why do people get so offended/upset when a woman breast-feeds in public?

Question

I am NOT a mother and it does not offend me at all.

Answer 1

It's not the breastfeeding that's offensive. For the good mothers who are descreet about it, and keep covered up.

I am a mother - and although breasts are natural things, it still is not appropriate to be flashing yourself in public, especially when there's children around.

And just for the sake of saying so - movies that have nudity (including bare breasts) are rated. And NOT rated E for everyone.

Answer 2

The simple answer is that in this country there isn't a breastfeeding culture practiced in many other European countries. Mothers are persuaded by formula companies and also by midwives (who often don't know anything about breastfeeding techniques) that the bottle is a lot easier and better.
This then gets filtered down into general public opinion. People see it as abnormal, bizarre- because not many mothers do it.
The other problem is that breasts and he female form are prostituted in the media- topless women can be found in many magazines, and slathered across adverts and billboards across the country. This then perverts the view of breasts to little more than objects. People have forgotten what they're for! Feeding babies.
Personally I think that as long as a baby is fed and happy, then that is all that should matter. Anyone who says differently is a hypocrite. Breast feeding helps bonding, is more convienient, is more natural and stops a baby from crying, as well as being cheaper and more efficient.
Mothers, do whatever you think is right!
PS I assume you're in the UK, like I am.

Answer 3

I don't think that get offended over the fact that they breast feed in public. I think it is more the way that they do it. I understand that the child is hungry, but some mothers don't have the decency to cover up while they feed. Everyone does not want to see there breast.

Answer 4

What makes me laugh is when you open a national newspaper bam there they are a pair of perky breasts staring back at you, what anoys me is when people complain when they see a mother feeding her child in public its the most natural thing in the world i breast fed my last child and i fed her in public my partner didnt not like this and i was made to feel uncomfortable feeding my child but i still did it when she needed to be fed if its acceptable foe breasts to be on show in newspapers then it should be acceptable to breast feed your child in public not pushed to a corner or the toilet which is disgusting cause i would not like to eat my meal in the toilet so why should breastfeeding babies be subjected to this if it offends people they they should turn away and not look perfect solution for every 1.

Answer 5

I don't know if offend is the right word. I think people just get nervous in those kinds of situations. I believe there is a time and a place for breast feeding and public should not be absolutely free all the time. Everyone just needs to respect everyone's boundries. We have to remember a large percent of the population does not breast feed.

Answer 6

I don't know.

There's no reason that nursing babies and mothers should be confined to home, or worse, dingy bathrooms or some such place, because people get bent out of shape about women using their breasts for their intended purpose!

I nursed both my kids for more than a year each. And that meant that I had to nurse in public sometimes. I was always discreet. But it seems to me that the occasional possible flash of boob beats a screamingly hungry baby hands down any day of the week!

I also found that for every person who disapproved, there was someone else who nodded approvingly and said, "Good for you!"

Answer 7

i love when a woman breastfeeds in public, its endearing, and besides we eat in public our babies have the same right, it makes for good socialization, people who get offended just need to be told off, however breastfeeding in public also depends on a mothers comfort level, they do make nursing shirts now which make nursing more discreet, and you can always put a blanket over your shoulder, a baby's nutrition comes before anyones ihibitions, you do what you gotta do and you do it the way you want, some places dont have nursing rooms and im sure as hell not gonna feed my baby in a bathroom, no one else eats there!

Answer 8

I'm not sure. I'm expecting my first child in a couple of weeks and intend to breastfeed, although I know for a fact that I will not feel comfortable doing this in public. I will always try and find a private place. That said though, I don't find the sight of other people breastfeeding in public offensive at all. I guess people are just different.

Answer 9

I am a mother who occasionally has to 'discreetly' breast feed in public so of course I am not offended at all by breast feeding mothers. To answer your question - people take offence at things because of their personal beliefs/values. I think this is a particularly sensitive issue for some because of people's beliefs about modesty/nudity. I personally don't know any breastfeeding mum who would intentionally bare her assets for all to see whilst trying to attach her infant.
I can recall having to go out and do some shopping with my newborn and whilst out, having to find somewhere to feed her..... virtually in tears myself.
What mothers need is some understanding of their predicament - especially by other mothers - not judgement.

Answer 10

I didn't breast feed my daughter, I wish that I could have, and if I did, I would have done it anytime, anywhere. I mean come on....it's okay to show a commercial on TV with Paris Hilton practically f****ing a car, but God forbid you see a little boob from a nursing mother. Get with the program people, there is NOTHING SEXUAL about breast feeding. It's sad that boobs are only associated with sex!!!! To all of the nursing mothers out there feeding your baby anywhere on demand THUMBS UP!!!!!!

Answer 11

We live in a narrow minded society! It is the most natural thing to do and hugely encouraged by health professionals. Most women that feed in public are very discreet, it's not as if they are exposing their chest to the world.
I am about to have a baby and intend to breast feed. If I have to do it in public i will not mind but it is others opinions that would bother me more.