I believe that breastfeeding is a feminist issue.  It is also an
issue of informed choice and health.  In my opinion feminism is a way
of looking at things in a woman centered way.  It is also a way of
valuing what is especially female.  For me it is not about the sexes
being identical, it is not about one sex being better than the other.
(One of my pet pevees is the need for things to have rankings when
one thing may not be better, but, just different).  For a good part
of our history women's stories have been ignored, feminism is about
making sure women's stories are heard and honored.

I recently read Blum's book, _At the Breast_.  My impression is that
even though she analyzed the sociological problems around
breastfeeding in our society, she seemed drawn to that large, well
known, breastfeeding support group.  I felt Blum's book was
interesting, but, many of us involved with La Leche League are aware
of which populations we are not reaching.

As some of the others responding to this topic have mentioned, this
is not just a matter of providing the information necessary to make
an informed choice.  Especially in the USA this is a matter of
changing our culture.  Blum's arguments about why breastfeeding is
not prevalent in the African-American community are quite compelling.
The next questions are:  How can we help heal and support this
community?  How can we de-sexualize the breast so that breastfeeding
becomes the de facto way to feed our babies?  When will we support
women in the early days/weeks/months of breastfeeding so that they
don't have to focus on going back to work at 6-8 weeks?  Just as
breastfeeding is getting to the "good" point - they have to go back
to work.

I'm really enjoying this discussion - it's like being at a virtual seminar!


Alicia Rudin, LLLL in the Bluegrass (Lexington, KY)
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