Where does the breast
obsession stem from?

THE STORY of breast taboo:
Page 1: Breast Taboo
Page 2: Women Wean Early
Page 3: Obsession

I LOVE MAMA'S BREAST!

DON'T TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME!

Nursing a newborn.

Breast obsession

So what is it about breasts that makes North Americans SO obsessed with them as sexual objects? In the course of history many different parts of the female body have been fetishes for men, for example ankles, necks, and tiny feet (in China)... so WHY breast obsession in our age?

It seems to be linked to the fact that breasts are viewed very strongly as sexual body parts, and NOT seen as "baby feeders." In fact, at least some Americans are about to forget their natural function!

In the fall of 1993, one of the undergraduate students in my 'Women and Culture' course was totally flabbergasted to discover that the biological function of women's breasts was for feeding children. With obvious shock and disgust evident in her voice she asked, 'You mean women's breasts are like a cow's udder?' That a young woman could reach college without ever having even heard of women using their breasts to feed their children is a sad commentary on American culture.
Katherine Dettwyler as quoted in The Breastfeeding Action Committee of Edmonton (BACE) report about Breastfeeding at Municipal Pools in Canada

If we can see breasts as the WONDERFUL means God created to feed and comfort babies, then the obsessions about them can disappear; men don't have to think that breast appearance somehow counts the most, and women don't have to obsessively worry about the size and shape of their breasts.

What about women who do not want to or cannot have children? How should they view their breasts?

Their breasts, as all women's, are essentially a "signal" or a reminder of how babies are fed. They are still like a "banner" that shows us what food babies get. Even if you are not going to ever breastfeed and use your breasts for that purpose, you can still appreciate the function of breasts, the wonders in breast milk, the efficient mechanism of how it all works (if you study a bit about it), and so on.

This obsession HURTS women and men in various ways that are not always obvious. For example: MEN become easy targets for pornographic advertisements that use breasts as the main enticement or keyword. Or, a woman may need to go braless for her breast health's sake, which then results in men ogling over her, making comments, and considering her only on a sexual level (see comment by Chris below).

I feel strongly that this breast obsession is a problem in the country I live in, the U.S. Please note that I am not talking about all men in what I'm saying below.

I am tired of the over-the-top responses I get from some men towards my breasts. I mean, it just gets ridiculous. Women are more than a pair of breasts, aren't they? What about my mind, my spirit? The breast obession that some men have make relationships between men and women very difficult.

Also, the idea of going brafree, a very healthy choice in many cases, is mentioned on this website and made all the more difficult because of this breast obession. I personally don't like to wear bras. I find them constricting and uncomfortable, even "properly fitting" ones. Also, my severe breast pain stopped when I stopped wearing bras. So, I choose not to wear them, and I have every right not to wear them. But, in the culture I live in, women are expected to wear them. And if I don't, then it's "my fault" if I'm ogled, stared down, commented upon, all because of this breast obsession. I'm suddenly, "fair game" for this type of treatment. These types of attitudes are insenstive to women and completely unfair. It turns men into an enemy in public, who won't allow me my right to live my life in peace, without having my boundaries violated as I go about my business. Yes, I can speak up and tell them to leave me alone, stop staring, all of which I have done. But why should I have to do this repeatedly? Why should women have to constantly deal with these intrusions from men? This breast taboo translates into breast disrespect and disrespect of women.

I don't feel like having men I don't know relate to me only on a sexual level, just because I have breasts and just because I don't want to wear a bra. My not wearing a bra is not intended to be sexually inticing to men. Like I said, it's about comfort and health for me. But the way many men interpret it sexually, without regard to any of my feelings or reasons, makes me very uncomfortable.

So, this is just one example of how Western attitudes towards breasts hurt women emotionally and also negatively affects relationships between men and women, thereby hurting men also. I'm convinced that if this obsession with breasts didn't exist, things would be so much easier for most women and men and women would have better relationships with each other.

Chris

But why does the American society view breasts primarily as sexual objects and not as baby feeders? Carolyn Latteier voiced it out this way:

"Well, I think it has partly to do with the fact that we don't breastfeed very much. I mean, breastfeeding rates have improved, but most women don't breastfeed very much or very long or in public. So when we see a breast, we don't say, "Oh there are those magical milk-making things."
Carolyn Latteier in Berman & Berman's TV program "All about breasts" (transcript)

Let's see how that might come about.

Bottle feeding story

Baby is fed from the bottle, so he doesn't get to know Mom's breast as a food source and as the best pacifier. Also, if Mom never undresses or uncovers her bosom in front of her child, the child never gets to see breasts. Parents, society, TV, and media show breasts to be something forbidden, something to be covered, yet exciting and sexual, preferably large and upright, and the child easily ends up believing that way, as well.

But what if the baby is breastfed?, you might say. After all, most women do breastfeed their babies at least in the hospital. But they don't do it for very long! Let's imagine what happens in the weaning process.

Weaning story

Baby is breast fed in the beginning. But, maybe Mom has problems with breastfeeding, can't find help, and has to start supplementing with a bottle. This reduces her milk supply, and soon the baby is weaned. Or maybe Mom goes to work at six weeks and weans the baby completely at this point (she could have continued nursing in the evening and morning!).

But for whatever reason, Mom weans the baby early on. But just because Mom quits nursing doesn't mean the baby wants to! The attachment and love for Mommy's breasts don't go away just like that. The baby loses its best source of food, yes, but it also loses one of its sources of comfort and security.

The babe is probably feeling along the lines, "Hey, don't take those away from me! Those soft sponges belong to me! You can't do that! Hey, nobody here cares about my feelings! PLEASE Mommy....."

This kind of early and forced weaning can hurt the baby emotionally. Deep inside the baby retains the feeling of wanting the breast. The baby still likes Mommy's breasts. He/she is still interested in Mommy's bosom and wants to touch it, cuddle the breast, feel close — and get the yummy milk (breast milk tastes quite sweet, sweeter than formula).

You can see this when weaned toddlers and babies are still interested in breasts and want to touch them. Unfortunately, many times the mother feels uneasy about it and maybe thinks it is "indecent" or "perverted" behavior. The father may feel the same and fear that his child (especially his son) is going to grow up to be "some kind of pervert." But that is not true! Little children don't think sexual things!

Then the mother tries to get her child to stop this "nipple twiddling" and breast cuddling. The child is probably taught that touching naked breasts is BAD, it is a "NO-NO". Now, if the mother never lets her children see bare breasts, it is no wonder that the child develops a curiosity towards breasts. The child stars thinking, "What is it about them? Wonder what they look like? Why do they keep them hidden?"

While the child is growing up, everything around her touts that breasts are forbidden, a taboo. We know that taboos just encourage curiosity. On top of that, the media presents breasts not only as forbidden but something exciting and sexual, which starts arousing sexual feelings especially in boys. Girls at least get to see their own breasts and often times Mom's too, which lessens this curiosity/excitement factor.

So, what started as innocent curiosity and love towards Mommy's breasts can be turned into sexual feelings in boys, whereas young girls start (often obsessively) worrying about the sexual attractiveness of their breasts. They worry about their breast size and shape, nipple size and shape, stretch marks, sagginess — about every aspect of their breasts, and quite often start wishing for breast implants, assuming that breasts need to be big to be attractive.

It all starts when you take the breast away from the child AND then make seeing breasts a forbidden no-no for the rest of the child's growing period. The end result is a distorted view of female breasts.

A weaned child still interested in breasts?

So what should you do if your already weaned child wants to touch mom's breasts and is very curious about them? Here's what to do: explain in the child's level of understanding what those pieces of flesh are for. Explain to him/her: "These are the milk bottles you drank from as a tiny baby. They are called breasts." Or, "These are like milk bottles. Milk comes out of them when babies suckle and they're called breasts." Show the child a few photos of nursing (from the Internet, for example). Give him/her a biology lesson (on her terms)!

The WORST thing to do is to make a big fuss, to declare breasts a no-no and something totally forbidden (taboo). It's simple enough to tell the child what they are, and do so in a no-nonsense style, just sort of "no big deal", normal type of thing. That should satisfy the child's curiosity.

After a while, such curiosity will probably pass and something else will take its place... just don't make it any big deal. But IF the child keeps wanting to touch and cuddle for a long time, you can explain that "These are the milk bottles but they are my body parts and you don't have to touch me here all the time." You can offer a reason such as "...the nipple is so sensitive." But first make sure you've given the explanations.

Vicious cycle

The LESS women breastfeed, the LESS people get to see the real purpose of breasts. At the same time media everywhere touts the view of female breasts as sexual. That in turn makes it harder for women to breastfeed, since many of the reasons for not breastfeeding are linked to the sexualization of breasts.

So the less women breastfeed, the harder it becomes for women to breastfeed. We have a cycle that self-promotes the view that the main purpose of female breasts is for something else than feeding babies!

The cure?

First, let children be breastfed.

Then, let older children and teenagers see breastfeeding moms and their babies.

Let them learn about breasts and breastfeeding. Let them see breasts used for their purpose.

Don't make it a taboo, a forbidden no-no.

Visitor questions/comments

After looking through your website I was in ecstasy! I feel like I am finally escaping the great American breast brainwashing. Since age 13 when I first was exposed to pornography I have been totally obsessed with breasts, the bigger, the better. My mother never nursed me even once as her doctor advised her to give me formula. Your website helped me as a male viewer to see the female breast as a natural part of the female body and not as some mystical sex object. My whole attitude toward women has changed as a result. All humans are naturally beautiful, created in the image of God. But the greatest beauty is the beauty inside. If two people can love each other then the externals are not nearly as important as what is in our souls and how we relate in love to each other.

Steve

As a guy, I have many pre-conceived images of what kinds of breasts are considered attractive (both sexually and visually) through various media channels.

I have been searching for a website that is both educational and respectful in its approach towards female bodies and I'm glad I have found it in yours.

Your home page's message and real life pictures of normal female breasts in your website's picture galleries has helped me greatly; by guiding my mind NOT to think of breasts as some kind of trigger to think about having sex or entertain any sexual fantasies.

I personally hope your website would not only help women of all ages to be more reasonably self-assured about their own body images, but would also serve as a educational platform for men from all walks of life to learn to seriously respect any female they see instead of viewing their bodies (particularly breasts) as mere objects or tools which trigger or help sustain sexual urges and satisfaction.

This website and its galleries can be part of the fight against porn, as long as the overall direction and tone of its messages are kept educational, conciliatory and non-judgmental.

To all the ladies out there, regardless of age and race, you are beautiful the way you are. Breast implants are not a true reflection of what females are endowed with naturally.

To all the men out there (especially those seeking to help themselves overcome lust and sexual addiction), let's work together to love and respect the females we see and interact with based on who they really are inside (their values and attitudes towards love and life) than treating their bodies as mere objects or tools to satisy us men.

Geo

I came across your site by accident because I just implemented a new safe search engine on my web site and typed breasts in it to see what results I would get. I was very interested in the comments and views here. As a man I have fallen prey to the media and have become obsessed with women's breasts. I was never breast fed and believe the first time I ever saw a breast was in pornographic magazine. I believe these experience rewired my brain and the media has only increased this faulty thinking. When having my son I was very involved in helping his mom breastfeed, from actually holding him to her breasts after his birth because she was too tired to helping pump with our manual breast pump. Unfortunately as a divorced single dad I am still struggling with this obssession. I utilize my bounce technique as often as possible in which my eyes will start to look at a women and then I imediately catch myself and look in the opposite direction. But it is still a battle. Do have any other suggestions on how to wean a 32 year old man from the breast? Thank you for your work.

The problem you experience is unfortunate, and unfortunately has been caused by the way this society teaches us to view breasts. To rectify it is not easy but IS certainly possible.

The one main solution has to do with rewiring the brain and getting rid of the association "breasts = sex" that has become so automatic.

Remember Pavlov's dogs? They trained the dogs to expect food whenever a bell rang. The media and pornography trains men's brains to start arousal at the sight of a female breast.

Consider breasts being on the same "level" as other female body parts such as hands, lips, hair, face, legs etc., and so then seeing breasts alone won't be especially sexually exciting. In other words, female breasts should just be "part of the package" of the female form, but not a special sexual object alone and in themselves.

One of the best ways to do this is to visit a topless beach where all people - men and women - are at ease, where the atmosphere is totally non-sexual, and yet where breasts are all around you. When you see them a lot, it becomes very usual, normal, nothing special, even boring.

And yes, we have gotten reports on how this truly works.

So if economics allow, consider vacationing in the Caribbean.

Still pictures can help some too; however the live situation is so much better because you will see how the women are just going about their things without sexually provocative postures or anything.

PLEASE MOMMY...

GIVE ME SOME MILK!

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Other people's comments

The following comments are from various visitors to www.007b.com, and may or may not agree with the viewpoints presented on this website. The comments are posted here because they might further help and encourage men and women who visit this website; however 007 Breasts is not responsible for this content or any loss/damage caused by reading these.

I just stumbled onto your site and was very impressed! It is very well presented, and educational, but I would like to mention a few things. MOST men are probably naturally attracted to a woman's breasts because of instinct, and being breast fed as a baby. It's one of the first things that are put in your face, it is warm and soft, it's has nourishment, and it is comforting. These are all the things that make a baby feel good. So I think as we grow to become men, that still holds true, even though they are not used for nourishment (most of the time) anymore. A woman's breasts are still are warm and comforting, and men generally still love sucking and touching them, and yes it is exciting too. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and a woman shouldn't think that men just attracted to her because of her breasts. The thing is, although men are visual creatures, it's the total package that counts, mind and body.

Sean

As a professional videographer who has many plastic surgeons as clients I have viewed countless "before and after" photos of women who have had breast enhancement surgery. It's a wonderful option for the right woman at the right time with the right surgeon at the right price. The price could be merely money but could also be death or stroke-- something to think about. I've often thought when viewing these before and after shots "why?". Why did she do that to her beautiful, natural breasts?

Is it possible that size is important only in attracting men from afar? They are attracted to the big breasts initially I think at a base level because the male instinct tells the guy this is a good female to mate with; she will be able to feed her young; it's somewhat of an animal thing. That may have been really good eons ago when it was so important to multiply and prosper as a species but isn't really a very good way attracting suitable mates these days.

So you're a young woman and you think bigger breasts will be better for many reasons. If it's to attract a mate you might miss "Mr. Right". Let's say your new bigger, fuller look gets you more dates. With whom? What if the guy is only in love with your breasts? One day he will dump them for another set. Once he gets over his love affair with your breasts all that's left is you. Are YOU enough? What if your "Mr. Right" is turned off by fake looking balloon shaped Barbie breasts? He may not even approach you.

How sad it is that a young woman would spend any energy or resources trying to change her body to please a man who likely is not worthy of her. When does it end?

I'm a 58-year-old man who has been around the block. It's the woman who makes the woman. Good things come in small packages. It would be interesting to learn how many men are turned off by surgically enhanced breasts. Again, the right procedure for the right woman with the right surgeon is a choice each woman must make. I agree that we men in the U.S. are obsessed with female breasts possibly because they are hidden from us. It's clear to me that it's a cultural phenomenon.

