That's my breastfeeding story, and I'm sticking to it.

I've decided to write this off the back of the unbelievable reaction to my milk collection post. 24,000 (?!OMG?!) people have seen it, and that number is growing every day, I seriously can't get my head around that post reach, so thank you, sincerely to every person and organisation who has shared it.

As I had hoped the reaction has been mostly positive. So positive in fact that my goal of reaching just one woman who didn't know she could donate, and considered it, has not only been met, but exceeded. Three wonderful women, from the UK and Ireland have contacted me via this blog, to get more information and some have made the decision to go ahead and donate. These women need to be applauded. Bravo Queens!

Obviously, as is life, when you put yourself out there, there is going to be judgement passed and criticisms made. But you know what, Fuck 'em. I'll wear that 'Hippy Earth Mom' badge with pride. There were worse comments, but I don't need that sort of negativity in my life. 

This whole thing has started conversations with people I never would have dreamed I'd be talking to about breastfeeding. And it's got me thinking, the more of these conversations that are had over a pint in the pub, or while out of a walk in the park the better. They normalise it. And that's what I'm all about. I don't care how anyone chooses to, or has the choice made for them, feed their child. But what I do care about, is women being made feel 'different' or 'odd' for wanting to breastfeed. You can deny it all you want if you've never experienced it, but the stigma definitely exists. 

And god forbid we want to talk about it. We're grown ups, we need to talk about boobs. Because you never know how being part of a casual conversation could affect someones confidence when it comes to them feeding. Or how knowing that your friends are supportive, can help a guy support his partner in their breastfeeding journey.

I'll end with these two pictures I absolutely love.

At a friends wedding recently, while keeping me company during a feed, my friend Caroline captured this beautiful picture of me and Daithí that I have been debating sharing. On one hand everyone's done it, so there's no need for me to add to the pile of 'awareness raising pictures'. But that's not what this is about. I really wanted to share it because it shows exactly where I was as a mother in that very moment. Dress and heals on, tan and make-up done, baby on boob, hat and everything.

My sister took this one while I was getting ready for another wedding last month. To me this shows just how normal breastfeeding can be. Juliet Morrow is the wonderful make-up artist working on my face. I'm sure she's faced will all sorts of everything, arriving into peoples houses, into the stress of getting ready for a wedding, but she was so calm and relaxed, we chatted like old friends. Not only did she not bat an eyelid when Daithí needed to be fed, she continued working, and agreed to a picture being taken. The girl does amazing work, seriously, check out her page!



And just a thought to finish...

Sharing pictures of your substantial weight loss, isn't shaming people who don't work out.

Sharing pictures of you at graduation, isn't shaming people who didn't go to University. 

Sharing pictures of you breastfeeding, isn't shaming people who don't.

That's my breastfeeding story, and I'm sticking to it.