What does "not comfortable with breastfeeding" mean?

Question

I know this will make people angry, but I have to ask this question. I know it will make people angry because I have tried to encourage people on this site to at least try breastfeeding, and it has been met with animosity. I know that people try to breastfeed and are not successful - I am not talking to those poeple, I am talking to the people who won't even try. People say they are "Not comfortable with breastfeeding", and I don't know what that means. I'm not trying to be nasty, I seriously want to know.

It is not sexual, you show less skin than when wearing a bikini, and it is the best thing you can do to give your baby an healthy start. It is the best thing to know that you are nourishing your baby all on your own like nature intended. What's to be uncomfortable about that?

Answer 1

some women chose not to breastfeed, because they have been sexually molested/abused & feel too vulnerable to expose their breasts...their perception is skewed, because they were victimized...they have experience with unhealthy sexuality and poor self image...if you were never victimized in that manner, you couldn't fully understand their feelings...also, if they don't have family & friends that support their decision to breastfeed, they are less likely to be successful

Answer 2

Not comfortable with breastfeeding can mean many different things. I know that when I chose not to breastfeed because of being uncomfortable had nothing to do w/ the clothes I chose to wear or being sexual. Some women just have VERY sensitive breast, and maybe even exzema there like I have. In my normal day to day life even a blanket or shirt rubbing against my breast makes me cringe. Besides that point, if a woman has been abused in some way or is just uncomfortable... wouldnt that do more harm than good to the child...I believe the baby could feel her being uncomfortable and would not be a good bonding experience.

Answer 3

I agree. I think that this is just a byproduct of a society that makes women feel uncomfortable, i.e. all these articles about people wanting women to breastfeed in bathrooms.

And in all honestly, even though I LOVED nursing my daughter, it was a bit strange and foreign that the breasts I had had my entire life suddenly had a purpose.

In my opinion, doctors need to do more education about breastfeeding DURING pregnancy so women can learn about it and not feel so uncomfortable or scared.

Answer 4

JUST WANT TO POINT OUT, when I read this (I quote) ".formula they make now-a-days is just as healthy for a baby...and I simply chose not to that way his father could take part of the feeding process as well. I think its everybodys personal decision and nobody should feel like they HAVE to breastfeed, if formula wasn't just as healthy they wouldnt recommend it."
SORRY, BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT IT IS NOT JUST AS HEALTHY, BREAST IS BEST - BUT YES, IT IS SAFE AND HEALTHY FOR A BABY, JUST NOT BETTER OR EQUAL.
PS so sorry about the caps, but wanted to be sure this got read - its important, since manufacturers only use small print for it - but its there! :)

By The Way, Why would someone who doesn't breastfeed be on this site (if it's a breastfeeding site)? Don't pick on the breastfeeders - learn from them if you want to try again, but if you don't - respect US, thanks.:)

Answer 5

I completely agree with you......................now. When I was younger and had children, I was very uncomfortable with a baby sucking milk out of my breast. To me, it was sexual. And, I could not get over it.

Well, I am proud to say that I have matured and now that I am pregnant again with my third and last baby, I definitely want to try breastfeeding. And, I am praying I am not one of those that try and cannot. I want to experience the joy and beauty of caring for my baby the way nature intended. I know now that breasts were made for this very reason, and this reason alone. I do not feel any sexual feelings about it this time and I am so pleased that I can do something so wonderful and basically witness a miracle. Wish me luck! I am 33 weeks and in pre-labor. (I was informed this stage can last for weeks!)

Answer 6

I know what you mean. I breastfeed my daughter and plan on doing the same with the baby i am due with. My mother in law always says that she was not comfortable which is why she never tried with her kids. I think some people think you have to pull it out in public places and do it. You can always go back out to your car and cover up, a changing room in a department store or a bathroom at a resturant.

Answer 7

My mum had 3 children, and breastfed the first 2. I think we were both biters :-) She started with the third, but then went to the bottle cause it was hard work.

I put not breastfeeding for selfish reasons in the same category as having a c-section cause you don't want to give birth. If you can't do it as nature intended, why bother at all?

Answer 8

I don't understand it, either. I tried to nurse my daughter, but apparently she wasn't getting enough because she became dehydrated and her pediatrician recommended I use formula. Maybe I'm mistaken in my thinking, but I think a lot of people avoid breastfeeding because they just don't want to have to deal with it. They're more concerned about their schedule and their convenience than their baby that they'd rather just use formula.

Answer 9

Ive always got told if you breast feed that its better for your baby. There are other ways to bond w/ daddy. About getting raped I understand that aspect also. and I dont blame you one bit for not wanting to. You have to do what is best for you and your baby.

Answer 10

I would love to know the answer to this question as well. It is totally natural and beautiful and you are right, you see more with the way most girls dress nowadays than you do when a woman feeds her child, the most natural thing in the world.