Be well ladies. God has your picture on His refrigerator. You're beautiful as you are, before or after.
Ricky G., Oceanside, California

What a blessing this website is. All my worries and preconceptions about breastfeeding, nipple size, sagging breast etc. are gone forever. I love what I have been given by God and thankyou thankyo so much for all the helpful information.

amy

My wife breast fed both of our daughters. Now that the older one is 12 and developing this was a great site to help her. We have always told both our girls the media sells everything with sex and to be confident in themselves, no matter what they look like. She can see a great example of how Mom and Dad are not stupid, maybe they might know what they are talking about. I think, and certainly hope, this site will help many young women develop the self confidence in themselves. It might even help change a few minds of the male persuasion.

Todd

I live in North America and sincerely agree with the fact that things have to change in North America to allow females the liberty to be natural and comfortable like other parts of the world. Equally, it is imperative that females stop using their body parts as tools, because once you create the market, it will exist. The problem is largely created by the women themselves and not only the doctors and the media. I was raised in a third world country where half of the girls I grew up with did not wear bras or even cover their breast until age 18. We had no interest in even looking at their breast at all or even admiring them. We saw the beauty of a woman without necessarily looking at the breast.

When I got to North America, the mentality around here is really weird. Ninety percent of the girls use their breast as tools to obtain favors and services from men they feel they can not have otherwise. Like police tickets, grades in schools, porn, money, promotion, etc. Why should a female dress completely well and leave half her breast out? It provokes the curiosity of the beholder. All females know there are bras that allow them to show their breast, even if they have tiny breast, to allow them attract men. Females should advocate the natural dignity of all women, I strongly support it.
Thanks
Baz

Hello,

It's hard to swallow everything at once after reading tons of information that really has been a wonder to me my entire life. I grew up with two parents that really tried their best to explain everything to me. My mother always was open and tried to make sure that I learned anything that I was curious about. This was all fine and dandy for the household but unfortunately she was the only one that thought that way. Whenever I went to my grandma's house and a nude scene or topless lady was on TV, my grandmother tended to cover my eyes with her hands as it was being showed. This of course only made me angry and even more curious. What was so sacred about a naked women that I couldn't know about.

Soon later I started seeing other people and going to school and that I have to admit was when I become afraid to even talk about it. I remember so well, I was in class and if anyone in the school even mentioned a sexual organ, You were suspended. No question! So naturally I figured stay away from it. I was punished many times for even bringing it up.

So, I went to my parents again. My father being a man was embarrassed a definite double standard. He wanted me to grow up as a bachelor and never worry about girls. Asking him stuff was pointless. His answer was always "It's Normal". My mother tried again but I never truly was shown an answer always told. So of course what does one do when he wants to know something? He goes online and googles it. Of course I found more porn than anything and began thinking that, That was the way of life. No one bothered telling me or rather showing me what I was supposed to know. It was always in theory or possibly not told to me at all.

I am a prime result of what will happen if you don't tell your children the plain and simple truth. It starts as curiosity, becomes jealousy and leads to hate and pain.

I hope this story helps in someway, Because I vowed never to let my children go through what I did.

Nick

Dear Ladies,
I believe (as male) that however you are shaped there, this is not the most important. The most important is you: the person. When I decided to ask my girl for marriage, it was not because of her boob size, it was simply love with the person. The rest was a bonus and still remains like that, meanwhile two children further she has grown some fat and als increased breast size. I'm more for the smaller breast size, but as expained before, when the women I love has a different size, it is OK, even better then OK because she is the one I love.

I don't know if this comment helps, but would like to add: when you have a friend that makes a problem about your breast size, you might ask yourself the question whether it really is a friend?. Furthermore, do not care about what other "will" think. Probably they will not think what you think they would think (sorry when it becomes a bit complicated), just be yourself and show that: you will glow always!

Dirk, from Belgium.

My breasts are a 36D. Up until this pas summer I didn't like my breasts. I went to the spa where women can be topless. A friend of mine saw my breasts and made a comment that I had nice breasts and she couldnt believe they looked so firm at 48.

beth

Thought of this site when I read this:

www.wnem.com/story/16056101/judge-chastises-woman-for-breastfeeding-in-courtroom?utm_source=va&utm_medium=rec&utm_campaign=content

Unbelievable...

PrimitiveKat

Yes I agree with everything you state about making breasts taboo etc and I found that going to a nudist family beach really does train the mind to view the whole body as a perfectly natural thing, where men, women, and children are at ease with their and other's bodies.It can be a very healing experience after the initial discomfort of exposing one's own body for the first time.

Lin

I am the founder of NINJA NIPs (No INJustice Against Nursing In Public), which was a response to a local business discriminating against my daughter and I after I nursed her at their establishment while watching my older 2 participate in their Ninjitsu classes. Earlier this month, a woman in a neighboring city was humiliated for nursing her infant in a courtroom. I have organized a nurse-in/protest due to the judge's ridiculous actions.

Mackenzie Hatfield-Johnson

Women's breasts are defined as obscene, indecent, taboo objects. They are hyper-sexualized and inappropriately obsessed over by, I would say, the majority of males. Women are controlled by this societal attitude towards their breasts and their freedom to make decisions about their own breasts is restricted.

This definition is imposed upon women whether we like or not. We don't get a choice. What if I don't see my breasts as sexual objects? What I think doesn't matter and I had better follow the rules about what I should do with my own breasts. The attitude and threat communicated to women daily is "Keep your breasts covered and/or bound by bras, or else." Or else what?

You will be seen as a slut, trashy or easy by men if you dont keep your breasts bound and hidden. Men will feel entitled to stare at women, make comments about our breasts, and otherwise sexually harass us if we dont follow this very rigid rule about how a woman should act and behave concerning our own breasts. They will use how we dress as an excuse to disrespect us and act in deplorable ways. We are still at a point where if a woman has the audacity to show her breasts in any way that is not socially acceptable, and she is raped while doing so, she will be blamed for not following the keep your breasts covered rule. Men are given permission to treat women badly when we dont follow the rules of what a woman should be. They are not expected to take responsibility for their actions because they get to blame the woman. Women are very quickly punished by society for stepping out of line and not doing what we are told concerning our own breasts. We are treated like children.

Maybe it's not men's fault that they are culturally conditioned to see women's breasts as hyper-sexualized objects. But that doesn't give them a free pass to treat women anyway they want to. I'm not going to tolerate having my breasts and my being disrespected by men just because they have been culturally conditioned to disrespect me and other women with their invasive staring and stupid, immature comments, all because of their breast obsession. I hold them accountable for their actions whether society does or not. And I will not be controlled by these insulting attitudes about breasts. I alone make the decisions about my breasts, not society and not other people.

Chris

Hi, I was one of the many coming across the site by accident. I feel that there is a lot of truth to what you are saying, especially in the respect the society's attitude towards breasts is mildly ignorant. Also, it joys me to see something being done about the comparing game, and making women realize how beautiful they are. However, (and this is just my personal opinion) I could do without such a negative attitude towards "Western" culture. I understand that you have a very good point, and it would definitely have that kind of freedom here in the US, but that kind of a change is many years away. Other than that, I really enjoyed the website, and hope that more people come to realize that breasts are just fat and mammary glands, not sexual fantasy prompts, and (for women) that their breasts are beautiful no matter shape size or color.
Thanks again!
Christine

Thank you for the article and for all comments. I agree the idea that woman's breasts are oversexualized in our culture is terrible. As a woman I feel under the strong pressure that my breasts should be attractive, big and pert at the same time, which is actually rare.
I sense this boobs-obsession get inside my mind, and makes me concentrate not only on my own ones but also on other women's breasts, I stare at them, compare to mine, judge. I feel that's absurd, but it's so hard to vanquish the idea that woman IS breasts and not a human being.

Lulu

I am very impressed with the attention given to small breasts on this website. When I was younger I was more impressed with large breasts but when I met the woman who became my wife I fell in love with everything about her, including her very very small breasts. It was the first time that I had been with a woman with small breasts and I was very impressed with how "beautiful" and firm they are. Actually I have learned to love and to prefer woman with small breasts. Size does not matter and I really don't understand why a woman would get implants. Just like some people prefer blonds or brunettes, some people (such as me) prefer small breasts. Breast size does not make you a "woman." Lastly, her small breasts are the most beautiful breasts that I have ever seen. If you have small breasts don't ruin them with surgery / fake boobs! Save you're money and be confident!

Rick

Your page is such informative. I am a 24 years old girl and always imagined of having larger breasts but now I feel different. Thanks to your article.

Jyo

I luv this website it is educative and informative. I am 22yrs old, have a big boobs. Initially when I was growing up I used to be ashamed because of the size. I even wore two bras at a time. Later a large lump was removed from my breast at the age of 19 and my breast is still in good shape. Men should try not to look at the breast object of sex. Ladies, be proud of your boobs no matter how it is

Glo

My second comment on this site, now discussing breasts in general. Confidence is something you can learn from early age, especially body confidence. The most horrible examples of the contrary, is when parents (mothers esp.) encourage their daughters to enhance their breasts, even pay for it. I live in Norway, and girls 18 and younger have breast enhancement (silicone) to be "normal", and fit in among their peers. Being students, of course their parents pay for it. It's terrible! Instead of teaching them how to accept their bodies and appreciate it, they model their children into some image of perfection. This is a message to all parents with teenage daughters: If your daughter has small or large breasts, and feel insecure about them, show her this website and discuss the topic until you have changed her mind. B.r. Mette

Wow! thank you so much for this site. I have 2 grown sons both of whom were breastfed. I have always thought, "as long as they (breasts) work, then that is what matters". I feel for young girls today having to view all of the misogynist images of women that are plastered everywhere. I am now in my 50's and I don't watch TV or go to movies anymore because I can't stand looking big fake breasts in my face. The camera shots of women in many movies show her with no head, just breasts. It is insulting and humiliating! I hope girls and women will find your site. I plan to sent this to every one I know, again Thank You!

Deborah

Hi, I'm 17 from Canada I've grown up without a mother figure in my life so I never got to see what breasts look like apart from TV and movies until I developed my own. I really like reading about breastfeeding and the sickness the media has spread about breasts. Even though I'm young, I still want to learn about my body and the things that could happen when I get older. I want to thank you for all the information on this website and I think now I have a different perspective about my own breasts. I've always thought I was a freak of nature because I have one breast that is less than a B-cup and one that is almost bigger than a C-cup, for a while I was even worried that I had breast cancer because of the different sizes. I live with my dad and my brothers and I can't ask them questions about these kinds of things (for obvious reasons) and I used to never leave my room without a bra on, but now even if I don't feel comfortable without a bra on when I go outside, I think now I can be at least more comfortable in my own home, and if my family tells me it's gross or indecent I can tell them the things I learned on this website! I'm going to show this website to all my friends (even the boys) and I hope that more people come to see breasts as the miraculous things they are and not for sexual gratification, so thank you and keep educating others <3 Let's make this a world-wide revolution!

Jessica

Thank you so much. I sometimes get very sensitive about my small breasts. (32a) Even though they're just joking, my friends pick on them. It hurts very much. I cannot help the fact I'm so small. Seeing other girls with small breasts that aren't photoshopped or enhanced was actually comforting. I was actually crying I was so happy to realize that I'm not "ugly". I am healthy and beautiful. I have something that will help me to raise my future children. I can create life and sustain it. Once again, THANK YOU! :')

Rachel

I'm a 28-year old woman from Finland and it was really nice to see a website that has a non-sexual and natural way of seeing breasts. In Finland things are a bit different because of our cultural traditions. In our culture people have for hundreds of years had the tradition of going to sauna. For those who dont know what sauna means or what it means for Finns, it is a room that is heated for very hot temperature and were people go to relax and sweat away their stress. Families all over Finland use sauna often weekly and usually families go there naked. In many families childern can see their parents' bodies in natural and non-sexual way and also see what happens to their bodies when they grow older. It's absolutely normal in here, that families go to sauna together until the puberty of the children. And I want to underline, that even though women, men and children go to sauna together, there is nothing sexual about it. Nudity in family is often considered natural in Finland. This doesn't mean that we hang around naked all the time, but the attitudes towards nudity are perhaps more natural in Finland than in some countries.

That also means that girls and boys have often seen natural breasts and usually know what breasts are for. The attitudes towards public breastfeeding are unfortunately getting more and more unapproving, but it's still considered quite a natural thing to do (as it should be, in my opinion). What is worrying, is that even though natural breasts are not a taboo for Finnish people, the developement has been that young girls and women are very self-concious about their breasts, because of the images that they get from media and pornography.

For myself, I can say that I learned to accept my own body and especially my breasts when I met my fiance, who loves natural breasts and can't understand the media hype for unnatural and "plastic" breasts. For that, I'm really grateful because I have suffered for low self-esteem for most of my life. I'm also happy, that I had the chance to grow up in an environment and culture, where nudity isn't overly sexualised.

Salla

There are a lot of men that don't think twice about going to see strippers but once a woman pulls out a breast to feed her baby are totally disgusted by the sight and think they should go to a restroom to breast feed. I can't imagine telling someone to take their meal into a public restroom. I'm a J cup and can't even consider going in public without a bra but I have noticed that men treat you like you asked for large breasts and deserve to be stared at. I have actually been asked why I don't show them off. I believe that ignorance leads to breast augmentation.

Betty

H I Maria, I'm a 37 year old man who found your site looking for info about my 10 year old daughter's development. This site is extremely informative. I understand how women mature but I was looking for info on how to help ease her through, the emotional side of it without being an inconsiderate male. My wife can confirm I'm not the the best at the "feelings" side of anything.
This site seems to help a lot of young girls to see they are totally normal. Besides who's to say what is normal? I am very glad you tell them that they don't need big breasts to be beautiful and feminine. The only I would say is that some women think men only want big breasts. But that is not true men love all breasts big and small and everything in between. I just hope I can get through to my daughter that she is beautiful not her "parts". Thanks for the help and keep up the good work.

Wil A.

Hi! I JUST came across your site today and I'm VERY happy I did! I'm rather young (22) but have seen how media and men/boys are about breasts and realize how a lot of girls feel 'inadequate'. You should really try and get this site into every middle school in America in a fight against the way media represents breasts and to help girls percieve themselves as beautiful no matter how their breasts are.

Bonnetta Gregory

I think this website is brilliant and people should be wearing t-shirts promoting it.

Not only does it help men relax a little in regards to their sexual attitude to women but it helps women relax in their attitude to themselves.

Most importantly it helps men and women BETTER INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER! It helps our relationships, women are more open and relaxed about their bodies and men are less aroused and more appreciative. I still want more pictures of male genitalia in the media also, it may seem a perverted thing to say but it would help both genders to be more open to displays of 'normal' (not airbrushed) nude bodies.

It is worrying that not only are men being programmed to find these media images of women/breasts arousing but women are too (hence all the worry over their breasts) - I have been programmed to find women attractive and it's taken me a long time to find my husband's body arousing when I know I find him attractive (women are often taught that men are ugly and women are beautiful). It isn't just about breasts, the media is a big problem, it makes us ashamed of who we are, programs us to find certain things attractive and we lose a part of who we are.

Keep the comments from men coming in, I love reading their point of view!

Sandra

I came to this site to learn more about breasts. As I have a pair also, most, maybe almost all men have never had them enlarged, or gone to lactate. I have by accident, by living with two young girls out of high school back in 80's. I had this herbal book Herbally Yours. In it it gives several herbs to help lactate and to help feed children. I had helped themselves to the book. Then they went and got several of the herbs and used them. But when they did it they made a large supply, not marking the milk bottles. They also got the idea to put it in ricekrispee treats, which I like also. Those six herbs heavily used gave me more than anyone would need to start to breast feed their children. The following day by 8am I was covered down to waist undershirt totally wet of breast milk. Now today I still have fairly large breasts. For those who want more breasts use the herbs carefully. Look up each one and what each will do before using them: Blessed Thistle (cold), Chlorophyll, Fennel, Alfalfa, Red Raspberry, and Marshmallow (warm). By the way, do not use marshallows in bags; they are made from sugar by-products. To those women now breastfeeding, adding the herb Marshmallow to your diet will help your baby sleep thru the night. It also relaxes your stomac, and theirs.

