Why do people get so freaked out by breast feeding?

Question

When did the breast become a sex organ?

Why don't people just look away?

Do people understand the health benefits of breastfeeding?

Answer 1

People don't look away because an awful lot of people are *looking* for something to be offended at!! That's the only explanation I can come up with for how often people choose to get mad instead of looking or walking away (and not just in regards to breastfeeding, either).

Answer 2

I'm wondering the same thing myself. I'm 34 weeks pregnant and I plan on breastfeeding. I also plan on still having a life which may mean that I'll have to breastfeed in public.

Frankly, if you're covered, I don't see what the problem is. They make lots of specialty clothing and things for nursing mothers so that no one gets embarrassed by an exposed breast.

My question is, would you go to McDonald's and get a Big Mac and then take it to the restroom to eat it?

No.

So why should my baby have to eat in the bathroom?

If my breastfeeding in a remote corner of a mall bothers you, leave. I don't judge anyone for their baby feeding style. Don't judge me.

Sure, it's been scientifically proven that breastmilk is superior to formula, but I understand that some people choose to formula feed rather than breastfeed. I'm fine with that. Please don't tell me that the way I choose to feed my child is "nasty" or "gross". There is nothing nasty about the human body.

Breastfeeding is what breasts were designed for.

Answer 3

Because they are retarded. Breast are too sexy to whip out in public now days. People without children don't understand that a new born eats every three hours, and when they are hungry it's time to eat right then and there. Breast milk if so much better than formula. Let me tell you what I did. I pumped my milk, bottled it, and brought it in an insulated bag where ever I went. If you don't want to pump, or give your baby a bottle than you can get a blanket put some Velcro on two of the corners. When you have to feed the baby in public you can just put the blanket over yourself with and Velcro it behind your neck. Your baby will not suffocate. If you use some light cotton it will not get to warm. Works great. Your baby gets to eat, and everyone is spared the sight of you breast.

Answer 4

When a woman breastfeeds, the babies head is covering the nipple and most of the breast. There is no reason why anyone should have an issue with this. I breastfeed in public, I no longer cover up, and I am not embarrassed about it. My baby needs to eat also, I dont look at other people who are enjoying thier lunch and make nasty remarks or dirty looks. My son (3 yrs) doesnt have an issue with me breastfeeding his baby sister, he knows that she needs to drink mommys milk until she is big like him. I believe that everyone has a right to be themselves in any form. I dont say anything about teenagers that have their pants hanging down their butt, or girls who wear teeny little shirts with their "boobs" about to fall out. I am a proud breastfeeder, and if you dont like it, look away. Or better yet, sit in a crowded restaurant while a womans baby is screaming to be fed, and try to notice how embarrassed the woman is to feed her child while you stare at her in disgust.

Answer 5

They have been raised in a society where seeing Victoria's Secret models on TV in a push up bra is more acceptable than seeing a mom nursing a baby at the mall. (And, incidentally, the nursing mom is probably showing less breast!)

For some reason people think that breastfeeding is something to hide when really it's not! It's normal and beautiful and women have the right to nurse their babies anywhere they need to.

Answer 6

I keep thinking it's too early to write that thank you letter to Janet Jackson for helping our society get over its fear of breasts... too soon, though.

WHY do people get upset about it? I think because they are A.) blatantly Puritanical B.) feeling a sense of false indignation "oh, I'd NEVER do that... C.) afraid to see the human breast as anything except sexual.

As for understanding the health benefits, I'm not so sure. Far too many parents believe that infant formula is the equivalent of breastmilk, when it's in fact a VERY poor substitute.

I know I am not feeding my baby in a bathroom unless all the bottle feeding moms are ready to join me in there. Gross!

Answer 7

It is ridiculous! I remember once I was out with my Aunt and my four month old son and I needed to nurse him so I sat down on a bench at the back of the store and started to nurse. Well, the woman shopkeeper was not happy at all, she did not want me there, she told me to go into the dressing room which wasn't a terrible idea but the fact that she was mad was so strange! Why would a woman be irritated by something so natural, necessary and recommended by doctors? I was stunned, that was my first and thankfully I'm pretty sure my last experience with outright rudeness. Luckily I don't remember (my son is now six) ever feeling uncomfortable because of a look or comment again, I think that was because I felt very confident in my decision to nurse. But right after my son was born I wouldn't nurse in front of anyone, not even my mom (my husband I would). But after awhile I could even nurse in front of my brother and other male relatives (covered up of course). Our society is very mixed up when it comes to women, sex and motherhood. Right after my son was born I was embarrased by the whole process of nursing & that's too bad that women can be ashamed of something our bodies are made to do.

I nursed my son for fourteen months and I am so happy I did the benefits are inumerable (sp?) I remember my in-laws were the first ones who really made me get out and nurse in public without embarrasment. From then on whenever I needed to I would nurse my son. I learned quickly how to nurse discreetly, covered by a little cotton blanket, but anywhere I needed to, museums, restaurants, airplanes... I did. Don't let any ignorance on the part of some uniformed person keep you from doing what you feel is best for your baby. Also, mom's have to get out and about to keep their sanity so nursing in public is a must for that reason as well!

Answer 8

They have an unhealthy attitude of the body. I don't understand anyone making a deal about it. I never showed anything more than a hint of shoulder or maybe a piece of waist flab. I always covered my shoulder and baby with a receiving blanket, then opened my shirt and bra and started. I have never seen a breastfeeding woman who showed anything more than a piece of skin either way above or way below the actual breast area.

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is a good thing but it is something must be made in private or with something covering woman's breast. I know it is an act of love but still it is a half naked woman and it is uneasy.
It is not easy just look away knowing someone is close to you and it is half naked.

Answer 10

I think that a lot of people think that we breast feeders are judging them. If everyone would stop trying to look outward for approval it would be much easier. If they were secure with their decision they wouldn't care what others thought. My sister tried to breastfeed but couldn't, and now she always feels the need to explain herself to others. It makes her look guilty or something. There is nothing wrong with doing what is best for your baby, may that be breast or formula feeding. The most important thing is to teach those babies not to be judgmental!