In an action that has become so second nature in the last two years, I cradled her in my arm, pulled my shirt down, and she latched on. And then I snapped a picture. Because Batman, duhhh.
When I posted this picture I wasn't thinking anything except, man my kid is really adorable. I wasn't making a statement, or trying to be sensational or controversial. I was doing the same thing I do EVERY TIME I post to Facebook, which is sharing a cute snippet of life and my kids, with my family and friends (most of whom are 3,000 miles away and only know my children through stories and pictures like this).
So, when I got a notification that my post had been removed from Facebook I was genuinely confused. And then, shockingly I. Felt. Bad.
I know. I can't explain why, probably the Irish Catholic guilt of my ancestors, but I felt bad that I had offended someone with this picture of my daughter nursing.
I got over that pretty quickly, and felt mostly rage. This picture shows less than an average Victoria Secret ad. The purpose of this picture is not to exploit and sexualize a body part in an attempt to sell a product. This is not a celebrity "nip slip" or leaked nude photo. This is me offering my CHILD nutrition and comfort in a way that is more natural than bottles and pacifiers.
This is a body part being used for its exact intended purpose.
What a world that we live in that I had feelings of guilt over FEEDING MY CHILD.
I could have reposted the picture, moved on with my life, and forgot the few moments of inconvenience that a Facebook post caused me. But, I thought of a lot of my friends who are new moms. Who will be moms soon. Women who are navigating the rough seas of motherhood, and who are stressing out over nursing their baby while they're shopping, or out to eat, or in the doctors office.
Feed your babies.
That's all. ❤
So, to the friend who reported this picture of Wren, the friend who made me feel, confused and guilty and angry.. The only thing I feel for you is sorry. I'm so sorry that society has taught you that a women's body is OK to look at. But only for sex and sales. I'm sorry that you weren't aware that breasts are for feeding babies and that I had to be the one to tell you that. I'm sorry to any other women that you've, whether intentionally or not, made feel confused, guilty, or angry.
Feel free to stick around, but please don't report my pictures. Don't try to shame me for being a good mom. We're all doing our best here.
