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Physiology is fascinating. Every bodily fluid serves a unique purpose, and society has imposed determinations on whether or not they view those fluids as gross or not. Blood smells terrible, but we'd all agree it serves a unique function, and without it we are severely SOL. Some would argue that breastmilk serves as unique a function. Whether or not one feels it's vital to a baby's future depends on your point of view, but breastmilk in and of itself is a sterile nutrient. Why would that be offensive? People spit in public all the time, that offends me, and it is a public health hazard, yet people seem more inclined to tell mothers not to breastfeed in public than to tell people to quit spitting.
I think the reason people get so irate when breast milk is clumped together with other bodily fluids is that it is so often used in the age-old argument against public breastfeeding. Pooping in public affects everyone. You can see it, smell it, and if you are very unfortunate, step in it. Breastfeeding in public affects no one but the mother and baby. Unless of course the mother chooses to squirt people as they are walking by.
Erm, but by that definition...a baby pooping in his diaper, would affect everyone and would be offensive. That doesn't offend me either, even if it happens in a restaurant. What -does- offend me, is if mom chooses to change the diaper at the dining room table, in that restaurant. But that has more to do with the mom being tactless, not the baby's poop.
Sadly, the pert boobies are a thing of the past. My chest looks like two little partially deflated balloons after the party has ended. Sure, you can get surgery, my friend did, and her boobs turned rock hard with scar tissue. I personally don't think fake boobs look that great. But, to each his own.
I just stopped gradually, no more pumping, just nursed before work, after work, after dinner, before bed. Then, went to less, and my boobs just slowly adjusted.
I seem to remember hearing from somewhere that it's generally a good idea to not feed your baby in public AT ALL, whether you're breastfeeding OR bottle feeding. Something about bonding and distraction, can't recall.
I also think it matters that breasts are sexualized. And I don't care for any suggestions that we change that; I think they SHOULD be.
I didn't have time to read the other posts so I hope I don't repeat anything:
1) If you wean gradually, you shouldn't have any pain. I started to wean when I returned to work b/c I could never pump enough milk to breastfeed exclusively. I still nursed in the morning and at night and eventually my milk supply adapted to my children's feeding schedule.
2) No, your breasts probably won't look the same. I used to be a perky 36C. Now, after nursing three babies I'm a droopy 34 B. They are such sad little things. I work out a lot and I've come to accept the only why they'll be firm and full again is if I have plastic surgery. Maybe, if I ever have $10,000 lying around I'll get a combo breast-lift and tummy tuck.
Also, you may have to experiment with different formulas until you find one that your baby can tolerate well. I found that Gentle-Ease (I think Carnation makes it) worked well and reduced colic symptoms.
Good luck. I know how hard it can be to adjust to returning to work when you have an infant.
I took this to mean that her friend is "grossing" her out by talking about breastfeeding her future baby.
No. There are MANY more things she delights in torturing me with by describing them involving pregnancy....*shudder* I hate when she starts doing that.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustJulia
I never said I see them as the same thing. I said that I understand the mindset. I am amused how bodily secretions like sweat and saliva are frequently seen as icky and gross, while another (breastmilk is the secretion of the mammary gland--no different) is viewed as this beautiful, sacred thing. There is nothing more special or wonderful about breastmilk than there is about sweat. They're both juices our bodies make. I do not think breastmilk is gross, but I also don't think sweat, urine, poo, or other bodily secretions and excretions are gross. It's because I recognize them for what they are.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trackwatch
Why not? You don't gag with the thought of drinking Cow's milk do ya?
Cow=Food. Cow= Dinner. Cow= Meant to be nommed on. Human secretions? Not sterilized, not filtered...nothing.... Not so much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dorthy
It's relevant to the thread. If people think breastmilk is nasty, they should probably rethink their dairy consumption.
See above. If the baby is eating it. ok. Grown man? Nasty/creepy/weird.
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I hate when she starts doing that..... 
