Boobie Love: A Tribute to Breasts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. All month long you'll see people going pink, reminders to get your mammograms, funny 'Save the Ta-Tas' tees, and more. I love it all. Why? Well, for starters it brings attention to a great cause, but also because I love boobs.
I. LOVE. BOOBS.
Breasts are magical. They can do so many amazing things. From feeding babies, to capturing the attention of the world. (Right, Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Upton?)
I personally think that we should celebrate the wonder and majesty of jugs all year long, but I'll settle for a month, I suppose.
But here's the thing... As women, we don't always appreciate our breasts. From an early age, we are taught to hide them, to keep them covered for fear we will be judged and shamed. Wearing a revealing top means you must be begging for attention. Breasts become synonymous with sex, and we are often convinced that bigger is better, so some women buy bigger ones, but then they are judged for that as well. We compare our bodies to nearly unattainable images, and feel ashamed that we don't match up. We spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars on bras, clothing, and even surgeries to help enhance or perfect what we have. We struggle with accepting the chest that we've been given, and many of us never learn to appreciate them.
I'd like to change that. I want women to love their breasts. I want us to be proud of them, no matter what form they come in. Big, small, perky, saggy, smooth or wrinkled. I want us to stop hiding them and stop being ashamed of them. I want us to stop waiting for lovers or the media to validate our bodies. I don't want young girls to think they need to hate or change what they have. We need to own our bodies, and especially our breasts. And we need to love them, and care for them. And not just in October, but all the time.
We all know that the survival rate for breast cancer increases dramatically the earlier the cancer is detected. Yet we still have women embarrassed to do self exams and have mammograms. This needs to stop. Starting today, I want every woman to find at least one reason to love their boobies. No matter how silly you think that is, I want you to do it. I want you to look at your naked breasts, touch them, get to know them, and I want you to love them. Because if you love them, you'll treat them with the respect and care that they deserve. And that could save your life.
I decided that it was time to talk more openly and honestly about our racks. So I put out a request to several of my friends, and asked them to send me photos of their breasts, and to tell me one thing that they loved about them.
No, this isn't porn. This is real women being honest. And while some were eager to share, and clearly had immense love for their bodies, others were more hesitant, and struggled to find something they loved about them. I quickly learned that merely discussing our breasts made some women uncomfortable. That makes me sad. We don't shy away from talking about our hair, or our thighs, but you say boobs, and faces turn red with embarrassment. This needs to stop. These are our bodies! The skin we live in everyday. If we are incapable of having a dialogue about simply having breasts, how can we expect to be informed and ready to deal with something like breast cancer? Enough is enough! Women have boobs! They aren't dirty, they aren't inappropriate, and they aren't shameful. And to help me prove that point, here are some amazing women I know, sharing their boobies, and telling you why they love them. These women vary in ages and backgrounds. They are not celebrities or super models, and these are their own photos. Not taken by professional photographers and photoshopped to perfection. Just real women, with real bodies. They are here to help encourage women everywhere to love themselves. Even when it's hard.

This is Nicole. She is 34 years old. She loves her breasts because
 "They are just fun to play with. The rest of the time they just get in the way." 



This is Amanda. She's 28 years old, and she says
 "I love my boobs because they are me! Big and
bouncy! LOL! I fed all my babies with them."

This is 28 year old Megan, who says "I love that they supply milk for my son."

This is Kathleen. She's 35 years old and says
"I never knew how much I liked mine until I faced the decision of keeping them or removing them. I'm proud to show my lumpectomy scar (6 weeks post op) to remind women to check their breasts, and alter their lifestyle now to minimize your risk."



This is Laura, age 35. She says
"My boobs fed my kids. Plus, they are these fabulous orbs that make me into a 1940s pinup, no matter what item of clothing I wear!"



This is Shannon. Age 34, who tells me
"What's not to love about boobs? They mess with my golf swing, running requires strapping them in, they've leaked breast milk in front of my grandpa, but darn if I don't still like them!"

This is Toni, she's 35 and says "I like that I don't have to wear a bra all the time because they are so small."

This is 35 year old Jodi, who wrote me a hilarious and honest poem about why she loves her boobies.
"My boobies have seen an awful lot. Babies, reduction surgery, and a husband so hot. They may not be perfect or ten, but they sure get attention from pervy old men."

