncomfortable, but, quite the opposite, trying to make it SOOOO NORMAL for everyone. I am discreet, so as to not make it awkward. But seriously, what is more unnatural, or terrible, a mother feeding her baby via breast in a restaraunt(everyone else is eating right?)....or sitting on a nasty public toilet holed up in the nasty public bathroom. GROSS! But that is what some people expect, and I CHALLENGE "those" people to make a comment to ME about it. ANyway, off my soapbox...and apologizing for my atrocious spelling!
Amen SISTER...I am still BF my son and he is almost a year old and he is more into BF now then ever he wants it like every two hours..I do it where I am and if people don't like it sorry but it's your problem..
You are SO RIGHT! Not only is breastfeeding better for the child, but think about the bond that the mother and child create through this experience! Preston is still breastfeeding and even though somedays I am ready to have my body back to myself, others I'm so sad to think that he will grow up and we'll lose that time together. People need to remember to put the child FIRST and everyone else and their opinions much farther down the line.
I had no idea that you couldn't post pictures of breastfeeding on facebook...come to think of it, I guess I never even thought about it. I guess I don't understand why someone would want to post a picture of that but I wouldn't be offended by it either. Interesting!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today...:)
I've always found it ridiculous that you can post pictures in your bra and panties if you want, but not of breastfeeding.
I remember hearing about this controversy and thinking about all of the pictures of people using illegal substances within Facebook but breastfeeding was banned? What?
On the flipside, some women (ie me) feel a LOT of guilt b/c b.f. didn't work out. But my babies and I DID bond, nevertheless. I did seek help and wasn't told to stop, just the opposite.
But I agree, that bf is great and shouldn't be stigmatized. Why can't everyone just accept each other's ways of mothering I wonder.
I breastfed 2 out of 3 of my kids. it is the best!
Ok so I watched an episode of Dr. Phil about the facebook/breastfeeding controversy and what the facebook rules says is no pictures of nipples or areola of any kind. A guy actually posted a piece of art that was made up of all nipples and they took it down. It isn't the act of breastfeeding, it's the nipple or areola. The woman who started the whole thing had pictures of her breastfeeding that showed part of the areola. They have that rule so people are not posting nude pictures in a pornographic way. It is kimd of hard to make exceptions for the rule. I would imagine it's just easier to say none at all then make exceptions depending on the picture. I am not saying that breastfeeding is pornographic.
And so we are clear I breastfeed and supplement with a bottle at night and while I am working. I believe that as long as your are holding you child close, looking into his/her eyes, you are bonding whether it is with a bottle or a boob. I do love breastfeeding my child but I know personally it doesn't always work and that is quite alright. A childs health and well being is way more important then the type of milk they get.
It's important to research all sides of an issue before starting an uproar. I think that is whay many women have done in this case.
If you haven't read my blog, tthe only way I have to contact you at the moment. I will not make it tomorrow. Aidan is still not feeling well and tomorrow Anthony has the day off, which means that I need to take advantage of it and go down to the college. I hope have another one soon!
Holly, if it was a very recent Dr Phil episode than Facebook might be changing their stance. But the TV interview I saw showed many pictures of breastfeeding with no nipple at all that were removed, with comments that the pictures where "obscene" and that they would "harm children".
Honestly, even if they changed the rules to state that no nipple can be showing I am more than a little peeved. 48 of our states say that breastfeeding doesnt count as public nudity, nipple or no nipple. If our government can make that exception then I think myspace can as well.
Right on, Sister!!! I love hearing someone supporting our rights! I was unable to breastfeed my son due to lack of support and knowledge. I was depressed and hard on myself for my failure. When I learned I was pregnant again I was determined to succeed. AND I DID! I SUCCESSFULLY NURSED TWINS FOR 18 MONTHS!!!! Despite glares in restaurants and a pushy mil, I was determined to do the best for my babies and me. I support anyone who will sit down, whip out those boobies and do with them what God intended!
I am sorry. I am a huge HUGE fan of breast-feeding. Unfortunately, you can't stop people from being perverts, even though that IS what breasts are for! I don't get it either.
I agree with you too Courtney! Jaeden still nurses (only twice a day unless he's sick, but thats what he wants now) and I don't have a problem with him doing it. I never had a second thought about not nursing him while I was pregnant and I wouldn't have done anything different. I suffered threw several bouts of mastitis and slowing of production as well as my MIL telling me to just stop and thats when I'm proud that I'm stubborn and determined! I noticed women in places like southern ca don't nurse because they think its "gross" and other that you mentioned. I actually had a woman that my dad worked with (older woman)saying she was proud of what I was doing. People need to get a grip on themselves. I think breastfeeding is a beautiful thing rather than gross.
I wish I had known about La Leche when I was breastfeeding 2 1/2 years ago, I had problems producing. But, my baby was not an aggressive eater, I think we could have done better than we did. We ended up switching to formula, and it has been a regret of mine that I did not try harder, now that I know about some resources out there to help with breastfeeding.
I did not know that about facebook! Wow, well, I completely agree with your post and have breastfed to children for their first year of life. This was a very inspiring post and will be good for those who disagree to read.
I can't. BUT I do. So yep, there's hope for everyone. You just gotta have the will.
And I recently linked to a wonderful post on this subject. If you are interested:
http://blessed-quiver.blogspot.com/2009/05/we-all-know-breastfeeding-is-best.html
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