Question...

[KimberlyD0]

I don't want to cause anything, just want to know where I fit in.

I have been nursing DD#2 for 10.5 months and I believe in equality when it comes to NIP, and even when it comes to the treatment of BF vs FF since I have been on both sides of the fence.

I am a descreet nurser because I don't want the world to see me, mostly the ugle flabby belly

I NIP because I have to though, not to make a statment, or to "push the cause" I try to find other ways to get the message across. Like I became a Breastfeeding peer Support worker so I can help new and expectent moms succed in BF. I just don't see the point of "putting myself on desplay" (please no one be offended I don't think thats what others do, its just how I feel sometimes. No disrespect is ment at all) I see nursing as being for me and my child only. Doesn't bother me in the least what others think about me nursing anyway. They can just butt out. Though I have never had an issue to be honest. Just one old gentalman wanted to see DD, she was 4 weeks old and we were at Zellers and I had a blanket over us because I was using a sheild at the time. Then he saw the blanket and said "oh so sorry, didn't know you were feeding her, good for you" and he was gone.

So does this mean I still qualify as a Lactavist?? just a little confused and want to make sure I fit in.

[frontierpsych]

Nope, sorry, you can't join our club.


Just kidding!

I think there is definitely more than one way to be a lactivcist. You don't have to put it all out there for the world to see, because some people just aren't comfortable with that, and that's okay. There are other ways to promote breastfeeding within your community.

HTH

[Chavelamomela]

I am a lactivist. I also nurse discretely (my own religious/modest comfort level). I don't see them as a contradiction.

All my friends, family, and acquaintances know I am a breastfeeding activist - I wrote my Master's Thesis on it! I share with many people proudly that I nursed ds for 2.5+ years.

I have been a resource to many women in my community about breastfeeding.

I have even pushed my nose in to situations where others would have said "butt out" and ended up saving 3 separate breastfeeding relationships - and the mothers openly acknowledge that it was my assertiveness that rescued those BFing/pumping relationships.

I think breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful gifts a mother can give her baby, and I work constantly (not my profession, but in my personal life) to create situations where more women will consider breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed, and feel good about the BFing they've done so they will do it again (and hopefully, even longer) with the next baby.

See how that isn't a contradiction, even though I cover every inch of skin when I nurse?

[MountainMamaGC]

I think the whole point of lactavism is so women can nurse however they feel like it. That includes NIP with or without a cover. That just my opinion. I dont think covering up takes away from the cause one bit.