why is breastfeeding in public such a controversial topic?

Question

I think its fine if a mother wants to breastfeed in public or anywhere. I dont mind and think its cool. Why is it such a hot topic? It's beautiful and cool to me.

Answer 1

First off, breasts were not intended to be sexual objects. Men made them into sexual objects. Breasts are intended to feed a child, and that is it. They serve no other purpose. If a bottle feeding mother can feed her child in public then so can a breastfeeding mother. The law states breastfeeding in public is legal. Period. If people have such a big problem with it, then don't look or they can leave the area. Just because a woman chooses what's best for her and her child, doesn't mean she should be condemned to feeding her child in a small, nasty bathroom stall. And as for covering up, have you ever tried to latch on a hungry baby to your breast while trying to hold a blanket over your shoulder? I have, and it is not very easy. Blankets fall down, or the child gets too hot underneath and starts crying. Plus, as a woman with larger breasts, I like to see my son while he is eating to make sure I am not suffocating him. The United States is probably the only country who has such an issue with breastfeeding in public. People need to start viewing breastfeeding as beautiful and natural and not as sexual and disgusting.

Answer 2

When I see a woman breast feeding her child I think it is neat also, I enjoy seeing the closeness she has with them. Not being perverted or anything. I also sort of see others walking by and observe how they take it, yes some are VERY offended and others just act as if it is an every day thing. I also have read someplace that some women are in fact turned on by it this is also the one doing the feeding. I don't think any would admit it but they do get a little strange feelings. Some men also like to nurse and would in fact want the wife to lactate it adds to their enjoyment.

Answer 3

I completely agree.

I think part of the problem is that the breasts have become so sexualized that many people forget their real purpose. I didn't care, though. I fed my kids when they were hungry, not make them wait until I could hide.

Want to hear something crazy? A woman got kicked out of a Victoria's Secret a few years ago for breastfeeding. How bass ackwards is that?

Answer 4

Well, to me, it depends on how they're doing it and where exactly. I think it's a completely beautiful and natural thing. But some women need to be considerate. My husband's grandfather runs a movie theatre and a woman decided to breastfeed her baby (which is fine), but the way she did it was inconsiderate. She lifter her shirt up from the bottom, exposing her breasts to everyone and fed her baby just like that and didn't cover herself up. And it being a movie theatre, of course there were other customers and all of their children there. It offended some of the customers who had young children with them and they asked a female employee if she could cover up. The employee VERY NICELY asked her to cover up while she fed her baby, but didn't tell her to stop. The lady threw a fit (even made the employee cry) and took out her little laminated card stating the law on breastfeeding in public and contacted the news stations and all this other crap. It was ridiculous. And to top it off, she was put on TV, breastfeeding...BUT she was completely covered up and her back to the camera. She didn't feed her baby the same way she did the theatre. It just depends on how the mother feeds her baby in public. Its fine, just be considerate of others :)

Answer 5

I think that breastfeeding is a beautiful thing and it is an excellent time for the mother and her child to bond. Having said that, I would try to find a private place for my child and I to enjoy that experience. If you must breastfeed in public, one should try to find a spot where you can have the most privacy and cover up.

Answer 6

I agree but you know people these days are offended by everything. At least there are laws now to protect breast feeding moms. God forbid that a mother expose her nipple while trying to feed her child. Not like every woman on this planet has breast.

Answer 7

I don't mind if they are modest about it. I just don't want to see boobs hanging out. Most breast feeding mothers are very courteous and wonderful people. Some aren't. And it is those that aren't who ruin it for everyone else.

Like it or not, breasts are sexual. If they weren't sexual, I as a non-breastfeeding female could walk around without a shirt and NOT get arrested. (Like men do) But they are sexual therefore I have to keep my breasts covered. If people (as a society) saw breasts in public everyday, there would be no (or very little) issue with breast feeding mothers. Public nudity freaks people out.

Answer 8

I think it is good too but sadly, many people in society have been raised to believe that the breasts are sexual, and not so much for feeding babies. Since a portion of the population believes they are mostly sexual in nature, they are offended by them being exposed in public.

EDIT: my thought for people who don't like to look at it..... STOP STARING and it won't be an issue! Avert your eyes, it isn't like they are everywhere!

Answer 9

I honestly dont give a crap what anyone thought when I was nursing. If my baby was hungry I fed him/her. Funny when I lived in Germany I never got strange looks for it but here in the states even covered up I got strange looks. Fudge it , it's their problem not mine!

Answer 10

I am personally for breast feeding but it needs to be in private or at least have the breast covered. Some women thinks it's natural but an exposed breast is very offensive to a lot of people and you need to think of their feelings and at least keep the breast covered. Just my opinion.....