I wanted to weigh in with 2 points:
Balance "discrete" with "knowledge of rights"
1. If you are going to talk to moms about "how to nurse discreetly", please
also balance this with information about breastfeeding rights (how
breastfeeding is protected by human rights and/or specific laws), so that
moms understand that it is THEIR choice as to how they breastfeed in front
of others. In my experience, the breastfeeding support I recieved (mostly
from LLL groups and leaders) did not provide any of this information. So to
me the probably unintended but implied, message was that one was SUPPOSED to
nurse in a certain manner in public. I guess it depends on whether the mom
is ASKING for help in nursing discretely, or whether the helper initiates
the topic.
This spring, at the anouncement of winners of the "Everyday Breastfeeding"
Photo Contest (designed to allow moms to share their own real breastfeeding
experiences), the LLL leader that was asked to speak on the topic of
"breastfeeding in public" in the program (with media present and filming)
chose to speak about how to breastfeed discreetly. Luckily I spoke after
her, and was able to balance that with information on Human Rights
Protection for breastfeeding, regardless of "how" you do it. Personally, I
always did my best to keep things covered, but its sure good to know that
ultimately, if people didn't like it, it was THEIR problem, and that I was
acting within my rights.
Let the moms decide how they are portrayed
2. Regarding breastfeeding photos that are suitable for use during WBW or
otherwise - I have learnt from doing the Photo Contest, that really no ONE
image can successfully portray breastfeeding. Breastfeeding, and
breastfeeding in public, is as individual and unique as the women involved.
It was very difficult, (and I think almost unfair) in having to chose "one"
winner of the contest. I came to realize that the real strength of the
contest was in seeing the pictures together, whether as a montage or slide
show. Women covered themselves to varying degrees - and THEY decided how
much to show.
If health professionals are uncertain about what type of photos to use for
breastfeeding promotion, LET THE MOMS DECIDE. Hold a photo contest (its
easy, email me for the details), and let the women of your community speak
for themselves. You can deflect the "heat" from your adminstrators or
critics by saying the moms themselves chose how they are to be portrayed.
Sure, we all know that only the most empowered and open will send their
pictures, and that perhaps the majority of women would not even allow
themsleves to be photographed. But these gutsy women who do provide photos
can allow their photos to stand in as proxy until more women feel
comfortable to breastfeed in public.
To view the entries and winners of the "Everyday Breastfeeding" Photo
Contest in Saskatchewan, Canada
http://hyperphoto.photoloft.com/view/allalbums.asp?s=cano&u=1760911
winners in Manitoba, Canada
http://hyperphoto.photoloft.com/view/allalbums.asp?s=cano&u=1761973
Janice Reynolds
Founder, Moms For Milk Breastfeeding Network
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