On the heels of #InternationalWomensDay, I felt like this was timely.
According to University hospitals in Sussex, England, breastfeeding is now to be referred to as “chestfeeding” and breastmilk as “human milk” in order to be more gender-inclusive.
"Terms that can be used by anyone, but often is used by transgender and nonbinary people for whom the words breastfeeding, or nursing are not an ideal fit."
Let me just quickly say this: no.
I did not just grow an entire human and a whole new organ for 255 days, fight through intense bodily and emotional changes that have greatly impacted my physical and mental health, have major surgery on my biologically female-specific uterus, and wear a literal diaper for eight weeks just to have my femininity diluted and made a mockery of.
Not everything is going to be inclusive to everyone.
Society is championing the notion that biological men can claim womanhood and then be offended by our biology and change the verbiage to fit their feelings. This is not only sick and soft but is completely and utterly anti-woman.
It’s so funny to me – not funny “haha,” but funny in a horrifically sad kind of way – that this movement is not a feminist movement at all, but it is an attack on the very essence of what it means to be a woman.
Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who does not "identify" as a “feminist” and who loves being barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. But I shouldn't have to “identify” as any sort of activist or extremist to love being a woman and to want to protect the sacred things like feeding my baby from being stolen by the progressive perversions of this inherently wicked world.
And the wildest part is that the very same people who are banging on the walls of social media and screaming in the streets for women's rights are giving them away for free. Men can’t have an opinion on what goes on in a woman’s uterus, but they sure can pretend they have one.
PCOS.
Endometriosis.
Menstrual cramps.
Gestational diabetes.
Preeclampsia.
Postpartum anxiety and depression.
Fourth-degree perineal laceration.
Cervical dilation.
Stretch marks because your uterus just grew 500 times its usual size.
Mastitis.
Natural birth.
That first walk to the bathroom after a c-section.
Having no choice but grit your teeth and weep through a feeding because your breasts are cracked, bruised, and bleeding because your baby has to—you know—eat to live.
The list of sacrifices mothers make is endless.
All of this is to say, my femininity, your femininity, your wife’s femininity is not up for grabs. Until a man’s biological body can experience these life-altering, earth-shattering, time-stopping events and his mind is prepared to take on every part of being a woman, not just the pretty parts that get you special treatment and recognition—he doesn’t get to wear my womanhood.
So, no, I will not “chest feed” my babies, but as deep as my soul aches, I will continue to seek the Lord for wisdom on how to better love this community of hurting people. They are just as human, and my sin is just as great.
Heal us, Father. Maranatha.
The Wife of Noble Character
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate
(Proverbs 31:10-31).
