Lactation Not Lack of Action by Hilary Harkins

“First, I would like to thank those of you who have been supportive.  Second, I would like to thank those of you who have confirmed my statement that women who CHOOSE not to breastfeed are uneducated.  You’ve really shown your ignorance with your comments.  And third, here is where I “get off.”  Not once did I condemn any woman who TRIED to breastfeed.  You’re right.  I did not mention my own inability to breastfeed for six months in my blog.  I excluded this information because, 1) as previously stated, I was speaking of women who CHOOSE not to breastfeed, NOT those who TRIED and were unable to do so for whatever reason, and 2) IT’S NOT ABOUT ME.  It seems that those of you who disagree with me really have no facts, nor legitimate reasons to back your personal position.  Redirecting the attention to attack me personally is not solving any problems.

While I stand by my opinion, I do believe that it is unrealistic to pass a law that would require a prescription for formula for the first six months of a babies life.  However, I do think that we can all agree that any mother who is educated and presented with all of the facts, would make the right decision.  Of course, there will always be exceptions, but I would like to believe that no matter what the sacrifice, most women would do what is in the baby’s best interest.  If any one of you were presented the opportunity to prevent your baby’s risk of serious health issues, or even death, by cutting off your arm, would you do it?  If not, you don’t deserve to be a mother.

There are actually women saying, “It’s too hard.”  What about being a mother isn’t challenging?  Nothing worth doing is easy.  You are probably the same women who use your television as a babysitter and feed your children fast food.  Here’s a good one.  Another woman said that she didn’t want to disfigure her breasts!  Really?!?  Someone give this woman a mirror so she can check out her vagina!!  Then again, she’s probably one of those women who had an elective c-section. (perfect analogy, Aimee!)

Do you see what happens when you get off topic?  I did it to make a point–and for a little comic relief for those of you who can appreciate it.  But, it just becomes an obnoxious rant that wastes everyone’s time and offers no solution.  I am all ears to anyone who can provide even a partial solution to this problem!  But if your solution is for me to mind my own business and stand by quietly watching babies suffer, and also women suffer from lack of support, discrimination, and making uneducated decisions, YOU’VE GOT THE WRONG WOMAN!!

Until we put aside our differences and work towards a common goal, society and workplaces will continue to be discriminatory.  Health care costs associated with the lack of breastfeeding in this country will continue to rise and ultimately, our children will be the ones to pay the price.  As offended as many of you may be by words, which one of you would say, “I DO NOT WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR MY CHILD.”?  I’ll be happy to get off of my soap box once you’ve gotten off of your lazy asses!!

Click to JOIN THE breastfeeding in public NO SHAME campaign.”