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NURSING IN PUBLIC INDEED!
A suggested logo to be used as an international breastfeeding logo. (From Mothering Magazine's logo contest.)
NURSING PICTURES...
CAN ACTUALLY HELP MEN, TOO.
NURSING IN PUBLIC...
IS GOOD AND LEGAL! |
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Other people's comments
The following comments are from various visitors to www.007b.com. 007 Breasts is not necessarily endorsing everything written in the comments. The comments and opinions below belong to the commenters who made them. 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 the comments nor for any loss or damage caused by reading them.
I have 3 children and am currently 20 weeks pregnant with my 4th. I was determined to breastfeed all my children. When I had my first child I began breastfeeding her successfully with no problems. When she was 2 1/2 mos. old I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd child. I continued breastfeeding her through my entire 2nd pregnancy. She was 11 1/2 mos. old when I gave birth to my 2nd child. I did not want to wean her yet, so I breastfed my newborn along with my 11 1/2 mo.old. I continued breastfeeding my 1st daughter until she was 2 and breastfed my 2nd daughter until she was 1 yr. old... I weaned them around the same time. When we decided to have our 3rd child I ended up breastfeeding her for 13 mos... I just began drying out. When I have my 4th baby I plan to breastfeed him no less than a year. I love breastfeeding. It is such a special connection between a mother and her child and it is definitely the best nourishment that I can provide my children.
As far as public breastfeeding...I became very good at it. I would hold my baby close to me and very discreetly lift my shirt to feed them. I didn't bring attention to it and talked to my family/friends (whoever I was with) as if nothing was different than if I was just holding my baby. Luckily I had a very supportive family and husband who always made me feel comfortable no matter where I was.
A. Jones
I am currently breastfeeding my nine month old daughter. I had been reading all this talk about encouraging women to breastfeed in public. I happen to be a model and my breasts are very large... They have been very large since my milk came in. I attempted to nurse in public on a plane with no cover just to see what would happen and it would be comfortable. It was obvious that men were aroused and distracted. One actually blushed at me and had to cover himself with a book until he decided to run to the lavatory for a bit. Their wives weren't too happy about it either. My husband also was upset about what he heard.
It also is bad to expose your breasts to possible men who are addicted to pornography or are sex addicts. Sex offenders have been known to rape women more when they are aroused suddenly and far from their home. These men could avoid triggers but exposing yourself makes it impossible. After my experience, I believe we ladies should all COVER UP!!!!! And if you are worried the baby will be too hot, use a material that is breathable. And if you say your baby won't eat, that's silly. A baby will not turn it down if he is really hungry.
Jolene
I have had three children and have breastfed my last two daughters successfully. I am currently able to continue successfully breastfeed my 9 month old but have to say that I will not publicly breastfeed her as there are too many people out there who really are ignorant and/or sick. I mostly feel uncomfortable because I know for a fact that there are men in our environment who still see our breasts as sex tools and that makes my skin crawl. I do not want my beautiful bonding moment with my angel to be remotely ruined. I have been in many situations on the road and so I find a way to get privacy to nurse. I only had one situation that I had no choice but to breastfeed my baby in an emergency room last month in front of the doctors and staff because my daughter broke her femur while I was at work and I did not pump for many hours and had no extra bottles of my milk with me. Now that is an extreme reason that I strongly believe that I had to stand up for my rights and care for my angel.
Another problem with public nursing that I experienced was when I have to pump at work. It was very difficult when I was not provided a private room because when I used to express my milk in a bathroom stall many "women" used to make comments, such as "why do you waste your time...my children were never breastfed and they grew up to be successful well educated adults." I cringe when people say idiotic comments that I did not ask for. Another example came from my mother as she said to my baby while holding her, "When are you going to start drinking real milk huh?" Nevertheless, all I can say is that the more I breastfeed my daughter the closer I feel that we become. It is one of the most special and beautiful moment that we have.
Leslie Verbiest
It is absolute foolishness that there is more taboo attached to the woman's upper body than that of the man's. Both have breasts. The woman's for obvious reasons being larger. It is this taboo that engenders the excitement that there is in society related to the uncovered woman's breasts. Expose them on a common basis and the tizzy will soon subside. Then the woman will begin to feel that she is more an equal to the man as well as uplifting her self-esteem. Simple logics, something needs to be hidden equates shamefulness and lowered self-esteem. Once this question is settled then the woman breastfeeding in any place will be totally accepted as it should, because it is the most natural action in the world. The natural with nature accepted for what they are.
