This definition fairly accurately describes many proponents of breastfeeding, but your post made me really think twice about the casual use of the word “nazi” in this manner. On one hand, I think if we give a word with negative associations/history too much power, then it continues to inflict hurt. On the other hand, it could be just as damaging for a word to become so commonplace that people are generally desensitized to the hurtful impact it can have.

Given that breastfeeding is often such an emotionally charged issue (like just about every other parenting decision), it’s perfectly reasonable not to cause unnecessary friction by throwing out the “breastfeeding nazi” label. People need to learn to discuss different points of view (on any topic) respectfully. I think that goes for breastfeeding advocates and formula feeding moms equally. Too often I see Internet discussions of hot button issues degrade to a level of rude and nasty behavior that most people would never exhibit face-to-face.

As a mom who had no choice but to formula feed due to almost no milk supply, many comments criticizing formula feeding moms with guilt-inducing or accusatory statements (like the first comment on the link above to NYT Motherlode: “Well, if she would rather trust industrial food manufacturing corporations with the responsibility of your infant’s nutrition, far be it from me to stop her. I hear that they are now making chocolate baby formula…”) have often made me wonder what my son is missing out on since my body didn’t work the way it’s supposed to. As a mom who wanted very much to breastfeed, but had no choice other than to rely on formula for food, this type of incendiary statement still hurts. Unfortunately, the wrong person or the wrong words at the wrong time in a mom’s life can do a lot of damage and I believe that this type of judgmental attitude from certain “advocates” is one possible source of the “breastfeeding nazi” label. Two wrongs don’t ever make a right, though.

The breastfeeding advocates/activists that I follow are all sensitive to situations like mine and other women who struggle and I haven’t seen these types of judgmental statements come from any of them (I’m including Amber in this, naturally). The information that these women provide is so valuable for women who don’t know about the benefits of breastfeeding or who are intimidated by common myths. I hope that the more women who deal with breastfeeding issues the way these women do, the better the communication will be with those who question breastfeeding – and hopefully those who tend to harsh statements will learn to take a kinder, gentler approach.
Karen’s last post … Wordless Wednesday- Sleepy

But I won’t keep babbling.

I tend to agree with Coffee With Julie- The term “breastfeeding Nazi” is meant to offend in most cases, I think, maybe turning an advocate into a laughingstock. And anything meant to demean, belittle, another person based on lifestyle (breast feeder or otherwise) is- well- not cool.