I always say that one of the best parts of being a blogger is that I get to meet so many interesting people. One of my favorite people ever is Natasha Vianna, the ass-kicking advocate for teen parents, young parents and women in general.
She recently wrote an amazing piece for The Daily Beast, “My School Discouraged My From Breastfeeding,” in which she detailed her attempts to breastfeed her daughter while in high school and the problems she faced as a result. A snippet:
The most horrifying experience was during my first week back in school after maternity leave. My teacher wouldn’t let me leave class to pump, and my breasts were becoming engorged. A few moments later, I began to leak milk through my breast pad, through my bra, through my shirt, in class. Finally, she looked at me and said aloud, “Natasha, you’re leaking breast milk,” and my face turned red. Embarrassed, I ran out of class. I thought this would be my last day trying to breastfeed in school. I considered dropping out so I could breastfeed at home or giving up on breastfeeding so I could stay in school. Either way, they made me feel like I could not do both.
Later, Natasha would talk to her school’s Co-Operative Parenting Educator and work out a way to pump and attend classes so she could hit her breastfeeding goals.
Breastfeeding is a huge commitment for any mother, but for teen parents (and those still in school when they are nursing), it adds an extra barrier, as most school administrators and teachers aren’t equipped to handle scenarios that may arise. I encourage everyone to read Natasha’s story to see how the “teen moms don’t breastfeed” narrative looks from the other side.
You have got to be kidding me!! I cannot believe a teacher would do that to her. I am horrified and so angry! I’m extremely impressed and proud of Natasha for continuing to breastfeed her child. Breastfeeding is hard under the best circumstances, but when you have someone out there refusing to allow you to pump and then humiliating you (in front of your peers, no less), then that takes the difficulty to a whole other level. I’m so sorry she had to go through that.
@Katie – Isn’t it crazy? But that story exemplifies the type of person Natasha is — determined to fight for what’s fair. She’s my role model, for sure.
How terrible of her teacher to do something like that! I couldn’t even imagine having something like that happen to be me. Thank goodness she was able to get help and continue on with her breastfeeding journey. I’m glad she’s speaking out and sharing her story because I bet this happens quite often.