I decided to write this letter after watching this clip of Alyssa Milano on the Wendy Williams Show. (The conversation I’m referencing starts at 3:45min).
An open letter to Alyssa Milano.
First, I want you to know I loved you in “Who’s the Boss?”.
Secondly, I am a mom of two and I just wanted to say thank you for your confident stance on public breastfeeding. For far too long many women have been feeding in bathroom stalls, believing that’s their best option. I can’t believe that this is still an issue that people discuss, as though there is a reason for debate. My three-and-a-half-year-old understands that breastfeeding is natural. Cultures all over the world regard breastfeeding as natural, as you pointed out, your body does too as it’s biology. If people are sexualizing breastfeeding that is their issue, and they can look elsewhere and choose to feed their children differently.
I ended up being to some extent thrust into public breastfeeding, though in a more discrete manner and for me it was a lifesaver. With my first child, I found myself creating a feeding schedule that tended to leave me feeding in the privacy of my own home or in the car, mostly keeping my breastfeeding to a private zone. With my second child however, my ability to control the feeding schedule was shall we say, out the window as soon as my husband returned to work (after a couple weeks home) when walked my older daughter to school. My newborn starting fussing and I realized it was hunger. I needed a solution and STAT. My newborn was already in a baby carrier and covered under a light muslin blanket and I thought perfect, I bet I can adjust myself and feed. And that’s how it was. I would feed on the go. I would walk, do errands, shop, take my toddler to the park or school and all the while I could feed under the privacy of my own muslin blanket. Feeding on the go made it easy to take care of my newborn and toddler when i was by myself. If I got disapproving looks from strangers I never noticed. Perhaps because I was too busy with two kids or maybe there was no public disapproval because it was all fairly discrete…but that is how I wanted it to be.
I just wanted to make it clear that although my choices are more discrete, I am an ally to those who choose to make a more open public feeding choice. I think if more people spoke up about their support, there might be less moms who feel judgement and shame. At this point I think it’s clear, Alyssa, you are the boss!