Mom's, what is your opinion on breast feeding in public??

Question

I am just curious about both sides to this arguement. I am 23 weeks pregnant with my first right now, so as of right now, I have no opinion. I guess as long as the mother covers herself, I do not see a problem with it, but like I said, I would like to hear the opposing side. Thanks !

Answer 1

I am currently nursing my second child who is 6 months old. I nursed my first for 13 months. In many states, including Illinois where I live, it is a law that women must be allowed to breastfeed in any public or private place. I have nursed on airplanes, walking down the aisle in target, starbucks, you name it. I have never gotten one dirty look or comment (surprisingly, I have received approving glances). I would certainly give someone a large piece of my mind if they did respond to this negatively since breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. I have never used a blanket etc.. to cover up. I do sometimes wear a glamourmom nursing tank, so my belly isn't exposed when I lift my shirt. I wear it for my own comfort, however I sometimes go without. If someone sees this as exposing myself, rather than a loving act for my baby, that is their own ignorance and with the law on my side - their problem as well. Are they also offended when they see other animals feeding their young? Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your baby. It is very rewarding and healthy for both of you.

Answer 2

I don't understand why people seem to be so disgusted by a mom breastfeeding thier children in public. Although I have yet to be in a public place with my 2 month old, it will soon come. I know that I will get several dirty looks. I could care less what those people think. Breastfeeding is the best for your child. Period. We are doing whats best for them. If u had the chance to send to your child to the best school, wouldn't u?!
I do own a breastfeeding wrap, but if I chose not to wear it you can only see the top of my chest. It is just as if I was wearing a low cut top or a tank.

Don't let those idiots influence your decision on whether or not to breastfeed. Let it be your own. By the way, Congrats on the baby!

Answer 3

When my son was born and I began breastfeeding I was very uncomfortable with the idea of feeding him in public. The first time I had to feed him while out I did in my car and another time in a restroom. As I became more comfortable with breastfeeding and wanted to venture out more I began feeding him at times in public (covering up with a receiving blanket) and now am quite comfortable doing so. I am discreet but do not hide out in a bathroom or car. I have even nursed him on an airplane, twice. I have never gotten a negative reaction and it is actually illegal in most states (if not all) to not allow a women to breastfeed anywhere where she is allowed to be. I do strongly believe that women should feel comfortable breastfeeding in public since you shouldn't have to stay home or hide in the bathroom (yeck!!) just because you breastfeed.

Answer 4

My opinion is that it incredibly is probably not a controversy. it fairly is unhappy while everybody is disgusted by the organic issues our bodies do and could do. Your toddler has to consume, you're equipped with something sturdy to feed him, so do it!!!! I surely can't comprehend those with a challenge with breastfeeding. ok, so it would not artwork for each guy or woman. yet while it incredibly works for you, then super! I do exactly not see something incorrect with the two way of feeding toddler, and don't see how everybody else can, the two. i'm making plans to breastfeed, and that i will assert, i can't be as shy as maximum women persons are approximately it.i substitute into in Motherhood Maternity shop in the mall the different day and a youthful female in all threat in her 20's incredibly got here in, in tears, asking the administrative if she could breastfeed in the dressing room so human beings might supply up being so advise to her. How terrible!!! the administrative had to console her for a whilst in the past she had the braveness to pass away the shop. while women persons are made to sense like that over something so organic, something their physique substitute into needless to say made to do (or it does not do it), then I say that there is something incorrect.

Answer 5

I breast feed in public frequently. My daughter gets hungry, and I refuse to be shut at home just because someone might be offended.

Breast feeding isn't "dirty." People who see breastfeeding as sexual or offensive are dirty.

Also, I am disturbed by how many people say, "as long as you cover yourself." Many babies, mine included, can't stand to be trapped beneath a stuffy blanket. Even without a blanket, breastfeeding is naturally discreet. The shirt covers the boob, and the baby covers the nipple.

I think America is the only place that has this particular taboo. Other cultures, even those requiring much more conservative clothing, don't seem to object to public breastfeeding. When I was in rural Peru, a woman in even a modest tank top was dressed inappropriately - she would be jeered and leered at. But breast feeding, without a blanket or an attempt to be "discreet," was just part of everyday life.

Answer 6

Breastfeeding is natural and should never be a source of shame.

I have to gag everytime I hear someone say "As long as the mother covers herself" or "As long as the mother is discreet." I challenge these folks to tell me exactly how many times they've witnessed a breastfeeding mom w/ her breast completely exposed during the entire feeding. MOST moms are naturally discreet. It isn't even necessary to use a blanket b/c a shirt will usually cover the breast quite easily. Most ppl who are not in the know will not even know you are breastfeeding.

Answer 7

I wish more mothers would breastfeed but unfortunately too many are afraid of breastfeeding in public. I think that breastfeeding is natural and that if you can do it..then you should. I for one am not going to wait to get home to breastfeed if my baby is hungry. I know some people say that mothers should pump and feed a bottle when it the public..but a bottle is diffrent from a breast. For one thing a baby doesnt have to suck as hard to get milk from the bottle. So feeding a baby from a bottle can a lot of times stop the baby from breastfeeding. I am sad that society thinks it is okay to walk around showing your butt crack, cleavage, and belly but not okay to breastfeed in public.

Answer 8

If you cover up with a blanket you will draw more attention to yourself and your baby probably wont like it anyways. I have been breastfeeding in public for almost six months and most people dont even realize what I am doing.
When we are out I usually nurse while carrying my son in a wrap-around carrier so I can have my hands free or walk around if I want to.
When your baby is nursing you see less boob than you see on 16 year old girls these days.

Answer 9

I don't have a problem with it and I didn't realize how much breastfeeding moms were looked down upon until I started reading some comments on yahoo answers. It's a shame that people would treat women that way just for feeding their baby.

I say be discreet but not to the point of going to a bathroom, why would a women want to show off such a private thing anyway? I have no problem with someone breastfeeding their child in public but I say cover yourself, I would because I wouldn't want everybody seeing such a private thing. Plus I would have respect for others!! Respect others and they will respect you simple as that!

Answer 10

I agree with you. As long as the mother cover's herself i dont see a problem with it. Breast milk is healthier for the baby than formula (although formula is great too. I couldnt breast feed so i had to use formula) but anyway, it's healthier for your baby and if you're covered up what is there to be against or ashamed of?! Most places have private nursing places for mothers nowadays anyways. Like at the mall and stuff. So i dont see an issue with it.