Is it appropriate for women to breast feed in public?

Question

Thank you to everyone who responded. At present, it's 18 who say it's okay and 7 who disagree. Personally I think it's inappropriate but I didn't put that in the question because I wanted a non-bias response.

I disagree with the rational that it's natural. There are lots of natural things that should happen in public. If a guy really has to go to the bathroom and one is not around, should he just go on the street? What if a little girl sees? Wouldn't that tramatize her? I'm not equating breast milk to urine, I'm just saying that both are considered to be "sex" or "private" parts.

I also have a problem with the "baby needs to eat" argument. For the most part, babies are fed on a rather stable schedule. A mother (or father) should know within reason when the baby will be hungry again and about be able to plan accordingly.

I don't think it's appropriate to equate breast feeding to eating in public. It's not the baby or it's mouth that's questionable - of the milk for...

... that matter, it's the breast. How would you feel if a guy stuck a empty bottle down his pants in public and filled it with urine?

I think a big part of this is women feeling they should be able to expose themselves in public and I, personally, think that's rude.

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

NO, it's not appropriate. That's what breast pumps are for. If a mother is going to be out with the baby, then she should fill some bottles with breast milk. Mother's who breastfeed in public are looking for attention. They want people to walk by and see what a liberated woman they are. They think it makes them a better mother than the women with a sense of decorum.

Answer 3

Why would it be inappropriate? If you would not think of it as a "sex part", then there would not be a problem. It's the reason women have breasts. When it's time for baby to eat, it's time to eat. It shouldn't matter where it is.

Usually mothers are discreet about it. It's not like they rip off their tops and try to attract everyone's attention. They lift a part of their shirt, that's it. The baby covers the nipple.

And if it's not okay to use the "baby needs to eat" argument, then it definitely makes much less sense to compare it to public urination.

Answer 4

Yes, discreetly. When I had infants I learned to be the mistress of discretion. With a comfy seat and a baby blanket over my shoulder, no one was the wiser.

I hate to disappoint you, but babies don't have regular schedules. For eating, for sleeping, whatever. You can try to stack the odds that the baby won't be hungry on a trip, but you still get caught out. The only way to guarantee that your child will only get hungry at home is to stay housebound for the first year or so.

Besides, if you are away from home, what are your options? Cars aren't even private, someone can look in anytime, watch out! About the only option is the toilet, not exactly a first choice for anyone to eat around.

Answer 5

First of all Dr Debate
I was emailing you so that we could have a one on one "debate" on the topic of breastfeeding in public. If you were to look at my profile and the history of my answers, you would find that I have no problem whatsoever discussing this in an answer forum either.
I just thought I would be more likely to have you respond to me, personally through an email.
Breastmilk is for babies. Moms have breasts to feed babies. End of story. If you have a problem with that, avert your eyes. If you are afraid your child will ask questions that you are unable to answer, avert his attention elsewhere.
I don't want my 4 year old daughter asking about thongs and pregnant teenagers, but they are parading around the mall every time I turn around. It's called life, variety and people's right to be themselves. The law is on my side.... do you disagree with the law itself? Or just the premise of breastfeeding in general?

Answer 6

Discretion is the key. Obviously, some times are more/less appropriate than others, but babies are rather oblivious to that sort of thing, so one has to make allowances. It is a natural process, as much as certain groups of people like to hush it up and push it away, and there is not crude or unhygienic about the practice if the mother is careful and respectful. Despite the hyper-sexualisation of female bodies and breasts in particular, breast feeding is not a sexual thing. Breasts exist to feed babies.

The positive impact of breastfeeding on a baby's health, comfort and general well-being is well documented. A mother should not be discriminated against for making the very natural choice to breast feed her child, just as a mother should not be criticised for choosing to use formula.

If it really bothers a person to watch a woman breast feed, I suggest they look away, cover or avert their eyes, or perhaps just not stray out of doors at all, just to be on the safe side.

Answer 7

I have never seen a breast-feeding mother expose herself without covering up. Babies gert hungry at strange times -- it is virtually impossible to keep them on a schedule. I would never geed a baby in most restrooms-- they are filled with germs and there is no place to sit.

There is a big difference between breast milk and urine, so your comparison makes no sense whatsoever. Live with it.

Answer 8

Most mothers cover up with a small blanket or something..not just to flop it out...this country is so anal !! mothers have been nursing in public for centuries...you have just noticed??

When my children were small they were even nursed in church....you could see many young mothers with a nappy over one shoulder...lunch time....

not all children are scheduled...some do their own thing.....

it is the food a baby requires...would you rather give powdered formula or cow milk!!?? I won't give that crap to my cat why would I give it to a baby??

You are allowed to eat in public and some people that I have seen should not be allowed to eat in public....gross...

equating that with some guy needing a rest room is very small minded and stupid.....

Answer 9

I feel it is appropriate as long as the woman covers herself. Its the other person's problem if they want to imagine whats going on under there. When I breastfed my children I was sure to cover up and be discreet. I got lots of comments good and bad but I think people should get over it. Breastfeeding is not sexual.

Answer 10

Yes. It is appropriate for women to breast feed in public.
Is it appropriate for some one to eat their lunch in a bathroom? No. So why should a baby have to?
**Please Note that it IS inappropriate for MEN to breast feed in public. That's just not right.**

Answer 11

I think in the western culture, this has become somewhat of an issue solely on the ground that "it is a woman's right". Therefore, if they have the right ( in their minds), then they are going to do it.

Stop giving them press about it, and they'll bore and go back to feeding in privacy. So, I basically agree with you, but I don't care one way or the other, either! Women do lots of inappropriate things to get attention.