Let’s Talk about Breasts, Baby, Let’s Talk about You and Me*
October 6, 2006 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding
First, let’s set a few ground rules for talking about breastfeeding. Given that we’re all adults, it behooves us to use the proper anatomical terms “breast,” “areola,” “nipple” and even [*gasp*] “Montgomery’s tubercules.” Other more colorful and – shall we say – titillating names for “breast” are best left out of the discussion, unless of course you’re relating the charming story of the time your toddler screamed out in the grocery store for “booby juice!” (Remind me later to talk about the benefits of teaching your child a politically correct code word for nursing!)
Keep in mind that this blog is intended to inform and encourage mothers and pregnant women who wish to breastfeed their children for any length of time. That means that flaming will not be tolerated at any end of the spectrum, whether it’s bashing bottle-feeders, name-calling of any sort, or condemning extended breastfeeding.
There’s plenty of room for healthy debate, as long as it’s respectful. I think we can all agree that every mother wants what’s best for her baby and makes the choice that is best for her family. Let’s make this a warm and welcoming place to come when that choice is breastfeeding.
* Apologies to George Michael for the blatant take-off on his lyrics
Yes, I’d like to know the politically correct code word to teach my son. Although, it may be too late now. Finally, at over 20 months, I think we may have finished with breastfeeding. I’m glad and sad at the same time. Great blog, by the way.
Thanks Heather! I tried to teach my first daughter to say “num-num” as our code word, but she interpreted that as “mum-mum” – for a long time my name “ma-ma” and the nursing “mum-mum” sounded pretty much the same, which I thought was pretty ironic. Turns out it was actually quite handy as no one outside the family knew she was asking for anything but me.
Congratulations on 20 months of nursing! I can totally understand your mixed feelings about being done.
Very cute. I may still have a hanger-on, though. He asked for ‘booby’ last night. Oh well, I know the moment is not far off. Thanks for letting me know what you used as a code.
I always think of Salt N Pepa when I hear those lyrics…
I think our knowledge of these lyrics is dating us!