Martin
I had six children. The last was born at home with a midwife there. I nursed all of my children from 4 weeks up to 2 and a half years in duration. The hardest part was the ignorance in the beginning from my husband and dad not wanting me to be in public to their (and my) re-education. It was an uphill battle but in the end I was strong enough and supported enough to nurse wherever I was with my baby. La Leche and my Dr. Chastain were instrumental in our education. I strongly support breastfeeding. Sheila
It's wierd how our society protects the rights of people who do outlandish behavior, but anything good and wholesome like breastfeeding in public is seen as nasty and disgusting. These last two summers I've gone to the beach in Florida and both times I saw women wearing thongs in the presence of young pre-adolescent male family members. That's okay for a boy to see butt floss and butt cheeks, but everyone gets upset when a women nurses her baby. It's alright to be half-naked and wearing a bikini top that barely covers your nipples, but a woman breastfeeding her baby is outrageous. Give me a break! No wonder people see our country as hypocritical, our values are screwed up. Is it the breastfeeding or the fact that she's using her breasts for something other than sex that gets people riled up? Most women are not out there flaunting it and you would have to be right up on her to see anything. Maybe women should flaunt and whip em out, maybe people will get over their hangups and realize they're doing what's best for their children. I actually think women being dicreet is furthering the notion that they are somehow doing something wrong. If people have the gall to act ignorant, maybe they deserve to see it out in the open. They obviously don't respect breastfeeding mothers, so why should they be respected? How many of the same guys who criticize women who have breastfed in public have ever drooled and fantasized over naked women in porn magazines or in the movies? It was okay for women to be exposed then, but a woman feeding her child makes you blush. This country is so hypocritical and oxymoronic. Good is bad and bad is good.
Tommy
There's nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public. I breastfed my children in public. One day we went for a walk in the park and my baby boy was getting hungry. So I sat on the bench took off my shirt and my bra and breastfed. No big deal.
Anna
How about family members visiting you and telling you, "That baby always has a boob in her mouth." Why don't you just use a bottle? Your brother can't visit because he is uncomfortable with you breastfeeding all the time. These are the type of comments I've faced over the years, and let me tell you they are a little more than annoying. Also, in my eastern state I get many horrified looks from WOMEN for nursing while covered up sitting in a booth in a restaurant!
Christine Emmick
I think it should be up to the woman as to how she should nurse her baby in public. I agree with the one post that said that nursing discreetly only adds to the stereotype that breastfeeding is shameful and indecent. It's not illegal in most states so go for it. As a male I can only remember feeling uncomfortable once when a mother was breastfeeding her child. I was in the park one day about to cross a bridge near the duck pond when I noticed a woman breastfeeding about 50 yards away. She noticed me at the same time I noticed her and she started to hurry and stop what she was doing. I felt weird and turned and walked the other way. It's hard to know how to react as a male. I will make a point most times to avoid areas where women are nursing because I don't want them to think I am a pervert. I had one experience in the park where a woman came and sat at the same picnic table I was sitting at and started nursing her baby with her back to me. The baby was facing me and looking at me while nursing so I started smiling and making funny faces. The mother turned around and smiled and we struck up a good conversation. I think it's the mother's comfort level that makes those around her comfortable with her nursing.
Tommy
I am a young American male and just wanted to let you ladies know that I support your right to do what is natural for mothers to do. I was breast fed and in my 21 years of life I have only been ill four times. I also appreciate the fact that you take into consideration that men may be curious in a non-sexual way. To me watching a mother nurse is equal in amazement to my male mind as feeling a baby move inside its mothers belly.
Sincerely,
C^2
I think it's so extra cute seeing a child breastfeeding. It bothered me when people told my wife and daughters to go hide to feed the child. It's not like we had a bottle, child is hungry get the boob out. To be fair most people look at it like me; that's so cute.
zane voogd
My husband and I think nursing babies is a marvelous thing -- I nursed our children until they were all about the age of 7 months and I did so in public. My husband and I have no tolerance for companies/people who refuse to allow even discreet nursing. Weve walked out of many establishments over this issue and several admonishment letters have been mailed to various corporations over the years.
HOWEVER, many nursing mothers are almost militant in their nursing behaviors. I find myself feeling ashamed at some of these moms who go so far out of their way to intentionally show other people such blatant disrespect and inconsideration. Both my husband and I feel it is very disrespectful to breast feed showing the entire breast as many people are not yet comfortable with that image. Additionally, it is not OUR business to change the results of their upbringing any more than it is their business to change ours.
