Whenever I nurse my sweet baby in public (usually covered, but you can tell we are nursing), especially around other moms, it is a hot topic of conversation, although not started by me. Everyone is eager to share their experiences, most often if they were bad. Seeing me nurse seems to make other moms who were unsuccessful at breastfeeding feel the need to defend themselves, as if I am sitting there feeling superior. Guess what? I’m not. I’m not judging anyone for not being able to produce enough milk or for not trying hard enough. You don’t have to tell me all the reasons breastfeeding didn’t work for you or why you had to quit. I don’t think you are a bad mom for switching to formula at 3 weeks or at 3 months. I am just feeding my baby. That’s all. I am not trying to make a statement or public display. I am not standing up for my rights to nurse in public or showing off how successful I am at ‘natural’ parenting. I am just feeding my baby. Babies get hungry in public as often as they get hungry at home and that means nursing them in the park or the mall or wherever I happen to be. But that’s all it is. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about a hungry baby filling up his little tummy.

I’m not sorry for feeding my baby. I AM sorry that someone has made you feel so guilty about your parenting choices that you feel you need to defend yourself to me. I’m sorry that seeing my baby nurse makes you feel inadequate. Please don’t. I am convinced that every mama is doing the best they can by their little one and as mamas we need to encourage each other and offer support, not judge. Parenting is not a competition. It is making a gift of yourself to a tiny person placed in your care. It’s hard and shame on us for making it harder on each other. So please realize that my nursing is not a reflection of my parenting superiority. I’m just feeding my baby.

For more on breastfeeding without judgment:

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products or techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am just a mom who shares what works for me!