So, you're a dude who currently, recently, or will soon have a breastfeeding woman in your life. Congrats, man! This probably means there's a baby in your life or on its way, and that's some fun stuff. Whether you're the baby's father or the baby's mother's chosen beloved, or just a really good friend of the family, you have an important role to play in the life of this child. After all, it takes a village. But you know what doesn't take a village? Breastfeeding. In fact, there are things about breastfeeding that men just don't get a say in.
Don't take it too personally and please, for the love of all that is pure and good, don't say this is "reverse sexism." The fact of the matter is, no one really gets a say in anything to do with breastfeeding except the person directly involved (the breastfeeding woman) and, when called for, a pediatrician, midwife, or obstetrician.
So why am I targeting men in my observations today? Okay, I love you guys and all, but you often have, well, you have a lot of feelings. If we're being honest, you're pretty used to people catering to those feelings. Society is basically built around the idea that you blokes have authority that women do not. There are certainly confounding factors (race, age, socioeconomic status and background, religion and the like) and yes, I know, #notallmen. Still, as men are continuing to legislate against women making their own decisions about their own bodies, it's worth mentioning that when it comes to breastfeeding, you gentlemen just don't get much of a say. So, if you're watching your partner prepare for breastfeeding and none of the aforementioned is at all surprising to you, congratulations! You're on the right path. But just so we're clear moving forward, here are the things about breastfeeding that really don't concern you...