Yet amid this chaos, there were heartwarming moments that made every struggle worthwhile. However, I’ve always been frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding how challenging breastfeeding can be for many. I still bristle when people attempt to dissect my past difficulties as though I didn’t follow every piece of advice offered.
The Frida ad validated my experiences in a way I hadn’t felt before, and it moved me to tears. I thought the purpose was to help individuals like me feel acknowledged. But while reading comments on the YouTube video, one in particular caught my attention. A man expressed his surprise at the realities of breastfeeding, thanking Frida for shedding light on it.
I doubt this ad was intended for random viewers like him, but it revealed something significant: men can learn about the incredible resilience of women.
This realization highlights the need to normalize the various functions of bodies that give birth—whether female, nonbinary, or trans men. These bodies perform miraculous feats, and it’s essential for men to understand this reality. They need to witness, unfiltered, the complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, regardless of their future plans for parenthood.
Understanding these experiences is crucial for men to truly appreciate what women endure—the pain, the sleepless nights, the mental health challenges, and the overwhelming adjustments that come with motherhood. They need to grasp that these struggles are not just personal, but rather a universal aspect of human existence.
This knowledge is vital for partners—new fathers must understand why their partners may not want physical affection or why they need support during those late-night feedings. Many men enter marriage and parenthood without a clue about what to expect, leaving their partners feeling isolated and unsupported.
It’s not just about preparing expectant parents; it’s about educating all men who might not have yet witnessed the strength of women. We’ve kept the realities of childbirth shrouded in secrecy for too long, as if discussing it is taboo. This has led to a widespread misunderstanding of how challenging breastfeeding can be and, by extension, how incredibly strong women truly are.
This silence can lead to unrealistic expectations for new mothers, with partners pressuring them to breastfeed as if struggling were an anomaly. Many men remain unaware of the physical and emotional toll childbirth takes, leading to frustration and misunderstandings when their partners are exhausted or unresponsive.
We need to bring these discussions to the forefront. The Frida ad is a step in the right direction, but we must push for more authentic portrayals of all aspects of motherhood. It should be common knowledge that women are capable of extraordinary feats.
In this culture, it shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that women are incredibly resilient.
For further insights on this topic, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. Additionally, for more information on the process, this site is an excellent resource.
Summary
The Frida ad has opened up important conversations about the realities of breastfeeding and motherhood. It highlights the need for men to understand the struggles and strengths of women during this time. By normalizing discussions around childbirth and breastfeeding, we can foster a culture of appreciation and support for all parents.