I was simply amazed to read the other day that so many people in our society have a problem with breast feeding in public. Given all that we now know about the benefits of breast feeding and the fantastic advantages it provides for both mum and baby, why would anyone have an issue with this?
It is well-recognised that Australian breast feeding rates are lower than they should be. In countries like Norway over 90% of mothers are still breast feeding at three months of age. In Australia, that figure is only 64%, although most experts recommend that breast feeding to at least one year is ideal. Some of Norway's success comes down to community support like paid maternity leave but it is also due to better acceptance of breast feeding in public. Women aren't made to feel ashamed that they are feeding their babies.
A discreetly breast feeding mother is going to be showing less skin than half of the skimpy bikinis we will see on Adelaide's beaches this summer, and certainly less than the bare breasts that will be on Bondi beach in Sydney. I don't hear anyone campaigning for more modest bikinis!
Breast feeding has been linked to increased resistance to infectious disease, enhanced immune system function, improved nutrition, reduced obesity, reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved cognitive function and even better health for mum too.
Are we really so out of touch with our natural world that a mother feeding her baby in the most organic, healthy way is an affront to our senses?
So give mums a break. A mother modestly breast feeding in your local cafe is doing you a favour. They are reducing the burden on our overloaded health care system and saving you money!
If you want to support breast feeding at your place of business you can register as we have at the Australian Breast Feeding Association.
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