Without support, many moms wouldn't be able to breastfeed. It's that encouragement and help that allows so many of us to overcome issues and obstacles so we can nurse our babies. A true breastfeeding advocate isn't anti-formula -- we understand it is needed and necessary (though we do want better formula for our kids). Still, despite the fact breastfeeding advocates are there to help, there are many names and negative stereotypes attached to those who support breastfeeding moms. Here are 16 things not to call breastfeeding advocates.
1. Breastapo. Clever; I'll give it that. But our intentions are pure and this name isn't reflective of that.
2. Overzealous. When using "over" as part of this word, it sends an air of negativity, and that's the exact opposite feeling of breastfeeding advocates. We are passionate, yes, and are there for support.
3. Breast Police. Nope, we don't write tickets to formula feeders.
4. Know-It-Alls. We know some stuff, but not all the stuff: That's why we band together in a group of moms with the same mission -- to support breastfeeding moms. Together we know a lot, and we are always learning.
5. Teat Witch. Sounds like a fun Halloween costume, doesn't it?
6. Breastfeeding Mafia. Fuggetaboudit.
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7. Cows. *silence* Mooooooo. *chews grass* While sometimes I will admit I felt like a milked animal when I was pumping, but a cow, I am not. Though all mamas are udderly amazing.
8. Nipple Nazi. These name-callers just went overboard. Perhaps we can call them overzealous.
9. Overly attached. Attached, we are. In the emotional, mental, and physical sense, but when it comes to our children, we don't feel that breastfeeding and support for moms to breastfeed isn't "overly" anything.
10. Too dedicated. This one is my favorite -- if I had to choose to be called one. Dedication is a good thing. I'm just going to overlook that "too."
11. Attention seekers. We wouldn't have all this attention if it weren't for the naysayers giving us all these ridiculous names and labels.
12. Militant. It's true we'll march in our local towns and Washington to bring attention to the much needed and deserved rights of breastfeeding mothers, but we do not have the rigidity of militants.
13. Trend followers. Breastfeeding isn't trendy. It's timeless.
14. Old-fashioned. Nope, just because Grandma did it doesn't mean it's out of date. Still, timeless.
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15. Selfish. *And we laughed and laughed and laughed*
16. Misinformed. Those who call us selfish are misinformed. I don't believe there is any misinformation when support and encouragement are the goals.
What makes your list on things you've heard breastfeeding advocates being called?
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