women's choices

Among one of the mom groups I am in we were discussing breastfeeding and how it's attached often with socio-economic status. In India it's the poor who continue to breastfeed and here it seems it's the richer who do it. Especially amongst the working mothers. Why? The cost of breast pumps! I have met several mothers give up breastfeeding just because they were returning to the workplace and couldn't afford the breast pump and/or the environment at work didn't allow them to express milk and store. So, generally it's the ones who can afford the breast pumps that can continue to provide breast milk to the baby.

I will not bother going into the numerous benefits of mother's milk. Google does a great job of showing you why. It's the best option for the baby and if you can provide it for the little one that's wonderful. I am not judgmental of those who choose or out of no choice pick formula. That's their choice and just as I want people to respect my choices, I respect theirs.

Anyhow, recently it appeared in the news that breast pumps are now entitled to some tax breaks. The news was great news for mothers who wanted to choose this option for their child. Every bit helps in bringing up children these days.

Then of course, Sarah Palin has something to say, following Rep. Bachmann. These two ladies have 5 kids each and they all have breastfed their kids according to them. One would think they would be understanding. And would see this as welcoming for women who could use the financial support to make a healthy choice. But now this has gone to the ridiculous department where it seems if Michele Obama promoted formula, etc. they would jump on her for that too!

I forget who said this in the past, but sadly women's worst enemy are women.