Why is it offensive for a woman to breastfeed in public but perfectly ok to smoke...?

Question

This is a big problem. Why is breastfeeding,something that gives life, looked at as tabboo and smoking(proven to hurt -even secon hand smoke) in public areas like restaurants considered ok. I have asthma and I have never had an attack brought on by a mother nursing, but I have had severe attacks after walking intoa restaurant full of smoke. Responses are greatly appreciated.

I live in Winston-Salem, NC I moved here(job) from a smoke free State WV. I am glad to hear that some states are getting it right.

Answer 1

I think ya got it right, I know I'd rather have breastfeeding women around then ciggerette smoke, ugh.
But the important thing to realize is, that unfortunately there is much more money and profit in ciggerettes, than breastfeeding mothers.........unless you own stock in Pampers.
I think the attitude is changing on public smoking, hey how about a sign saying "Id rather have a breast in my mouth than a ciggerette"- think that would work?

Answer 2

When your breast-feeding in public it can be a little offensive because it is something that you should do really in private. Especially if you are in a restaurant, you should have fed your baby prior going to the restaurant or afterward when you go home. That's not a very appetizing sight to see. ( Seriously, no offense, but I am just being honest ) Now with smoking, there are restrictions on smoking and where ....for instance in CA where I live you can't smoke inside restaurants ....or any place, even bars!! Smokers choices are limited too! Breast Feeding isn't banned or illegal in certain places..... so feeding your baby in inappropriate public places is disrespectful to others just as much as you find cigarette smoke disrespectful to you!!!

Answer 3

Don't mix apples and oranges here.

I agree with you on both subjects. But the fact remains that a bare breast in public is a little unnerving to us males. We are stimulated by visual things and we either stare or look at the ceiling. There are plenty of ways for a mother to disguise the breast with some sort of modesty cover. I have witnessed it many times a woman breast-feeding, but it was almost completely concealed from others.

Smoking should be outlawed in any public place and within 50 feet of any door or window thereto. But you know the solution is so simple. Our city council debated for months on clean air by requiring walls separating smokers, etc etc. The real answer is to require air to be forcefully exhausted from the smoking area to the outside. Like vent fans in bathrooms. Believe it or not, that would solve the problem.

Answer 4

Well I think your thing for smoke is bogus. If this was possible people long before these smoking bans would have died in public places. If claims like yours were true, then why don't some inmates die in prison? Not all are smokers, a few are asthmatic. You just have some great disdain for smokers. I've been around people like you often and have made a liar out of your claims everytime. Without fail.

Answer 5

Ah yes! Yet another paradox in the society in which we live. This problem reminds me of other societal downfalls: the repressing of sexuality, the supressing of emotion, and the ever-so-common oppression of women. What I find quite amusing are the number of "liberal" females who are themselves disgusted by this beautiful, natural act: their opposition to this even furthers the many roadblocks that women face daily in the home, at work, with the family, etc. As for smoking: they passed a great smoking ban here in Denver, so I'm feeling much better about things. But I feel that smoking should be something done in the home or on private grounds...no polluting my lungs, please!

Answer 6

I do not mind breastfeeding in Public, I'll look. But would look away because of the way that I have been raised. Smoking in restaurants in Florida is now illegal. Breastfeeding is now legal here. I do not like smoke either, I'm Allergic and get all stuffed up.

Answer 7

I don't think public breast-feeding is at all offensive as long a mother can put a scarf or something over her breast so it isn't just hanging out. I have asthma so second-hand smoking really bothers me. Luckily in CA the laws are pretty good - my friends are really the worst culprits.

Answer 8

Nursing your baby can be done in the privacy of your own home, or you can bottle some of your milk and feed your baby in a more "socially acceptable" way. You don't need to demonstrate to the world your "womanliness" by breastfeeding in public. We've all seen it and "been there, done that". Smoking in public sucks just as bad. God Bless you.

Answer 9

The issue goes back to a woman...Queen Victoria of England who installed strict rules of deportment on both women and men. She even decided that it was vulgar for books written by male and female authors to be on the same shelves unless they were married. She decided that the bare legs of tables and chairs need to be hidden to prevent any sexual innuendos from their shapes. But in the present time, many males would find it very erotic but not offensive. Some women might find it a bit offensive as they lack the courage to do so. Our society tends to mix sexuality with nuturing and bonding in this aspect. When, someday, we finally realize that it is normal, and perfectly natural, our sexuality will move from law books into reality. Oh yes, Queen Victoria had a feud with one of her daughter breast-feeding....She was not amused!

Answer 10

I agree I dont see anything wrong with a woman breastfeeding in public its a part of life shes not flashing her breast to offend people