Becky, age 36. "My boobs are a little preoccupied these days, but I'm loving it. I see a LOT of boobs in my line of work (labor and delivery nurse) and it's so amazing every time I see a newborn go to breast for the first time. I'm so happy to have experienced it. In saying that, I love my boobs for fattening up my lil' chunk, I love how they can make the right outfit look that much better, and my husband, Chuck, says they're great for motorboating! LOL! Yay for boobies!"

This is Lindsay, age 31. She said "I love them because they're about the only thing that stayed the same on my body since I was a teenager. And for me, they're just right."

Kayla, age 25. "I love my boobs because they have allowed me to provide life and nourishment to my children. Breastfeeding has given me so many precious moments to bond with and cherish my babies. What's not to love?"

Morgan, 20 years old. "I was never really a fan of my breasts, but recently, they have really grown on me (no pun intended). They may not be that big or super perky, but they suit me well. I don't have to wear a bra if I don't want to, which is my favorite part about having a small chest! Everyone should feel confident with the boobies they have!"

Jessica, age 25. "A few years ago I purchased implants because I wanted to feel more like a woman. I wanted to have boobs even when I wasn't wearing a push up bra, and for a couple years I had just that and I loved them. Now after breast feeding my son, they have grown naturally to twice the size I ever planned on them being and I don't care as much for their appearance. I was unhappy with my boobs for a while, and I didn't enjoy them as much as I previously had. While writing this out though I have come to realize I love my boobs for a much more personal, beautiful reason. 
I love them because they were my sons primary food source for the first year of his life, they have comforted him many times when he was in pain or upset. My breasts have even healed my family at times. Breast milk has wonderful healing properties, and it has soothed many burns for my family in the last couple years. To me, all of the things my breasts have done are pretty amazing. My boobs, my natural breasts, are more valuable to me than any price you could put on implants or surgery to make them look a certain way, I love them for things that just looking at a photo, you would never know they have done."

This is 22 year old Mackenzie. She told me "I love them because before, when I had way too big of boobs, I felt judged. Like I always had to hide them. Everyone always told me I was inappropriate, no matter if I put on a t-shirt or a turtleneck. Now, they're easier to maintain, and way better to run with!"



Molly, age 25. "One of the most radical things a woman can do is love their body. To prioritize health over appearance. My boobs are an outward, physical representation that I am a woman. They set me apart in a male dominated work space. They can be a source of pleasure. They can make me feel powerful and sexy. They are an asset, and never a limitation."





Jennifer, age 23. "I love my boobs because they are always perky, and keep me in a great mood. They are also healthy, so they are quite the fighters. With having epilepsy, it's nice to know they don't effect it like everything else does. If ever needed, they would leave my side for the sake of my health. I love my boobs, and so should you! It's Breast Cancer Awareness month, please don't ignore your boobs, they need you!"



Monica, age 43.  "I love my boobs for all that they have accomplished. They were a source of nourishment to my baby boys, provided comfort to them when they needed and a snuggle, and even at the ripe old age of 43 these boobs can still rock a bustier."



Kristin, age 23, says
 "They're mine! Only I have to live with them. They fed my children when they were small, and my hubby likes them!"





This is Pam, age 35. She says "I appreciate them because they are beautiful, inside and out. They make my clothes look better, they compliment my bootie, my husband enjoys them, and I hope to take care of our kids one day with them."



Margaret, age 39, says "I love my boobs because they still look good without a double barreled slingshot."



Kathy, age 48, told me "To be honest, I didn't always like my breasts. They were huge, which made me self conscious. I also worried that if there ever was a lump, I would never feel it. So in 2000, I had a breast reduction done. It was the best thing I could have ever done. I now love my breasts! They define me as a woman, obviously, but they are so much more than that. They have been nutrition for my child, and even toys for my hubby, lol."



Mary, age 47, knows the importance of routine care, after her doctor found a possible mass during a routine mammogram. A needle biopsy found no cause for concern, luckily, but she encourages all women to get them checked. She tells me "I love my breasts because they are uniquely mine! Nobody has any just like mine, and they are 100% homegrown!"



 Lorri, age 45. "Boy do I love my boobs.... why? There's a lot to love. Growing up, I hated them. BIG AND IN THE WAY! Now that they have fed my babies, and given them a soft place to snuggle, I love them more. Now that I'm a grandma, I love them even more. Having all sons, I have expressed to them that a woman's bosom is not just for play, but for purpose as well, to help the woman in their lives to appreciate every aspect of her breasts."

