His response to my NIP!

Wednesday I did a post on Nursing in Public (NIP) for the Carnival of Nursing in Public. Less than an hour after posting it, I received a phone call from Leonard. This a loose version of that conversation:

L - Tanashia!
T - Yes, Leonard
L - Tanashia!
T - Yes!
L - I cannot believe you said that?!?!
T - What?
L - I am NOT embarrassed by you nursing in public.
T - I didn't say that you were, Leonard
L - But that's what you insinuated!
T - No, I stated that it makes you uncomfortable. If you don't agree, then write a response and I will post it
L - Ummmm, no. I just wanted you to know

Shortly after this phone call I received this e-mail from him:

"Tanashia, it's not that I am embarrassed when you nurse in public, I am
concerned that your breast is exposed and someone might see it. I
understand that you are nursing our child but I just don't want people
to see your breasts as if you were walking around topless. Your breasts
are for me and the baby not everyone else."

I truly appreciate Leonard verbalizing how it makes him feel and why. We later discussed my NIP a little further. I stand corrected that I did not choose to use my sling or cover when I nursed in the theater this past weekend. I just did not think about it. My mind was on feeding my baby & making her happy.

I also truly appreciate Leonard for supporting and encouraging me. Without his support, I would have never been able to nurse our babies.

Parenting with support....For My Leonard

February 2010: Love and partners: How has a co-parent supported your dedication to natural parenting — or not?

Support: to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction

To say the least, Leonard has ALWAYS supported me.
He actually was the one who suggested an out-of-hospital birth, no vaccines, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and cloth diapers with our first daughter, nine years ago. Unfortunately, at the time I was a little more skeptical. Why? 1. My friends weren't doing those things...I didn't want to seem "crazy." 2. I had allowed my nursing training to persuade my decisions. 3. It's just not what my Momma & sisters did either. So, my first two girls were born in a hospital attended by great CNMs. We did co-sleep & my 9 y/o just recently ventured to her own bed. And of course I breastfed my girls. Both self weaned...Hannah at 13mos & Sarah at 16mos.



So, what was different this time around? I embraced what I wanted to do & what I knew was the BEST for me, my baby, & my family. Not only did Leonard continue to support me, but I also had the support of a few good friends....and that made a big difference for me. I wasn't so "crazy" after all.



With all that said...Leonard, I thank you for:

• Always supporting me & respecting my dreams
• Encouraging me to follow my instincts
• Reading all those Bradley & Hypnobirthing books
• Listening to birthing affirmations with me & allowing me to enjoy my "Peace Sanctuary"
• Attending prenatal appointments with me & participating
• Preparing our home for the birth of our Baby Girl
• Setting up my birth pool & making sure the water was warm enough! ;)
• Attending a cloth diapering class with me
• Allowing Layla to teach you how to use a Maya Sling & letting me take your pic! ;)
• Telling me how strong I was & how much you believed in me
• Loving our girls & family
• Giving up your weekends so that I can be home with our girls all week
• Sharing your knowledge with me & the girls daily
• Accepting my pregnancy & postpartum hormonal roller coasters
• Standing by my side through it all

Leonard, I love you!