Breastfeeding??????

Question

Why do some people get so upset when they see mothers breastfeeding in public? It's a beautiful thing! Why should the baby have to eat in the bathroom or under a blanket in the dark??????????? Can anyone explain this to me?????

Answer 1

People get confused and think that breasts are sexual objects and therefore should be hidden. They forget that breasts' #1 purpose is to feed our offspring.

I'm with you!

Answer 2

I don't get why people get upset either. I think the main problem is that guys get turned on by it, well every guy i have talked to about it anyways. So people think that such things are to "sexual" for public. Also people feel it is inappropriate because then their children may ask them questions that they have a hard time explaining out of embaressment. Personally I did breastfeed my second son in front of my 1st son and he asked a bunch of questions and I answered. Now he doesn't even bother with questions when he sees a nursing mom. People really need to just look at breastfeeding for what it is, a woman feeding her baby. It is a natural thing and we have milk for a reason so why not use it if we got it. I don't agree with nursing an older child in public though or revealing to much while nursing but the coverup nursing shouldn't be such a big deal.

Answer 3

I think that it has alot to do with a culture difference. There are plenty of countries where this is acceptable and practiced out in the open. Unfortunately, here there is such a broad spectrum of people will so many biased opinions, some moms feel embarrassed to do something that is so natural. I believe that if a mother feels confident enough she has the right to breastfeed her baby in public, and to be polite do it modestly. It just seems more polite that way. Im sure the baby enjoys a more quiet place to enjoy his/her meal anyway. But if your a mom, do what you have to do! If its not this, its always something someone will criticize you about your mothering skills, so stay true to what you believe and dont be too discouraged by others who say differently.

Answer 4

I am a breastfeeding mother and it irks me when people have "issues" with mothers feeding their babies in public. If the mother is having modesty issues and wants to cover up then its all good but other than that who cares?!
Then there is the other side where mothers who choose formula and bottles are having snide comments thrown at them because of the "breast is best" slogan. I don't think anybody can win this feeding issue, it will always be debated about, lol

Answer 5

Some people are just close-minded, and probably don't have kids of their own. If they were truly educated on the benefits of breastfeeding, they might understand what a wonderful thing it is for both mother and baby. When I was BF, I covered myself with a light blanket if I had to do it in public just for the sake of my own modesty. I don't want people seeing my nipples! But if anyone was offended by it, screw them! They can think what they want, but they can't stop me.

Answer 6

I dont think any person can get upset on seeing a mother brest feeding in public.Generally, people respect such necessity of a child and the sentiments of a mother.One has to be, only inhuman and a character of very low profile to get upset at this.It is utterly foolish and sycophancy,to expect all mothers to feed their child, in an obscure and dark place.It is only because of, dignity and feminine grace that a women prefers to feed her child in a secluded and tranquil place.

Answer 7

I don't have a problem with it. It is a wonderful thing that women decide and can breast feed. However, I don't understand why some women refuse to use a blanket or try to cover with a sweater etc. Nursing is beautiful, but honestly before the child is latched on I really don't want to see any woman's nipples. Goodness, I don't like to look my saggy lactating boobs so I definitely don't want to see a strangers.

Answer 8

I don't think you should even bother about what people would think or how they would react. I was a little apprehensive in the begining to breastfeed in public and my baby was the one who suffered a lot. This is the most important food an infant gets and so I decided to breastfeed in public and I think it is perfectly alright to do so. Your baby comes first and then thinking about how people might react.

Answer 9

I know what you mean. I am the only person in my family who has breastfed and my aunts and uncles and grandparents like freak out that I don't leave the room or cover myself everytime. I think that our society sees breastfeeding almost as a sexual thing and that it needs to be hid. I say they see it as sexual because a woman exposes her breast which in our country is just down right taboo. I don't know though, I think the only way that things will change is for more and more women to breastfeed in public, and not leave the room to feed.

Answer 10

In our society these days, boobs are more associated with sex than they are with babies.

You only have to look at all the higher shelf magazines to see how they feature...

So the thought of 'getting your boobs out' (even though it isn't exactly what's done....!) in public is frowned up as it would be if it were girls 'getting them out for the boys.'

it also makes people feel uncomfortable, perhaps because of the general nudity issue (even though it's not!) and because it's not a common sight and perhaps people haven't decided what they think.

I breastfeed my baby happily in public, though, because it is discreet and my baby has to feed when she has to, regardless of anyone else's weird views....

Answer 11

I have no problem with it myself however the mother should put themselves into the position of other parents for example: a 4 year old see you doing this and asks why? this then leads onto where do babies come from, etc its unfair on other parents who may think their children are a little too young to be kn owing about things like that yet.
It also annoys me when im at work (i work in a shoe shop with children and your trying to fit the child up with shoes and the mother gets her great galumphing boobs out and starts feeding right in front of you its off putting and disrespectful.
there is absolutley no reason why not to be a bit more discreet and wear a slightly baggy tshirt and do it that way there are also plenty of baby cafe's (well there are in england anyway) It's not about getting upset it's about respect.
It maybe natural but so is sex, going to the bathroom and not many people do that in public do they.
Breastfeeding mothers are, doing a beautiful thing which should be congratulated! Just not shoved down everyone elses throats.
Whats wrong with bottling it anyways? Ever heard of a breast pump?Simply no need to makes others feel uncomfortable especially young children.