by Robert C. Sage

Created on: October 01, 2007

What could be more natural than a mother suckling her babe? It is preposterous to suggest laws or restrictions on breastfeeding. Hopefully, mothers are discreet enough to avoid shocking those with prudish sensibilities. However, anyone who gets embarrassed, only needs to look away. Society should recognize the trials and tribulations of caring for a new born and give wide discretion to mothers who are doing their best to care for their babies. This is their natural God-given right.

Indeed, breastfeeding is natural and it is the healthiest way to feed a baby. Scientific studies show that breast milk makes babies less prone to illness. Additionally, the bonding inherent with breast feeding helps babies feel loved and nurtured. It also fosters maternalistic instincts in the mother and decreases the probability of breast cancer.

Those who object to breast feeding are hypocritical. Humans are classified as mammals and by definition are intended to nurse their offspring. The alternative is to use formula which is mixed with water. Although we often take water for granted, it often has impurities, contains chlorine or is not conveniently available, such as in a traffic jam. The fact is that formula does not completely replace all of the antibodies and hormones that a mother's milk provides to a baby.

Very few women are actually unable to breast feed at all. Those who rely on formula often do so because of embarrassment about breastfeeding, or for convenience, due to work. In fact, breast pumps generally enable mothers to prepare bottles of breast milk and as noted before, it is healthier for the baby. I believe that the lack of images of mothers breastfeeding in the media and on T.V. can be a major factor in some mothers' decision to rely on formula. It can be an extension of dysfunctional attitudes that treat women as sex objects and tend to ignore the biological purpose of sex. It may relate to deeply repressed feelings of inadequacy.

A mother nursing her baby is among the most beautiful, heart-touching things to behold. Nursing mothers are almost invariably discreet. Lactating mothers are too focused on their babies to be purposefully exposing their breasts. Why should anyone be concerned about a mother providing nutriments to her baby, anyway? That is her legal, moral, social and maternal responsibility.

She should be proud of herself, knowing that she is fulfilling her baby's requirements in the most natural, loving and cost effect manner. There is nothing that should be embarrassing about breastfeeding a baby. After all, it is the ultimate purpose of the mammary glands that are her breasts. Breast feeding should be cause for loving praise and thankfulness, not harsh criticism.

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