Joe

I was breast fed as a child and I don't remember being bottle fed on a regular basis. My Mother knew the advantages and I've benefited with good health. I have a very positive view toward breast feeding for any Mother, parent, any time, any place.

But despite that bonding that I had with my Mother societies view that breasts should not be seen was enforced in my mind. So I'm in agreement that breasts should come out of hiding. If we started seeing them regularly it would take away the mystery and remove the sexual connotations as they became more common place. Women should be respected for the role they play.

I do feel it's a double standard that men are allowed to go out in public bare breasted and women are not. That just makes no sense and any explanation given why women are singled out is biased. Males also develop breasts, although smaller and much less developed. Gynecomastia is not rare and can happen for many reasons.

Thank you for your website and helping educate all of us and consider what life could be.

Steve

I don't understand why it is such a taboo to breastfeed in public in the U.S. God made women the way they are for a reason, if the mother and child are comfortable, happy an healthy what is the problem? It is a natural function of the human body. I watched my mother breasted feed my younger brother an sister in public in 1981 when I was 11 an my dad was out to sea on submarine duty so I really couldn't talk with him about sex an the so called facts of life. As I watched my mother the only thought that kept going through my head is what a beautiful and loving thing my mom was doing for my siblings. My mother also talked to me about her breastfeeding me as a baby and that it was a perfectly natural thing. I guess every mom is different and has differnt views but I thank God that my mother was honest and open enough to answer my questions from an curious and confused teen boy who was just trying to understand his own body as well as women and sexual relations it made me a better person. In this day an age with all the porn an multimedia is it any wonder young kids today do what they do an are so uninformed about what love, sex, and parenthood is all about? Thank you for this site I stubled across it by accident but I am glad someone is trying to dispell the myths of breastfeeding and educating men and women of all ages.

Dan

Thanks for giving me back my freedom!
After consulting your web page, I've realized that we are "Human Beings" not "Sexual Beasts". First time ever I've realized that with confidence that females are our companion in life, not a sexual tool. Before that, I think it COMPULSORY to get sexually stimulated while looking a girl (even very young), and MUST BE hyper after having a glimpse of their boobs (even fully covered) and NECESSARY (sometimes) to have an imaginary sex (even unwillingly) while looking a naked body. I didn't wish to do so but did as I though it's natural i.e. avoiding it is UNHEALTHY. So many times I'd long arguments with me that I'd not think in that way but my mind always said me Stupid as such conversation. Your site not only show me the truth but also raised my confidence on my analyzing ability.

Ahmad

Ladies, breasts are beautiful and please let men appreciate them for what they are. Not all of us have lascivious thoughts, we just like looking at them. It is no different to admiring the portrait of the Mona Lisa and I am afraid that breast appreciation is not a disease to be overcome, it is a survival instinct which is 'hard wired' into us so that it is not an option we can just 'give up'. Likewise nipples are a natural attribute without which your breasts would be useless. Do not try to disguise the fact that they exist, be proud that you are normal and do let them show through your clothes. Many men will appreciate your appearance, not because they are lusting after you sexually, but merely because you look beautiful to them and they cannot help staring. When you notice such stares, try smiling to acknowledge their appreciation of your looks rather than lumping them all under the category of 'dirty old men'. You really do look gorgeous to their eyes and they thank you for it. Do not condemn us for this our frailty but rather take pity on us and encourage our appreciation of nature's works.

Michael

I was directed to this site by a partner who has an almost pathological breast fetish, and I haven't figured out what he is trying to tell me; I am happy with fluctuating 34C. As a beautiful woman, and a breastfeeding mother, I appreciate the balance and safety of the information and photos here, and thank all the women who have shared their images and statements. Best of luck to you men who are wandering through. If you have the fascination with porn, please be courageous. Take it up and discuss frankly with your own mother.

Fan

There are reasons (practicing) Muslim women wear the kind of clothing they wear... One of them is not having to wear a bra (which MANY women find welcoming) without unconsciously showcasing their "assets" AND even being able to breastfeed in public... Just some food for thought

Observer

I'm so glad that I accidently came across this site and strangely (as a 14 yr old) I feel safer. THANK YOU! And I feel more educated. I kinda feel like crying cause I'm not worried about my breasts being too big T^T. And now I understand why boys stare at me alot. XD Thanks!

Alexandra

Hello, I am a new mother and I made the decision to breast-feed my baby. I am glad I did it because she is a very healthy baby due to it. But I have always had a problem breastfeeding in public because I am always worried about what other people are going to say, think, or do. I tried giving her the bottle only while we were in public and she took it the first few times but after that she refused the bottle and I was then forced to do what I was most uncomfortable doing to be able to feel her, I had to breast feed her in public. It was not as bad as I expected, but I was still uncomfortable with it. Then I was feeling self couscous about my breasts yesterday and about how much they have changed since I have been pregnant and a new mommy and so I was looking for pictures online of "normal breasts". I came across this web site and I have actually read it ALL! I love it! I have recommended it to some of my friends that are mothers and soon to be mothers to help them as well. I feel much more secure about myself as a women and with my breasts, and also with feeding my baby in public. Other people eat in public, why can't she?
Thanks for the website!!!! I love it!!
-Jasmine

I agree with your piece on Breast Obsession. Children should be raised with a normal attitude toward breasts. We in the West have a warped view towards breasts calling them all those "flattering" terms (hooters, funbags, boobs, etc...} It is as if Breasts have a woman attached, not a woman has breasts. I hope to see this change in my lifetime. Yes I was as guilty as anyone of seeing the breasts first, then looking at the woman second. But then came the kids and I saw the way things actually are. I still enjoy by wife's body, but I have gained a respect I never thought possible.

Thanks for your site!

Dennis

This site has been wonderful for me. All the points made about America having the wrong views about breasts have been what I've thinking for some time. I am a 28-year old mother of 4 and I breast fed all of them. I am currently trying to wean my 4th. I have noticed a lot more sagging with this pregnancy and I have a lot of loose skin. The pics on this site of women who haven't even had children proves to me that breasts are not perfect for most. My man does nothing but make me feel better, but in this society I always feel insecure. Your site has made me happy and more comfortable with myself. I don't have to regret breastfeeding my children or feel that I sacrificed having goodlooking breasts for the health of my children and myself. I did want to say for women with breast cancer in there family BREASTFEED your babies and do it a lot. It's natural and your body needs it.
rita

This is really long, but I have a lot to say.

I'm just entering young adulthood and my breasts have been growing since I hit puberty. I am now spilling out of my DD bras ( I hope when I start getting more exercise they will get smaller) and all my teenage years I have been dealing with having large breasts. I have had to deal with the difficulties of finding clothes that fit, males viewing me as a sexual object, and the pain of having large breasts (referring to the physical pan of achiness and back pain, as well as the emotional pain of low self esteem and abuse).

For a long time I struggled with being comfortable with simply the FACT I have large breasts. My male friends (and males who weren't my friends) would tease me (sometimes playfully, sometimes not) about my breasts and my romantic relationships with men seemed to always end up revolving around my large boobs. I would always get harassed by them about taking photos or doing some sort of sexual act to the point where I felt like I had to in order to keep their love and our relationship, because when I didnt I would get a guilt trip that would make me feel like I did something wrong. When I did do what was asked I would often have an immediate self esteem boost by their responses but then would cry later because I felt guilty and dirty. This was an emotional cycle that would occur in every single relationship.

Today I know better than I did back then. I know when men are trying to use me or are taking advantage of me/abusing me and I will not stand for that BS anymore. And I know better than taking some foolish action just to get a small self esteem boost that will only last a couple minutes, because myself and everything around me makes me feel so ugly. But the one thing that still remains is I now have trouble feeling romantically close to someone because I still feel dirty and gross from the things I was convinced to do years ago. And all this was simply because I have large breasts.
Because of all that I also had/have series issues when women either wish they had larger breasts OR when they state that they dont need large breasts to be confident. Of course I am happy for someone when they are confident with the body they were given, but when phrased like that it implies women with large breasts have an easy life and built in confidence. That assumption or implication always, always makes me angry, because it is simply not true. And it always bothers me that there is this strange double standard where society implies that men like large breasts, so then men feel its necessary to inform girls with a smaller bust that they actually prefer women like that and that they think large boobs are gross (especially once men stop being ignorant and realize what big breasts really look like on a naturally bust girl). So in the end, women with large breasts feel sexualized by the media and then actually disliked by real men. And those of us who are naturally built that way cant help it and did nothing to get all this thrust upon them. Hmm. The message of this is that women on both sides of the spectrum have their own insecurities and its not anyones place to make judgments about things we, as individual women, cannot change (unless someone chooses plastic surgery).

Anyway, despite all this I eventually became comfortable with my breasts size, because I LIKE feeling like a woman. But of course as soon as I became comfortable with that I began to hate my breasts again because I realized my boobs didnt look like how I thought breasts were supposed to look. They arent perky and cute like all my other smaller-busted friends or the women that are on TV or in movies. They are saggy, and I have large areolas ( I dont think I spelled that right) that face down a bit. I hate looking in the mirror. I feel gross and ashamed of them. In fact, just writing that made me feel gross. I am not even in my 20s yet and I feel like my boobs are like those of someone in their 40s. I am embarrassed for any future relationships I may have because of what the man I am with will think and my skin scars horribly so I fear that a breast lift in the future would just make them ugly for another reason. This is where my thoughts were at when I found this site, and seeing photos of other womens breasts, reading the different articles on this site, and reading the comments of other women really made me feel better. Made me feel like maybe having breasts like mine is okay. I am sure I will feel depressed sometimes, but hopefully the things on this site will stick and will help me feel confident in my breasts. I even bookmarked it so in the future I can come back here for some emotional support. And maybe when the time comes where a breast lift could actually be a possibility I wont want it.

I would like to add that I especially appreciate the articles about how society has sexualized breasts and how they have become such a big deal to everyone, and they shouldnt be. Its an important issue that I feel close to (obviously given my story). And maybe it would be worth it to write/post something about the specific affects on women because of social pressures and the pressures of men. I think its important to recognize that while things shouldnt be the way they are and that some men wont care what someones breasts look like; society is this way and there will be men who do care and who will try to bring you down and feel flawed. And that because of the media, television, film, ads, magazines and pornography, amongst some people, breasts are figured to look a certain way and when someones breasts dont look that way that person will find them unattractive.

We live in a world, regrettably, where appearance matters; whether its your hair or something as intimate as your nipples. The people who love you wont care what you look like, but there are billions of other people who do and we cant pretend that just because we are comfortable with ourselves that others will be too. And we cant pretend that once and while we wont whose opinions do and dont matter, if any do at all. Men will still make lewd comments at the sexy women on television, congratulate each other on their conquests and hold double standards. The media is going to make you feel bad because your breasts arent as large, small, or perky as the women that they bombard you with. And it is all these things that will make you feel like getting plastic surgery or changing yourself; even though in reality everyone is different and deep down we all know it. And it is all very unfortunate.

Women were oppressed for hundreds of years, we dont need the self created expectations of modern day westernized society to oppress us too.

Hoping everyone can be strong and that things will change,
A.

What a wonderful site! I wish this website could be required reading for every human on earth!! I am a 23 year old first time Mum of a 5 month old boy. I always knew I would breastfeed my babies. My mother was forced to wean me at 4 months and has always felt negatively about that, consequently, she choose to allow my younger brother to self wean. I have fond memories of cuddling with the two of them while he breastfed. He weaned himself at 4 1/2.

My son was born at 35 weeks gestation but fortunately our hospital here is extremely pro-breastfeeding and I had a lot of support, even in the NICU! I was able to exclusively breastfeed since hour 1! I am also fortunate to have a very supportive family, especially my mother.

I have recently been considering allowing my babies to self-wean, and although my husband still has reservations about this, I am now determined!

I have 3 friends who also just had babies and sadly only one of them is still exclusively breastfeeding. I can see different factors which caused each of them to quit or cop out and it's so disappointing that our world has come to the point where it is normal and ACCEPTABLE for a mother not to properly care for her baby!

Although, I believe breasts can be dual-function both as a sexual element as part of the female body and as baby-feeders. The may be exciting to men as a different part a woman has, as facial hair on men is sexy to many women. However, society's brain-washed view of breasts today is totally wrong! I was an early bloomer and was quite self-conscious, I used to hunch to hide my breasts and I now have back problems because of it! I am now a 34E after 3 years of constant work I am now (almost) completely comfortable with them.

I think your site could do to expand on the topic of selfishness as a reason for many women quit early or decide not to breastfeed. Since women's lib became a big thing we have had the attitude of " I deserve it", "me time", etc. A breastfeeding mother can rarely afford to have such thoughts. Motherhood is all about selflessness, giving even when you feel you might not have anything left to give, and the huge rewards and satisfaction that come from taking care of your family in that way. Bottle feeding allows a mother to pass off her responsibility and distance herself from her baby based on the sick idea propagated by our society that she has the RIGHT. I could go on about it all day - it makes me sick to see a young mum lean down and hold a bottle in her baby's mouth while it sits in the car seat! Thank you for the wonderful site, as well as all the wonderful, moving comments! Elyse

This weaning article made me think of my friend's daughter. My friend's wife breastfed until the girl was 3 or so, when she weaned herself. One day I was over visiting my friend and the little girl was sitting on my lap on a kitchen stool. I was chatting with my friend and the little girl was playing with some toys when she suddenly turned around and announced " I want boobie!!" simultaneously pulling down my tank top with the built-in bra, completely exposing me to my friend. There wasn't much to be done other than to tell her "It's not nice to take other people's clothes off, ok?" and pull up my shirt and tuck everything away. My friend and I went on like nothing had happened but it took him a good 15 minutes before his red face cooled down and he could look me in the eye... I was embarrassed too. Why? I guess because I do view my breasts as private thing and I'm not particularly thrilled that he now knows what I look like with my shirt off. So, what's the point of the story? I guess just that I agree that no part of our bodies should be taboo, and it's good to have a comfort level of with our bodies, but children still end up having to learn societal mores one way or another.

Melissa

I feel that almost all breast are beautiful, no matter if the are small and perky big and a little saggy, almost all of them can get their job done no matter their shape nor their size!

John

I have an 8 year old, a six year old, and a six month old. The older two each nursed until they turned 5, and I fully intend the same with the little one. I breastfeed very openly at home, so my children see it as very normal. In fact, if the little one starts fussing, my 6 year old son tells me she needs num-nums (his own term). My 8 year old daughter has had her own digital camera for a year, and I recently looked at the pictures on it. I had no idea she had taken so many pictures of me breastfeeding her baby sister! To her, this is completely normal, natural and beautiful. I am so proud of my children learning from my example despite the differences we see in society.

