"Babies Are Born to Be Breastfed" Campaign Wins Over the Masses
baring bearing the message that “Babies are born to be breastfed.“
The campaign’s educational mission to inform the public on the benefits of breastfeeding — especially the long-term impact on children’s health and obesity-prevention — was far more successful than anticipated and was part of an intervention by the Health Start Initiative to gain acceptance for breastfeeding babies. A survey of locals revealed that, after the campaign 69% of men and 46% of women would be comfortable with having their child breastfed in public, each up 10% from pre-campaign polling.
What I love is that the campaign just puts it out there. The slogan doesn’t include any diplomatic statements about “If you happen to use formula, that’s cool too,” which I don’t necessarily disagree with but also don’t need to hear while I am cheering on the mamas nursing in front God, the public and even (gasp) the paparazzi. I have to admit I’m not thrilled that one of the persuasive arguments is that it helps mothers drop pregnancy pounds (which I still think is a big La Leche League conspiracy ploy to the masses, but whatever). That little nit-picky point aside, I guess what really matters is that the campaign was a success. And if the breastfeeding billboards changed just one mind about nursing in public, especially that one mind who likened it to changing your tampon out in the open, then it was worth for the people of Herkimer County and for us all.
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This is great progress. I nursed both of mine, and ended up ducking into my minivan to avoid nursing in public. I really hope that attitudes are shifting…
If you’ve never seen it before, you would be AMAZED at just how far your breasts can stretch. My kid had a very strong latch-on – I’m sure I could have dangled her from my boobs during nursing.
I was initially uncomfortable with nursing and promised to give myself a couple of weeks before I gave up. After some early difficulties, we got up and running and it became second nature. Indeed, I sometimes wish I was still nursing just because of all the CRAP I have to lug around to feed The Jillian these days!!
Wow: I was very apprehensive about breastfeeding while pregnant with Kid #1. I took the class at the hospital and fumbled the baby dummy we had for practice. I came home saying that I’d “try it” but quickly quit if it ended up being awkward. Fortunately, after a visiting nurse taught me how to breastfeed while lying down, I took to it quite happily. And, yes, believe it or not the nipple tugging does not hurt – until they chomp with their sharp teeth (but that’s not for many months down the road usually.) So, while the first few weeks might be hellish, it’s amazing how great it is once you’ve got the routine down and watch that baby grow so healthy and happy. It truly is one of my favorite parts of being a mom. (Kid #1 breastfed until just past his first birthday and is a very healthy nine year old today.)
wow, It can be hard at first–awkward and painful. But commit now and stick with it for a couple of weeks. By then, you should be over the struggles and feeling the ease of doing something natural and wonderful for your baby!
And by the way, most of that nipple tugging doesn’t hurt.
Oh my god! You guys tend to choose the most frightening breast feeding pictures!
I’m a soon to be mom and I plan to breast-feed, but you guys are really making me queazy with the extreme nipple tugging and grab-happy baby pics. I guess that’s the reality of it and I’m absolutely dreading it.