The Lighter Side of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding. It’s a serious issue, right?
Many of us struggle to do it. We struggle with advice that often ranges from inconsistent to inaccurate. We sometimes face discrimination and ignorance. I get all that. I’ve struggled with it, I’ve worked hard at it, cried when it frustrated me, stood up and advocated for the right to do it anywhere and also written about the right to NOT do it. You don’t have to tell me it’s a serious issue- no way! That’d be preaching to the choir! As serious as it is, it can also be ridiculously funny. Like the time Bennie decided she would only breastfeed while wearing my sunglasses.
A friend of mine breastfed both her sons and still giggles about managing to spray herself in the eye with breastmilk, among other things. The same friend would also forget to do her shirt up and walk around for ages with a nipple out! I can totally relate on both counts there- especially the wardrobe malfunctions. In the early days, sleep deprived, more than once I found myself at the shops or chatting to the parcel delivery man out the front of my house, not realising my breastfeeding singlet was still pulled up, showing off an attractive expanse of industrial-strength, “flesh” coloured maternity bra. Actually, I did the same thing just last week while talking to my neighbour over the fence and funnily enough, I was telling her about my new breastfeeding top at the time.
There have been lots of little chuckles throughout this breastfeeding gig- from milk-drunk smiles to the opportunistic latch-on from the seat of the shopping trolley when I unthinkingly leaned forward to shove something into the cart. One story that stands out wasn’t so much the breastfeeding but someone else’s response to it. I was visiting in a nursing home and feeding Bennie in the lounge area when one of the elderly residents sat down with me for a chat. After admiring Bennie’s curls and watching her feed for a few minutes, she asked if she was my child, or perhaps my grandchild?!
It’s funny seeing Bennie with her dolls and stuffed toys. She’ll hold them up to my chest for some milk or decide to “breastfeed” them herself. Recently, she discovered Barbie dolls. She likes undressing them then redressing them and making them hug while saying “Awww, that’s luffly!” but recently she was having a good look at a naked Barbie when she suddenly said “Oh! Milk!” and then this happened…
How about you- have you got a funny breastfeeding story? Comment below!
**Thanks to the incredibly talented Courtney at C Holmes Photography, today we have a breastfeeding mini-shoot plus valued at $250 to give away – and the prize includes your three favourite images delivered as digital files. To enter, simply follow the prompts in the competition widget below. Standard terms and conditions apply, and in addition, you must confirm that you live in Sydney and/or are prepared to travel to Rouse Hill for the photo shoot.**