Crystal

This site, it's amazing. I posted a link to my blog in "breasts from around the world unite!" I'm 19, a 32"D. I've always been extremely insecure with my breasts, since I was a young girl, I was seperated from the nipple as a child and grew up with my father. I never got to know and love and understand the female body. I grew up thinking that my breasts were an embarrassment, some kind of deformity. I matured extremely early around the age of 7 and got made fun of in school and stood out from the other girls. It was a nightmare. I wore baggy shirts and sweaters to hide them, fantasized about giving myself plastic surgery to evade the "burden" but I matured and accepted them as my own. This site is wonderful and beautiful, I am sending a link to my old highschool so they can put this into the lessons (it's a feminist/people studies alternative school). They will absolutly love this.

love, yasmin

Thank you so incredibly much for your beautiful web site!! I have been self conscious about my breasts for as long as I can remember. My breasts are quite small, and even though my husband loves them because they are part of me, I still felt abnormal because I didn't have the perky half cantaloupes that appear on magazine covers. Your gallery of normal breasts was very inspiring. I also appreciate your breastfeeding promotion. It truly saddens me that people wean their babies so young--why deprive your child of such a tremendous benefit! There is ample support for breastfeeding issues. I have never been pregnant, but planning to in a year or so, and I can't wait to breastfeed my baby. I'm planning on breastfeeding about 2 years. It is such a benefit for both baby and mama, why on earth wouldn't I make it a life priority? Thank you for the balanced and beautiful education your site provides. I am sincerely grateful, and hope many others can gain knowledge and a natural, balanced view of the female breast.

Rebecca

It's a good question, "Where did it all start for N. Americans." I might blame Hugh Heffner of Playboy but it may go back before his time. There were photos of big breasts women around before Hugh was born. I'm amazed that a girl was shocked that breasts are for feeding babies. I can't imagine how anyone could be that much "sheltered" about sexuality. It amazes me that so few people read or learn much these days. They spend their lives watching television and learn nothing. The Internet allows us to learn something about nearly any question we have. The men here should note that in S. America the emphasis is on beautiful backsides, and often the bigger they are the more attractive they are seen. Being a salesman I walked into a S. American food restaurant kitchen lately and the guys had a poster up of a woman with legs and backside so large I wondered if it were a morphed photo. The big breasts are beautiful in clothing, and often not as pretty outside of clothes, but no matter. (You women should remember) We men all are hard wired to love you no matter what your shape. Just smile and say "hi" and you'll get our interest nearly 99.5% of the time.

SteveN

I'm a 27 yr old, mother of 3 children ages 7, 5 and 1. I have always had large breasts. I actually began getting mine in kintergarden. At the age of 6 I was a small A cup, age 11 34B ,age 17 42C. I became pregnant at 19 and grew to a 42DD by my 6th month. The day of the birth I was in a 40EE, But they quickly dropped to a 42D and have stayed there since then. I never felt normal and didnt feel like I felt in with my smaller friends. I have never been over weight, just been large on top. Your site has helped me see that I am a normal woman with normal breast and I just want to say Thank You for making this site and showing "normal" breast. :)

Summer

Breasts are mainly for feeding babies which is essential. It is the right of the child to get breastfed.

Dr. RCRout

Hello, I am a mother of two sons. Although my sons are now sixteen and twelve they still remember breastfeeding as a positive healthy experience. Neither one of my sons have fetishes or problems with the female breast. I was one of the blessed ones who breast-feed each one of my boys until the age of four and I am proud of it. My boys hardly ever get sick and like I said we have many positive conversations about how it effected them in a positive way. I remember my younger son telling me that my breast milk tasted like a vanilla milkshake.
Truly the bond that was formed by breastfeeding my boys was the highlight of my life and I am so thankful that even though others (especially my mother) frowned upon my decision, I continued to follow my heart and desire and nurse my boys. It paid off and I would recommend it to any mother in doubt.

Raelyn

I do believe that breasts are related to sexual function in that they could possibly serve as an indicator that my offspring will be well nourished. Having worked on a dairy farm, I noticed as a teenager that bigger udders meant more milk, and the cows with the larger udders had the healthiest calves.

Duke

I have been overly obsessed with my breasts since I was probably 10 years old. My mom is 40DDD and I always wanted big breasts like hers, I ended up being a 34D and I'm still not very happy. I'm 19 years old, 56 and 120 pounds... honestly I still pray for my breasts to grow almost every night. I have a man in my life and he's been with me for over 3 years and has never made any rude comments about my breasts... he always grabs them and says how perfect they are and how much he loves them. But, I am always wishing they'd grow... but... after being on this site and seeing pictures and reading comments from men and woman, I think this may be be the beginning to me feeling good about myself and my breasts. I love seeing men comment and say they now understand, it makes me feel good that I'm not just a sex object... I love this website and I'm glad I came accross it =).

A

I breastfeed my son intill he was 2 years 1 month it was the best for him.. My oldest son I didn't breastfeed and he was sick all the time and has many food allergies and other allergies. So I would say to breastfeed for sure. I think it is safer for them anyways.

Colleen

Well, if society calls for women to wear clothes, then that in turn stimulates a male's imagination & of course that leads to sexual fantasies .Ie; "Oh wow! She's got a pretty face, but is she wearing a bra stuffed with chicken fillets or what??" Given this world still has women that walk around naked I can say as a young male (25 yrs old) that honestly, when I see them, I feel like it's less of a sexual thing & can appreciate the beauty of a natural woman.

daniel

This site has helped me so much just in the hour that I have been exploring the pages. I feel so much more confident in my breast size and much more incline to believe my dear one when he tells me they're perfect to him. As a petite 20 yr old with 32Cs (on the smaller side), I've always felt a bit inadequate in breast size. Seeing all the movies, tv shows, and websites that over-exaggerate how important it is to have perfectly round 34DDs and up does not do any good for the average woman. Thank you so much for showing how every size and shape is beautiful.

Monica

I came across your site through a link in a comment to a pro-breastfeeding blog post. I am a mother of 8. I have breastfed 7 of my 8 children. I bottlefed my first because of a lack of support and a lot of misinformation. With a renewed commitment I went on to breastfeed my next 7, 5 of them extended and using child-led weaning including a set of twins. I am still breastfeeding my 2-year old and hope to make it another year. I am very comfortable with breastfeeding and my kids are all close in age so breastfeeding is something they are exposed to very often both at home and elsewhere as a majority of our friends also breastfeed. In spite of my embracing breastfeeding and wanting to normalize it for my own children, I've found that I too am susceptible to Western society's unrealistic perception of breasts. I have even discussed with my husband having breast implants when my nursing days are over or at the least a lift, all based on the media's presentation of what constitutes attractive breasts. It's certainly not based on my husband's desires or even my own feelings about my breasts except to think they should be firmer and perkier like the women on TV. Your site has really impacted me in that regard. Having 8 children in 14 years can really change your body and your perception of your body and it has certainly managed to negatively influence my own body image drastically. I am so outspoken against media influence and social brainwashing and I didn't even realize that I've been falling victim myself. After reading some of the thoughts on this site, I'm vowing to recondition myself and how I think about my breasts and the rest of my body in its natural form. I also plan to pass this on to both my husband and my 14 year old daughter. Thank you for such thought-provoking material.

MJ

As a male, I can tell you that I'm not attracted only to women with large breasts. I even dislike women with very big boobs. And it's not that I dislike breasts, because I'm also attracted to women with normal to big sized breasts, but I can also be attracted to flat-chested women. It all depends on the total image of someone, not just the breasts, not for me at least.

Anonymous

I find this website rather interesting. I wound up here because I was curious as to why men are so obsessed with big boobs. Or should I say breasts. Yes, you are probably correct in assuming that the movie industry, TV, and the photography industry as having created a false image of women's breasts as being sexual objects. Personally, though I do not find breasts sensuous. They are only a small percentage of a woman's body. Remember, if a man does not find all of your physical being attractive, by the way this includes verbal communication and body language... Oh back to the subject of breasts, very small to average is fine by me. I would also say that sexually breasts are definitely not sexually interesting. They are soft and warm and nice to touch. But then there are other parts of a woman's anatomy that are also extremely nice to touch.
Ralph

I'm a 16 year old girl and I was at a loss about all this hype about big boobs, and them as sexual things. I wanted to get with the crowd and at least gain a cup size because my meager A-cup wasn't going to cut it in this sex obsessed world; it seemed necessary. So, I began my search of natural ways for breast enhancement and enlargement-pills, creams, gums, etc. Just trying to find a good product before committing. As I was searching around, I stumbled across your site and immediately was drawn in by all the amazing information and understanding it offered. It answered so many of my questions, qualms, and misguided thoughts. It also reminded me of the beautiful gift our breasts are; not sexually but for our child to nurse. What a touching almost sacred act that seems that they're meant to do. It made me really mull upon it and think about how wonderful an experience it will be when I can supply my baby with food that I create naturally for him/her. It seems like such a wonderful way to bond with your new child. So, all in all I really would like to thank you for reminding me of the amazing things are breasts are meant to do. Also, for answering many of my questions just by reading through your website. Lastly, for making me feel like a normal teen with normal boobs because they are; now that I know what a bunch of breasts can look like. I even found one that looked like mine which made me feel very comforted. I don't need to change them for anyone or anything because they are for my future child. I appreciate all you are doing with this site because it is clearly impacting many people and I wish you the best of luck. Cheers, Taylor.

I am a man and I am crazy about breasts..... particularly my wife's. I was not trained by magazines or the media, I am a man and biology makes me find breasts of all shapes and sizes, to be attractive!
What is the problem with this? Do women not want men to find their breasts attractive? Certainly not. If breasts were not seen as desirable objects by men, part of a women's femininity may be lost, much the same way as many women with small breasts have issues with size and desirability, yet men find their breasts attractive!

Bert

I found this website in my search for a plastic surgeon nearby. After viewing this website, crying my eyes out, and realizing that I'm actually a normal female... I'm not going to get surgery. I'm taking step one to embrace myself for the way that I am! Thank you so much.

Emily

Men should not be obsessed with women's breasts - but neither should they be indifferent. We are not an indifferent species when it comes to procreation. Men are hard wired to like breasts, and hips and buttocks.... But this is a fraction of what a human female has to offer of herself. A woman can be bright, fun, deep, sexy (thank you so much, ladies), nurturing, wise and truly the better half. Being so much of yourself, for yourself first, is the brass ring for us all, and by that I mean the world too. And your breasts, in every shape, size or geometry are a wonderful - part - of you that most men appreciate as such.

RE W

Thank you for setting the record straight about breasts and breast-feeding. My mother never breast fed my sister or me because bottle feeding was fashionable for upper middle class women who had the means to purchase the best infant formula available. Growing up we were taught that breasts were never for public display, but rather some mysterious swellings bound together by fabric and covered with high-necked garment. My mother passed down her poor body image frustrations and was never outwardly comfortable with her own body. As I grew older, my mother began picking at my body, in particular my breasts.

I developed early at age nine and was already wearing a C-cup by 6th grade. Looking back on those years of constant harassment from both boys and girls, I still feel the sting of humiliation. Yet my mother refused to accept this and never bought me a bra. In fact, I remember repeatedly asking her to buy a training bra but she brushed it off, thinking I was acting "grown up" and copying my older sister who was five years older. So I started wearing her bras as well as those of my older sister out of necessity. That's when I learned that breasts came in different sizes and shapes. It was incredible to see how women in the same family had different breasts shapes and bra sizes. At eighteen, I bought my own bras with money from my first job and later learned proper bust size of 34 C, and have felt empowered ever since.

I now deflect all those injurious and angry insults from my mother by telling her my breasts are gifts from God and I appreciate their beauty. When I look at them in the mirror, they are quite lovely.

Nadine

Thank you that it's not just me! I am male, and have been subject to this bull-- Hockey for years. I'm eighteen and I am attracted to women. Not because of their breast size or their body, but because of their intellect. You can have the best-looking body in the universe and lack the brains to use it for better things (that also goes for guys as well, seeing as it can only be man's fault for making the breast into what it is today. Women can't help having breasts, just like men can't help being slapped in the face at least once in their life time... not exactly the same, but I think you can see the point)

I was always one for reading. Reading and a number of other things alienated me from other members of my high school and people in general (so in other words, guys). I'm not homosexual, and I have been accused of on occasion of being so because I do not comment on the way girls talk, walk, how round their butt is and how big their boobs are. I never did that because I have interests in the other pieces. Like, the brain? I could never love (be in a relationship anyway) someone who is shallow, close minded, and lacked common sense; and if they mocked me for reading and studying, I merely closed my eyes and shook my head and told them their intellect was lacking and insignificant; I know what you're thinking: "How can this guy mock others? How can he tell them they need to reevaluate their being?" Because I have rarely come across somebody who does not rank others (women included). I say this because they can't stop watching television. If they but took a step into the reality that is in their conscience, they could achieve great works and more ( I got all A's and was still mocked on my lifestyle, so it seems that you can't win.)

Not only does the media and pornography add to the problem, but the well oiled machine of sexual overdose continues, imbued in the minds of children and adults. It spreads and eventually contaminates another helpless soul. I for one have become withdrawn from the media No TV! No TV! No TV! (shout it loud it's really, really fun) and have taken up jogging/weight lifting. So far I think I'm doing pretty well off.

Now, some advice on the minds of mine:
1. TV has some of the dumbest ideas on planet earth, to spare your sanity, restrict yourself to the English learner channels.
2. Please avoid those magazines with models in bikinis and famous movie stars. These things really bring you down, not only are the prettier and 'cooler' than you, they're making a six figure.
3. If you have a girlfriend, or a boyfriend, use words to express feelings. Usually if your boyfriends want you girls to get implants or enlargements, then he isn't happy with himself and he'll bring you down.
4. Be happy with your looks, because if you aren't, there is not much anyone else can do for you.
5. Try and be open minded, breasts weren't meant to be sex objects, they are meant to nurse children. You may think differently, and that's okay, I'm open minded and subject to change. And this whole breast taboo thing has to change;

Thanks for your website, it teaches women (hopefully more men than women, but I could be optimistic) that breasts aren't just the subject to humiliation if they aren't 'just right'; imperfections are human, and so are you.

--Rubin N.evermind

I love your site, it has helped me get my girls to breast feed their kids. I was lucky as I grew up, my mother and father were never ones to say you must not look at a breast - I watched my mother feed my sisters and knew why women had breasts. My wife was broght up you must not show and don't feed a baby using them - she is my 2nd wife and I made her breast feed our daughter. Of her having 3 kids only one was breast fed and she wished that she had fed the other 2 children - the bond between her and our youngest girl is now very strong - my youngest just had a baby and she breast feeds her son. Watching the kids grow up I found that my wife's 2 kids who were not breastfed got sick alot, while my 2 kids from my first marriage and our last child together is seldom sick, all because they were fed real milk that was made just for humans by humans. My wife's daughter would not feed any of her children anything other than formula and they are all 5 in and out of the hospitals.

My 2 children, my son had his wife breast feed their kids and they're all fine, seldom ever sick - my daughter has breastfed both her sons up to 14 months and they are sick maybe 1 time each year, and I have seen where the 2 different types of feeding {formula is not good} and {breast feeding is the only way} really do make a lot of difference as to the health of the child. I as a 64-year old grandfather of 5 kids say to all of the women out there that TO HAVE HEALTHY AND HAPPY CHILDREN, PLEASE BREAST FEED YOUR BABIES - THANK YOU -DAN

Hi,
My lover only has one breast. She lost her left one to cancer ten years ago.
Our whole family loves her a lot every day and rejoices every day that she is alive and well.
She is still and always will be one sexy lady to me!!

