Kindness of Strangers

I read an article today… 

about breast-feeding.

I’m not a mum. 

I’ve never breastfed a baby.

I’m a big supporter of it…

But I know how difficult it can be 

for some mums to feed their children.

I find it strange that women 

are judged and criticised

 for feeding their children in public. 

I imagine that, if their baby was left un-fed

 and was starting to really scream in hunger,

the people around the mother 

would throw angry glares her way – 

and some people would most likely 

abuse her for her noisy baby 

and the fact it is obviously hungry.

So, why judge when she does feed her child?

Most women are very discreet when feeding. 

Often, a child may be fed 

and no one around the mother 

would even notice. 

Let’s face it, she doesn’t want 

anyone staring at her breasts! 

And, there’s always the option 

for bystanders to simply look away!

I’d like to think that times 

are changing and women no longer

 sit in public toilets to feed their children.

I think we are a little more understanding

 and accepting, as a whole.

So, the article I read…

A mother was in a pizza restaurant

and she was feeding

 her child at the table. 

Worried she was breaking social taboos,

 she felt quite self-conscious 

and soon noticed 

the waitress staring at her. 

She continued feeding, feeling guilty

 and half expecting to be asked to stop.

When her child still didn’t settle, 

she left the table early 

and waited in the car 

while her husband paid their bill.

And here’s the good bit:

The waitress… the staring waitress…

She was so impressed 

by the lady feeding her child 

that she paid for part of their bill.

The mother’s name is Jackie. 

The waitress is Bodi Kinney. 

Bodi’s message on the bill was simple: 

I bought one of your pizzas. 

Please thank your wife for breastfeeding!!

Such a simple act… 

and yet, a huge reminder 

that hungry children should be fed 

and we should never 

stop a mother from breast-feeding.

Our actions are very powerful… 

this waitress has empowered 

a breast-feeding mother… 

and women everywhere. 

What a beautiful gesture.

Read the article here.