Standing Behind her - Judgment Free Breast feeding

I’ve always believed in supporting others’ decisions, even if it means I disagree. The way I see it, we all have the right to choose the things, methods  and opportunities we want out of life. It’s everyone’s God-given right. In the same stead, I do my best not to participate in enabling negative behaviors. For me support is a delicate balance  that shies away from being judgmental, yet being a true friend. Information is power. Sharing it can be a blessing to another, however “sharing” in condescending and chiding tone does nothing positive.

The only person who benefits from this negative tone, is the one who feels the need to do so. Straight shooting, it’s about the ego. Nothing more. Nothing less. As a breast feeding, home birthing, semi-green, African-American, hearing-impaired mom, I’ve met more than my share of  it all. Surely how I live my life goes against the grain of society, but then who I AM goes against the grain of society. I’ve decided long ago (feel free to hum the song) that I was going to be me as God made me, that meant meeting my own desires and wants out of life.

No matter what adjectives defines you, be it as varied as mine, or not so much, we are all unique in and of ourselves. Therefore, our needs may not mirror those of your breast feeding or home/hospital birthing neighbor. I’d love to see moms embrace this for other moms. It seems to me, we can be each other’s worst enemy, when reality dictates empathy should easily flow between moms. This pledge should have a universal message. The world would be a much more peaceful place to reside if it was!
Having said this, it was very easy  for me to sign the Support With Integrity Pledge.  Created by Earth Mama Angel Baby. They explain the goal of this pledge.

The goal of the Support with Integrity Pledge is to strengthen and to unite the efforts of breastfeeding supporters who focus on getting the baby fed, and not taking sides about how it’s done, or being right. We each may prefer one organization, technique, method, schedule or position, but we believe that a mama who is breastfeeding deserves support with whatever technique she chooses, and whatever works for her and her baby.
The ultimate goal of all breastfeeding advocates is that the breasts are making milk, the baby has a good latch, the nipples are happy, and the baby is getting what she needs to grow and be healthy. We’ve asked our colleagues to help us spread the word to promote civility and diversity of beliefs about breastfeeding. Now we turn to you, the mamas, and ask you to sign the Support With Integrity Breastfeeding Pledge.
To be clear, this pledge isn’t about breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. It’s simply about uniting breastfeeding supporters who have a common goal: to help normalize breastfeeding, to help remove the barriers to breastfeeding, and to provide a peaceful village of supporters united in their desire to help women successfully breastfeed. Read the article

Thank you Earth Mama Angel Baby for creating this site. Head over, and check out the pledge. If you agree, sign it and display the very cool (love the pink!) badge.

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