In my generation, or in this generation of babies being
born, women do not speak about breastfeeding in public. Yes, it is known that
breastfeeding is best for the baby and mothers look forward to being able to do
so. In my case, I was embarrassed to see
other moms breastfeeding in public before I had my own child. All I could say,
is that it was weird, but maybe because I grew up in a generation that did not
promote breastfeeding. Once a mother, breastfeeding became necessity, my baby
boy needed to eat. I felt obligated; it was my maternal instinct to do so. Yes,
I will confess that the first couple of times I had to feed in public I was anxious
and nervous of “what would they say?” I could even sense the anxiety and nervousness
in my husband. As the months passed, I started caring less as I noticed or came
in contact with other women who encouraged it and approached me with encouraging
words for breastfeeding. After all, it is what’s best for my baby. Hence a
painting of myself breastfeeding, not in public, but I suppose it is a
testament to my courage to do what is best for my son. Even though it may seem
to others as normal or repugnant, for me breastfeeding was a journey and a
connection with my son Lucas
Mary Cassat
