The Sisterhood of Motherhood
by Kate Kahn - 15th October 2007
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what divides us when it comes to the choices we make about feeding our children. And I wonder why it needs to be such a bitter issue. I guess it’s dependent on which “side” you come down. But therein lies the problem. Why do we feel it necessary to take sides?
You see, I think there are lots of dynamics we all agree on:
We all want what’s best for our child/children. Most people agree breastfeeding has huge benefits. Not everyone can breastfeed (for a myriad of reasons that are all legitimate). Some people don’t want to breastfeed (also for legitimate reasons). Breastfeeding in public should be protected as a right. Employers would do well to create safe, clean, and private places for nursing mothers to pump. Maternity leaves could be extended, paid or unpaid. What’s important is that women would be able to come back to the same job they left.
I don’t think anyone on either “side” disagrees with these. (Breastfeeding activists might disagree with the point that some mothers choose not to breastfeed because they don’t want to, but everyone has her reasons.)
How we feed our children is a personal decision. It’s not for any other person to judge. The bottom line is that we’re all mothers. And that should unite us. We are a sisterhood of women who love our children and want to do what’s right for them and our families. Politically, that sisterhood has such strength; enough to even influence presidential elections. So let’s use that bond to effect policy changes that can strengthen our society, both personally and professionally. Let’s show everyone what the sisterhood can achieve when we put our collective minds to the task.
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