Despite our commonalities, our individual stories are unique. And there is no singular or correct way to nurse, no “right” way to feel about nursing. Anthropologist Penny Van Esterik talks about the importance of avoiding what she calls “politically correct” breastfeeding - breastfeeding that is promoted in a way that tells women there is only one acceptable way to nurse a baby. Sharing our breastfeeding stories helps us to avoid this. “From women’s stories,” she writes, “we learn that breastfeeding is about love, ecology, politics, power, women’s knowledge and the wisdom of the body. It is about the personal messages and memories that contribute to who we are as people and the way we relate to others.” [iii]

Storytelling is an act of power, of taking control of our lives. And your story, too, deserves to be heard.