I NEVER pushed my right to publicly breast-feed my children on other people by showing my entire breast. I ALWAYS showed other people respect by very simply and nonchalantly covering up (discreet nursing) while I fed the kids. It was not a problem for me to do this and my babies were not bothered by it at all. In asking my sisters and sister-in-law about this, they too have chosen to exercise these rights WITH RESPECT by discreetly nursing their babies whenever in public. None of them has experienced any problems in getting their babies to nurse under a blanket/light cover.
I would feel much more confident in these types of websites if they promoted discreet nursing and encouraged nursing moms to be respectful and strive for harmony, instead of constantly demanding THEIR rights. Discreet nursing ensures that all objectives and considerations are met.
Lauren and James H
Having lived in Europe I feel like I have a more liberal view of topless women or women breast feeding in public. When I was a child, one didnt worry about a swim suit on the beach till puberty. Women seldom worried about tops. There was nothing sexual there. I currently live in a very repressed Utah, (not pointing at the religion here, just people) but people in this state are very inhibited. I don't see a thing wrong with a woman's choice to breast feed in public. It's a very natural and beautiful thing. I feel bad when women have to fumble and fidget to hide from those who would be critical. People need to relax. Breasts are breasts. Breasts become sexual when they are treated taboo. Nudity in general can be thought of in the same manner. Quit making nudity an issue and the over sexuality will diminish.
Dan
I believe that brestfeeding is normal for the baby, mother's milk is normal for the baby, that is the right thing do. It does not [know] how the mother's breasts are as long as the baby gets the milk.
abe klassen
I do not think that breast feeding in public is a big deal. It is not 'dirty'. I'm an artist and have had many, many nude models in front of me and think that a woman's body is beautiful. Nevertheless; I think it is often rude to breast feed in front of men who are strangers. Most women do not understand male sexuality (and vice-versa). I'll try to give an example here of why it is rude behavior....... suppose I am in a book-store and finally find the aisle where that speficic book is that I'm looking for. Suppose there is an active breastfeeding mom close by to the shelf where I think that book is. Most men are not going to walk into that aisle; let alone get up close. It's uncomfortable to men and uncomfortable for most women. The woman doesn't know who the man is and doesn't know what that man is feeling. Usually if eyes meet; it's an uncomfortable quick glance. The man may be thinking that woman is thinking that the man be approaching just to get a better look. The bottom line is; why create a situation that causes one or more persons to be uncomfortable when it's not necessary? It's either rude (not caring), or ignorant (not knowing about how men are visually stimulated). Whatever the reason; if there's an alternative to public breastfeeding that isn't causing harm to any one... it would be the cool thing to do.
Michael
Societal rules attempt to make us something we are not. Regardless of all of the prudish rules, we are still animals, human, but still animals. Because of the societal rules, we have so many unhealthy hang ups that most people don't even know how the rules originated. We should make a stand to allow all of us to be human and to express our natural functions and behaviors that do not harm anyone except those who allow themselves to be harmed by their own prudish, illogical, and unnatural beliefs.
Dwayne Neal
I have to say, I have no trouble with breastfeeding in public and I have to say one thing. This is a true story. I was serving a table in a restaurant one night when I came across a family in my section. The mother proceeded to expose her breast fully as if she was latching the baby on but instead, asked many questions, ordered and the rest of her family proceeded to order before the baby was finally latched on. I felt extremely uncomfortable with her breast exposed for at least 10 minutes. I did not look at it once, out of respect for the customer and gave them amazing service. I then received a 10% tip. How disrespectful is that? Was I in the wrong to be mad here? She first made me uncomfortable and I did a tremendous job. Any thoughts, comments?
SeanYour situation here wasn't an easy one to handle. I would guess that it was a "clash" of two different value & belief systems: yours and hers, or maybe even with three: yours, hers, and the restaurant owner's.
She might have believed strongly in breastfeeding and in her right to breastfeed in public, and possibly was quite used to nursing in public.
If she was that type of person, she might have even opposed the idea of having to hide her breasts or go somewhere else to breastfeed, had someone suggested that.
I think you handled it well. It would have been even better if you hadn't felt uncomfortable, but it is quite understandable that you did. Just think: if all women who had babies breastfed openly in public, then the awkwardness of this situation wouldn't exist. People wouldn't think anything strange of it, and even an exposed breast wouldn't be such a huge deal.
But, meanwhile, while we have these strange cultural values where breasts are supposed to be hidden, where exposing breasts is viewed as sexual and indecent, yet the medical establishment clearly promotes breastfeeding - people will encounter awkward situations.
There are actually far more women who are scared of nursing in public than those who aren't. Those women often try to stay at home as much as they can so they don't have to nurse in public. So, those who do nurse in public are actually the "pioneers" trying to change the public attitude so that the "masses" of women could venture do breastfeed in public as well.
