So lately I am running into a lot of women issues. Not the actual people or my issues with them, as I am one. More how we are treated and how we sometimes allow ourselves to be treated. Building a house is a prime example of a time when men feel they can treat women as idiots. I am so tired of men not talking to me about an issue in the house but willingly talking to my husband about it. My brain doesn't work with numbers as well or fast as some guys but explain what you are doing or show me what size things are and I will be able to get the gist of it. Why can't guys just treat me like I have a brain in my head? This has been driving me crazy lately. They also look amazed when I am able to do something in the house. I am capable of work and am relatively smart. Why can't I figure out how to put in some click and lock flooring? I know how to use a saw as well as the next person. Granted my recent foray into this resulted in a 3 hour frustrating day with some help from the hubby to finally get it going. But I did do it so don't look so surprised when I come back the next day to finish myself!
I am a labor nurse as some of you might know. I am sick of asking someone how they are going to feed their baby and them saying, " I'm going to try to breastfeed." Why undercut yourself before you even start? I know breastfeeding isn't easy and it is scary with a new little person but women! Be confident in your ability to feed your child! You have the equipment and there are so many resources out there to help you.
Not everyone is able to breastfeed I get that, but I think there is so much to be said for just deciding that is what you are going to do and doing it. Don't say you're going to "try" say, "Yes I am going to breastfeed. " Say it loud say it proud.
Also the current obsession with every women I meet to add some kind of stuff to do with breastfeeding is just ridiculous! Why are you all pumping and bottling? What is that all about? Why are you using nipple shields and why is it so important for the guys to give a bottle? I had a patient the other day who's baby was nursing fine and the dad was pressuring his wife to quit nursing because the baby cried at the breast. Well cripes! He was hungry! So she wanted to pump so he could give a bottle. Women be a little selfish for once. Men get all kinds of advantages in this life this is one thing they can't do. Don't let them take it away from you. It is so special and important to you and your baby.
OK I am done. Sorry to all you I might offend but this is my blog so I get to say what I want, Right?
Knit on with confidence and hope through all crisis ~ Elizabeth Zimmerman
4 comments:
You go Senja! I think more people need to be out there encouraging & promoting breastfeeding! You are right, saying you are going to "try" sounds a lot like, you expect to fail. Don't doubt yourself ladies! Even if it seems like so many out there are against you - reach out for the help & encouragement that IS available! You can do it!
Jess
I'm so glad I didn't give up breastfeeding with my firstborn. He ended up spending a few days at the hospital after he was born, and I had to pump out milk so they could feed him through a tube (?). Anyway, I ended up with a breastinfection after we got home and it was so painful when he feed that I almost gave up. But with a little patient, lots of hot showers, many tears and a husband that helped me, I finally managed to feed him. I've breastfed all three kids, and I've done it lobger for each kid. My youngest was almost 2 before he quit ;)
So you're absolutly right. Don't say you should try. Do it and don't give up so easily!
I agree with your rants on both counts. I hate when men think I can't do something. I have been doing things men think I can't or shouldn't do most of my life.
I had great role models for breastfeeding (thanks by the way). I do think that some women don't have that and it makes it harder for them to think they can do it. I think that women worry what other people with think and when one person disapproves of breastfeeding it makes it hard for them to want to continue. I had a nurse that kept pushing to supplement and I got very upset with her for pushing it before it was needed. I can only imagine what I would have felt like if I wasn't so sure that I could breastfeed. By the way I read this while I was nursing. I find it amazing that I could carry a baby and after she was born provide her everything she needs to grow and thrive. I think I told you, but she gained over 4 lbs in 5 weeks. I love that I can have that special time with her that no one else gets. When I have to leave her, that will be soon enough for her Dad to give her a bottle.
I suppose I could go on forever about this. Thanks for being my sister and role model. I love that all my nieces and nephews breastfeed. I got to see how special it was for them and their moms. Now I get to have that for me and my baby.
You said it sister!! I had post partum depression after my third child and my milk wasn't coming in. My sister-in-laws kept telling me to give up and just bottle feed. But that wasn't who I am and kept at it (pumping when H wasn't on the breast) and it ended up working. There was no way I wasn't going to give that boy my best.
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