Dan

I breast fed my first child but only for 6 weeks as I was only 19 and half when he was born. I had my second child 5 years later and I breast fed her for five and a half months. When I was trying to wean her from breast to bottle, she had a "hissy" fit everytime I gave her a bottle. She screamed and cried with the bottle in her mouth while the milk ran out and down her cheek and neck. So I gave her the breast and she calmed right down and drank as much as her little stomach would hold. It took me three weeks to fully wean her from breast to put her on the bottle. When I gave her the bottle, she screamed and cried and even at times tried "spit" the "nipple" out and just had a complete fit and she was ONLY 5 and half months old. So I gave her the breast in one feeding and the bottle in following feeding and I allowed her to scream and cry until she realized that this was it and that she wasn't going to get anything else.
Looking back maybe I should have breast fed her til she was a year old or so but I didn't.
My point? Even babies know what breasts are for, my daughter knew the difference between the breast and the bottle and it is about time that society stopped pressuring women to artificially "inflate' their breasts to suit men in what was once only a practice among strippers and porn "stars"

donna

I have 7-year old twins who were breastfed until they weaned themselves at 2 and a quarter. I have a now 2 and a half year old who is still breastfeeding. I refuse to do secret nursing. When my youngest was around a year old, I was concerned that she refused to eat enough solid food and when I complained to the paediatrian she immediately asked me when I was going to wean her; when if it wasn't for breastmilk she would have starved. I thank God that I am an older mother, I'm 42 and am not likely to be intimidated by health professionals because over and over while they dealt with my daughter's eating problems, their main concern was trying to get me to wean her. I've just ignored their attitude although in the case of one doctor, I sent her a printout from the internet about breastfeed toddlers. But I am appalled by the attitude and ignorance of professionals who work with babies and small children. My attitude is in part because my daughter is my last child, and because I know all about the health benefits of breastfeeding. A young mother at my children's school confessed to me that she didn't stop breastfeeding her son until he was four. She said it as though she were confessing something awful picking up on the attitude in this country. She's Russian so her pro-breastfeeding attitude is unusual here in the UK; but my mother breastfed and so did my older sister and I hope that people who see me nursing my toddler are reassured that it's natural and normal. When my oldest daughter was a toddler she 'breastfed' her doll.
Even yesterday, my son said to me 'Mummy will you give some breast to Phillipa because she is angry and needs calming down!".

Claudette, London, England.

As a nursing student, I am ending my class on moter/newborn care. I have a six-year-old that breastfed for 13months. Through reading your website, I find comfort in knowing that I am not a freak for the way I view my breasts, and how I teach my daughter about them. As a toddler she once saw a woman breastfeeding in public and was astonished by how that woman was exposing herself in public (because by then she had seen that mine were never exposed and she had to always wear a shir in public.)Me being the "weirdo" that I am explained to her that we are mammals and mammals feed their baby with their breast, just like cows and pigs or cats and dogs. She also has a child's book about nutrition that explains "when you were a baby, all you needed was your mommy's milk, and now you need fruits and vegies" It is totally natural for breasts to be a source of nutrition and not a sex toy. I encourage women and men alike to view them as that.

Becca

Your site has begun a process of freeing me from years of bad "programming". Wish I'd had this input years ago. I owe an apology to women (owners of breasts) in general.

At the age of 57, you've given me cause to reflect on my own attitude. I clearly recall, at about the age of 12 or 13, I did not consider women's breasts in sexual, arousing terms. But, one of the buddies I played with urged me to pause and hunker down in the aisle of a local drugstore that had a well-known "girlie mag" in the magazine aisle. He showed me the centerfold area and associated other pages of young women in assorted nude pose. A few moments later an employee came by, scolded us, and drove us out of the store. I was ashamed and confused, but left the store with a whole new attitude about mammaries.

So,for about 44 years the ideas launched in the aisle of that drugstore have ramained -- bolstered by media, culture, girlie mags, "R" movies, strip clubs, TV ads, and pretty much the rest of our culture.

No doubt, it will take some time to unlearn the warped ideas I've learned over such a long time. But, thank you so much -- and replies from both men and women -- for helping set an otherwise mature male on a new path of enlightenment toward a healthier non-taboo attitude regarding this topic.

I feel as if years of dirty, worn out baggage have dissolved away!

joel

Thank you so much for this information. I was still on the fence as to whether I would breastfeed when my little one comes in four months time. Now, my decision is made: I WILL BREASTFEED. And I just checked with my hospital, they actually offer free lactation consultants who are on call 24/7 to come to your house if issues should arrive. They also offer a weekly support meeting for breastfeeding mothers that I will also be attending.

Also, as for your point about WIC offering formula: in my state WIC only offers the formula if the woman asks for it, but they are very pro-breastfeeding, and gave me a million bits of information on the benefits of breast milk over formula, just in case that was something unique to my state is all!

Again, thank you so much for this site and the information, now I will hopefully have a happily breastfed baby girl!

jesi

H I I am Rosemarie from Malta Europe. At 24 I had my first baby, who I breastfed for 2 complete years. At 30 years I had my second child Sarah who I breast fed my first child for 3 years and 3 months, just stopped on the 2nd April 2010.
I always wanted to breastfeed my babies. Noemi, my first child, didn't want to get on my breast and the nurses/midwifes at the hospital were putting pressure on me to give her the formula milk. Later during the day I had a midwife with me and she helped Noem I to get started. After 12 hours Noem I was born, she managed to get on and I was relieved. Noem I never needed the bottle, dummy, teddy bears or any other artificial support. Once I tried the formula milk and she hated it. During the first 2 years Noemi, thanks God, was never sick.

Now she is 9, very bright, sensible, a happy girl and also good in sports and dancing, very proud of her. Sarah, my second child was born on the 16th January 2007. She was more eager and immediately after birth she was attached to my breast. After a couple of days I was in so much pain and I asked my husband to help out and get out the first bit of milk. It worked and after Sarah was a happy baby.

After a couple of months I also tried formula milk (just in case something happens) and same as Noem I she hated it. No dummies, bottle, or teddies. When Sarah started to have her first teeth, without knowing, I had holes around my nipples, it was sore and painful. Rested my breast for a day using the compresses and I was ok after a couple of days.

If I had fever, cold, gastric or whatever I kept on giving my babies their feeds, it worked, they were fine. Sarah never got sick neither. She started school at 2yrs 10mths and while the others were getting all sorts of colds, gastric extra. She would to come home with a runny nose and be fine the day after.

In June 2009, my husband travelled to Spain, coming back he had swine flu. We were one of the first families in Malta. Within a couple of days Noem I got Infulenza A, myself got the swine flu and because Sarah was still breast feeding she turned out negative.

This January I taught to stop Sarah from breast feeding but she didn't want to know so I gave up. In April we were on holiday and one morning I had a chat with my little lady, saying that she is now a big girl and should stop taking 'tutta', this is what she calls them. Eventually she agreed, after for a couple of days she missed them and was begging in to give her. It was a very hard for me, I nearly cried, but my husband Pierre was very supportive.

Now it's been nearly 2 weeks and Sarah totally stopped. I am in no pain and all the milk dried out. I am also trying hard not to miss my baby. I am my daughter's best friend and very close. I cannot understand why new mothers listen to all what the media say and not their feelings. Breastfeeding is natural and with a little bit of help we should all manage. It is all in our brain, nature is prefect, and what God's [created] can never be replaced with human creation. If anybody out there needs support, please do not hesitate to ask.

Rosemarie Azzopardi

I currently nurse a 3-year old and I catch so much flack for doing so. Many people are uncomfortable with the fact that I nurse, even when he was younger. Since I am discreet (for my own comfort, and because there are things like camera phones now!) I do not understand why it would bother someone to see my son's little legs jutting out from the bottom of my shirt. You cannot even see breast AT ALL and yet people feel uncomfortable, some even look disgusted and ask when I'm going to wean or why I choose to make others uncomfortable by nursing out in public. Now that he's 3 he rarely needs the comfort nursing provides while we're out and about but having had so much practice in telling people to mind their own business and/or that nursing is completely normal I have no fear when his need arises. He is the happiest, most resilient and confident little boy you could ever hope to meet, and our bond is incredibly strong. I credit extended nursing for that to a great extent. I am also a better mother because I've had the opportunity (through the general public's lack of support) to continually put my son's needs first in the face of adversity. It's made me stronger and more in tune with just how far I'm willing to go to do what's right for my child.

Courtney

My name is Alex, and my girlfriend is flat chested. I don't see why she cares so much that she doesn't, as she puts it, "have big boobs". Personally, I could care less about the size.

In fact, I, a teenage boy, prefer women with flat chests because we can just have fun together without her constantly worrying about 'them' while playing sports.

I'm a 17 year old straight male and I have to say, I find your website to be incredibly realistic and true to its purpose and I just wanted to say congratulations for what you're doing. I support everything that is said on this site and I think you're really making a difference in the lives of a TON of people. I just wish more of the people in my generation would find this site. I think a lot can be learned and that it would solve a lot of problems to teach everyone the truth.

Benedictus

Good site. I did not realize that women were so worried about their breasts. Ladies, no matter what you read or hear, large breasts aren't any better - or worse - than normal sized or small breasts. My personal take on the obsession aspect with men is that culture has promoted large breasts and small waists as being the desired figure. However, I do not think that a man will judge you, or accept you as a mate, due to breast size. Although we're visually stimulated, we do have brains. Plus, there's a lot more to stimulation than vision (imagination, anticipation, etc.)
The older I get, the more I regret (poetic!) worrying about penis size and may own body image. It probably cost me a lot in terms of self-confidence.

So, there you have it. As an aside, I think that breast implants are ridiculous. First of all, they don't feel like a breast. Secondly, women I've known (friends, not lovers) have said that their nipples and breasts are desensitized. Third, it can be dangerous. Fourth, they don't look natural.

I'd take a natural woman over one with implants every time.
So, if you think your AA's or AAA's aren't good enough, think again. If your spouse, lover, boyfriend, etc. is urging you to get implants, find a different partner. There's much more to you than physical appearances.

Thanks for letting me babble.

JLo

This site is refreshing and shocking at the same time. I found it shocking that even the girls with what I would consider near-perfect breasts still claimed to hate their breasts and complain about them extensively!

I'm 30. Never been pregnant, not planning on having children. I LOVE my breasts! I have ALWAYS loved my breasts, even though they are 34FF, and by societies standards disproportionate on my 5'3 frame... They are just right for me, and my opinion is really the only one that counts! I think if you don't love your breasts, you are missing out on a lot of love for your femininity!

Alissa

It's often forgotten how humans are part of nature and not something cast down on earth as some spawn maybe for some bad forgotten alien experiment or outcast that evil incarnate. I praise any female who feeds her baby naturally till it's ready to eat on its own.
However, nature has a force to get life off quickly, to fly free, and yet one of the oldest things God said after He created the human race was --- if He created both male and female and the 1st female was a bit off and left the man, was "IT'S NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE". This must be extra true for a baby, and the natural feeding way may allow a deep invisible bond a bottle lacks, and may be linked to adults and some discontents in the roots of the war of the sexes. OR why adults find it so easy to put each other down.

THEINDWELT

I remain baffled as to why so many WOMEN especially are outraged when women nurse their babies in any context but total privacy. But as a young minister in the 1970's, what baffled me even more was how it was the ELDERLY women -- who were young mothers long before WWI I when bottles and formula became more common -- who complained when some mother would sit in the back pew of the church and nurse her baby, well-covered by a little blanket. Indeed, not once did I ever see one of these young mothers expose herself in any way and most people wouldn't even notice that a baby was nursing, if not for the fact that the crying stopped and the mother would shift her blanket every now and then to change sides. From the pulpit, it certainly didn't matter to me. And it never mattered to any of the men of the church nor any of the little children. Yet, every once in a while some crotchety old lady in her 80's would complain to me or the church elders that we simply MUST stop these wicked women from nursing their babies in church! And the ONLY time I ever encountered a MAN who was objecting to women nursing within the church community was when his wife was the reason for the complaint. (And in most of those cases the man was clearly embarrassed that he had to express his wife's complaint.)

To this day I have never heard a reasonable explanation for why the old ladies who surely grew up in the American Midwest when breastfeeding was the norm were the ones who got the most worked up about it. And the Barbara Walters air travel incident a few years ago reminded me of what seems to be the only excuse given: "It didn't matter to me but I was thinking of the man sitting next to her and how uncomfortable he must have been!" But I've never known of a man who complained on his own accord! Men typically ignore the nursing because they simply don't care -- except for their appreciation for the fact that a nursing baby is a quiet baby! And a well-nursed baby is probably going to sleep calmly once fed!

I appreciate your website. But from my own experience (and that's all I have to go on) I put the blame for anti-breastfeeding sentiment on a vocal minority of women out there. Are they worried that their men are going to be distracted by an exposed breast? I just wish I could put courtesy aside at times and simply respond to them with a "Grow up! It is just a breast! They don't bite and they've never hurt anybody yet. And if you give them a chance, they are invaluable for keeping babies nice and quiet in public places!"

Speaking as a man, in the rare contexts where I notice a mother breastfeeding in public, my first reaction is "Ahhh. How cute. What an adorable and contented baby." So whenever I hear that a nursing mother has to retreat to a restroom to feed her baby, it enrages me -- because on TV's and billboards there are constant scenes of semi-exposed breasts. Why don't they get as many complaints? I just don't get it. Isn't something backwards here?

By the way, I never had the opportunity to be breastfed as a baby because my mother had had a double mastectomy many years before. But I wish I had because it is very possible that my allergy problems are related to my missing out on the immunological advantages of breast milk in those critical early months of growth. So I consider ANYTHING in our society which might discourage some young mother from breastfeeding as long as possible to be a crime against her baby's future health and well-being. Yet, even in states where gender-equal "exposure laws" are on the books, some police continue to harass women who breastfeed while giving the lame excuse that "Someone complained." Sometimes I just wonder what happened to BRAINS.

Yes, I guess I'm getting to be one crotchety old guy.
( I find it so hard to believe that the undergraduate female in your story could have been unaware that her breasts were another reason why both cows and humans are mammals. She truly didn't associate them with milk production? As a former university professor, I should not be surprised at any story of ignorance. Yet, I am. And could there be other young people like her? I shudder to think so. So keep up the good work.)

Paul

Love what I'm seeing so far, glad I found you.
The only thing I would do different is not compare breasts to bottles when explaining the functions of breasts to tots. They know anyway as they were both breastfed full term until they decided to stop. (LO is still nursing)
I have told my children that bottles are replicas of breasts and that some moms don't offer breasts and use those instead. They both looked horrified! :)

Renee

My mother's breasts were small, but once she said, "These are the breasts that nursed you when you were a baby." That was helpful. The same woman, the same breasts, nothing to it.

I shun media based on an extension of the all-news is bad-news idea. I love music and film and watch DVDs, listen to my collection of MP3s, and listen to PBS avidly. I was taken from my mother at an early age but my new parents were body positive in an unusually Catholic way. Age-appropriate materials, books and art appeared in the family collection at appropriate times and I was OK with asking questions. Looking back, I had a good upbringing with careful guidance, but I think I developed my aversion to media the way I chose not to eat candy; I just chose it.

When you take away a crack addict's crack, and tease them with raising the price to get it back, they'll go out and kill or rob someone, or prostitute themselves to get that high. Are breasts like this? No! I'm making the point that Skinnerian (behaviorist) psychologist make: "Intermittent reinforcement is the strongest."