Maria Miller
People are completely uninformed with regards to the findings from the numerous studies about the benefits of breastfeeding. Cultures that frown upon breastfeeding are not properly informed and, therefore, place a higher regard upon the "shame factor", viewing breastfeeding as a sexual act, i.e. the Middle East, rather than a nutritious benefit to the child as well as a holistic bonding experience between mother and child. My belief is that sub-Saharan Africans - as well as other developing and open cultures such as India - have it correct. The breast is, first, functional and, second - if that - sexual. It is only in various holy books that demean women's bodies by placing them into a "utility box" for men. Mammory glands have one function and that is to feed and nourish the child. No more, no less. It is due to such cultures that place women into a "property" role that mammory glands are only for the man's pleasure. This needs to be corrected. Too bad if passers-by make "funny eyes" at the woman who nourishes her child a better source than such companies that make formula. Man will NEVER measure up to Mother Nature. Deal with it!
~Mother of two, breast-fed both. Expecting third. Plan to breastfeed just like the African tribeswomen.
Eat your heart out, Consumer Suckers!
Aysha
I nurse my 4 month old baby in public. I am not uncomfortable nor embarassed. I am proud that I am doing the best and most natural way to feed my son. I will be sad when this experience is over.
Joan
I've always nursed our 3 babies discretely in public, without any problems. In fact, one of our male friends had no idea I was breastfeeding and thought I was just holding the baby. He only learned 25 years later after the subject came up. To my remembrance, there was only one woman sitting in a booth behind us at a family diner who complained. She "whispered" to her companions that I should "do 'that' in the ladies room." Well! Our babies would never take a bottle and why should we have to retreat to a disgusting bathroom? It's a shame our society is so immature and sick that a woman has to be so careful not to bare her breasts while doing something that so natural and beautiful. Geeze! For such a "liberated" country, something is truly sic with our culture. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their babies. There's nothing so lovely as a mother nursing her babe.
Triciamarie
For the record, I'm a girl and in my early teens. Personally, I am not very comfortable with breastfeeding in public unless most of the breast is obscured or it's covered up. However, I do respect the right, want and need to breastfeed in public and there should be an area where mothers are allowed to breastfeed in public. It's not just about the mother - I get embarrassed and uncomfortable when I see a breastfeeding mother, or a wardrobe malfunction. Yes, breasts are a part of the body and breastfeeding is a loving and natural activity, but I doubt many people would feel comfortable or back me up if I flashed or copulated in public. On double standards? I don't like seeing people topless or wearing revealing clothing, although I think topless beaches are fine.
Osnat (England)
There is nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public. Breastfeeding is natural and normal. It's ridiculous how it's being viewed as something that should be done in private and only in certain places. That shows the intelligence and knowledge of some people.
Aryana
I personally think breastfeeding in public should not be an issue especially an irritation to others. Where I come from mothers nurse their child in public and no one would mind. Like for me, I'm a Samoan and we have all have different customs, cultures, and beliefs. When I would see a mother nurse her child in public, I don't mind because I don't get that nasty thinking about someone or something. It's just natural in American Samoa.
Maryellen
I think that's all the baby wants, breast milk contains all nutrients and furthermore protects the baby from easily being infected by germs and disease-causing micro-organisms, thus I don't see the reason for preventing babies to get what is essential for their bodies.
eve.
There is something perverted in a society that can look at puppies nursing and exclaim about how beautiful and natural they are and then curl their lip and say that you are perverting their son by letting him see a mother nursing her child (human). It has always given me a warm feeling to see a child (human) breast feeding. Like everything is right with the world.
Debra Wyatt
Born in 1936, I am now 72 years of age. As a child, grade school, in the early or mid 40s, I remember seeing women nurse in public, not to openly, usually lightly draped. I remember watching an older cousin, in her 20s, nurse her baby at a family gathering. I was then in the 4th or 5th grade. I thought it was neat seeing how that baby was intently and eagerly engaged at the task at hand. Getting its dinner and loving it.
As a young man in a rural community a women sitting next to me in church drew out her breast and proceeded to nurse her baby. I noticed but didnt stare, I wanted to be polite but I was fondly interested and impressed that she was perfectly comfortable to do so in public. In those days occasionally one might notice women nursing in public places, usually covered with a light receiving blanket. In the cities women were more and more turning to bottles.
