Recently I was at a local Target with my little one. I was getting him out of the car when I noticed a mini van pull along behind my van. I looked up smiling when the driver (a woman) yelled out to me "I just want you to know that I find your stickers extremely offensive".... so you may be wondering what these "offensive" stickers say right?
One says "Offended by breastfeeding? Don't Look!" and the other simply states "Babies were born to be Breastfed".
Anyway, I was completely caught off guard and I laughed, only because I really didn't know how to respond. The woman went on to say, "I tried to breastfeed and couldn't". When I didn't respond (because it was very obvious she was looking for a confrontation) she yelled "My milk dried up B***ch!!" and hit the gas.
I was stunned! I can't imagine that my stickers could be offensive. My MAIN reasons for having them is 1.to support breastfeeding mama's and 2. to tell people that breastfeeding is a natural, normal, wonderful thing to do for our babies. 3. to show that we as woman have breast TO feed our young, not for sexual reasons!
So, my question to you is how would you handle this situation?????
One says "Offended by breastfeeding? Don't Look!" and the other simply states "Babies were born to be Breastfed".
Anyway, I was completely caught off guard and I laughed, only because I really didn't know how to respond. The woman went on to say, "I tried to breastfeed and couldn't". When I didn't respond (because it was very obvious she was looking for a confrontation) she yelled "My milk dried up B***ch!!" and hit the gas.
I was stunned! I can't imagine that my stickers could be offensive. My MAIN reasons for having them is 1.to support breastfeeding mama's and 2. to tell people that breastfeeding is a natural, normal, wonderful thing to do for our babies. 3. to show that we as woman have breast TO feed our young, not for sexual reasons!
So, my question to you is how would you handle this situation?????
I'm sorry she was so obnoxious to you. I think that if she had walked up to you and said that, you could possibly say that you're sorry she was unable to breastfeed, and your bumper stickers aren't intended to offend those who couldn't, but just to inform those who might not understand BF. But with her so upset, and in a car, and you on your feet, you were right not to try to pursue a "conversation" with her.
Some people have issues. To yell at a stranger because of a sensitivity you have....not normal. I've sat there in the NICU, while having a doctor look me straight in the eye and tell me formula was better than breastmilk and I was being neglectful by not letting them give it to my very sick child (not a preemie). I didn't freak out. I didn't yell. I didn't cuss. I didn't go out of control. I simply did what I felt was best for my child at the time. It was EXTREMELY offensive to hear all that, and worse because it was directed at ME (a bumper sticker is not). But there's no reason to not act like an adult. I wouldn't bother trying to cater to people's sensitivities. It's not like your bumper stickers say formula is rat poison. I get that being unable to breastfeed hurts. There's never a reason to act like that though and her temper tantrum doesn't deserve a response.
It's exhausting! You can't please everyone...and in this case I think that women was way out of line. I mean, sure, maybe she was offended...but I'm constantly being offended by people who are anti-BF and don't fly off the handle about it.
It gets ridiculous doesn't it?