When you take away Mommy's boobs, Baby wants them back. When you label Mommy's lovely milk-makers as Verboten, of course, Baby will want them more, and stare at every pair walking by because maybe, just maybe, they'll substitue (that's the intermittent part).

Puritanism does not have its intended effect; it does not make us pure--rather, by over-restricting us, it warps us. Coerced behavior develops deep resentment; in the extreme, psychosis is the result.

Social nudism, a tantric practice of nude gazing, and any art practice of sculpting or doing the fine arts with the nude as subject demystifies this warping. One can only look at so many breasts, so many women, so many vulva before the scales fall from the eyes, even if only for a moment. This takes discipline! Frequently it costs money.

Real people; real bodies; real breasts; real bellies; real butts. That's what I say.

There's a salute I do, palm level, facing down, under the nose, to shield my eyes from the breasts of a woman I may be speaking with. I only do it when I am saying at the same time "You'll notice I'm talking to *you*, not your breasts, and what I have to say is..." or something else like that.

Cheers,
Douglas (Dana)

I am 17 years old, and I have small breasts-- I wear a bra size I never knew even existed: Nearly A. Finding this site has been so amazing for me that I can't even express the amount of gratitude I have. Within minutes of viewing your site, I was grinning. I'm very slim and petite (only 95 pounds and 5'1'' tall), so I've always felt self-conscious about my breasts. However, I run and swim, and while all my female teammates have rather large busts, they complain about back ache a lot, and I've never had that problem! I'd be proud to have a picture of my breasts on your page under the "Small Breasts" section. Thank you for your site, and to all the ladies that have posted their pictures, I thank you as well!

Joy

I've been doing some heavy thinking lately. I am 18 years old and have found that everything 'considered' sexual, even organs and genetalia that ARE sexual didn't particularly arouse me in the least.

I started thinking about body image, breast, nipple, aerola, belly buttons, weight concerns, penis size--the whole works, both male and female. I have never been particularly happy with my body (broad shoulders, thin hips, what I thought to be abnormally shaped breasts, average-but-flat bum,) and began to wonder whether or not this contributed to 'sexual' things being not-so-sexual to me. I wasn't and will not go through cosmetic surgery for the pleasure of others when it meant my pain, so I learned to accept it and move on. That's when I found that it isn't necessarily the body itself you should find arousing, but the person underneath the skin. Desire starts at the heart, not between your legs, you have a mind of your own--so use it.

I realized after some time that most of the women in my family are extremely ashamed of their brests, and even some men! At one point, we had 6 people to one bathroom, and when I really had to go and my mother was in the bath, she'd make me wait because she was scared I would look at her breasts. I also wasn't breast fed due to that fact that she was on drugs and literally could not breast feed me. She also thought that it was indecent and immoral for having your children do the same acts as a lover would, incestrious even. The honest truth of it all is that it's completely disorienting to perform sexual acts that were originally since the dawn of human existance, meant to feed your children. While I do not in anyway have anything against sexual triggers involving breasts, I think people are very narrow minded about this issue. (Especially my mother.)

This gave me a grotesque feeling of my own breasts. Like most girls, I hadn't seen a NATURAL naked breast besides my own, and the first that I had seen had indeed been in a dirty magazine. While I do not appreciate the bias nature of most men toward the female body, I cannot slander nor ridicule them because of it when the reality is that girls can be just--if not more--curious than men. The difference is, most (and I do not mean to offend) are not attracted to the anatomy of a female, just openly curious as to determine normal developement and completely ashamed to be so due to the media and the projections of breasts being sexual and not a natural bottle. I think sometimes we forgot why it's called a nipple on a breast as well as a bottle.

Either way, it was no coindence nor accident that I stumbled across this website. Like I said, I've never particularly liked my breasts, but it wasn't an issue for me because my opinion is that you either are attracted to me or you're not, and that's enough for me. It still didn't squelch my curiousity. I thought would simply inform me, but I was wrong. I'd never been one to harp on what I was given, what I was made and born with, but I must say I do have a better outlook and feel much more optimistic-- I am not alone, and neither are you! (Total cliche, anyone?)

After reading and taking all of this in, I was completely and wonderfully satisfied. Then my heart plummeted once I realized that the bare statistics are that more women are going to read this than men, which was a victory and a defeat. While this site touches body issues for females, teaches breast feeding and normal developement rates, it also hits a very real issue--one that men NEED to be aware of. I kept reading even though I was basically finished with what was being offered and I stumbled across the comments of guys.

Without ever even reading them, my heart had been restored. The fact that there were male vistors was enough, but then to realize they were reading and taking all of this in was something completely different--and that they were commenting! I'd like to whole heartedly thank them for their input, it made me smile as well as changed my opinion on the whole topic. Thank you!

-CB

Well I'm 19 and I only weigh 100 pounds and my breast size is 34B. And you know I love them because why should I need a man to make myself feel better about my body? I am very proud for what the lord gave me and when I came to except that I am now married and have 2 babies and I couldn't ask for a better life, and believe it or not I'm making my way up to modeling and my breast are beautiful. So ladies, look in the mirrow and look at your breast and know they are beautiful. Remember who you are and don't let anybody let you know otherwise be true to yourself,

Amber

It is interesting that we obsess about so many things that are not important. Really if the media would change the focus from perfection and riches, we might not be so self-loathing in western society. Just when we feel like we have it together, some commercial comes on with the next great thing we got to buy. Then we are hit with commercials with men and women that are so beautiful that we end measuring our selfsame against that standard instead of a normal standard. It is sad and I am a victim of it. Even though I know the wealthy are a small % of the population, the media makes me feel I should be wealthy. Even though supermodels are rare, society makes me feel hideous if I am not one of them. I am in my 30's and women my age are very self-conscious. We need to fight hard to educate our friends to not be so judgemental of looks and status. This is a difficult century to live in.

Angela

I am 29 and have two children (ages 7 and 9) who I breastfed until about the age of one year. I would say they weaned themselves at that time, even though I stopped nursing them, they didn't seem to mind. My breasts were a 38 D at sixteen, and since I've had children they've gone up to a 40 DD. I am "overweight" and always have been. (There's another idea for a site, BM I calculators are a joke, as everyone is not built the same.)

I have been somewhat self conscious of my large breasts, feeling that they would be more attractive if they were smaller, and perky.... but after looking at this site, I realize that no one has "perfect" breasts, and that their functionality and health is more important than what they look like.

I found it refreshing that the site mentions the taboo of not allowing your older children to see your breasts..... mine still see me naked on occasion.

I have personally felt that allowing people to go nude if they so choose, would be a great benefit to society. Sex is not about being turned on by someone's looks, but is about enjoying their body because you love who they are.

Thank you for putting words to my thoughts, and making a difference for women everywhere.

Nancy

This is a wonderful article. I don't see why men always think that breasts are a pair of sex toys or a replacement for vaginas or something, because they're not. I mean, my boyfriend has asked me about my cup size and everything, and I asked him "Why does it matter?" I think that maybe the original idea that breasts were for sex might have come from the simple fact that men are lacking them.
I was actually shocked at the paragraph about the college student. It's terrible that they didn't know. How could we let this happen? Imagine some of the students that haden't taken that course! They probably still don't know! It's terrible how society is run.

Cristina

Your site is phenomenal! After stumbling on your wonderful information, I have been both saddened and uplifted. I am sure that most women will benefit enormously. I thank you.

Joe

I am a pleasant 38 DD. For years I have had to put up with lewd comments, yet I like my breasts. When I gave birth to my son 15 years ago I let the staff know I wanted to breastfeed. I was in the ward a couple of days. Because the maternity ward had a separate room for the babies this was considered a hassle, and the nurses, rather then bring me the baby would bottle feed him behind my back, so whenever I tried to feed him he would not latch on. I figured it out when I held a bottle under his nose; he opened his mouth wide to receive it. He never latched on.

Staff in this hospital took away this privilege out of ignorance and laziness and lack of caring. I understand this still goes on and I, 15 years later, still think that an injustice was done to my child. He was a sickly baby and I believe that he would have been healthier if he would have nursed.

A good book to read is "Breasts" by Daphna Ayalah and Isaac J. Weinstock. This was given to me by a friend when I was slouching to hide my breasts. Ever since, I have carried them around like a badge of honour.

You only live once. Enjoy your body.
Maartje

Ok, where to start? I fully agree with what you're saying here, but realistically you can't change the world. For centuries breasts have been looked at as sexual things, no matter what there's always gonna be somebody who drools over breasts like a juicy T-bone steak. And the media? Don't get me started on that, everything that's filmed goes through multiple people who correct things such as lighting, contouring, ect. Which is a huge frustration for us REAL women. I've been noticing more and more how hard it is to sit down and watch something on TV without a beautiful, half naked female popping up on some commercial. What's even more frustrating than wishing I could look like one of those girls, with the perfect weight, and the perfect breasts, and the perfect hair, is having to listen to all the guys around me making their disrespectful, innappropriate remarks, my guy included. He always tells me that size doesn't matter, but than when a female pops up on TV he's all "Look at those titties!" Makes me unsatisfied with my small breasts and makes me feel insecure. I've always been kind of obsessed with my breasts. Not that I like their apperance, but obsessed on how to make them bigger. I've been a small A cup since the 6th grade and I'm now 21! I've been teased about my small breasts since I was 12 years old. Which has definitely affected my self image and made me extremely self-conscious about my breasts. I was actually surfing the web for breast enlargement pills when I came across this site here and I gotta say I do like this website as it makes me feel a little bit better. What comforted me the most was reading the comments from the men. I never realized that all the while I've been stressing over MY appearance, that men were stressing over theirs. Though I'm still on the search for some magical barbie pill, I admire and respect the women who are comfortable and content with their breasts cuz that's a huge goal for me to reach. Well thank you for your website and thank you to everyone who posted something to this site. Because ALL women have beauty in them.

rebecca

I think this site was amazing! I am planning on breast feeding my next child! I took the easy way out and formula fed my first! I'm going to make my fiance read this because he is against extended breastfeeding! I'm hoping by having him read this site it will make him change his mind on what breasts really are! I feel so much more comfortable with myself now! More than I ever have!

Dani

First off I'd love to commend this website and all who have posted their stories, fears, and triumphs. I'm 21 years old and my son just turned 2. I've struggled with my body image since elementary school. I've never been gifted with large breasts. The only time they were large (about a D cup) was during my pregnancy. Now, 2 years later my breasts have returned to a smaller cup, about a B cup. I'm pretty much happy with my body now but do struggle with the fact of having stretch marks on my breasts, hips, thighs, and butt. I'm of German and Irish descent so I'm naturally pale which makes my stretch marks more noticeable. I try to view them as marks of love, in that I'd NEVER trade them because they are a result of having my beautiful son. My fiance says he loves my body and I find comfort in that. But he is a man nonetheless and prefers women with large breasts and butts. I'm 5'3 and about 110 lbs. I am curvier now and like having curves but when he watches porn and I see his arousal from it, it does affect me. He's even suggested now that I work out some to "tone" up my body, that a more toned body is more appealing. I've never been heavy. The most I ever weighed was 151 lbs, which was at the end of my pregnancy. After having my son I developed gallbladder problems and lost a lot of weight. At one point I was only 95 lbs. Now I've had my gallbladder removed and am finally slowly gaining weight back. I like having a lil more weight on me and at first so did my fiance, since he likes thicker, curvier, bustier women when he watches porn. Now that he's suggesting I work out to make my body more attractive hurts a lot. It makes me wonder if he's losing interest in me and by suggesting I work out, it's to keep him interested. Yes, I would like somewhat bigger boobs, but I've tried working my pectorals hoping that the muscle stimulation would push my breasts out just a lil, but it is painful and makes me very sore. I wish men and society could accept people, not just women, for who they are. Life would be less stressful and people would appreciate the small things in life more if our minds weren't always focused on outer perfection.

Kaden's Mommy

Thank you for enlighting us about the Western brainwash. I would invite all my friends to this wonderful and helpful website

Hassan

I really feel that the problem with western society is that parents don't talk to their children about sex. I think breasts are very sexual. That is, if we were having sex (other body parts such as feet can be sexual too depending on context right?). Children and adolescents need to be educated about sex rather than kept in the dark about it. With ignorance, comes discomfort; with education, comes open-mindedness. In the example where a father asked the nursing mother to leave because his son was exposed to an indecent act clearly shows the lack of education here (and probably a lack of father-son talks).

I don't feel that the media is solely responsible for making men obsessed with breasts. It bores down to the poor education children and adolescents receive on sex. Afterall, I was exposed to the same media messaging. From where do I summon this respect for women and their bodies? Education and good communication between parents, friends, mentors and a whole lot of other people is a good start.

I recall the stories my mother told me as I was growing up. Some of them of how she breast-fed me. I'm not sure if she ever nursed me in public, but knowing I wasn't always fed from a bottle really makes me glad.

nate

First and foremost I must say that this is a wonderful and educational site.

It's shocking how breastfeeding is looked upon in the U.S.A. (people getting arrested is just sad). I'm from Norway, where things are a bit different (obviously). Unlike in the U.S.A., new mothers in Norway are actively being encouraged to breastfeed. I looked up some numbers about it too: 80% are breastfeeding after 6 months. One third is doing it after 1 year. Public breastfeeding is of course legal, and is more or less socially accepted, even though most women feel uncomfortable doing it in public.

The sexualization of the breasts here in Norway isn't as bad as in the U.S.A, but still they are a bit "no-no" and should be covered up. But there is an exception: topless sunbathing on public beaches is very common here. In recent years, girls have become more self-conscious about their breasts: size, shape, etc (based my observations). Must be because of the increasing pressure to have the perfect body and all that. According to Dagbladet (Norwegian newspaper) 70,000 women have opted for breast implants during the last 20 years (Norway's population is under 5 million people).

Personally I don't find breasts all that exciting, except for a period in my teens, but they do represent something feminine. Always known that breasts are for feeding babies so I wouldn't be disturbed if a woman suddenly started breastfeeding in my vicinity. Since I'm a guy, I can only say that I would expect a woman to breastfeed her infant. After all, that's the most natural thing to do. I guess I could also say that me and my big brother were breastfed by our mother when we were babies. Around 6-7 months each I think it was.

Oh, maybe I should mention something about this movement (if one could call it that) in our neigbouring country, Sweden. It's called "Bara brst" ("Bare breasts"). This is a group of women in the city of Malm who have a goal to "create debate around the unwritten social and culture rules that sexualize and discriminate the female body".

Arne

As a male with large breasts (due to hormones) for many years I have experienced first hand this taboo. I enjoy swimming, but have been told numerous times that I must put on a top. When a shirt becomes wet it is very uncomfortable and just as revealing as going topless. So I now no longer go swimming. This results in people who don't know insisting that I get in the water. In fact I just avoid going near the water altogether.

Frank Poynter

This website is wonderful! I am a proud, breastfeeding mommy of an 11 month old boy. For the first several months, I never nursed in front of people (except family members & close friends). I found myself staying home more than normal and would arrange my entire schedule on my son's nursing schedule (ie "he just ate--quick lets go out to dinner before he needs to eat again). What a tiresome way to live! Through sites such as yours and talking with other nursing moms, I have become liberated and empowered. I am no longer afraid to nurse in public and I no longer need to contort my schedule and be a homebody just so I can feed my son in privacy! Why America considers formula "normal" and breastfeeding socially unacceptable angers & confuses me. There is nothing natural or normal about a foul smelling can of formula. I'm not sure how something so proven to be inferior through extensive research can still be triumphant in our culture. Maybe one day we will live in an America where the bottle feeders will get the dirty looks. This is my prayer for my future grandchildren!

