Yesterday I managed to sneak in some Twitter time that was more than just lurking. I caught sight of a tweet by @Greek_Momma about how people need to see us nursing in public to normalize breastfeeding. Of course, I had to let her know I agree! She mentioned that she is a Lactivist (lactation activist) and I said I was an advocate of breastfeeding, but didn’t consider myself a true lactivist. I felt there was more I could/should be doing to support breastfeeding and further promote it.
But, as we talked, I realized that I was just dodging the label because I felt I didn’t deserve the label.
As with any cause, there is a range of passion from supporters. Breastfeeding is no different! If you do any of these things, you might be a lactivist too!
- Do you breastfeed?
- Do you breastfeed in public?
- Do you smile or otherwise positively acknowledge another nursing mother?
- Do you openly talk about breastfeeding?
- Do you tweet about breastfeeding?
- Do you blog about breastfeeding?
- Do you offer support and encouragement to others who are thinking about breastfeeding or are trying to breastfeed?
- Do you attend nurse ins or other public demonstrations in support of breastfeeding?
Please note, this is not official. However, according to Wikipedia’s definition of Lactivism seems in-line with my new view of it – it’s showing support and advocacy and that’s what I do… proudly!
I don’t do all of those things I listed above, but I do most of them. In reality, I do all but the last one. (I never know about these things around here, but I would consider going!) So as we chatted on Twitter, I realized I do more than I thought to show my support of breastfeeding. I felt like what I do was insignificant – but really – if I help one other mama …. that’s a beautiful thing.
So what about you? Are you a lactivist?
Angela
Friday 5th of August 2011
My issue with lactivism is how incredibly disheartening it is to women who can't legitimately breast feed. These women are already going through the horrible experience of being unable to feed, without us needing to shame them.
As for women surviving in th e days before formula... That's a flawed argument. Formula was invented in 1915... An era when many women would have had access to other new mothers should they not be able to feed, what with low female employment, and limited access to contraception (therefore, many more babies!) few mothers have access to those facilities today. If I was unable to breastfeed, id have no other option but to go to formula.
Yes, it's fantastic that you all breastfeed. That's great for you. But please remember that mothers (or fathers!!) who choose formula often do so for important, difficult, personal reasons. Please don't judge them!
Darcy
Friday 5th of August 2011
Hi Angela,
I'm not sure if you are directing most of your comment at my post or another comment. The main purpose of lactivism is to provide support and awareness. Somehow our society has decided that formula is normal. While it may be the option/choice for some ... it's not the "natural, normal" option. Yes, there are some women who genuinely cannot breastfeed but according to research it is a small percentage that actually cannot. Personally I do not look down on women that use formula (I have friends and family that have used it - ultimately baby needs to be fed!). However, I think a lot of women lack the resources to help them be successful. I went through a few days of latch issues and did have to supplement with a bit of formula. If I wouldn't have had the support I did from my husband, family, pediatrician, and lactation consultant I would have given up. Some who think they cannot do it... really can - if they have the proper knowledge and help (again not the case for all.)
And for those that cannot - there are milk banks and milk sharing. Formula is not the *only* option I think is what the other commenter was trying to convey. (Still may be easier/harder depending on location)
So, I don't think you take issue with lactivists themself - perhaps individual ones. But, advocating for something doesn't mean that I look down on those who do not. I'm saddened by friends that chose formula just because they didn't even want to try breastfeeding...but it's still their choice to make.
Also - it's World Breastfeeding Week - so we're out showing our support even more right now as we try to RE-normalize breastfeeding. A natural thing that shouldn't need people advocating for acceptance.
Mary l
Thursday 4th of August 2011
I still think I am even without currently breastfeeding. Trust me I put my time in. I dedicated my blog last month and even featured you. Love your blog. Keep up the good work.
Darcy
Thursday 4th of August 2011
I think even women who have never breastfed could be lactivists too :) And thank you again for the feature (and the compliment!)
Emily V
Thursday 4th of August 2011
AMEN! I'm a total lactavist. Although I don't go to nurse in's either. Because I either don't know about them or am working. Story of my life lol.
Darcy
Thursday 4th of August 2011
I'd love to go to a nurse in - if I ever find one around here! :)
Crystal
Thursday 4th of August 2011
Hmmm. . . I do all of these except the last one. Like you, I'm not opposed to it - I just don't know of anything in my area. So, I guess I'm a lactivist too! (Good to know!) Crystal http://www.SoooBig.WordPress.com
Amy
Thursday 4th of August 2011
I sure am. In my eyes we should even have formula at all. Period... what about moms who can't breastfeed? Well what happened to them years ago when formula wasn't around you ask?? Wet nursing and milk sharing happened, and still does. Women got together and helped that mommy out by breastfeeding her baby or expressing milk. We have WAY enough women in this worl to provide breastmilk for all babies in need. Someone women breastfeed their own baby and also pump for 2 or even 3 babies! ;) Imagine a world without formula... Beautiful.. Women and people would come together more and so would families :) Ask me how I know this... At times I have been unable to pump breastmilk and used a few friends pumped milk. I have also had 2 different friends breastfeed my daughter when needed. :)
Emily V
Thursday 4th of August 2011
I agree! That would be beautiful. I nurse my own child and pump for two other babies :-)
Darcy
Thursday 4th of August 2011
I sometimes forget about milk sharing - but yes, I do wonder about the days before formula sometimes.