We have breastfeeding awareness week here in the UK and it's actually
this week. It's been going for about 15 years.
Many of us in the breastfeeding support community are disillusioned
with it. We sometimes call it 'breastfeeding bashing week' or
'backlash week'.
There are some good things about it, but the worst thing about it is
the effect across the media - it brings out prejudice and
unpleasantness, offers a platform to ridiculous viewpoints, and some
very sad stories from mothers who have had terrible experiences and
blame breastfeeding supporters for 'making them feel guilty'.
I am like many of us - I no longer take part in it.
I just want breastfeeding to be normal and everyday - not some great
song-and-dance act which draws attention to itself by its very
'otherness'. It's for that reason my toes curl when I see
breastfeeding 'stunts' and gimmicks.
That's not to knock the Canadian week - you may do it better than we
do here :) Your ideas sound lovely, Celine, and I like the
'stunt-free' nature of them!
Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, tutor, UK
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