World Breastfeeding Week: A Poem of Thanks

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I would write a thank you to the many people who have supported me in my right to choose natural duration breastfeeding, even when it means nursing in public. Stories of negative reactions to women breastfeeding in public places get a lot of attention, and for good reason, but there are many others who are left alone, or even openly encouraged. I wanted to highlight those today.

I'm not a poet, at all, but I thought I would have some fun anyway. Try to read past the virtually nonexistent meter and the all over the place rhyme scheme and tune in later this week for more World Breastfeeding Week related content. I'll even write some in formats I have a reasonable command of ;)

***

Thank you for your smiles.
Thank you for your knowing nods.
Thank you for peeking in a way
that made me feel more comfortable than on display.

Breastfeeding in public is seldom discussed - rarely seen,
except where we nursing mothers convene.
So together we do our best,
to raise awareness and inform the rest.

Breastfeeding is not obscene,
and there's no magic age by which children should wean.
It offers natural immunity, the best nutrition, and many other benefits
for infants, toddlers, and yes - sometimes even children of six!

I hear tales of women harassed,
others who get not a single smile from those who walk past.
As for me, I've never seen it.
You've kept quiet, or you've been in agreement.

I feel pride in my community 

and gratitude for all around me.

Thanks to you, I've always felt safe and supported,
because of your warmth and the smiles you've sported.

***

I’m celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with Natural Parents Network!

You can, too — link up your breastfeeding posts from August 1-7 in the linky below, and enjoy reading, commenting on, and sharing the posts collected here and on Natural Parents Network.

(Visit NPN for the code to place on your blog.)