Tracey, age 49. "I used to hate my breasts, as at 11 years old, I was the only girl at school wearing a training bra and getting teased. Then, as a teenager, I tried to minimize them by hunching over, thus my posture became very poor. Over the years, I guess I started to become more relaxed and comfortable, but still not totally relaxed. Now, as I think about it, they are a part of who I am. I nursed my son with them, and they are part of the feminine side of me. I guess we take them for granted, until something like breast cancer comes along to make us see how much they are a part of us. So relax, be proud, and take care of your breasts, ladies! P.S- I still hate bra shopping!"

Beth, age 55, told me "I'm mainly an at home mom now, and an at home granny of 4 grandangels. I don't like wearing bras.... but then, I REALLY don't like wearing clothes. I've been blessed with enough muscle tone that the girls haven't seen my belly button yet. Why I love my boobs... They make my clothes look right, they fed both my children after they were born, and having their food/meal ready NOW without carrying extra supplies was REALLY nice. Now, the reason I mainly like my boobs, is that after 34 years of marriage, my husband still likes my girls!"



And finally, ME. Age 35. Like many of the ladies here, I didn't always love my boobs. It took me until my late 20s to really appreciate them. But now, I love them. They are so much a part of me, and not just physically. They have taken on a personality of their own. My girls have been the butt of jokes, a conversation topic, and a source of humor. I love how full and perky they are, and how feminine they make me feel. I love that even after 17 years, my hubs still can't keep his hands off them. And while I'll never know what it's like to feed a child from my breasts, I have experienced the joy of a sleeping baby on my chest, and how perfectly they fit there. I love that I can comfort and soothe the babies in my life in some special way.

So there you go. Twenty six pairs of gorgeous, wonderful, amazing boobies, and a multitude of reasons to love them! It's time for the shame and hatred to stop. We can no longer allow others to determine for us what is beautiful and acceptable. There are no perfect bodies, and that includes breasts. We can all find flaws, that's the easy part. The challenge is finding reasons to celebrate what we have. But I implore you to do it. Because loving your body is the first step in caring for it, and treating it better.

*I'd like to send a big, sincere THANK YOU, to all the amazing women who took part in this post. For sharing your stories, and your bodies, and for trusting me with them. You are all my heroes, and my bosom buddies. (Yup, I went there.)

**Disclaimer: While this post focuses on women loving their breasts, I would also like to point out that men too should love their bodies, and also get their breasts checked. Breast cancer is not a female exclusive disease, and it can also affect men of all ages. So let's love those MOOBS too, fellas! ;)

In Response To...

Yesterday, my friend Wendy shared with me a blog post that I think would strike a nerve for many people. She clearly knew that I would have plenty to say in response to it, and she specifically requested I blog said response.
Normally, I wouldn't directly respond to another blog. As bloggers, we understand that what we write is basically a diary made public. We know that for every one person who appreciates what we say, there are hundreds more haters out there ready to send us nasty feedback. But after much thought, I've decided to honor Wendy's request, and respond to it. Not as a hater, but as someone with a very different perspective on the matter. For those of you curious, please take a few moments, and read the post to which I am referring.

(My Husband Doesn't Need To See Your Boobs)

Here is my response:

Dear Lauren,
It is obvious to me, and anyone who read your post, that you have some very deep seated insecurities. While I know that you stated very clearly that you weren't judging or hating, I can't help but feel as though that is exactly what you were doing. Albeit, wrapped in a polite manner, but judging none the less.
It is also incredibly obvious that you and your husband have some serious issues that you need to work out. I'd like to address some things about your post that I think you might benefit from seeing another perspective on.

"If I was skinny with rock-hard abs and legs from here to Mexico, I’d want to take lots of pictures of myself. Mostly naked. I would want to post them with a nice filter on Instagram, and share them with whoever might see."

What I hear when I read this is someone who is very unhappy/uncomfortable in their own skin. Someone with lifelong insecurities that is desperately trying to fit into some mold that she THINKS the world wants to see. Someone who is judging every female she sees, and comparing herself to them. Someone who has not truly accepted that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Someone who wishes that the rest of the women in the world would hide themselves in order to make HER feel better about herself. Are you suggesting that if you did look like the person you described, this post would not even be necessary? Because that is how it sounds.

