How do you feel about breastfeeding in public?

Question

If the mom is covered whats the big deal? The baby has to eat, its only natural that a baby is fed by the breast that is why it produces milk. Do you agree? I dont complain when I see a 3yr old munching on a whopper...How do you guys feel?

I really appreciate everyone's participation in this question. I noticed a lot of people said feed the baby in the bathroom, that is gross. Would you want to eat in the same place people are taking a sh*t? If you do, you are gross. If I wont eat in the bathroom what kind of mom am I to take my baby in the bathroom and feed a newborn in the same place where open toilets are being flushed, think about it.

Mrs Z. I did attend 4yrs of college and in fact I am a nurse. And yes I do not believe in feeding a 3 yr old a whopper, and yes that is my opinion. because feeding a child a food that is so unhealthy is considered ok but breastfeeding isnt, I dont get it.

Answer 1

So how much breast is acceptable? An inch? When I nurse in public, you can see a tiny bit of breast. I guarantee that I'm showing less breast than many women and girls in the building. Baby doesn't like anything on her face, and I don't blame her. Feed her under a blanket? That blanket would be thrown on the floor. Others are welcome to put their heads under a blanket or finish their lunches in the restroom. Only in this country is this even a debate. I'm offended by low-cut jeans, too-short skirts, see-through tops, men who grab teenage girls' butts, and swearing in public. When I see these things, I either ignore them or leave. Anyone who has a problem with breastfeeding can do the same. To the woman who said "that's what bottles are for," bottles are for when Moms and babies are separated, not for a day at the park.

Ouch. We hit a nerve there. Nobody's getting superior. She asked an opinion, and my kids eat at Burger King once a week. I'm too sad to cook sometimes, and breastfeeding fits in with that.

Answer 2

I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my first, and I'm planning on breastfeeding... At least, I'm going to try. :-) There was a story on the news here locally a few weeks ago about a woman who was breastfeeding her child in a restaurant, and the owner actually asked her to leave. It caused a big fuss from both sides... Anyway, I think that, as long as you're doing it discreetly, there's no problem. I mean, grab a light blanket and cover yourself, rather than just letting the girls hang out, you know? But I don't think it's a problem at all, as long as the woman is comfortable with it. Personally, I think that if there's a separate room available (some places have nursing mother's rooms, or something like that), I'd be using it... But if that's not possible, I'd just grab a blanket, I think.

Answer 3

Seems like everyone has something to say on this subject.
I don't think I would personally breastfeed in public, but I do not have any children yet. In my opinion, it is each individuals choice and I don't think it should be a huge problem. I do think that being discrete and going somewhere that is not in the middle of a store, etc is considerate of others. Although it is an individuals choice, I think it is always good to think of others and how it might bother them. I have witnessed a few women breastfeeding in public and it doesn't bother me, but I think it does make some people uncomfortable and I personally would not want to do that intentionally. If it were me, I would probably go to the car or something like that, but that is my modesty too.

Answer 4

Breastfeeding in public can be ok, as long as you're completely covered. However, there is nothing wrong with feeding the baby in the bathroom. Personally, I have never seen someone breastfeeding their child in a public place, but that is your decision. And by the way, a 3-yr old should NOT be breastfed. The baby is yours. Feed it how you want, when you want. You have freedom.

Answer 5

I think it's all about respect. You shouldn't make it plainly obvious but there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public. Just cover up with a blanket. No big deal. If someone has a problem with it after that then they shouldn't be looking so hard.

Answer 6

It's very common in other countries for women to breast feed in public. In most cases they try to keep themselves covered as much as possible. Even in a public setting I think that anyone nearby should respect her enough not to stare.

I'm not saying that she should breastfeed in a restaurant or crowded bus. But better there than in a restroom as some have suggested. Most workplaces have rooms set aside for mother to breastfeed. It wouldn't be a bad idea if restaurants or other public buildings set aside a room for breastfeeding.

Answer 7

What is so great of exposing the breast. All animals expose their whole body and do not feel shy of that.

The aborigines show off their bodies with out any shame. Only we, the human beings, especially Indians are worried about this. That is also of recent nature. When I was young it was very natural for mothers, at that time to feed the babies in public. Nowadays only this problem has crept up.

I rather wonder whether our educated women breast feed their children at all. The baby is to be fed. My mother is to feed me up to a year, that is what she used to say.

We Indians are basically having lots of Inhibitions which we have to shed and live normal life. Anyway Nature/God has given breast to feed only and not for beauty or attraction and as age goes up it looses all the built up charm.

Answer 8

I agree, just cover up and I wouldn't think nothing of it. I have no problems with breastfeeding in public. Also the baby shouldn't have to go to the bathroom to feed no telling what germs are floating around in there, it defiantly can't be healthy for the baby to be fed in the bathroom though.

Answer 9

I feel there is nothing wrong at all and its usually women with no children or guys who complain. I breastfed both my kids and as long as you do it discreetly, then almost everygoes. Buses, sitting on benches, any public place is acceptable. Dont take any notice of the ignorant people who know no better. The one place I dont think is acceptable is in a restaurant, which I can see could be rather offputting. The other thing is as long as its a BABY you are breastfeeding - and no I dont mean you pervert men! - when they get to a certain age, I think its horrible when say a 6 or 7 year old is doing it - saw prog on TV recently and yeuurrch!

Answer 10

This is f***ing ridiculous. It's just trifling and trashy to breast feed in public. Come on people wake the f**k up PLEASE!! When you take a baby somewhere you are likely to have a bag with you. BRING A BOTTLE!! You can fill it up with your breast milk at the house. Of course a baby needs to eat and of coarse its natural to breast feed but dont be ridiculous fem-mi Nazis about it. If for some dumb reason you don't want your baby drinking from a bottle just GO TO THE LADY'S ROOM!! It's a f***ing baby!! It doen't mind if someone is taking a dump in there. I know im gonna have a bunch of fem-mi nazzis jump down my throat for saying this stuff but everyone's just being rediculouse. There are children in public and you can't expect a woman to keep it covered up completely at all times when breast feeding. It's also really awquird for us guys. Its not that we want to be looking its just that our eyes slip and you cant expect us to not look in your general direction just cuz you are too trashy to carry a bottle. REAL TALK!!