I am proud to post this to the list, with the permission of the writer, a
friend of mine here. I am a major shareholder in both her daughters ;-)
and she had a rough BF start with the first, but once she got started, she
can't seem to stop.
Rachel in Kristiansand
"Hello from Norway,
I was born and raised in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland and lived in Frederick
County for 5 years while attending Hood College. This is why a friend of
mine recently brought the Right To Breastfeed Bill (HB 641) and the
difficulties getting it passed to my attention. Perhaps I can provide a
unique perspective.
In 1991, at the age of 24, I married a Norwegian and we moved to Norway
because he is a long term diabetic with complications...and the American
health system, as you are aware, would make that situation more than a
little difficult...but that is an issue to be taken up at another time. We
now have 2 children, one 7 1/2 who was breastfed nearly 2 years, and one
just over a year who is still being breastfed.
In Norway, a woman's right to breastfeed is set in law. It took me a while
to get used to the idea myself, of breastfeeding in public because of the
American social taboos involved, but it was worth it! Women are generally
discrete, even though they breastfeed in public...most are not
'exhibitionists' and it does not cause a public disruption. It is, however,
convenient, and good for the child. It also has a social bonus of
presenting this as a NATURAL function of being human and the fact that
breasts are not just a sexual thing but put on our bodies for this purpose!
I felt awkward every time I came home to Maryland while breastfeeding my
oldest daughter....feeling like I had to find some dark corner to feed her
in while she screamed for her food.. I should not have to feel guilty or
embarrassed for doing something natural and beneficial for my children.
Please consider my perspective when considering this Bill. I may live in
Norway now, but Maryland will always be my home and I think I have something
to give back to Maryland in my story and perspective. Feel free to contact
me at this email address if my input can be of any further service. I have
included a little more information below about my experiences with this
issue which will clarify some of my feelings, which I would appreciate your
taking the time to read and consider.
With best regards,
Jeanne Rhodes Moen
Formerly of Hillcrest Heights, Maryland
****************************************************************************
My point of it being convenient to breastfeed should be obvious, one always
has it on hand, at the right temperature and ready to serve. The advantages
to the child may be a little less obvious, but her are a few:
Advantageous for future health
Breastfeeding has been shown to produce healthier children in general by
strengthening the immune system with the mother's own antibodies. My 7 1/2
year old is rarely sick and when she is recovers quickly. The same
advantage also creates resistance to allergies which can, among other
things, lead to other illnesses like asthma. I was not breastfed as my
mother was told in the 1960's how much 'healthier' it was to use formula.
I ended up going through several years of allergy shots as a child for the
allergies I developed and have since developed a form of asthmatic
bronchitis which gave me 3 years of repeated respiratory infections and
asthma inhalers until they had to remove my tonsils.
Another reason I have breastfed so much is because of research showing a
connection between cow's milk in the first year of life (instead of
breastfeeding) and an increased risk of diabetes. My husband has been a
diabetic for over 30 years and is currently experiencing long term
complications that I hope my children will never have to experience
themselves and if something as simple and cost-free as breastfeeding could
help then more power to it!
America has a poor health system with many people without insurance
coverage. Wouldn't it be nice to have healthier children to begin with!? "
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