Breastfeeding in Public?

Question

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I haven't seen it. I'm interested in people's opinions of whether breastfeeding in public is offensive/wrong or not.

If you are anti-breasfeeding in public, can you say why? Just saying "because it's immoral" doesn't really qualify as a reason. Why do you think it's immoral? Thanks!

For the people saying "going to the toilet is natural too but no one does it in public" - there is a world of difference between a baby drinking milk from a breast, and someone getting their privates out and excreting in the middle of an eatery. Milk isn't foul smelling or offensive - otherwise people would have an issue with in it bottles as well.

Answer 1

It's a great question. Of course it's all right - that's what they are for .The awkward truth is that most men like me are primarily only interested in breasts if they belong to an exotic dancer and have nipple tassles attached or if they form part of a 'much hoped for' schedule of evenings entertainment with our g/f, wife or mistress.

We just don't know where to look when we see them being used for purpose that they were intended!!!

Of course it's fine. Go for it

Answer 2

If you need to feed your baby, you need to feed your baby, no matter where you are, why should your child and you be forced to hide in a bathroom. Adults and children eat in public all the time, so why shouldn't the infant have this same right.
For anyone who doesn't want their children to see, I understand to a certain point. For the most part unless you point it out to the child, they aren't even going to notice. If they do see any part of the breast, I guantee it is less breast than what gets flashed across the tv stations 24/7.
I won't say people are ignorant for not wanting to see it, they have a right to their opinions, but I will say that most people do it in a very discreet manor so that unless you watched them from start to finish you probably wouldn't even know what they are doing.

I always chose to use a light blanket, but that is just my modesty.

My son went up to a baby in public that was nursing, and he tried to peek at the baby (he just loves little ones), when the mother told him she was feeding, he appologized and got a little embarrassed. He didn't think it was wrong that she should be feeding her baby in public, he felt in the wrong (which neither were in my opinion - if he would have continued to try and look that is when we would have issues). My children understand (mainly because they and all of their closest relatives were breastfed) that it is a mommys way of feeding her child. If young children can understand why can't adults?

Answer 3

Honestly there is absolutely nohing wrong with breastfeeding in public.
I nursed both my daughters in public.
For those that say it's immoral, how is it?
Meaning of the word immoral : Contrary to certain moral principles.
Now if someone thinks its against their morals to feed a baby, then I really dont want to know that person and they shouldnt be allowed out in public!!

There is never a big stink over bottlefeeding a baby, so why breastfeeding? Its not like breastfeeding mothers strip naked or anything. And more cleavage and breasts can be seen on many young girls/ladies in short tops than breastfeeding mother.

The whole debate is just stupid in my mind. If someone finds it offensive then fine, look away. But a baby can not be told "look I cant feed you right now, because it may upset someone". Babies are hungry when they are hungry simple as that. They have no control over when or where it happens.
No-one else has to go sit on a toilet to eat because they
might offend someone. No of course not thats silly, if I'm offended because your eating junk food or something that I dont like the look of I cant tell you to go eat in the toilet. So why expect mothers of precious babies to. Its all insane.

Answer 4

I don't think it's offensive or wrong. But since many people find it somewhat embarrassing to watch, I do think it's polite to make a point of being discreet about it. As a mum who breastfed in public myself, I'd still be embarrassed at someone waving nipples here there and everywhere. And there's no need, it's dead easy to stay mostly covered up.

It's like blowing your nose. Sometimes you need to do it in public. But there's all the difference in the world between just getting on with it, and doing it in a loud, obnoxious "look at me" way.

Answer 5

Its perfectly fine and normal to me to breastfeed in public. The first couple of times I felt strange and that EVERYONE must be looking at me even though I always threw a wrap or bunny rug over my shoulder and baby to cover the bits, not because I think its offensive but for my own modesty.

I always smile when I see a mother nursing her child (except when all I can see is her big boobs and then I get a little embarrassed but thats my problem not hers!). Its such a wonderful thing, why would you have to hide in order to feed?

If anyone ever told me it was offensive or wrong to feed in public I would've decked them! In australia its illegal to stop a woman breastfeeding anywhere and comes with heavy penalties.


EDIT - "Jingo" you just made my night! I'm LMAO! How right you are!

Answer 6

Of course breastfeed in public! The more that people see it happening, the more normal it will become, and it SHOULD be normal!

One answerer mentioned not wanting small children to see it...small children are very accepting of the simple explanation that the baby is too small to eat food like they do, and that some Mommies choose to feed their babies milk that their bodies make for the babies. The only mothers I've ever encountered that "didn't want their kids to see that" are mothers that bottlefed.

Jingo- LOVED your answer!

Answer 7

What a lovely honest answer from Jingo,I'd give him the 10 points!
I breast fed my 3 in public 20 years ago surely there's been some progress by now.Just be discreet lest the immature get offended.

Answer 8

It's acceptable. :) People who have a problem with it have some issues to deal with, I guess. As long as the mom isn't fully exposed, there is no reason to say anything against it.

I nursed my son til he was 18 months old, and I nursed in public. I didn't use a restroom, why should I feed my child in the bathroom? I didn't use nursing rooms, there was no need to do so for me, I wasn't ashamed. My baby needed to be fed, and I fed him.

Definitely not offensive.

Answer 9

It is one of the most natural occourrences in the world - second to making a baby! I can't believe people have something against it. If I was able to breast feed I would have, and in public too if need be!!

Where I'm from, in Scotland, it is against the law to harrass/stop a mother breastfeeding her child in public (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2005/20050001.htm). I think more countries should take heed!

Answer 10

I see how it can be portrayed as both, i guess more protective mothers with young boys may not want to see another mother breast feeding her child. Or it may make you feel uncomfy if a group of teenage boys/men stood and stared.
It's a personal choice, i would say if you're comfy enough with yourself to it then stuff everyone else.
Although as someone mentioned about if you made it extremely obvious and sat there with your breast hanging out then it would be a tad wrong.
If it's discrete then personally i see no problem with it.