Cover up they say - a blog post for breastfeeding mamas.

One of my mama friends texted me last night saying, “I reached peak "idgaf I'm gonna feed my baby wherever he gets hungry" status today. Breastfed him without a cover at the fair. Really proud of that hah I use to be so self-conscious about it.”

To which I responded with, “Hell yeah mama!! Free the titties and normalize breastfeeding. We've been conditioned to believe it's wrong or inappropriate. But nah. It's nature and it's beautiful.”

This text exchange invited me to reflect on our breastfeeding journey thus far and express deep gratitude to my body and baby for allowing this sacred connection for the last 14 months.

It hasn’t been easy by any means. There have been many times I’ve wanted to give up. Times where I’ve been chapped, sore, bleeding, ducts clogged, depleted, mammary glands inflamed, bit, tugged on, and used as a pacifier.

But something deep within has encouraged me to keep going and to trust that I’ll truly know when our breastfeeding journey is ready to come to an end.

Because, despite the hardships, it’s also been the most beautiful dance with my daughter. Breastfeeding has taught me to slow down, to rest, to be patient, to honor my needs and hers, to nurture, to nourish myself and her, and to drop into a rhythm that isn’t forced – rather allows, flows and trusts.

A year ago, I was 2 months postpartum and finally feeling like I was getting the swing of breastfeeding (little did I know at the time what an up and down journey it is).

I have been offered blankets, towels, and jackets to cover up. And have politely declined each time. I recall seeing a photo of a mother who was asked to cover up at a restaurant and she continue to breastfeed her baby while putting a blanket over her head.

My kinda gal.

Due to the controversial nature (why tf is it even controversial) of being a mother who chooses not to cover up while feeding – I was guided to write a little something and share it on social media.

Cover up they say

As if I haven’t been covered my whole life

By societal expectations

Cultural norms

Modesty concerns

and

Masks as coping mechanisms

This is the phase of my life I uncover

Only to be asked to cover up again

For the comfort of others

I’m asked to make myself uncomfortable

But what will others think?

What will they say?

As if my own thoughts don’t matter

As if my body and the miracle of feeding my child from it is unnatural

To cover up a natural experience

Do we cover animals when they feed?

Or flowers when they bloom?

Or trees when they oxygenate us?

Maybe one day

We’ll accept and support breastfeeding mothers

Without needing to tell them to cover up

Know that you are nourishing your baby with love and confidence. Feeding your child is natural, beautiful and nothing to hide. Keep going, mama!