Thank you for breastfeeding.

To the couple who wrote me this note and paid for my meal, thank you.  Thank you for encouraging me and reminding me that breastfeeding in public is okay.  I shouldn't have to hide in a closet or bathroom to feed my baby.  I was truly touched by your act of kindness, and will certainly pay it forward when the opportunity presents itself.  I have kept this note and will remind any of my discouraged friends about it.

While the girls were in town, TL, Andie, and all of us went out to dinner at a local restaurant.  We ate outside at a casual table, played cards, and listened to a live band.  All of the tables were taken and it was pretty lively.  I knew she was hungry and just decided to feed her outside.  I covered up using my favorite little cover and hunched down comfortably on the couch.  I didn't think anyone would notice or care.  But, I did hesitantly look around to make sure no one looked agitated by it.

Later that night when we asked for the check, our waitress pulled out a note from a stranger who was also eating at the restaurant.  It said "Thank you for breastfeeding.  Your meal is on us."  I ordered a delicious and somewhat expensive meal, and it was all paid for.  I was completely blown away.

I posted it on facebook and right away, it gained attention and got shared on a few pages.  Breastfeeding isn't easy.  So much more comes into it than I ever thought.  You have a baby and you think 'well, it's natural, it should be easy to just feed your baby'.  But it definitely isn't like that for every mom.  Some feel lots of pain, some don't produce enough milk, others deal with painful infections.  I have been so fortunate to have a somewhat smooth journey in breastfeeding.  Andie latched on well from the start, I produce enough milk, and I only had to deal with a clogged milk duct once.  It is definitely a commitment to your child.  I have been able to pump milk and store it, but I get very nervous about giving her a bottle too often because I don't want her to have any confusion.  Everyone has to figure out what works best for them and now that she is approaching 3 months old, I am starting to get a little more comfortable with her getting a bottle of my milk.  I love breastfeeding her.  It's a special time for just the two of us.

This note has made me feel better about my decision to feed her when we are out and about.  Hopefully, because I shared this experience, it will help other moms feel confident to do it as well.

And a note to the moms who aren't able to breastfeed... just like I appreciate that people don't judge me for breastfeeding, I don't judge you or think you're a bad mom because you give your baby formula.  There are many reasons women can't breastfeed and it is not anyone's place to make you feel like you're less of a mom because you don't.  I know there can be a lot of guilt associated with not breastfeeding for some women and there shouldn't be.  We do our best as moms, and that's all that matters!  Being a mom is all about figuring out what works best for our baby and us and we need to embrace the fact that everyone does it differently.  #mommysupport