I was still a small child when the next sibling came along, a sister. I remember standing at my mothers elbow watching her nurse baby Joyce. Mother was sitting in her old rocking chair. My mother noticed my intense interest and asked if I wanted to try, to nurse that is. I nodded my head yes. She drew me close and put her breast to my mouth. At that point I was lost, it seemed completely foreign to me, I had lost my sucking reflexes they were completely gone. She just as well stuck the end of her finger in my mouth. My mother nursed all of her 12 children, I was number eight.
My wife and I have 7 children.
Dr. George Boswell the BR-DR
I'm 31 and had my first child at the ripe old age of 17. I breastfed him exclusively for the first 7 months of his life until he weaned himself. Not sure why exactally, but it broke my heart. Being so young, I recieved a variety of responses when breastfeeding in public. And also in my own home around my friends. I've never been shy and never felt the need to cover up the fact that my child was hungry and I was able to magicly feed my child with little effort. My 3rd son was born when I was 27 and I proudly breastfed him until he was 2. I am currently in college and have applied the subject of breastfeeding to 2 out of my 4 classes this semester. I've written 3 papers on the subject and am aceing those classes. I am very passionate about the subject and, if I ever have another child, I will proudly and NOT discreetly feed my child when and where he/she is hungry! I encourage all mothers to continue to be proud of the fact that you are able to give your child the greatest gift of all, Mother's Milk.
Heather
It's right of a newborn baby & public who see these images of NATURE. I hope it can change the world's most powerful nation's theory. Regards.
SHAHZAD
I remember my Mom flipped out because I breastfed in a restaurant. I was discreet, using a baby blanket to cover myself first! She never breastfed and was worried about others being offended. I told her, I am hungry, the baby is hungry and I am a paying customer... we're eating!
ChristinaI have not breastfeed, but when I get married and have chldren I have already decided that I will. I came upon the topic of breastfeeding in public because I had to do a persuasive speech for my public speaking class. I am 100% PRO-BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC! I never knew this was such an issue because I had never seen anyone do it! Now that I know more about the topid, I am appalled to see how many people say they have received "dirty looks or stares" while breastfeeding in public. I think this is an issue that needs to be discussed in public, and people need to be more enlightned on the issue. I can't believe that women dislike breastfeeding in public more than men! My own mother said she "thinks it is something private that should be done in the comfort of your own home." I was outraged when she said that! Women should be allowed to breastfeed anywhere and anytime they get ready! A woman should not be required to use a cover if she doesn't want to! I hope more people realize the seriousness of this issue and become more informed, so America will be a better place to live!
Jessica E
I believe that God has given a mother the best way to natural her baby. I have always thought it has been one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed as a father and man. I understand some women are not able to breast feed their baby and this is not any fault of theirs. Therefore, we have additional alternatives to nourish our babies.
Robert
Try it if you can!! My son was in hospital for the first 3 weeks of his life and found it very difficult to breast feed so I expressed milk (he was in intensive care for a while so was tube fed as well as bottle fed) Once my son was out of intensive care I continued to bottle feed but also try breast feeding. I used nipple shields to encourage his latch on and protect my nipples when they became too sore. I knew that breastfeeding would be great for my child and stuck at it. PLEASE stick at it if you can. (it took us nearly 4 weeks) Breastfeeding is amazing. It not only nourishes your child brilliantly, but it is easy to manage (once you've got used to it!) There is nothing more satisfying then being stuck on a bus with a crying baby and just quickly being able to feed them. If you are worried about looks, then my advice is always have a big scarf on you if you want to cover up. Sometimes you will feel the need to and other times you won't. You judge where you are and how you feel. DON'T BE PUT OFF by other people. Don't let anyone take away the greatest satisfaction that a mother can have. Don't get worried about your breasts sagging or changing shape - they are doing what nature intended them to do. Relish in that fact. There is no small truth in the statement "Breast is Best"!!!!!!!!
LVO
I was never shy about breastfeeding in public. It was the most natural thing in the world to me, and I doubt most people, with the exception of other nursing mothers, were even aware that I was doing it. I used nursing bras in the beginning, but ended up using regular bras, and just pulling it, and my shirt up. The baby covered the bottom of my breast, and my shirt covered the top. I nursed on demand, and when the baby was hungry, or needy, I nursed regardless of where I was, or who I was with. I never experienced any negative reactions. I nursed both of my babies until they weaned themselves at about 2 years old.
Selena
It really is a shame that most mothers are allowed to give up on breastfeeding because 'it's too hard'. Most doctors are too willing to facilitate formula feedings that no one is really encouraging these mothers to stick with it. When my oldest was five months old I became pregnant again (despite the fact that I was exclusively breastfeeding). By the time he was 9 months old my body was unable to produce milk and I had to start supplementing him with formula. My heart broke. Now that he's 18 months old he's addicted to his bottle which is such a nasty habit. I hope that my 4 month old never has to go through that.
