For our daughter’s third flight, we decided to bring her car seat, hoping it would help her nap. As usual, she had other plans, twisting and crying at the airport as if she were in discomfort. When we boarded the plane, I took her out to soothe her, but soon the flight attendant approached us.
“You need to place the baby in the car seat for takeoff,” he insisted.
I questioned, “Isn’t it safer for me to hold her?”
He shook his head, asserting, “She must be in the seat.”
I was torn between compliance and the distress of my daughter. I wanted to retort, “Would you prefer to hear her scream for half an hour?” Instead, I turned to her and said, “He just called you a projectile, sweetie.”
The attendant, offering a faint smile, moved on. But I noticed my partner’s determined glance, and it was clear my daughter would not be going into the car seat. Right before takeoff, my partner discreetly began breastfeeding her, and the flight attendant hurried past, avoiding eye contact as if it were a covert mission. It was like watching a scene from an action film where a pilot evades an enemy, only this time the enemy was a man in a blue blazer, desperately avoiding a nearly exposed breast.
Reflecting on Past Misunderstandings
Reflecting back nine months earlier, I recall my ignorance during a disagreement with my partner, Mia. She wanted to breastfeed in our living room by the large window, while I expressed concern about her being visible to our neighbors. “I don’t want you to be topless for everyone to see!” I exclaimed. She questioned why it mattered, leading to a heated debate. Regrettably, I even claimed, “Because those are mine!”
Mia’s reaction was a mixture of anger and disappointment. She reminded me that her body was not mine to possess. I struggled to understand her perspective, and while we eventually moved past that argument, it wasn’t until I witnessed her breastfeeding our daughter that I began to truly admire her strength.
The Need for Support
Breastfeeding is often likened to an endurance sport, but the reality is that breastfeeding mothers often lack the support of a cheering crowd. Instead, they need their partners to help create a comfortable environment. If a woman feels scrutinized in her own home, how is she expected to confidently breastfeed in public?
When I hear criticisms of women breastfeeding in public, it frustrates me deeply. The act is not merely about nourishment; it’s a source of comfort and security for the child. It saddens me because I recognize my past judgmental tendencies, reflecting a broader societal issue where breasts are often sexualized.
Voices Against Public Breastfeeding Shaming
Mia Kunis recently voiced her frustration about public breastfeeding shaming, pointing out how breasts are celebrated in media but shunned when used for their natural purpose. Why is it that a breastfeeding mother is met with disdain? The discomfort often stems from a selfish perspective, where some men view women’s bodies as possessions.
For much of my life, I viewed breasts as objects rather than recognizing their dual role. I regret how I initially reacted to Mia’s desire to breastfeed comfortably in our home. Acknowledging my past mindset isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for growth. It’s essential to foster a supportive culture that embraces breastfeeding as a natural and heroic act.
A Commitment to Change
As we navigate this journey of parenthood, it’s important to remember that we are all learning. I am committed to supporting my daughter in her growth while striving to be a better man. We must collectively stop shaming women for the beautiful act of breastfeeding, both in public and private spaces.
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Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding should be normalized and respected, free from shame or judgment. As we learn and grow, let’s create a more understanding environment for mothers everywhere.