birth activist

Sometimes women or their husbands are concerned that breastfeeding will ruin a mother's breasts. A recent article, "Nursing Mothers Needn't Worry About Sag," published by the Wall Street Journal, addresses this question. Dr. Rinker from the University of Kentucky may offer good news for those who are concerned: breastfeeding does not cause sagging breasts. However, I must say that while reading this article, my mind launches into feminist mode.

First of all, how does using a body part for it's proper function ruin it?
Does anyone ask if breathing will ruin one's lungs, or if walking will ruin one's feet?
Does any man worry that having sex, in other words, using his testicles for their physiological purpose, will ruin his testicles?

And when was the last time that we had this discussion about male anatomy? Do you ever hear of men who are concerned about sagging testicles? Can you see a man going to the store to buy an underwire for the scrotum? How about a testicular lift? You know, there is usually one side that is a little uneven!

Of course, we don't even go there! For men, dangling body parts are a sign of potential, not something to be ashamed of or worried about.

Nursing Mothers Needn't Worry About Sag, because we don't need to worry that if our breasts are working to feed our babies, they won't work for our sex lives! And we needn't wonder how, if breasts are enjoyable in lovemaking, can we use them to feed our babies. This is just another example of the constant double standard that we are faced with as women and mothers.

Let's enjoy the versatility of our bodies!