Modesty - Throw it out the window.

One of the concerns about breastfeeding is the the NBEP. That stands for - naked breast exposed in public. Perhaps I'm being a little insensitive, but come on! If you have a television set, or happen to have been to the beach lately, it is quite apparent that today's society does not put much emphasis on modesty. Take a walk downtown on a hot day or tune in to MTV for 15 minutes. I guarantee you will see more body parts flying, flopping and pulsating then you will ever experience in a room full of breastfeeding mothers.

I believe watching a baby nurse is a beautiful sight. I am amazed at the female human body. Not only can we protect and nourish a child inside our bodies for nine months, but we continue to produce the perfect food for that child after he is born. You are truly all your baby needs. It is recommended that you start introducing solids at six months of age, but the AAP agrees, that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the first year of life.

Having said that, why should you be embarrassed to give your baby the best infant food in the world? If you would proudly feed your baby with the latest fad in bottles filled with infant formula made from cows milk, surely you can be proud to offer your breast filled with human milk. Your milk is made for your baby. There is nothing better.

Some breastfeeding mothers try to cover themselves with a light blanket while nursing. This works out fine for a younger infant once he is latched on. But listen carefully - it is not easy latching on a newborn when the both of you are still learning while keeping the Pooh Bear blanket draped over your shoulder. Take my word for it, you will create much more of scene trying to be "discreet" then if you just whip it out and latch your baby on. Yes, WHIP IT OUT! My husband used this term while describing my breastfeeding technique for my third child. I am an experienced breastfeeding mother with no inhibitions when it comes to feeding my baby on demand. You too will be able to WHIP IT OUT and latch your baby on in no time after some practice. And I would like to add, if you discover a way to convince an older baby to keep a blanket over his head while eating, please let me know. Alert, happy babies want to look around at their world.

The moral of this story... Be proud of your ability to breastfeed your baby. No one can provide a more perfect food for your baby then you can. Just as no one can love your baby as much as you do. A baby at his mother's breast is a breath taking sight.

OK ladies, ready, set.... WHIP IT OUT!!!