One of the advantages of being on LN (or we could easily think of the risks of NOT being here!!) is that we in the US have the ability to be reminded of how Americentrist our experiences are. I agree compeletely with both Rachel and Heather. LCs and moms all get confused about the pump issue, b/c we have become so used to pumps being a part of feeding babies here.

What we have become oblivious to is the fact that in most of the developed world and much of the developing world, separation is a very different story. Considering our resources and education, we are by far the least empowered, the least "feminist" and the least vocal on our own behalf. IMO, this really is the ONLY issue worthy of response b/c it drives all of the others.

Women fight with each other b/c those who "sacrifice" to stay home are angry that others do not or resntful of their struggles and those who do work away from babies feel that they have no choices (either financially or as human beings) and mothers who must pump often resent it and blame breastfeeding altogether and feminists define themselves around these issues, especially the "freedom" to separate from children, while bemoaning the 'slavery" of the pump and on and on it goes.

And everyone is right in their experiences, but it all comes down to the reality that no one has any freedom at all, b/c we are all slaves to a system that devalues mothers and our babies. And that is really the issue--not whether pumps are ever needed or mothers have to work or can afford to be home or want to work or whatever. While we fight the shadow fight babies are growing up detached and damaged and are going to raise their children the same way. We need to back way up in th cascade and make it easy and normal for moms and babies ot be together.





Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC

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