Feminism and breastfeeding

I didn’t demand, I asked. I didn’t see your explanation, this is a long thread. Sometimes people miss stuff. To claim I framed my question ‘unpleasantly’ is extremely defensive and utter nonsense.

Like I said, I will not ask you a question again. I have no interest in expending excessive emotional labour trying to frame questions or comments so as not to offend someone so quick to attack.

I have had what seems like an endless amount of hormone disorders for 20 years, so I’m actually interested. But you carry on attacking everyone who engages with you. You seem to enjoy it.

I had already explained the hormone issue so not sure why you demanded I explain it again.

But it is something that didn't used to get talked about much or at all.

Endocrine issues in general are under funded, poorly researched and not well understood. This affects women more because we have more complex endocrine systems.

you seem to be suggesting it was all in my head.

No, that’s your interpretation, not my intention. I’ll refrain from asking you questions again, you’re incredibly defensive and aggressive. Not everyone is out to get you. I have had what seems like an endless amount of hormone disorders for 20 years, so I’m actually interested. But you carry on attacking everyone who engages with you. You seem to enjoy it.

She has made very definite and unusual statements. Obviously fine if she doesn’t want to go into it any further, but surely she should have expected to be questioned?

She had already explained that nausea is caused by hormones.

Yes that's a good point Goose.

Really feminist of you all!

Can we stop with this? This is an important issue. We don’t need to compete on who is the most feminist. It’s stupid.

It’s a general discussion, but if posters add their personal story then it’s natural for others to ask questions. If you don’t like it, don’t engage.

Thank you Emma. You did share a link, which I found interesting and informative.

Jessica- the way your question was framed was rather unpleasant. I described a physical reaction. Bf made me feel sick- yet you ask "why did I think it made me feel that way" - you seem to be suggesting it was all in my head.

I've known quite a few people who had a similar experience at let down, I did myself. It went away for most, and there are some things that can be done to try and make it better.

But it is something that didn't used to get talked about much or at all. Rather like loss of libido wasn't talked about much. For a while it seemed like the pressure to be wholly positive meant people didn't discuss such things, and also I think because it had become less common there was a loss of knowledge about these kinds of less common, less obvious, effects.

It's ironic that everyone is going on about making it a general discussion and not a personal one, but quizzing a poster about her personal experiences and implying she's not "normal".

Really feminist of you all!

“FFS, can we stop with giving Lass the Spanish Inquisition please. It's no wonder some people get defensive.”

Sorry? She has made very definite and unusual statements. Obviously fine if she doesn’t want to go into it any further, but surely she should have expected to be questioned?

Why the hell should I care?

This discussion was supposed to be a general, rather than personal one. So the question is relevant to the general discussion which includes in this case, why the uk numbers are so low. You’ve answered it anyway, when you responded to me, it’s rare. As rare as that is, they should still discuss it and offer support or help when it happens.

I shared a link which explains nursing aversion. Several posts back.

the Spanish Inquisition please

This is a forum. Often when you comment, people ask questions about your comment. It’s unusual in my experience, for it to cause physical sickness, so that’s why I asked. This I a discussion on breastfeeding. Nobody is forced to engage.

JessicaWakefieldSV

It made you feel physically sick? Why do you think it made you feel that way?

I have already explained this.It is the hormone let down. They don't tell you that. It's rare , but it happens; it's supposed to stop but occasionally it doesn't.

BertrandRussell
Do you think your reaction is within a range of “normal”?

I don't care whether it is "within a range of normal"? Why the hell should I care?

Also using breasts for their natural maternal purpose vs breasts being sexualised for male pleasure is very feminist.

FFS, can we stop with giving Lass the Spanish Inquisition please. It's no wonder some people get defensive.

I consider all discussions about a woman’s right to breastfeed if public to be very feminist.

@LassOfFyvie

Do you think your reaction is within a range of “normal”?

It made you feel physically sick? Why do you think it made you feel that way?

NottonightJosepheen

I don't think we should dismiss or minimise women's experiences

Nor do I. Questioning it isn't dismissing it. Quite the opposite

If I respond to your "questioning" Nottonight I will be accused of derailing the thread into personal anecdote rather than generalities.

Fair enough, you didn't enjoy it but 'revolting'? That's an unfortunate value judgement

You can treat my physical experience as an "unfortunate value judgement" if you like but your posts come very close to being dismissive/ there must be something wrong with me. As I said earlier one of the things which was wrong was it made me feel physically sick. However if you want to dismiss that as "internalised misogyny" I think you might want to consider your own misogyny.

"Full feminism has to embrace who we are, including the physical functioning of XX bodies. Without shame. Without having to apologise to women who can’t or won’t do that, from choice, misfortune or biology. Without being penalised in the workplace or in society because child rearing is part of who we are."

THIS!

Agree with Red too and lots of the other excellent points made.

I was v sceptical about this thread at first but it's a great discussion so far