I also had a pregnant friend who was surprised to hear that I breastfed. She insisted she would never do it, "It's unnatural". I replied to her, "Yeah, bottle feeding is extremely natural. That's why you see cats and dogs and other animals doing it." She's now breast feeding her baby! :) Sometimes we have to be the support for our friends that have no one else to encourage them.
Jenna
I am a 50 year old man. Up to the age of, say, 30, I never saw a breast being used for its proper and natural function. On the occasion that I do see a woman breast feeding, I try to be polite, but cannot help but try to sneak a look. I am not sexually titillated, or "turned on" by the sight, but it is just something so delightful to witness. It is like I am sharing a precious secret... I do not know... I swear that my thoughts on such occasions are not sexual, but I do feel a flood of what must be endorphin-- just a peaceful and joyous feeling. I try not to get caught looking, because I do not want to make the woman feel uncomfortable, and God forbid, that the woman should think that I am "oogling".
I just wanted to give you one man's view on the subject.
Kris
I am not a mother but I am very familiar with issues involved with breastfeeding children and especially with breastfeeding children until a older age. I've been thinking about the issues of public breastfeeding a lot of late, I'm in College in Dublin, Ireland and I had a conversation with a few English and Irish friends the other night, they told me how uncomfortable they are with women who breastfeed in public and with breastfeeding for more then the first 6 months to 1 year. Now I know that these attitudes are not all that different from ones held my most Americans but as I grew up with the children of La Leche League members I have never had to deal with these opinions.
My mother was 35 years old when she had me, I was her first, I was breastfeed exclusively for the first year and in combination with other foods until I was 4, the only reason that I stopped at this point was that my mother became pregnant with my sister and I no longer liked the taste. My sister was breastfeed until she was 6 years old. most people feel that there is something very wrong with how long my mother chose to breastfeed us, both my sister and I have been told many times that it is weird/unhealthy/wrong, I have never been able to see what they are talking about. My sister and I are both very healthy, intelligent women that have every intention of following in our mothers foot steps and breastfeeding our children for as long as they want.
I don't know if it is contacted or not, but both my sister and I have always had a very good relationship with our mother, when I was a teenager and all my friends were fighting with their mothers I still got along very well with mine, I watched the same thing happen with my sister, we never really lost the closeness that we had as small children when we were breastfeeding.
Meade
I breastfed my daughter for 18 months. She is allergic to cow's milk, and milk protein I drank passed through to her in my milk, but once we figured it out, I eliminated it from my diet. I can't imgaine what would have happned if I'd tried to give her milk-based formula.
The hardest part of breastfeeding is definitely other people's reactions. My inlaws acted like they'd seen me completely nude if they ever caught me nursing and I always used a blanket to cover.
Beth
because breastfeeding in public is so taboo here in the USA, my husband and two of his friends have finished a screenplay about breastmilk and all of it's wonderful benefits. The script is stil in the development process and we're looking to get this comedy produced. The only way for "others" see the importance of such a film, we need LOTS of people to visit our page on MySpace. our address on MySpace is www.myspace.com/doesabodygoodthemovie. Thank you soo much and keep BREASTFEEDING!
Tumaini
I am pregnant now and am planning to breastfeed. I have never seen a women breast feeding ni public. I am VERY nervous about attempting this myself. I am worried for both modesty reasons and th reactions that might come with it. If I do become comfortable with the idea, I would definatly use a cover. I've been researching the general view towards public breasfeeding, trying to help my comfort level. It surely didn't help. Many people, especially those who do not have children, think that women should find somewhere private or use a bathroom. Most bathrooms do not have anywhere to sit and be comfotable... plus it is a bathroom. I rarely want to use public restrooms, let alone eat in one. Why should my child? As for room specifically for breast feeding... I have NEVER seen that! It is disappointing to see the negative reactions that I have and I hope that I'll be able to be comfortable enough to not have to go through hours of unneeded hassle to avoid public breast feeding.
I am stunned that there are such ignorant and sensitive people about who will take offense and feel distressed at the sight of other people. What we all need is to become militantly nude! And encourage global warming.
Coll
I am a male and usually like finding more about the things that make women be discriminated. I love women, particularly mothers who bring up their child from childhood to adult to be better persons. Well my recommendation is that women should not be embarrassed but stand for their rights in the society
Adrale Martin
Hi! I breastfed my daughter until she was 18 months old and started pushing me away. I am now breastfeeding my 11 month old son. I have always breastfed in public proudly. Once even while standing in line at Disney waiting for a ride. I love the fact that when my daughter plays with her dolls, she pulls up her shirt and 'nurses' them. When she's on playdates and friends offer her a bottle for her baby, I have to stifle a laugh when she says 'why would I give a baby a bottle?'. She simply has never seen it done. I love it!
