TheFeministBreeder
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I am a feminist, a mother of young sons, an activist in reproductive justice and women's health, a pre-law student, and a support group leader. I wr...
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"Feminists" don't like breastfeeding.

January 11, 2009 9:08 am by TheFeministBreeder in Family
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Lately, I've been thinking that I need to stop calling myself a "feminist" because the "feminists" I usually come across are so dangerously contradictory to everything I believe in regarding women's rights and equality.

Where are the "feminists" promoting safe childbirth and lactation education?  Where are the "feminists" promoting maternity leave benefits and better access to quality childcare?  Where are the feminists fighting for our reproductive rights BEYOND abortion?  WHERE ARE THEY??!?!  These are FEMINIST ISSUES.

  • As seen on the IV board last year, "they" think it's okay for doctors to force brutal and unnecessary surgeries on you, risking your health and the health of your children.  Why?  Because women should have the "choice" to have dangerous c-sections.  Even if all the medical evidence in the world shows that this is dangerous as an elective procedure.
  • "They" also think you should get your ass back to work as soon as you roll off the operating table.  No time should be spent raising your child.
  • "They" think getting post-partum depression is a sign of weakness, and undermines "feminism."  Why?  Because if you're not tough enough, then don't have any kids.  In fact... don't have kids period.

As you can see.... I made my comments.  But they always fall on deaf ears.  The studies are there... the science is there... so what can I possible do?

I've got to find a different word because "feminism" is taking on some ugly connotations to me.  Or, I've got to find a few other "Feminists" like me and forge ahead.

Who's with me?

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Kpvega
Kpvega 5 pts

I've had these thoughts many a time myself. And then I think, we can't let an extremely biased segment of women hijack the term forever.

I'm sure that in the beginning of the feminist movement, it took a lot of nerve and boldness to challenge the norms. An attitude of independence, defiance, etc was good for igniting women's passions, getting people motivated to do more than be a wife and mother. I think it's a shame to throw the baby out with the bathwater, however. Motherhood IS a noble calling, yes, it requires self-sacrifice, but sacrificing your self in the care of others should never be "antiquated" or retro.

Feminism shouldn't make a woman feel like she's a doormat if she stays home and breastfeeds her baby for two years and puts off a career until her kids are older and less needy. Moms need to feel respected, admired, and appreciated for giving their best to their babies. It's hard and monotonous work, it demands extreme patience and service.

Those of us who get it, and I really think we are in the majority, should be able to be pro-woman and pro-mothers, and redefine femisism to be more inclusive.

Keep calling yourself a feminist!

 Kristi Vega

http://www.BabyPhilosophy.com ( http://www.babyphilosophy.com/ )

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