Get this...



I always brag to my friends and relatives that Seattle is very supportive of breastfeeding. But some loudmouth had to prove me wrong. Of course, Ken Schram is known more for the obnoxious things he says, rather than saying anything important or intelligent. So here's my response. Please be sure to read his commentary and send him a note of your own, even if you aren't nursing. Show that I'm right, that there is a general support for nursing mothers in Seattle and elsewhere. I know you're out there because you supported me!


Dear Mr. Schram,

I've been putting off writing this note because I think you say stupid things just to get a rise out of some people. And well, when you yell at an idiot you can't help but look like an idiot.

So before I degenerate to motherly defensiveness over my right to feed my child the good stuff, let me enlighten you a little about breastfeeding, babies and airplanes.

As you likely know, when an airplane takes off or land, cabin air pressure falls or rises accordingly. Most passengers feel the pressure in their ears. Babies are no exception. By "latching on" (nursing), mothers alleviate their babies' discomfort, which in turns decreases the likelihood of their baby crying.

Now if you have ever nursed a child, you would know that in the beginning it is not an easy thing to do. Babies have to learn, as do mothers, how to nurse. I won't tell you too much about the chapped nipples, the biting and other difficulties that most mothers have to face. You, being a genuinely insensitive cad (after all, who in their right mind would deny a baby not only comfort but nourishment, just because they are "uncomfortable"), could care less. But I will say that you have done a real disservice to those mothers who are already too sensitive about nursing in public. For not only do we have to get beyond the pain of our own bodies but we also have to overcome ridiculous prejudices of a few commentators with way too much airtime.

Honestly, get over it.

Sincerely,
Karin Rosman, nursing mother of Magnus who is marvelously healthy (mostly because I was more concerned about him than causing an ignorant cad some discomfort).

Posted: Wed - June 8, 2005 at 06:13 PM        

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