why are breastfeeding moms scorned for breastfeeding in public?

Question

i think in other countries it is acceptable to feed anywhere and everywhere. why do people cover their eyes or look away when women breastfeed? i am a breastfeeding mother. are there any laws preventing breastfeeding here in the usa in public? just curious. not one of those moms who tell anyone what is best for their babies as far as formula or breasfeeding.

it's not like the mom is showing her breast. most people i know who breastfeed do it in more private areas. i see no problem with it being done.

Answer 1

I don't know which state you are in but it is quite legal in most states.
It is considered dirty and disgusting by many people for various reasons:
Our breasts have been sexualized to the point that they are not thought of as a food source as they were meant to be but only as playthings for men. They consider it nudity and a woman who breastfeeds in public is an immoral exhibitionist.
Also we need to feel superior to other mammals. Many people compare breastfeeding to feeling like a cow. No - we feed our babies; we do not allow another species to hook us up to machines and extract our milk in order to fulfill their dietary needs while denying it to our children.
And, as Americans, we need to feel superior to other cultures. Many see it as a Third World necessity because they can't buy formula and we have evolved beyond that.
And then there are those that just can't accept that there are other choices beyond the one that they have made for themselves and their children.

Answer 2

Breastfeeding is a natural thing to do. Some places do have laws stating that you Can feed in public. Most mothers show less of their body than people at the beach. A lot of people only think of the breast as a sex toy and not a perfectly natural part of the body being used the way nature intended.

Answer 3

It's not "illegal" in any state, but in some states, yes you can be asked to leave public establishments. I know in Florida and North Carolina, no one can ask you to leave. It is illegal for them to throw you out for breast feeding. There have been many women sueing businesses for that reason. I know Victoria Secret has been sued and some resteraunt, cant think of the name right now. I think some people see it as "too sexual" but I say anyone who sees breastfeeding the least bit sexual is a sicko pervert. Theres nothing sexual between a mother and child.

Answer 4

I wouldn't care what anyone thinks! If they have a problem with that, its their problem! That is what God intended us to do! I breast feed mine, and so does my oldest daughter now, and I'm proud of her! It is the best milk you can give your baby, so why not because of someones modesty? I do believe in being a little discreet, but you should be allowed to feed your baby anywhere. I cant see having to go in a ladies room where there are so many germs to have to feed your baby, just because someone else cant mentally handle what is natural! Other countries accept it, and don't think twice about it. I would do whats in the best interest of my baby, not strangers that are ignorant!

Answer 5

There are no laws preventing breastfeeding in public...in fact, many states have laws PROTECTING a woman's right to nurse her baby anywhere that she has a right to legally be in public. People are idiots, that is why women are scorned...I mean, dont get me wrong, I think it's better to cover up if and when you can (sometimes it just doesnt work out)...but, there is nothing wrong with feeding your baby - just because our society over-sexualizes everything, doesnt mean it is wrong...just means society is completely warped - the fact that they can take the most innocent, loving, pure act and make it shameful, wrong, disgusting, vulgar, etc...is just SO sad...I wont give in to that thinking EVER!

Answer 6

I nursed my babies but I would use a small recieving blanket to cover up with and usually find a quite place so my babies could nurse in peace.

I do know what you mean though. I have found some people to be very put off by women nursing. I have even known of other women being very uncomfortable with it. Some women will tell you that they would never do that.

Just one of those personal things that get's influenced by how we were brought up. My own mother was never comfortable with me nursing my babies. She went through the time when everyone bottle fed their babies. So when I nursed mine it was a bit of a shock for her since it was not something she was use to being around.

We humans in general are a strange lot. Who would ever think that doing something that is so NORMAL would upset so many people.

Answer 7

Because we Americans are so uptight about our
sexuality and they (the powers that be) would rather
condemn it than embrace it. Many people treated
pregnancy the same way, censoring it out from the
mainstream media, seeing breastfeeding only as a
perversion, not as a natural means to feed a baby.
We are such hypocrites.

Answer 8

Breastfeeding is legal anywhere in the US. In fact, many states have enacted laws clarifying its legal status and imposing penalties on anyone who refuses the mother her basic right to nurse her baby. See sources section below.

Answer 9

no there isnt a law about breastfeeding in public.. some personally owned businesses might ask you to leave but they are just rude if they do....I didnt breastfeed my daughter but i think that its wonderful that some women do...But if it was me and someone said something to me i would end up getting rude with that person for trying to depribe me of feeding my child!

Answer 10

You go and feed that presious bundle of joy. Who gives a crap what others think You know you are doing the best thing or your child and that is all that matters. If " they " think its unpro[pper or gross they can look the other way. Guys walk around with no shirts on all the time. God should of made them the ones to have to breastfeed maybe???? Best of luck to you....