Thanks 007b!!!!!

Tara

In response to the gentleman above who turns away when he catches himself looking at a women - Instead of turning away, look up at her face and smile! Women love to be appreciated, just not ogled for their 'tits and ass' (Can I say that here?) I even subtly point out good looking women to my husband, as we both appreciate well taken care of human bodies. Ones does not have to go as far as the Caribbean to get naked. Visit the American Association for Nude Recreation (www.aanr.com) to find a place in your own state. Thank you for your sane approach to this subject. I will be sharing this site to many, many young people. Jeanette

This website is amazing. I feel completely comfortable with my breasts now. And I feel more at peace walking around my house with a t shirt and no bra, knowing that bras dont prevent sagging. Everything in this website has helped me appreciate my breasts more and love what I have. And when I have children I will breastfeed them and they will grow up knowing that breasts arnt for sexual perposes they are "milk bottles" for babys. And if I have daughters I will educate them so they wont have to suffer like I did, and grow up believing that they need "perky breasts" to feel and be sexy.

Noem I

I had a discussion with my wife tonight about breasts, hers, specifically. It seems that she was and is uncomfortable with my natural interest in them, not sexual per se, but natural.

I felt I was ignorant of what her insecurities are in this regard. While there were many objectionable websites that I checked and then avoided, I found this one helpful. I could read what torments the minds of, frankly, very beautiful women of all ages, in regard to their breasts.

That American men are hooked on a fictional, airbrushed breast is not surprising, given the Hollywood tripe about sex and breasts.

But what I found interesting is that women are sooooo fixated on their breast size, shape, conformity, stretch marks, whatever. I looked at all the pictures, and granted, there were some breasts that were less appealing to me. Life has some deformations, and it causes some too. But, really, truly, I found that many of these wonderful and brave women have lovely, pleasantly shaped, and marvelously unique breasts. The variety, the shapes, the contours, the sizes, areolas... are simply breath taking. To men, universally, a woman's breasts will ALWAYS be a wonderous and wonderful sight. (How men respond to that wonderous sight demonstrates the character of the man.)

Over all, I can say as a man past forty, that you women, all of you, have diverse, beautiful breasts, gifts from a loving God, for YOU to enjoy, and feel good beautiful about. You husband (not a no-commitment 'boyfriend' who will just use you and get bored with you later and dump you) wants to see you, to see your breasts in the LIGHT, and to enjoy giving you pleasure, while experiencing that as well.

My point is, if you will not accept your breasts for your OWN unique shape, like you accept your eye color, your natural inclinations, your personality, then you will struggle to enjoy true intimacy with your husband. He will miss out, too.

Men's deepest desires include first of all, sex; this will never change. Followed by that is a desire for intimacy. Your husband will be interested in YOU! Yes, he wants YOUR breasts, not some other woman's. But if you are so self-focused that you cannot let him love you for you physically too, then you run the real risk (in this sex saturated society Hollywood has created) that he will pursue pornography, and fantasies of the mind, that may ultimately lead to adultery, deviancy, and all manner of pervese actions.

I think what I'd like to say is, thank you brave women for posting your photos, and more importantly for sharing your heart. I now know that as a husband and a father, I can and should encourage the woman and the little girl who will soon enter this phase of life, that I accept them and that God made them beautiful just as they are. Everyone is different!

Ladies, I have seen you, and you are beautiful, different, unique, and appealing. Embrace your uniqueness and turn off the lie of the media! Thanks for this wonderful site!

Scott

Hi, I'm about to go on an excersize and weightloss plan and I know my breats will shrink, so I did a search for "is it okay to have small breasts if your skinny" because I to have been brainwashed into thinking that I will be unattractive if my breats shrink and sag! It makes me so sad to KNOW that's how I will be perceived by men and women.

This society is out of control!

guest

I appreciate the contents of this site. Media, Grown-up folks, to an extent the doctors and intellectuals too should be blamed for the perversion they create in the young minds on breasts. The only job of this female organ is to provide nutritious milk to the offspring - Period. Nothing more. The current generation should be educated on this in a better manner. Congratulations, you have taken the right step.

Manjunath

I was actually searching for a website that had normal non sexual breast pictures to compare my own to. The only breast I have ever seen are pornstar and moviestar boobs, which not only made me feel like I had ugly breasts, but also lowered my self-esteem. Thank you so much for this site =)

Aj

Just read the many comments posted on your site. Bravo to all the men who realize that breast size is a non issue, if you truly love and adore your lady.
I feel unless the result of a mastectomy, please don't alter the size of your breasts with plastic surgery. No one needs to fill their breasts with plastic bags to feel beautiful.. It is truly a sign of your insecurity showing. Love yourself, be proud of yourself.

corrine

Agreeably breasts are foremost for the little tots, BUT how many REAL men can avoid admiring really lovely breasts?
mike

Admittedly real men surely are attracted when they see a pretty woman, and breasts as part of that. What we're trying to get across is that the mere sight of a breast (without a woman for example) should not be so connected with sex... because that is what makes breastfeeding in public so awkward for women to do.

Why couldn't we have the appreciation for breasts by men to be on the same level as their appreciation for pretty hair? Nobody is bothered to see hair in public, or automatically become sexually minded just by seeing a glimpse of hair. And hair sure can be just as pretty, if not prettier than breasts.

I think this article is fascinating!
I'm 16 years old, so I've had to grow up with the "breast obsession" in this day and age. It annoys me how the media thinks that only women with large breasts are attractive. I am a 32AA and I'm proud of it. I wouldn't want them any other way. When I have a child in later life, I'm going to do what's best for it and breast-feed it for as long as I can. =]

Thank you for posting this article, it's helped me alot

Katie

I'm a fifteen year old - Girl? Woman? Thing. I am pretty self-conscious about my breasts. They are quite a bit bigger than I'd like them to be. But now, after reading this, whenever I catch myself thinking about it I try and convince myself to think about them as they were meant to be. I always used to be torn between thinking I was weird for having breast-fed until I was somewhere into my twos ( I vaguely remember deciding myself not to breastfeed, and then being slightly surprised the next time I tried it, when nothing came out), and thinking it was good and natural. While I'm certain it helped me a lot, my friends thought it was kind of odd. Now I think that if (hopefully when) I have a use for my breasts, I will do what's best for myself and the baby. This is a wonderful, very reassuring site. :D

Joy

Wow. I am a teenager and I'm gonna admit I have really been aroused by breasts all my life. I've always thought about how interesting it is how cultures view nudity. This site has really opened my eyes to how wrong breasts are portrayed. If breasts are shown in a movie it gets an r rating! I stumbled upon this site because I was curious about breasts and how glad I am that I ended up here. I guess all I can say is thanks, now I know....

chris

Many years ago I was stationed in Morocco North Africa and on several occasions was on the beach where topless was the norm. Years later during Vietnam at Utapo AFB Thailand the girls that took care of our hooches would shower and sit on the pot in an open facility right next to me. These two experiences really opened my eyes and mind to non sexual admiration of the human body, ya I was startled at first but it soon became no big deal.

John

The media is not helping at all with their peep show mentality which is only titillating (no pun intended). It needs to go one way or the other. The in between where they are now is not healthy. And most of us need to change our attitudes not just about breasts but nudity in general - If God had meant for us to go naked, we would have been born that way.

Rick

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this website. I am 21 and have a 3 month old. I got online to see how to wean my baby and I am so glad I came across this website. Now I am almost ashamed of the fact that I was going to stop. I am going to make my husband read it and refer my friends to this website.

Samantha

wow.... I see what boobs are actually for. My mother nursed me when I was little but now I feel like I'm free. Free from the brain washing. I DON'T NEED BIG BOOBS!!!! YAY!!

X~Lil-Miss-Positive+++

Thank God that you are out here making progress with America's "breast-hang up." My wife comes from French stock and thinks that the American culture is "sick and deranged." I agree completely. My wife has been criticized by her family for breast feeding our daughter until she was two and for her stance that women should be free to go bare-chested, just like men. She is constantly complaining about the state of affairs in this country and, when I ask her why she isn't more comfortable going topless, she tells me that she doesn't want to get arrested for indecency or googled at by the local perverts. All this trouble for something the rest of the INDUSTRIALIZED world (to say nothing of everyone else) thinks absolutely NOTHING about, whatsoever. America's women AND men need to be told the truth about a woman's breasts and cut loose from what I see as simply another example of the Media's efforts to abuse us for their own profit. They think nothing of parading "Playboy-perfect" fallacies made of silicon and air-brushing, but shame real women into being ashamed of their bodies and neglecting their children in the name of "decency".

Sincerely,

Joe Teshuwah

Your commentary on the short length of breastfeeding is right on. Most people think that babies need to be breastfed for 1 yr max, not 1 yr minimum, preferably at least 2 yrs or longer. In fact my pediatrician acts surprised that I was still breastfeeding at 1yr! I worked so hard to breastfeed (have low supply problems, believe its from IGT) that I'm not weaning until the baby wants to and am shooting to breastfeed until the 2 - 2 1/2 year mark.

Your website is right on.

Maria

I have always seen the female breasts for what they are; a nurturing station for a woman's young. Of course, it also further defines a woman's body as that of a female, but I have never really seen breasts as a sexual thing (I'm more of an "eye guy" anyway). I think that the natural function of the female breast is absolutely terrific!!! It's beautiful that some women continue to use them for their designed purpose. I won't lie, I do love to touch them during an intimate time with my gf. But I cannot stress enough in this message, that I see them for what they are, to nurture the young that her and I will hopefully, one day, create.

Jerry

Wow! This is a great web site for mothers-to-be. I had nursed my baby girl until she was 15 months old, and every minute was beautiful. The bond that we formed was one in a million.

hetal desai

This is a very informative site about breastfeeding. My wife breastfed our first daughter who is 7 now. She was obsessed with mommy's boobs from day one! Now we have a 3 week old who loves them so much that she can't go too long without them! My wife has to go back to work after 6 weeks without a choice. She will pump because we don't believe in formula, but our first girl wasn't a problem using the bottle with mommy's milk. But we're a little worried about our newborn. She loves mommy so much that she spends 90% of her sleep time on mommy. Our first spent most of her time with me and I loved every minute of it. But this will be a challenge.

As far as culture and "breasts" go, it is sad not only how so many people can be ashamed and so dumb about breastfeeding, but how corporations that affect so many lives can be so unethical as to contribute to the problems of society just to make money. I can only see that American culture is on a downward spiral unless more people take a stand. I think ALL breastfeeding moms should do it in public. If anything just for the opportunity to tell close-minded people where to go.

Joe M

I was so excited to see this article regarding breast. Hats off to the writers. Men need to wake up and view breast a little differently the sex objects. I truly agree. 100%

Carmen

Hello. I am a 31 year old female that has grown up with the idea of "perfect" breasts - like on tv and magazines. After I had my baby and breastfed, I thought... when I am done having children and breastfeeding I will have a "boob job."
Today, I came across your site while looking for a bra sizing site. Your site is refreshing and helpful. I didn't realize how "normal" non - 18 yr old breasts were! Sounds crazy, but I guess media has just trained me to think that way! I will try to "educate" my children differently and will share your site with other woman.
Thanks for your site!
Alicia

I was breastfed, as were my siblings. My sister and I both breastfed our babies. I weaned both of mine at 7 months. We don't make a big deal of breasts, never have. My parents weren't naked all the time but didn't hide naked bodies in shame either. I have never thought of my breasts as saggy or unattractive. So it came as a rather rude shock when my friends began to tease me in my late 20's about my breasts being saggy. It was of great concern for me for years and had a rather negative effect on my self esteem. I have seen many real women's breast, including the many pictures on this site and so you know my breasts are not only fine but very pretty. I have no idea why my friends were so negatively concerned with my breasts. I am what most people would consider an ideal body type. I just imagine it was their own self image issues that would compel them to put me down. For a time, I let the opinions of others about my body effect the way I felt about myself. I know now that a self confident person is an attractive person regardless of what nature gave them. I want every women and man to accept their own body the way it is and grow attractive from the inside out! Lets face it, while some of us are fortunate enough to be "attractive" in our younger years, and for some even on into our older years, youth and beauty eventually give way to gravity. If you rely completely on your youthful pretty body for self respect, where then will you be when the cruelty of time inevitably takes it away! For those who never had "physical beauty" may you find your inner beauty and the contentment that follows years before your pretty counterparts. And may you age with true grace and dignity. And for those blessed with physical beauty, may your vanity be only a small part of who you are so that when youth and beauty have faded, you don't find yourself ugly.

Sara Paylor

I am 21 and found this website because I sat down at the computer determined to get breast implants since I thought I was too small (not even an A cup), but after reading about the natural beauty of breasts and seeing the photo gallery, I realized that I have it pretty good!

I also realized that probably the only reason I would want to get a boob job is because we (girls) are taught that this is what guys like and we need perfect bodies in order to get men. I am so glad I found this site, I think my breasts are beautiful, and sometimes I forget the real purpose of breasts.

And I know that there are guys out there who don't really care and will love us girls no matter what our imperfections are, but it is hard to remember this with so many pictures everywhere of "perfect" women. (And the fact that our guys still look at these pictures and still like them makes it harder for us to feel beautiful about ourselves!)

Jubilee

I have observed that the myth of the "Perfect Breast" had started back around the late 30's/ early 40's with the Blond Bombshell movie stars. The corsets that they wore often gave them a Torpedo look (torpedo = bombshell) and really started a erronous idea on how the breast looked. The visual of erect breasts such as those was dangerous due to misshapen breasts due to unnatural forming by corset and blindness in short men with wide open eyes (... pause for comedic effect...) The Mantle was then taken up by Marilyn Monroe, the films of Russ Meyer in the 60's- 70's, plastic models of the 80's (not Barbie), Barbie Dolls ( yes, I went there), and the various very nefarious machinations of beauty that most feel are necessary in order to function in today's social gatherings of intermediate groups.

Why women would put themselves through such sadistic tortures to be beautiful to themselves is beyond me. I happen to find (to use a book allegory) the cover amusing, the title intriguing, and the story engrossing.

Why men find breasts interesting is simple: We're infantile and we like to be nurtured.

Kenneth

Hi, I found your site by accident looking for some bras for my wife. She's 27 and flat chested. I think it is WONDERFUL and she is much less self-concious than she used to be (we've been together since we were 16). There are plenty of guys that either like small / no breasts or realize that beauty is not found only in big breasts!

Paul

I like that this site is kind of a vaccine against the sexualisation of breasts. The fact that all types of breasts are shown is also a help for men not to wonder about in illusions about them, and to overemphasize their importance. Keep the milk coming.

