Breastfeeding Advocacy: What It Is and What It Is Not

I am writing this post as part of The Breastfeeding Blog Hop hosted by The Slacker Mom. This week's topic is What breastfeeding advocacy means to us.


So what exactly is breastfeeding advocacy? 

Breastfeeding advocacy is NOT judging moms who struggle to breastfeed or who, for whatever reason, choose not to breastfeed. But it IS being there to educate moms about the benefits of breastfeeding and to offer helpful suggestions to struggles.

Breastfeeding advocacy is NOT competing over who nursed the longest, produced the most milk, or any other competition out there. But it IS knowing and believing that every ounce counts and encouraging moms to do the best they can do for their babies.

Breastfeeding advocacy is NOT condemning formula but it IS providing enough education for a mother to make a well informed decision on the way they feed their baby.

Contrary to popular belief in our society, breastfeeding advocacy is NOT composed of hippies or "weirdos," it is not nursing children until their teenage years, it is not boobs-in-your-face all out "craziness" that you see in movies or on TV. Breastfeeding advocacy is simply knowing what is best for babies and being the voice they do not yet have to request their right to proper healthcare from day one. But it is also being kind enough and supportive enough to respect a moms decision to raise her child in any way she sees fit {within reason, of course!} just as we would hope to have the same respect given to us.

I have strong opinions when it comes to breastfeeding. That may be an understatement. I do not intend to judge or condemn. I do not intend to belittle efforts or scoff at misinformation. I only intend to educate and support, to the best of my abilities, what I know to be right in my heart. 


Yes, I am a lactivist. No, I do not think you are a bad mother if you do not breastfeed. 




What does breastfeeding advocacy mean to YOU?