breastfeeding in public
breastfeeding with discretion
do you breasyfeed in public
feeding babies
reactions to breastfeeding
Do get embarrassed or uncomfortable when a mom is breastfeeding in public?
By wotfpatty
@wotfpatty (2065)
United States
August 14, 2007 12:29am CST
So... I am a mom of older kids. I didn't breast feed either for long. My first son, I only did for 6 weeks because he was just a hungry, hungry hippo and my second, only for a few weeks because I needed medication that wasn't good for him. That is where I am coming from.
The other day, I was at a family and friend outside gathering. Several older and young people were there and gathered around on patio. A woman there started to breastfeed her daughter as she talked to my 73 year old uncle and I could see several people reacting in different ways. Some looked away. Some just kept talking. Some gaped. Some seemed outright upset because she didn't use a blanket or some other discretion. She was showing all. I didn't much care but my uncle looked very embarrassed.
Yesterday, I was at the mall and walked by a woman breastfeeding an older child (maybe 3 or so) letting it all hang out. My husband said to me, "That's gross." I asked why and he said she should be more discrete plus the kid was too old. Again, I didn't care either way but now I wonder what others think when they happen to see a woman breastfeeding in public (and not covered). Do you look away, think it is tacky, or think it is just a natural thing and perfectly fine to do?
Your thoughts?
7 people like this
6 responses
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
14 Aug 07
I think it's not gross. But based on your story and your hubby's reaction, it's really gross. It's ok if she would discretely do that, but in public? And the child is already a toddler? No way!
The woman at least should have discretion, it's cute to have a mom do that to the kid, but there are people and lots of eyes watching. She should at least be discrete about it.
=)
3 people like this
@sudhajosyula50 (3808)
• India
14 Aug 07
Having a good mom is really a luck to children.She plays a vital role in the family.There is a saying that "First see the women and then see the house".It is really correct.If she does something wrong then it spoils the entire family.If we think in a positive way,feeding a baby is good,she thought at that moment only thing ie feeding her baby,so she has done and she doesnt care for anybody surrounding her.The negative way is she might be a different lady who likes to show her body in order to attract others.I feel it is better to take a blanket along with her and use it whenever it is necessary to feed her baby.It looks decent.Other wise the govt should keep some places for this kind of women inorder to feed their babies.I think this rule also may come into existence in coming years.
Hope this may happen very soon,so no one feel embarrased seeing this type of situation.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
14 Aug 07
I would look away because I think if I were staring it would be impolite.
1 person likes this
@taylorblue (1286)
• Canada
15 Aug 07
I don't feel uncomfortable I just look and go wow...I'm glad she's able to do that in public. WHen I was nursing my daughter I had to go into the bathroom because people didn't agree with it. And my exhusband had this friend that nursing creeped him out so I had to be banished into my bedroom to nurse in my own house. I think that people should be more open about it. I wish they had when I was nursing.
@lifeiselsewhere (135)
• China
17 Aug 07
in China,it's impossible because of our custom.If there is one, she will be focused on by astonished people,that will be funny. and Why a mom must do this in public? kind of weird actually.
@MikeMe (100)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I don't offend. Ever. That's why it doesn't bother me. In fact, my little mean streak tempts me to stop and stare at them, just to see if I can make them as uncomfortable as they are making others. But, since two wrongs rarely make a right, I don't. I think those mothers who whip out the booby and start feeding in public are a little narcissistic and just don't care about other's feelings.
Look, I think one of the primary rules of good living is respect for others. These mothers have to know they are making some folks uneasy, but they just don't care. Like many in our country, they think their rights are more important than someone else's feelings. Unless your right is to stay alive over someone else's feelings they should put a bullet in your head, you should always be respectful of others.
That's not always possible, of course, because, no matter what you do, even if it's to feed all the starving children in Kenya, you are likely to offend someone. But, something like this, when a small action on your part can allow you to NOT make others uncomfortable and still accomplish the thing you need (namely feeding the youngun), you should opt to show some class and consideration.
My experience is, mothers who just hang it out there are usually just making a statement they have the right to do that. In my mind, it makes them look small minded and inconsiderate. I see plenty of moms go off to the side and/or try and be inconspicuous. Those mom's. They show the kind of character I hope their child sees and learns.