Breastfeeding is so many things. It can be emotional and challenging. Or even soft and blissful. But when you throw other people’s opinions into the mix of boobs and babies, it can become downright polarizing. During my first six months of breastfeeding, people were supportive, almost congratulatory, about my decision to breastfeed. “That’s great!” they would say, eager to share their own breastfeeding experiences with me. But after the six-month mark, the conversation seemed to quickly shift to, “So, when are you stopping?”
The first time I was confronted with that question, my chin may or may not have hit the floor. First of all, a six-month-old baby is still very much a baby. A 16 pound, non-crawling, just figured out how to roll, baby. I was shocked that people were already implying that it was time to call it quits. What would people think once they realized that I had planned to keep breastfeeding after a year? Or if I decided to keep going after two? What would that bad-ass breastfeeding mama from the cover of Times Magazine do in this situation?
While I understand that most people mean well and are just trying to carry a conversation, can we please stop asking women when they’ll be done breastfeeding? Despite your intentions, it can easily be perceived as invasive, rude, and weirdly judgemental. So here’s to you, unsolicited lady on the park bench who thinks she should have a say in my bodily functions: I don’t know. I understand that you stopped breastfeeding at six months and therefore think its the perfect time to stop. And maybe for you, it was. But for me? I. Don’t. Know.Ā
So the next time you find yourself confronted by the boob-police on an unsuspecting park bench, please remember these three critical points:
It’s Good For Your Baby/Toddler/Child.
This is a given, but just in case you need a refresher, breastmilk contains: antibodies, hormones, stem cells, white blood cells, beneficial bacteria, probiotics, long-chain fatty acids, enzymes, sleep-regulating nucleotides, and the list only goes on. When am I going to stop breastfeeding, you ask? Better question: why should I want to?
It’s Good For You.
Breastfeeding releases those famous feel-good hormones, prolactin, and oxytocin. It helps your uterus return to its normal size after childbirth. Breastfeeding has been known to reduce your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It might even reduce your risk of postpartum depression. And unless you’re like me and spend most of your nursing time online shopping, breastfeeding saves money.Ā
It’s None Of Their Business.
Repeat after me: my baby, my boobs, my business. How long you do (or don’t!) breastfeed is nobody’s business. You don’t owe people an answer or an explanation; so if you don’t feel comfortable giving them one, don’t. Your only obligation is to trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your family. And guess what? That’s exactly what you’re doing.
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