I just sent this letter to the editor:


I am deeply saddened that Mr. Beach would be offended at the sight of  
me nurturing my baby as God intended (see "Nursing Mothers Don't  
Appeal to Everyone" 3/11/07). In the past, great painters have found  
the sight of Mary breastfeeding baby Jesus beautiful and holy, and  
they were moved enough to create great works of art based on the  
innocence and beauty of a mother nursing her child.

Mr. Beach, I am very sorry that you see mother's milk as nothing but  
a "bodily fluid" to be thought of with disdain. Did you know that  
every teaspoon of human milk contains millions of germ-fighting  
components? Did you know that it can kill cancer cells on contact?   
Nothing in that diaper bag you mention has the power to protect a  
baby's health and enfold the baby in warmth and love at the same  
time.  While breastmilk can be put into a bottle if necessary, I  
would no sooner do that than put hugs and kisses on a piece of paper  
and hand it to my child to avoid offending others.  Nor would I ever  
want to regulate how a mother bottle-feeds her child.  We mothers  
need support and encouragement from society, not criticism and  
condemnation.

I encourage you to open your mind and ask some mothers why they want  
to breastfeed their babies, both at home and when they are out.   
There are many online forums where you can get this information until  
you become more comfortable around actual breastfeeding mothers.   
Once you understand the pure innocence and love inherent in  
breastfeeding, you will probably want to do everything in your power  
to ensure that mothers' milk is treated with the reverence it deserves.


----
Lynnette Hafken, MA, IBCLC
Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Nurslings Lactation Services
http://www.nurslings.com
240-888-2123


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