People are often surprised that I am still nursing my nine month old daughter. Some of them are even judgemental and occasionally rude. THIS MAKES MOMMY ANGRY.
Breastfeeding is not gross, people.
Yesterday, I hosted a get-together for the moms from my pre-natal group. I understand that everyone had their reasons for not breastfeeding, for supplementing with formula, or for only trying breastfeeding for a little while. It's really none of my business. And it's really no one's business that I breastfeed and will continue to breastfeed until it no longer suits me or my daughter.
I only know two women with young children who continued to nurse past about 8 months and the lack of support at this stage of motherhood is frustrating. I know that health professionals encourage breastfeeding until two years, and I know that I am doing what's best for my daughter and my family, but I really struggle with the people out there who judge me for it. I am discreet in public, and I do not comment on the choices of others. Why is this anyone's business but my own??
On a side note: This blog post annoyed me today. Like several of the commenters pointed out, there is no reason why a breastfeeding mother would have "her whole boob hanging out" if she's doing things properly. And anyone who perpetuates the prejudices against breastfeeding past infancy and children in general pisses me off.
(Breastfeeding Rant, Part 1 here. Part 3, including Jessica's response, here.)
