Is it ok to breastfeed in public?
By babykay
@babykay (2131)
Ireland
December 26, 2006 6:09pm CST
I am wondering whether people think it is ok for mothers to breastfeed their children in public. I really don't known what the situation is like in other countries, but here in Ireland we have a low level of mothers who breastfeed. There is protection under Irish law for mothers who want to be able to breastfeed their children, it is illegal for the person running a restaurant or other premises to ask a woman to stop breastfeeding or to leave. The premises also have a duty to ensure that a breastfeeding mother is not harassed by other people.
I think that it is perfectly acceptable for women to breastfeed in public and I think more people should try and encourage this. I would be interested to hear other people's views on breastfeeding in general. Should mothers be encouraged to breastfeed? If so, for as long as possible and in public? Until what age should breastfeeding continue?
Your honest opinions are awaited.
9 people like this
11 responses
@remaster74 (4064)
• Greece
27 Dec 06
I find it very normal. People who get annoyed are the ones that hate motherhood.
1 person likes this
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
27 Dec 06
That statement is completely wrong. I do not hate motherhood, but I also do not want to see boobs in public. If the mother does it in a classy way and covers herself, no one should see anything. It's when a mother just whips it out like nothing that it really bugs me and I don't think that should be allowed. Janet Jackson has an oops and is all over the news, yet a lady sitting next to me can just rip open her top and I should say nothing? Cover up! They have a specific, classy way to do this so that nothing is seen.
1 person likes this
@vipul20044 (5793)
• India
27 Dec 06
there are some actions that are not to be shared with others, and it is extremely low class to do so. I think that people should be taught proper etiquette in school. Most of these things seem obvious to me, but some others don't seem to understand this, or they just don't care.
@AngEngland (320)
• United States
28 Dec 06
*laughing* I think it is poor etiquette to thumb your nose at other people and assume such a superior attitude with others but perhaps that's just what you learned at school.
@leopardxtasy (2426)
• United States
27 Dec 06
i think its ok but for respect for others you should have a towel over the childs head
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
31 Jan 07
It is frowned upon here in the south of the USA. It is considered public exposure. I personally never wanted to this in public. This was such a special bonding time for me and my son, I did not want to share it with anyone. Also if you are a little tense when doing this it affects the flow and the taste of the milk. I don't think it is pleasant or good for the mother or child. That is my own personal opinion.
@babykay (2131)
• Ireland
1 Feb 07
When my baby was really small he wanted to feed all the time! There was no stopping him, every hour at least. So....I had two choices. Confine myself to the house in case someone might see my boob, or else I could go out and feed him when he wanted. His head covers the bottom part of my boob and that is more than alot of people wear when they are going out, so as far as I am concerned I am not exposing myself in any way that is improper, indecent or offensive.
@teenal (1400)
• Dublin, Ireland
30 Dec 06
I think its OK but as you say here in Ireland it is a bit frowned upon by the "PRUDES" . It can be done discretley and I think its the best thing ever for a baby. If we saw more of it in public maybe it would become the norm instead of being frowned upon.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
28 Dec 06
I have never seen it happen here in the States. I Saw it in Scotland when I was younger and it embarrassed the heck out of me. I suppose there is a discreet way of doing it but what I saw was not discreet.
@AngEngland (320)
• United States
28 Dec 06
hahahaha! The thing is you probably HAVE seen it and just didn't know that's what was happening. I've nursed in movie theatres, resturaunts, gas stations, malls, etc (I'm very busy and travel a lot but keep my children with me and not in daycare) and most of the time people don't even realize I'm doing it. :-) My guess is you've had nursing mothers around you more than once but didn't know. Beucase the babies were happy and quiet! Becuase their mothers were feeding them modestly and in a timely manner. :-D
2 people like this
@iknowitall (455)
• United States
27 Dec 06
I dont think they should for thier own privacy and consideration of others there is nothing wrong with it but i dont think it should be done in public
