Breastfeeding in public
March 21st 2007 01:10
I recently read an article on another site by an American woman who stated that "only Americans are offended by public breastfeeding." I disagree, having lived and travelled outside of the U.S. on several occasions. The article read thusly: "If you don't like it, don't look. I am not going to let my baby go hungry just to spare your feelings. People who stare or make comments are very rude..nursing is beautiful and natural, so there's nothing wrong with doing it in public"
Now when I commented, politely suggesting several discreet ways to nurse without hiking up the blouse and baring a breast in public (which was why people were staring and commenting) I was attacked from all sides by nursing mothers...putting a blanket or cloth over the area was too hot for the baby, specially-made nursing tops were too expensive, "Why should I learn to sew a button on a nursing flap for your feelings?" "Why should I express my milk into a bottle because you're uncomfortable?"
So, this thread's question is: Are you made uncomfortable by (indiscreet) breastfeeding in public? Is this bad manners on the part of the mother, or a necessary and natural thing that shouldn't bother anyone? Please , if you don't mind, say where you're from in the world and if not too personal, your age group..
Now when I commented, politely suggesting several discreet ways to nurse without hiking up the blouse and baring a breast in public (which was why people were staring and commenting) I was attacked from all sides by nursing mothers...putting a blanket or cloth over the area was too hot for the baby, specially-made nursing tops were too expensive, "Why should I learn to sew a button on a nursing flap for your feelings?" "Why should I express my milk into a bottle because you're uncomfortable?"
So, this thread's question is: Are you made uncomfortable by (indiscreet) breastfeeding in public? Is this bad manners on the part of the mother, or a necessary and natural thing that shouldn't bother anyone? Please , if you don't mind, say where you're from in the world and if not too personal, your age group..
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Also, I believe that people are free to do things in public, but then the public is free to look. C'est la vie!
Comment by katyzzz
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But a starving bub, and they always think they are starving when they're hungry, needs to be fed, for everybody's state of mind and for a contented baby.
It's tough being a mum, but the breastfeeding doesn't really last very long.
katyzzz
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
If you know that you are going to feed your child in public you can use a very light cheesecloth wrap to cover yourself. It still provides enough circulation for the baby. But it is a personal choice.
When I my children were young babies I would always go to a parent's room. When they were older I found it far easier to be discreet (without the use of a sheet) because the baby and I were working well together through this whole breastfeeding caper. They attached well and easily with no fuss.
Seriously, at the end of the day, you can go down to a beach and see a dozen women wearing a bikini that barely covers the breast and no-one bats an eyelid. It's not bad manners to breast feed a child in public.
One day I took my two older children to swimming lessons and had my baby with me. Well he needed a feed, so I proceeded to feed him. Without realising it there was a 15 (or so) year old boy sitting next to me. His mother asked him to fetch something from the car and when he got up she moved into his position next to me. No-one said anything but I think the mother was a little concerned about her son possibly seeing a bare breast and he was very eager to run the errand for his mother. I wasn't offended either way - it's was just one of those moments.
Comment by Damo
Comment by D. Armenta
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What constitutes bad manners?
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I must admit I was a bit peeved when I was "attacked" by American nursing mothers; not because I particularly object to public nursing but because of the strident tone in which they commented. "Why should I care or make any effort for anyone else?" just hit me the wrong way. I also have traveled to places where whipping out a breast in public (as opposed to more discreet methods like covering up with a cheesecloth) is not well received, no matter what the purpose..it's not "only Americans", as was stated.
Thanks all for your intelligent and politely stated views!
Comment by Brenton
Dr Spin
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Just as long as you remain sun smart.
Not like me, I got burnt today while playing touch footy, firtst time in years.
/tangent.
Comment by Sandi
I am from the US of A, and I have breastfed my babies in public, much to the horror of my mother who is from Korea, born and raised. When she found out that I *gasp* fed my son on a *gasp* public bench at the *gasp* zoo! of all places, she about had a heart attack. I told her "So what?!?" I was covered, and I had on my sunglasses, and you know what? I got a lot of furtive glances from people, who smilled, and one old lady stopped me and said "It's good to see that"
I believe that there is NO harm in being discreet. Yes, America has oversexualized the breast. The reason they are THERE is to feed children, but whipping them out, massaging them to encourage a good let down, and then dangling your child from your nipple is not the way to change that. THAT is what gives breastfeeing a bad name, and that is what the breastfeeding Nazi's don't realize.
Comment by Wendi
Comment by D. Armenta
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What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
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Comment by pickumber
Comment by youranter
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Comment by LaurasMom
And no Youranter, there are many clean comfortable private place to "take care of business" unless you count a bathroom sitting on a toilet. (At least in the southern US where I live) If you want to eat in there be my guest.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
Comment by Fingertip Titans Unite
Idiots Among Us
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In this case, if she hadn't been creening her neck around the sign, and minded her own business, she never would have seen the hideous act of a mother feeding her baby.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
I think this all ties in nicely with my other post about "assholes" and "non-assholes" being the only two kinds of people in the world.
Comment by Shelly
baby, long hair, work at home, family entertainment
I've only had positive encounters when "in the act." I've had all ages (mostly late 20's on) come up to me and compliment me for doing it, saying it was great to see a mom doing it. I am very discreet too. I would not just let everything come out and have no coverage. America has breasts so overly sexualized-it's pathetic. Way to go for breastfeeding moms and the people who actually still have the ability to know breasts for what God intended them-feeding infants/babies/toddlers.