Should discreet breastfeeding be allowed in public?

Question

I think its completely natural and it should be allowed as long as the mother doenst flash everyone. Some women do it so that you dont even notice. However some women expose their breasts in a very non chalant way. That should not be acceptable. What are your views?

Answer 1

Do bottle-feeders cover up the bottle?

If you don't want to see it then don't look. Feeding a baby at your breast is the most natural gift a mother can give her child.

And the posters suggesting that breastfeeding mothers should use a breast pump? Get a grip! You obviously have never had the joy of a baby at your breast. A mechanical substitution is unacceptable for both mother and child.

Answer 2

Breastfeeding provides the proper nutrients and also provides some imunity to disease. It creates stronger parental bonds. It's the best way to go. Yes it should be allowed (and encouraged). I agree with the need to be discrete. Some people are prudes and we shouldn't shock them. Some are overprotective of their children. To keep public breastfeeding acceptable and growing, we have to work within current public opinions (and just move them along). Women who flaunt breastfeeding are trying to prove something and not just feeding their baby.

Answer 3

I believe that a woman should have sovereignty over her body, ergo there is no problem with a woman breastfeeding in public in my book. As for a woman "flashing," - unless she has both breasts bare, I don't think she is trying to offend anyone. Actually, I believe women should have the liberty to be top-free in public, just as men have this liberty!

Answer 4

I believe PinkLove said it perfectly. Breast milk is a body fluid, which can create hygiene issues for passersby, mom, and baby alike. I agree that a breast pump is ideal. Yes it's expensive but it's worthwhile and not to mention cheaper and healthier than feeding formula. While it's healthy for the baby, that doesn't mean that people should know that someone is breastfeeding in public. I personally am appalled when I go out to eat and see women doing this. Again with the hygiene issue...

Answer 5

Breastfeeding---- key word there is feeding, not breast.
The breasts are oversexualized in America.
Would you eat your lunch with a blanket over your head?

True, there are some women who are not as modest & don't care to cover up. I am not siding with them, but don't focus on that, just know she is feeding her baby the best possible food on the planet!

Having a familiarity with breastfeeding is the key to changing our cultural norm. Once breastfeeding becomes a natural and expected part of everyday life, breastfeeding in public will cease to be an issue. Girls and boys will grow up seeing mothers breastfeed and think of it as the natural process it is.
Growing into adults who are accepting.

Answer 6

Of course it should be allowed. Provided the woman is not flashing her breasts. Many women prefer breastfeeding to formula and should not have to deviate from feeding their baby because others seem to be offended by breastfeeding. As long as she is discrete there should be no problems.

Answer 7

i breastfed my son for his first three months and wish i could have done it longer, and yes a woman should be able to breastfeed discreetly anywhere in public. it's natural, beautiful and the best thing you can do for your child. I get what you mean cause i don't want to see boobs flopped all over the place, but a little blanket can go a long way.

Answer 8

They should cover up their breasts whether they are breastfeeding or not. Breastfeeding doesn't make it any less decent to be exposing the breast. Women who expose their breasts while breastfeeding have loose sense of decency, who do not respect themselves or others.

Answer 9

I totally agree with you and being muslim you cant expose yourself like that. I think it should be allowed/accepted in public as long as it is descreet. I also agree with you about some women exposing their breasts in a non-chalant way. That would cause a car crash, dont you think? Breasts are for the baby and husband only. Alhamdulillah
I breastfed my daughter up to 11 mos. When anyone that was around i would use a blanket. That was perfect, until she was about 5 mos. she started to pull it off, then I had to make her wait until we got to a private place or home.
Glad you voiced your opinion on that one. Thanks.

Answer 10

I think it should be allowed, whether discreetly or otherwise. Perhaps I don't represent the majority, but I see nothing remotely sexual about the beautiful act of a woman nourishing her child.