Breastfeeding India from nectar to naysayers

Is it a matter of time before public breastfeeding is completely normalised?

- NEHA CHOPRA

Breastfeeding in Indian culture was common and widely accepted. The moment a baby is born, all one hears are advisories on breastfeeding and bonding. Our scriptures symbolize a mother’s breast as a pitcher full of nectar. So, when did breastfeeding in public become controversial in a breastfeeding-friendly nation? I believe our awkwardness towards breastfeeding is a recent phenomenon, one that is influenced by our obsession with the Western culture and commercialisation. In our pursuit towards modernisation while struggling with our own social and cultural identity, we let misinformation and shame surround breastfeeding amongst many other themes. Growing up, I never saw women being stuck between labels like private or public breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding was acknowledged, accepted and an integral part of motherhood journeys. As a birth photographer, I capture the moment when a woman becomes a mother— the moment of birth! I witness the start of their breastfeeding journeys as well. While capturing birth and breastfeeding, I observed that it is a moment, unique to each mother. A story, that is, their own. My breastfeeding journey was fulfilling because I had rock solid support from Deepak—my husband and creative partner. I was supported, guided and empowered by many peers during my breastfeeding years, which helped me to breastfeed my child till five years of age. While I got support, there were also experiences where I felt judged or stared at for feeding my baby.