My paper is going to be over breastfeeding. When I was
brainstorming my “naysayers” I thought the bottle over breast would be a huge
issue as well as breastfeeding in public. Both of these items have individuals
that agree with one or the other, but rarely do people agree with both sides.
Some people seem to
think that bottle feeding overall is easier for the mother and better for both
the mother and infant. While bottle feeding may seem easier than breastfeeding,
breastfeeding is more convenient there is no need to heat the breast up, shake
the breast or have to wash multiple items related to breastfeeding. When bottle
feeding you have to buy formula, provide purified water for the bottle, warm
the milk, and wash many bottles, nipples, and lids. Breastfeeding enables a
mother to commit to the infant on the level the infant desires and deserves.
The bottle places a physical barrier between mother and baby, blocking that
powerful and perhaps threatening intimacy. (Barbara Wilson-Clay)
Another naysayer I brainstormed was one who would argue that
public breastfeeding is indecent and unacceptable. The sad fact is many people
feel this way and it has caused many new mothers to choose bottle feeding over
breastfeeding. My argument would be infants need to eat every 2-3 hours,
breastfeeding mothers are likely to need to feed in public spaces unless they
want to become a prisoner in their own house. (Michele Acker)
Work Cited:
Acker, Michele. "Breast is Best...but Not Everywhere:
Ambivalent Sexism and Attitudes Toward Private and Public Breastfeeding."
Sex Roles 61.7-8 (2009): 476-90. ProQuest. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
Barbara. "Informed Choice, Infant Feeding and
Guilt." International Journal of Childbirth Education Sep 30 1996: 26.
ProQuest. Web. 6 Dec. 2013 .
Funny how sometimes the littlest things in life get the most controversy and attention. I mean you would think that there should not be as many differing viewpoints on the subject of breastfeeding. To me it is the women's choice to breast or bottle feed and we should all respect the decision they make. Even if they do have to feed in public.
ReplyDeleteNastasha, your topic sounds very interesting, and I'm sure you will be able to write a great paper with it. Last year I had to take parenting in high school, and my teacher taught us that breastfeeding was better for the baby, and more the mother. I did not know that there was so much controversy over that. However, I'm sure breastfeeding in public has caused some issues over time.
ReplyDeleteNatasha, I think you picked an amazing topic to write about. I will never understand why everyone is OK with nudity on television and movies, that is unless you are nursing. While nursing my son once in a restaurant (very discreetly mind you) someone eating there (a woman no less) asked me f I could take him and feed him in the bathroom. I was furious and told her that she was free to eat her dinner in the bathroom if she'd like and since I'm kinda a jerkface at times I removed the blanket I had covering him and let it all hang out. I honestly believe that she was uncomfortable with the thought that by me nursing it could somehow distract her husband to be drawn to look at my breast. To me there is nothing more beautiful then nursing a child or more fulfilling as a mother. Both my husband and brother have confessed to wishing they could have nursed as well. Not to be lengthy but I wanted to add that I bottle fed my first daughter because she refused to nurse, we did not bond as quickly or as well as I did with my second and third child of which I breastfed both. I believe that breast is best but not everyone can do it. Now people that nurse till their child is in school...........let's just say I am opposed. Great topic and good luck!
ReplyDelete