When I had Joey, Mark was 9 years old. Knowing that I was going to breastfeed, my husband asked how we were going to explain to Mark why Joey wasn’t being fed with bottles, or what I was doing when I went behind closed doors. I never thought anything of it because I just assumed we would tell him what I was doing. When I first said this to my husband he was like, “Yeah?” After thinking about it for a few minutes, he agreed.

Because here’s the thing. Breastfeeding is perfectly natural. It’s an amazing thing and it’s why breasts were created. So if we want to move towards normalizing breastfeeding we need to start by introducing it to our youngest members of society without making it a big deal.

Of course Mark had lots of questions, one of them being, “So, when you see men at the beach, is that what their boobs are for too???” Lol. No bud. No, they’re not.

Answer their questions as they come along, because there will be questions. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, especially if you are talking to a boy but you’d be surprised by how accepting little minds can be. When you explain to them how you are going to feed the baby, you can also include why. Use it as a teaching moment. Explain to them the benefits it will provide baby and you as well. Kids are like little sponges, and the earlier they learn, the more accepting adults they will become.

If you still feel uncomfortable explaining it to them, of course that is your choice and I never knock anybody for their parenting choices. However, here is something to consider. Breastfeeding is starting to become more common, with women all over trying to normalize breastfeeding and breastfeeding in public. So keep an open mind to the fact that you may hide your breastfeeding and then one day they may see someone else doing it. I’m sure they will have questions, but I’m also sure they will be fine with it as well 🙂 And then think of all the anxiety and sneaking around you could have saved! Or you can trust me when I say- they will be fine with it. I promise.