"When I scroll through my news feed, my thumb moves in a continuous circular motion until something catches my eye and I want to look closer. And then I tap on the picture and make that little swipe with my thumb and pointer finger so I can zoom in just as close as I can to capture all the details.
I’m especially bad about this when there is a line of bathing suits in the pic. AND I’M A GIRL.
Mostly I’m looking at your legs asking myself, How are there seriously people without cellulite????"

Reading this, I can't help but first think that you should find a hobby, because you clearly have too much time on your hands. Zooming in on photos of female bodies to examine them for flaws says much more about your character than it does about the character of the females in question. If you see a photo of an attractive young woman in a swimsuit or scantily clad outfit, and you can't keep from zooming in and "capturing all the details" the problem in this scenario is you. Not the girls in the photos.

"After Memorial Day, I noticed so much skin on social media that I half-yelled a warning to him as I ran out the door one morning. It’s summertime, honey! Beware the beach pics and half nude girls on Instagram! And like that, he was in solitary confinement from all virtual community for the next two days."

All I can say to this is wow. So basically your husband has so little self control that you have to preview the internet for him to warn him if it is safe for his eyes. You do realize how insane that sounds, right? We live in a world bombarded with images of sex and sensuality. TV, movies, magazines, books, etc. Like it or not, that is the time that we exist in. If your husband is so weak that he cannot even see an image of bare skin without it creating a problem in your marriage, you should really reconsider your relationship. Do you have so little faith and trust in him that you feel compelled to shelter him from reality?
And if so, do you really think that will work forever?
Here's the harsh truth:

The world doesn't revolve around you and your insecurities. Like it or not, women will continue to dress exactly how they want and how they are comfortable. Your husbands ability (or lack thereof) to "protect his eyes" and your lack of self esteem, isn't and shouldn't be their concern. I am a 35 year old woman, and I have been known to wear a low cut top from time to time. Does doing so attract some looks? Sure. Is that why I do it? No. I do it because that's what I like to wear, and it's flattering to my shape. I have never once put on an outfit with the intention of ruining someone's marriage. And I think I can speak for most women when I say that neither have they. That 22 year old, with the hard earned rocking body, shouldn't feel guilty about running around on the beach in her bikini just because you might have stretch marks and extra pounds, or a husband with a wandering eye. Unless they are motorboating him, what women do with their boobs is their business, not your husband's. Or yours.
Sincerely,
Teena

Boobs vs. Balls

Women are generally considered the weaker sex. But whatever man decided that, was obviously an idiot.
As I sit here, I am currently being repeatedly punched in my ovaries by Mother Nature. Yup. Once a month, that bitch decides that women need a week to ten days to really hate themselves. I'll spare you the gory details, but let's just say The Red Curse is no one's friend. We get bloated, so nothing we own fits right. Add to that the fact that our hormones are currently waging a war with our brains & bodies, so we can't decide if we are sad, happy, horny, hungry, or angry. Oh, and did I mention the body aches, cramps, migraines, back pain, fatigue, and general unpleasantness of it all?
But a man gets the sniffles and you'd think it's the plague. We suffer all of this once a month, and don't even take a sick day. Weaker sex, my ass...
And while I personally have not carried a child and pushed it out of my nether bits, I think it's safe to say that it isn't 9 months of vacation followed by a vaginal massage.
Tell me again how annoying it is to have your balls stick to your leg when it's hot.
And while I am a big fan of the boobies, they aren't exactly easy to live with either. First of all, there's no winning when it comes to size. Too small, too big.... they both have their pros and cons. To be fair, I'm sure these same issues come into play when it comes to penises as well. But at least that is hidden in your pants, so you aren't being judged on it every single time you meet someone. There are only so many ways to hide breasts, and even in a turtleneck you can tell if she's rocking an A cup, or some DDs.
And if you do have some biggems, I hope you like sleeping on your back. Because unless you have holes in your mattress, sleeping on your stomach hasn't been an option since 9th grade. And if you think your back hurts after a long day, try hanging ten pound weights off your shoulders and see how it feels. Wanna go for a jog? Sure! Just let me zip tie these bad boys down and I'll be right with ya!
So maybe your average female can't bench press a Buick, and the occasional jar of pickles gives us a run for our money, but I certainly don't think we are weak.
You fellas may have balls of steel, but we have boobs of steel too, and don't you forget it.