Rita Skeeter is doing a lot of freelance work these days, and she asked to interview me as part of a WBW piece she’s writing, perhaps for Witch Weekly, perhaps for some Muggle newspaper whose editor she confounded. I wasn’t sure. The interview follows below the cut.
R – So, Kristen, why World Breastfeeding Week?
K – I’ve been breastfeeding more or less continually for the last three years and I know it is hard at times and I want to support breastfeeding moms, and help facilitate a culture where breastfeeding is something appropriate to talk about.
R – Right, because you want to give yourself a pat on the back, it’s okay dearie… so, in the mommy wars, you see yourself as a crusader for breastfeeding, right?
K – Not really. I think the evidence is clear that breastmilk is best for babies, but that doesn’t make me a crusader. I see myself more as someone who can offer encouragement to other moms having been there and done that.
R – [watches quick-quotes quill] Militant Lactivist who finds her identity in nursing… yes… So, Kristen, do you think formula is pretty much like feeding a baby rat poison?
K – Of course not! Formula today is a lot better than it was forty years ago, and babies need nutrition, and if it’s not coming from breastmilk, it’s better than sweetened condensed milk or anything else!
R – Formula is bad… and what about non-breastfeeding moms, are they all lazy hags?
K – NO! In a perfect world, everyone could and would breastfeed but we live in a fallen world and our bodies don’t work the way that they ought and some people just can’t breastfeed and for many it’s a long, uphill battle. It’s not easy, and that’s why we all need support and encouragement along the way.
R – RIGHT. Breastfeeding is so simple, any idiot can do it.
K – I’m getting tired of you, Rita. Let’s wrap this up.
R – Any last thoughts?
K – The real reason I do this every year is to remind people of the importance to our culture of breastfeeding, that it is a normal and healthy practice that is not as widespread as middle class American Christians believe. And, you know, to give me something to blog about for a week. It’s been almost seven years of blogging for me, so having a topic every once in a while is not a bad deal.
R – Well, thanks. Talk to you soon.
That is hilarious.
Nice, Kristen! : )
love.it.
It’s true about breastfeeding not being as common as some people think it is. Working where I do I’ve realized that many cultures pass on a lot myths about breastfeeding and turn to formulas as a result of misinformation. ::sad:: Love all the posts! p.s.: my hospital is supporting and campaigning for WBW, it’s really cool, since I usually see the hospital as being unsupportive of breastfeeding.