From August 1-7 of this year is World Breastfeeding Week.

I always had it in my mind that I was going to breastfeed my baby. I was vaguely aware of the benefits prior to doing so. I only knew that it was “better” than bottle feeding. I was, however, very apprehensive about not being able to get a proper latch and about feeding in public. 

After I gave birth, my modesty regarding my body went away. For her first latch, I had both my sister and nurses grabbing my breasts and helping me feed Remy. I didn’t know what I was doing. Thankfully she latched on instantly, and has continued to be the best little eater ever since. I also have no qualms about feeding her in public, but I do still cover up. This isn’t because I’m ashamed of feeding her from my body, but rather because she eats well under my cover and I don’t feel the need to expose the world to my breasts. We’re quite content with the way we do it.

While our journey hasn’t always been easy (I’ve had mastitis twice, continually have clogged milk ducts, and struggle when she has bad reflux), it has been a beautiful one. I adore feeding her. It’s our special time together. I love when she caresses me with her tiny hands, when she looks up at me and smiles with my nipple still in her mouth, and when she falls asleep, which is nearly every time. 

Not all women can breastfeed. So while I am all for promoting breastfeeding and helping to normalize it, rather than saying “breast is best,” we should instead be preaching that “fed is best.” Because in the end, as long as your baby is fed, that’s really all that matters. At the same time, if we should be allowed to bottle feed in public, we should also be more than welcome to breastfeed as well.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

<3

Emory

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