Why do people ask you if you're breastfeeding?

Question

I am really asking out of pure curiosity so please don't be offended out there. But why do people ask you if you're breastfeeding or not?

Now, I can see expectant mothers, or basically, any mother asking out of curiosity, but I've had my male boss ask me in front of coworkers if I was, along with people who don't plan on having children, AND complete strangers. Why would someone need this information about how I nurish my child? Isn't it kinda personal?

Some women formula feed out of choice or necessity, and shouldn't that just be respected?

Answer 1

If the question is being asked at an appropriate time and place, then the person is probably just curious. Maybe he/she has some breastfeeding story to share and if you say "yes," then they will share their story.

But if people are rude, as the people you're referring to, they probably don't have much social tact. I think that it IS personal information and certainly not something to be brought up at work out of the blue.

A good come back would be something funny. For example, "Well, I'm working on getting him to eat Mexican. Then we're on to Indian!" Then change the subject. If they don't catch on that you're not comfortable discussing the topic, I feel sorry for them!

Answer 2

your boss may need to know in order to make the necessary allowances (ie, multiple long breaks to pump and relieve pressure) but s/he should not ask you in front of others. strangers definitely don't need to know, and friends and family and co-workers may just be curious and I can't give you any particular reason for the curiosity but there it is. You have made me see what a nosey b9999 I have been whenever I have asked others. I apologize to you and anyone out there I may have offended whenever I asked.

Answer 3

I think a lot of people are just curious and don't know when to respect other people's privacy...your boss might ask just because I think it is a law now where they have to give you time to pump or whatever.... either way it is a personal choice...and people are just nosy!!!!

Answer 4

Yes I agree with your that a mother has her option of breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Beware there is a young lady on here by the name of Brenda who is going to BASH you for formula feeding. All my kids were bottle fed and are very smart so that breastfeeding children are smarter than formula fed children is BS

Answer 5

Some people say that's a personal issue, but I don't think so. It's just a question. Just like: "Are you going to co-sleep?".... "Are you going to use a bassinet"... "Are you going to use pacifers?"... It's just someone being curious. There's no need to be offended.

Answer 6

sometimes they just want to know because there idiots and sometimes its because they just want to know what its like if it hurts ect. I didnt either and some opeople give you looks for not doing it just smile and say thats none of your business

Answer 7

have you never met rude people before???? just ignore the questions and pretend like you never heard anything and change the subject.....when I got divorced, everyone asked me how much child support I got.....do people have no manners?????

Answer 8

I hate it when that happens. Guess it depends on whether you are the feeder or the feedee.

Answer 9

sometime breast feeding mum also not being respected. just like me. i am breast feeding. but my relatives do ask me to mix breast feeding.

did he say that fornula feed not good? maybe he is just asking.

Answer 10

people are just too nosey.