Many nursing mothers find themselves in the unavoidable position of defending their decision to breastfeed. For some this comes before the 6 month mark, other it comes closer to the year and for those of us who chose to go beyond that magic 12 month mark.. well we seem to find ourselves defending our choice more often then not.
As a majority or society is very under educated on the topic of natural weaning age. World wide the natural weaning age is approximately 4 years of age, so why as Americans are we finding our decisions to breastfeed beyond a year a major topic of debate? If our defense I can come up with a few rebuttals if you will. Ways you can respond to those nosy individuals who seem to think that your child's eating habits are their business. (Because you routinely ask others what they had for breakfast right?) These responses are broken into catagories: Snarky, Educational,and Polite.
Snarky:
~ I am sorry, I was not aware that the milk from a filthy bovine was superior nourishment for my child.
~ Yep, I have been carrying these babies around for x number of years. They are going to work for ME now!
~ I will stop breastfeeding when she is full.
~ I will give my child cow's milk when they become a cow
~ How many humans have you seen suckle from a heifer?
~ Because I want my child to be smarter then yours!
~ Yes, because I am smart.
~ Because I want my children to be significantly healthier, happier, more psychologically stable and more intelligent then your children.
~ It is purely selfish thing, I like my boobs to much to get breast cancer!
~ Yes, I think we will wean sometimes before he writes his first thesis
~ We will wean before he leaves home for college I am sure.
~Of course, aren't you?
~ We will stop when her prom date is at the door to pick her up.
~ I like having the excuse to not clean my house, "I am nursing the baby, can't you do it?"
~ Why, would you like some?
.... You get the point right?
Educational:
~ Because it is the healthiest thing he eats
~ The majority of health organizations world wide recommend nursing for a minimun of 2 years!
~ It helps to prevent many types of cancer
~ It will NEVER be recalled
~ Yes, I'm still breastfeeding because I've done a lot of research on this matter and it is by far the best thing for my child, he/she will reap the benefits of breast milk long after they stop.
~ In case of a disaster it will still be available (You could add in that you would then be able to feed others of all ages to make this a snarky remark, lol)
~ Because its so important for brain growth... especially after 2
... I would continue on with this but I am sure that you already have enough facts and info to spit out that you get the point!
Polite:
~ Thank you for your concern, we are doing what we feel is best for our child.
~ Of course, he is only x months old. (and watch their faces will they do the math)
~ Why do you ask? (in the most polite voice you can muster up)
... Okay I am out on the polite responses. These are not my cup of tea! For one I think it is rude for someone to make a comment in general. If they feel the need to intrude into my personal life then they will be answered in a way I feel appropriate. If they actually seem to be interested I will move on to a more educational response. When all else fails respond with... WHY NOT?
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LLL~Mama