Sean Whale

Wow! This site should be mandatory for everyone!! I too, cursed my breasts and my mother (she has small breasts too). When that didn't help, I cursed myself. Then I let men curse me, as I have no breasts, I can hardly be worthy of love. I began to think of my breasts (and me) as the consolation prize. If you can't get the hot woman you want, then make do with me!!! I punched my chest, I tried to hang myself, I decided to hate men; the only thing that worked was breastfeeding my daughter. Yes, I have amazing breasts, very useful, very beautiful and all mine (no gross plastic bits for me). I want to beg all small breasted women "Don't sell out, please, don't sell out on our daughters, real breasts are ALWAYS better. Mastectomy is the only valid reason for implants. Don't be a traitor, love us women, let's stick together and make the world a more normal, responsible and happier place. Long live breasts, all sorts!!

amanda

Thank you for this site!!! Ever since I can remember I have been offended about how America views our breasts. I have had boys stare at mine and it makes me uncomfortable, and when I was in middle school I hunched over to try and hide them.
I see men without shirts with "man-boobs" bigger than my own and it disgusts me. What is different from my nipples and theirs? Why can men go topless but women can't? It doesn't seem right or fair, ours don't look any different except they pop out. I agree with you that if men were exposed to breasts at an earlier age then they wouldn't objectify them. I don't think it is fair for women to feel ashamed for exposing their breasts, apparently sexism still exists as our bodies are still considered "unclean" for the general public.

Thanks again for this website, it is honorable to educate the world about breats. Perhaps this will help show men that breats are nothing special.
Allie

As a man I always felt that the way women and men view breasts are very wrong. I see that women especially always relate their breast in comparison to a man's genitals. If a women's breasts are exposed some people relate it to a man flashing his genitals. This to me never has made any sense. How can breasts be compared to genitals? Shouldn't genitals be compared to genitals, and leave the breast to themselves. The two are very different. Women should be able to feed their child in public whenever it is necessary, without it being a problem. It is a very natural thing. We can, and should appreciate breasts without making them overly sexual or erotic. I think women complain about men being the problem, but I think it is women themselves including the media who make breasts more than they should be. Most women I know don't think women should breastfeed in public. I think many of them like the attention that breasts bring in a taboo sexual way......

James

On the issue of breasts being sexualised - I'd say the nudity thing is right - I was raised as a child as a nudist and we had nudist friends - I saw a lot of people naked when I was a child and don't think anything of it - in the south of France, women go topless on the beach and men and women change their clothes on the beach - after awhile, it becomes totally normal and you hardly notice.

Here in the UK, I know women who have breastfed their children until they go to school - women breastfeed in playgroups, in church, on parkbenches, in restaurants and in public places all the time - I once stood next to a woman in the checkout line at the supermarket who had a new baby only a few days old - it was very busy, 6pm in the evening and the baby was obviously very hungry and she couldn't stand it anymore - she sat down on the chairs opposite the checkout, whipped out her breast and gave her baby what it needed. Her mother took care of her shopping - no-one batted an eyelid.

I can't remember ever feeling overly self-conscious about breast-feeding. I just did it whenever I needed to.

My favourite breast-feeding picture is of the woman who was a director of a large NGO who had to visit a famine area in the Sudan right after she herself had had a baby and was breastfeeding.

She said she was nervous about what she would feel, knowing she had milk to give and she could only visit the area for a few hours - and when she got there, she just felt she had to do what she could.

She asked them to find her someone who really needed help and they brought her a woman who had twins that she could not feed. So she sat down outside on an oil drum and fed both of them. Someone snapped a picture of her which appeared in the papers here. She was kind of embarassed but said she was glad she was able to help in the only way she could. To me, that picture is worth a thousand words.

Cara

I love this website!! I am a member of La Leche League and a 23 year-old first time breastfeeding mother of a 9 month old. I have definitely experienced the awkward looks that move around a room when I take my son to my breast.

I too think that our society is in a vicious cycle. I cringe when I hear mothers say that they tried breastfeeding and "it just didn't work out." I want to tell them that babies don't come out of the womb knowing exactly how to suck at the breast and it is a learning process for both mother and child.

Although our society and government claims that breast is best, there is still a huge lack of support for it. In Norwegian culture 99% of moms breastfeed and in public! There, it is abnormal to NOT breastfeed, while in the United States breastfeeding is viewed as something that is above average and bottle-feeding is viewed as normal.

We have to start to change our language about breasts/breastfeeding in this culture. Breastfeeding should be viewed as normal/natural, while bottle feeding should be viewed as below average or as depriving our children from proper nutrients.

I live in Kansas where a law was passed in March 2006 stating that women have the right to breastfeed in public whereever they have a right to be. I was thrilled when this law got passed (my son was 1 month old), but then realized how sad it was that our government even needed to pass a law such as this. I have even had DOCTORS that are misinformed about breastfeeding and have encouraged me to switch to the bottle!!!!!! No wonder our breastfeeding rates are so low in this country.

However, when I am filled with all of these negative feelings about the attitude of breastfeeding in our culture, I remind myself of one of the first times I breastfed in public while waiting to get my oil changed. An elderly man shared the waiting room with my son and I. When my son started to fuss I almost panicked thinking "Oh my, I don't want to breastfeed here." It was virtually my first public feeding experience.

As I fumbled with a blanket to cover my son and breast, I glanced over at the man to see that he was certainly paying attention. Minutes later he spoke up and told me that he commended me on giving my baby the breast. He praised my efforts and said he wished more women would do it. I felt so grateful for this man making my first public breastfeeding experience an encouraging one. You never know how people are going to react.

This experience reminds me that all hope is not lost. We have to continue educating people and showing them the true reason that women have breasts!!!! If an elderly man in the middle of western Kansas "gets it" I know that the rest of our country can too!!!

Katelin

I find it funny American culture and the whole breast thing - it's not like this where I come from. I mean alot of women feed their babies on the bus, some don't even make an effort to cover up. Some men will stare but most like me have seen boobs already and it's not like this taboo thing - I got caught looking once and the lady smiled and I was kinda embarrased about staring but it wasn't a sexual thing. I think most people here are ok with it - my mother told me why spend all that money on Formula when it comes out of a breast for free...

Jaycen

This is a very good website. It is good to get over your horrible tendency of looking at breasts in a sexual manner because most teens read useless magazines like playboy which show women in a very bad way. They must be banned. These mags have a severe permanent bad effect on the mind which is very subtle, and hence most teens don't even come to know of how badly they have been affected. ... You'll must keep up the good work so that people stop looking at women in a dirty way and keep the women of the world in a pure way.

karan

Your web site is utterly excellent.
I meet so many women who are unhappy about their breasts.
Bigger, smaller, different.
Please be happy with your breasts - just the way they are.
Men do NOT all prefer big breasts or Hollywood breasts.
Men love their women to love themselves.
How ever you are shaped - someone will adore you.
Many thanks to all the women who volunteered their photos for this site.
We need to love who we are - the way we are.

Alex

I'm so grateful to have found this site. I've measured and confirmed my bra size. It's changed since I've had children. I'm going to through out all my 36's and keep the 38's. I'm an A cup.

I've seriously thought about surgery but after looking at "normal" photos of natural breasts, I've decided the risks are not worth the surgery and I'm just as natural as the next natural gal!

Thanks for a wonderful site.

ps I've breastfeed both children. The 2nd one for almost 2 years -- ever so proudly :D

Rosalyn

I read the question and answers. And I'm a guy. My question is won't girls be obsessed with penises if guys are obsessed with breasts?

Tom

Not to my knowledge. I have not heard such a thing happening, but maybe someone somewhere is. Girls are obsessed with worrying about their own breasts.

It has to do with what sort of images are portrayed in the media. Just think about it: breasts are almost totally revealed (just not the nipple), prominently displayed, and the idea conveyed is that they are somehow very important for sexual life. You do not see men's private parts displayed to the same extent or in the same manner.

I love this site. I happened upon it again in search of articles relating to why babies like to twiddle and fondle breasts. I have more than 6 years experience breastfeeding. My youngest is 2.5 and nurses about 3 times a day and through the night. He constantly fondles and twiddles ( I love that expression!) my breasts while nursing. What is the biological/physiological purpose for this action? I don't think it is just beacause it is there, either. My other two did the same thing, but this little guy has more time as he has the breasts all to himself. Any help would be appreciated on this subject.
By the way, everything on this site is right on the mark. I breastfed my first two exclusively and the last one supplemented my own pumped milk when I had to work. The reaction from family and friends was always so ridiculous. My first husband even went on to say women breastfeed out of laziness. Our culture is supposed to be enlightened, but alas, the breast taboo points to a lack of understanding the basics of being a human being. I ramble on, but it is just in appreciation for coming to this place where I know I won't be looked at as anything but a good mother for nursing my kids. Thank you and keep up the good work!

Liegan

I personally just tend to think it's a plaything for babies. You know, you're laying down there, sucking, and if mom's breasts are pendulous, right next to you is another one of those milk bottles hanging there handy, and not much else in sight... so obviously the little hands kind of start wandering over there. Maybe it happens less with small-breasted ladies? You can try a nursing necklace to distract baby away from that, if needed.

Oh my! It's like the ding went off in my head. It makes so much sense. No wonder men are obcessed with breasts. You know, I never liked the word "tit," to me whenever a man said that word it made them sound disgusting and they're not.

trac I smith

Thank you for your website!! There needs to be more out there like it. I started to develop at age 8 and I haven't seemed to change size since about 13. My shape however slightly changed around 19. They took their "woman shape", instead of the perky teenage breasts I was used to. I have always been somewhat worried about sagging, but when this happened it became an obsession. I would often wear two bras at once because I thought it would prevent future sagging.

Now after a lot of exposure to normal breasts, months of telling myself that I am beautiful the way I am, and your website, I am finally able to believe what I tell myself. And now I hardly ever even wear a bra. And I feel great! I have always known that I wanted to breastfeed my children but now I plan to do it for over a year. And in public! To expose people to the fact that breasts don't have to be sexual, and I'm actually doing one of the best things I can for my baby.

I am prepared for the fact that people may give me dirty looks or even say something because they may feel it's inappropriate to breastfeed in public. But I know exactly what I will say. "I'm sorry if I make you uncomfortable with following what God intended for my breasts, but I love my baby and I'm not ashamed for showing it!" The more women who do it, the less harder it will be for more women to breastfeed whenever and wherever their little ones may get hungry.

Again, thank you for your website. I have shared with my mom, friends, and family in hopes to make more women realize that their breasts are great just the way they are.
Natural!

Laura

I just read your text on Obsession towards breasts and how the breast is viewed as a bad thing by Americans. Where can I go to learn more about reducing the stigma that's been planted in my mind about breasts as sexual objects rather than as child nourishment? I'd like to have some resources to capture the taboo and hold it hostage to truth that I may not be seeing breasts as an unnatural thing.

Israel-Shannon

The CURE to this is to see/watch bare breasts in totally non-sexual settings. One of the best things to do would be to visit topless beaches. You could also try look at breastfeeding images (we have some).

Hooray! A website that tells the truth about breasts! THANK YOU!

Kimberly M

I came across this site when I was looking for advice on weaning my 7 month old. I was having a hard time getting him to accept formula. We are taking a trip soon and I was afraid of having to duck in the bathroom to nurse constantly (not to mention the discomfort of nursing a baby on the toilet!). But now I don't feel the need to wean just because other people may be uncomfortable with me FEEDING my son!! If I opened a jar of baby food on a plane or in a mall no one would notice, so why should anyone care if I give him some milk. Thank you for making me realize that I am doing this for my child and myself and if someone has a problem with it, they need to get educated!! I wish every person out there was given this information. People really need to be more educated about nursing and it's benefits. It should also be more accepted in the public. Thank you for this site and it's information. You saved one baby. I do not plan to wean him until he is ready now.

Davina

This is a very good website. It gives the truth about the use of a woman's breast. Few websites like this give positive messages. Keep it up. :)

Jill

I love to see sites like this that support the breastfeeding mother....like you said, nursing your child has become an antiquated ritual. I'm currently successfully breastfeeding my second child, and it is going great. I tried with my first child, but she had a tongue-tie and wouldn't latch properly. Believe me, I did make a go of it, she almost chewed my nipples clear off before I quit and put her on formula. My son is now 6 months and I am so proud to have been able to nurse him this far...and you know what? I probably NEVER would have even considered taking on breastfeeding again if it wasn't for the support of sites like this and other sources like the public health nurse, lactation consultants at the hospital, etc. I read on your site that it may be a good idea to let young children and teenagers see you breastfeed as it raises conciousness about the issue and relays a message that breasts don't have to be "taboo". All I have to say is keep up the good work, I was so pleased to come across this site. I don't care if you post my comments or not, but I just wanted to drop a line and express my appreciation about my discoveries in your site....so thank you very much, 007 breast!!

Marian

I am a younger adult male obsessed with breasts. Have been almost as long as I remember having sexual thoughts (not as long as some... I was a late bloomer). I just got to the breaking point about how long I could not try to figure out the why of this obsession and try to stop my bad habits when I searched and found this website. Thank you for presenting all of this information so well--possibly that's the root of my obsession. I think dealing with my own urges might be easier once I become more aware of possible causes and have a better outlook on the entire area. Thanks. :)

Truman

Well written and ( I feel) necessary reading for most young parents (and most older ones too). My wife breast fed our children as much as she was able, but had physical problems. She had a mother who was influenced by the formula companies to believe that breast feeding was a nasty, dirty thing, and was shocked that her daughter would do such a thing. SAD

Ken

The other day, a co-worker who had a baby about a month ago came by the office to a meeting for about an hour. She had her baby in a car-carrier. The baby started to fuss. She gave him a pacifier. She tried to rock him. The meeting continued, the baby wailed.

What I wanted to say was, "he's hungry, nurse him." Of course I couldn't do that--it's not my business to. Yet I know that's what my wife would have done. She nursed everywhere. If you don't wear that contraption called a bra, it is very easy to nurse. In fact nobody even sees!

So, when I have my own company, I will make a policy:

"In addition to family leave etc, we support breastfeeding. Not only is breastfeeding supported at this Company, but Public Breastfeeding is encouraged. We formally acknowledge top-freedom in this place of business. Do not hesitate from feeding your child while in your office, at a meeting, or in the lunchroom. Those who are uncomfortable with this policy may seek counseling at Company expense."

Well, perhaps the wording is rather cooky, but it is in my opinion so unfortunate that just as breastfeeding starts to make progress, women go into the workforce in droves, essentially nullifying the nursing advances. As we cannot seem to convince anyone on the value of home-making any longer, perhaps we can move our workplaces in the direction of supporting a working mother in her most vital role (we know she only works here for the cash--she has her baby for her very own, so I am not being chauvanistic here. Heck, I see my fatherhood as far more vital than my career).

There really is no reason a woman cannot nurse, and at the same time carry on an intelligent conversation with mixed company. My wife did it all the time, for 2.5 years with each child. (BTW, she is still just as beautiful and I mean it!)

Keep up the good work with this website.

Bill

I am fortunate to have stumbled upon your website when I conducted a search for breast size and breastfeeding. I was concerned that after I am done having children and breastfeeding, my breasts would be really saggy. After reading a few of the articles on this site I realize that my concern about the size and shape of my post-nursing breasts is simply silly. I have always felt that I should use my body the way it was naturally intended to be used. I love walking and running, I had a completely natural pregnancy and labor-absolutely no drugs, and I knew I would nurse my children (right now I just have one child). I am very proud to have the strength to stick to my beliefs despite the norm regarding breastfeeding- I only know one person who breastfed her child out of the many friends who have babies. My son just turned one last week and I felt pressure to completely wean him from my breasts. HOWEVER, after I soon realized that he should nurse as often and as long as he wants to since the sole purpose of my breasts are to nourish him. People continue to ask me how long I plan to nurse and I tell them that I will nurse until my son stops nursing, whenever that is. And I feel absolutely comfortable with that!

Madeline

See more visitor letters about breast obession.

Female breast as a taboo

Breast health

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Breastfeeding

Baring breasts in public

Where does the breastobsession stem from?