Maria Thomson Longwood, FL
It's 50/50 we have laws that permit a woman to nurse in public. I am currently nursing my 18 month son- he doesn't nurse as much as he use to, but when he wants it- he wants it! I nurse in public beecause I believe it is important for women to see it. Sometimes people stare, frown, smile, whatever- It's best for my child! Besides people shove bottles in babies mouths in public-why can't I do my thing in public!
Jamita S.
I breastfed both my daughers, now 23 and 25. I breastfed in public on a regular basis and had no qualms about pulling my shirt up and exposing my breast to feed my child. I don't ever recall anyone commenting or giving me nasty looks, even in conservative Pensacola, Florida. It seems that the more exposed young women's bodies are, as with the current clothing trends expose more and more breast, the less acceptable breastfeeding has become. Men, and lots of women, see the breasts as sex items. To be reminded that breasts are actually for feeding the young, that seems to be way too confrontational! I know very few women who are having babies now, but I encourage any breastfeeding mother to continue to breastfeed as long as possible and anywhere your baby needs feeding. On demand, breastfed babies are so much healthier!
Catharine
The only breastfeeding woman I have encountered was when I was about 7, in a park. She showed her breast to a bunch of kids including myself. She was fully showing her breast to everyone that walked by, no attempt to cover herself.
I have always wanted to breast feed but feel completely showing your breast in the United States is just not going to fly. I would love if the culture here allowed for us to feed our children openly but that is not the way our country is. Of course I do not want to be banished to a public bathroom. I would love to breast feed in public but will take great care to cover my breast when that time comes. There are too many perverts in the USA that would stare, complain, etc. I couldn't take the embarrassment. KC
I am a 28 year old woman.....i remember my mother nursing me until I was a 6 year old little girl. I was straightly breastfed until i was 1 years old. I can remember it tasting sweet warm milk.
She felt strange with my bother and only nursed him until 3 months because he was a male. But with me it was easier... cause i was a female baby. We developed this bond. I urge all women to nurse their daughters longer because they grow to become mothers and if you nurse them longer they will nurse longer too. It's important for mothers with baby girls - to have a mother daughter bond for life.
I am now a mother of a 6 month old baby girl and she loves my milk... she is the most important gift in my life!
ms
My own father was very offended that I would breast feed in front of him without a blanket -- even though my own mother breast fed all of us kids!
And as for being discreet -- My girl needed to eat and so I began to nurse her in front of a friend of my husbands while we were all chatting together in the living room.
He didn't even notice me lift up my shirt slightly to nurse my daughter.
When we got up to see him out the door, my shirt falling down over my breast as my daughter unlatched, he said, "Oh, you don't need to get up if she's sleeping."
I said cheerfully,"It's okay. She wasn't sleeping. I was feeding her."
He was shocked and uncomforatble! The entire time he had not noticed what was really happening. He thought I was only holding my sleeping baby. :)
Elena
elenadahle.comP.S. I breastfed my daughter until she was about 2 1/2.
I think that too many people in the world especially in the United States are losing sight of importance. Too many years have passed over looked by shallow reason for the thing we do in life, and personally I believe if you do things out of goodness it will be taken that way. If its done out of crudeness it will be taken that way. For those whom believe breastfeeding is grose or out of line expressed publically, just know it makes it hard for mothers to doWhats in there heart. If this behavior continues it wont be long and breast feeding will be a thing of the past and thats SAD! So If You see a mother nursing her baby (anywhere) I feel it should be encouraged with great love!
Karen R. Rily
I think it is perfectly natural to breastfeeding anywhere, because after all that is what God made women's breasts for.
Mary
In Tahiti the ladies went without any tops, except at the grociery store. Then they put on a BRA. This was 20 years ago. I doubt it has changed.
Don
Kuddos on the site! My wife breastfed our two children for 2 years each. We both realy enjoyed and promote exclusive nursing. Thank you for standing up for and promoting breastfeeding! Keep up the good work on getting the word out on the benefits of breastfeeding! Thank you also for letting women out there know that the breasts God gave them look, feel and "hang" that way for a reason. Do not be ashamed of your breasts, a real man will love you for you, not your breasts.
