Three easy ways to show support to a breastfeeding person when you are just a random person living your life.

Ok folks, it’s World Breastfeeding Week, and the only reason I know that is because I am a doula so I’m loving how my feed is literally bombarded with breastfeeding pics right now.  I posted a picture with a little caption about supporting breastfeeding people, and it got me thinking about what that would actually mean to a human who is not actively breastfeeding.  Outside of the realm of postpartum doulas, lactation consultants and Leche League support groups, how can YOU actively support breastfeeding?  

Guess what? You totally can, and it's really easy, so take a minute and let me show you how!

First and foremost (and this might be the hardest one here, but it’s the most important point, so please pay attention!) Shut. Your. Mouth. Unless the breastfeeding person in question is specifically asking you for your advice or opinion, you keep your advice and your opinions to yourself.  I don’t care if someone is breastfeeding a 6 year old while doing a handstand, it is none of your business.  Shut. Your. Mouth.

Secondly, you may ask yourself how you can make this person more comfortable.  I was once nursing on a plane and I saw a very business-y man walking towards me.  As I was fully mentally preparing myself to lace into him if he deigned to ask/tell me to “cover-up”, he completely shattered my clichéd stereotype and OFFERED ME A PILLOW FOR ME TO PROP MY ELBOW! Now, I’m not saying to bunch up your hoodie and offer it to any breastfeeding person you see, but just be mindful.  Sometimes making that person more comfortable might mean giving them some space, or sliding over an ottoman for them to prop their feet up, or (and this brings me to my third point...) OFFER THEM A SNACK.

Breastfeeding people are generally almost always thirsty and hungry.  It takes about a bazillion calories a day to breastfeed (that is not a true fact, but google it, it’s really A LOT of calories) If a person is breastfeeding in your home, or if you are visiting said person in their home, and there is a fridge in the vicinity, offer to get them something to eat and drink.  The important thing to know here, is that this person will most probably say “no, thank you” if you say “hey! Can I get you something?”. BE SPECIFIC. “Would you like an iced tea and a sandwich?” is a more appropriate question. Or “I’m going to get myself a glass of water, would you like one?”.  If you would like to offer a breastfeeding person something to eat, keep in mind that foods that can be eaten with one hand are usually a big hit; cutting through a steak while having a child attached to your boob is possible but it’s messy and it sucks.

And that’s it! (I feel like I want to mention that if a person is not breastfeeding and you have unsolicited advice and opinions about that, please refer back to point number one.)  And as for that man on the plane, I really hope that he somehow stumbles on this post because he showed me that I have to check in with my clichéd stereotypes and that breastfeeding people do need and appreciate support.

You may now go on living your life as a random human who now knows a bit more about how you can support a breastfeeding person.

Peace and Love xx