Things that bug me: Part 1 in a series
So I'm driving home one day, already in a not-so-great mood because I'm getting home super-late from a super-crappy job, when the ultimate soccer-mom vehicle pulls out in front of me. It's a mini-van that's decorated with a bumper sticker, which catches my eye because: 1. it's a the only decoration/ornament on this very plain van and 2. it's a text-only sticker, the kind guaranteed to have some kind of obnoxious message for the world.
As I get closer to the van, I read the sticker, and instantly feel my face get hot. It reads:
"Babies are born to be breastfed."
Let me give you a moment to consider that for yourself before I begin the rant you already know is coming. "Babies are born to be breastfed."
REALLY? That's so good to know. I always wondered why babies were born. Now, thanks to you, mini-van driving mom, I am finally enlightened. Thank God you were able to make everything clearer for me - blind as I was to the truth.
I did not have a baby so I could breastfeed her. I don't really know anyone who does. I mean, I have NEVER heard anyone say, "I'm so happy we're pregnant! I've been waiting my whole life to breastfeed!" Nopey, they are not born to be breastfed. They are born to live - to have life, to experience living.
Truth: I breastfed my baby. I believe it's a wonderful thing you can do for your child - all circumstances permitting. I think it has great benefits for both mother and baby, and I think it's important that new mothers know it's an option for them.
BUT . . .
It's not why we have babies. And it's not the only way to feed a baby. And it's not the 'best' thing you can do for a baby. And it bugs me to no end when others try to make it some kind of measuring stick for motherhood.
What about the mothers who can't or don't breastfeed? Are they less of a mother? Do they love their child less because they fed their child from a bottle or gave formula instead of milk?
Truth: I breastfed my baby - and I also gave her formula. And then finally, there was no breastmilk, just formula. So, I guess I totally did it wrong. I guess I must be less of a mother. Missed the mark, and screwed up her whole reason for being.
The opinion of me:
Babies are born to have life.
The best thing you can do for a baby is love her (him).
Breastfeeding is a wonderful option for mothers.
People who put stupid stickers on their minivans, well, they're stupid.
As I get closer to the van, I read the sticker, and instantly feel my face get hot. It reads:
"Babies are born to be breastfed."
Let me give you a moment to consider that for yourself before I begin the rant you already know is coming. "Babies are born to be breastfed."
REALLY? That's so good to know. I always wondered why babies were born. Now, thanks to you, mini-van driving mom, I am finally enlightened. Thank God you were able to make everything clearer for me - blind as I was to the truth.
I did not have a baby so I could breastfeed her. I don't really know anyone who does. I mean, I have NEVER heard anyone say, "I'm so happy we're pregnant! I've been waiting my whole life to breastfeed!" Nopey, they are not born to be breastfed. They are born to live - to have life, to experience living.
Truth: I breastfed my baby. I believe it's a wonderful thing you can do for your child - all circumstances permitting. I think it has great benefits for both mother and baby, and I think it's important that new mothers know it's an option for them.
BUT . . .
It's not why we have babies. And it's not the only way to feed a baby. And it's not the 'best' thing you can do for a baby. And it bugs me to no end when others try to make it some kind of measuring stick for motherhood.
What about the mothers who can't or don't breastfeed? Are they less of a mother? Do they love their child less because they fed their child from a bottle or gave formula instead of milk?
Truth: I breastfed my baby - and I also gave her formula. And then finally, there was no breastmilk, just formula. So, I guess I totally did it wrong. I guess I must be less of a mother. Missed the mark, and screwed up her whole reason for being.
The opinion of me:
Labels:
breastfeeding,
bugs me,
bumper stickers,
stupid
This is hilarious! So I told you we got a van, huh? Well, we did. Are the stick figures that represent your family members too much? I hope not, cause that is what I want. How about a Be Calm and Carry On bumper sticker?
Ahhh, you will be soccer mom! I make no censures of anything on other peoples' vehicles, save stupid 'I'm better than you' bumper stickers. :) I should probably get myself a 'be calm and carry on' bumper sticker for my dash ... but seriously, this kind of sentiment still bugs me.