AJ
Once I found myself staring at a woman breastfeeding her toddler in public. She was getting embarrassed when I noticed my own staring. I then smiled at her, as if apologizing. I wish she knew I was staring with envy of such a beautiful moment I witnessed because my daughter had gave up breastfeeding before I wanted to. So, sometimes people stare because it's so beautiful! Kya
I myself am not a mother, but I have found America to be rather picky about the whole breastfeeding thing. There are a lot of people that say it is natural and all, but do it in the bathroom or at home. Too many people here think breasts are sexual, and that's it. Women who breastfeed in public usually cover themselves up with a blanket. In my state, there is a law that you cannot ask a breastfeeding woman to leave becuase she is nourishing her child, but the law also says a woman has to be discreet. I've been asking around a lot about people's opinions on breastfeeding (I'm doing a paper on it) and a suprising number of people have told me it's gross, and they don't want to see it.
It may be possible that people are telling me rather bluntly their feelings on the subject, as I am not a breastfeeding mother.
Emily
I think that breastfeeding should be recognoised as a part of life and that it should be done wherever the mother feels comfortable feeding
Sam
I breastfeed my son who I now 10 months old. It is hard to feed him now at his age because so many people look at it like I am crazy. In the beginning people accept it easier and know that you are just trying to keep your child healthy but when they are older people think you are somehow being overly sexual with your child. Some once committed to me that it was like I was raping my child. I think people are just plain dumb. To think about obesity when we give our children canned milk. Aren't we giving his processed food already; where are the vitamins in a can.
Minnie
I think that a man's need to make women refrain from public breastfeeding comes from the same place as a man's need to have women cover their faces, as is forced in some cultures. It's enforcement of "modesty" due to their fear of having to face or repress a sexual feeling, or at least it's hyper-prudishness, enforced on others for the sake of trying to "appear" hyper-moral.
Ken
Myself I feel that as a human nature woman should be allowed to breast feed in any way they want, if it's in their own home or out in public, or any thing at all. It's all a human nature and there is nothing wrong with it. It's not a crime to breast feed, if it's out in public or in your own home. People need to understand that breast feeding is just a pure natural thing, There is nothing wrong with breast feeding no matter where you're at.
best regards & support on breast feeding from: Sheldon
Hi, I really wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading this article. I am doing a report for college and I am so for breastfeeding, I for one breastfed my son until he was 9 months old. I firmly believe in nursing your child and that is the reason why God gave women breasts, despite some of the pig headed views men have. Women keep nursing your child it is absolutely the best thing for your baby.
Autumn Krontz
I really appreciated reading everything. I have three young children. Each has been fed breastmilk exclusively and bottlefed breastmilk on occasion. I still get frustrated with the opinions expressed by so many uninformed people that it is inappropriate to feed my child in from of another person in the U.S. I feel so wierd trying to hide what I'm doing when I am in front of others. I am doing a good thing for my finances and most importantly for the health of my child and myself. Many look at it as disgusting or they just expect unnatural eating habits for my child like going into a bathroom or hiding under a blanket. How can anyone think it would be best for me to buy formula which is very different than breastmilk not to mention expensive with all the items that go along with formula feeding especially when traveling? Not many people seem to know the facts about breastmilk and its benefits, sadly. The way the breastmilk begins watery and sweet and then is fattier and less sweet is surprising information even to some women who breastfeed. Many medical professionals are still uninformed and consequently the mothers equipped to provide adequate nourishment to their own babies. I really would like to see the information everywhere and breastfeeding to be the norm in the U.S.
Crista Davila
I am stunned that there are such ignorant and sensitive people about who will take offense and feel distressed at the sight of other people. What we all need is to become militantly nude! And encourage global warming.
Coll
Absolutely fabulous and helpful article with good links. I have breastfed all my 6 children also in public when needed. Today I would be a lot bolder than I was 12+ years ago. Breast is simply best! Margret Peg
My son is 7 1/2 months old, and we're still breastfeeding. The first time i found it necessary to nurse in public it was in a nearly-empty chinese resteraunt, and it went without a hitch. It did make my husband very uncomfortable, though, and it made me sad to see that he could not seperate the fun, sexual side of my breasts from the function of them. The next time we were out and ds needed to eat, it was at a christmas party for my work, and my husband did ask me to go into another room.
My sister, on the other hand, did not even make it a week. She said it made her uncomfortable, but I believe it was a real lack of education. Even right in the hospital the nurses made her give her daughter 'supplemental' formula. Now my niece has lots of digestive problems including very bad reflux and spitting up so much that she gags on it. I try to tell my sister that she can re-lactate but she doesn't much care. It seems to me that she has bought into the mindset that her daughter is an accessory and that nothing else about her life needs to change.
And that mindset is what really upsets me about my country. There is a ton of information available, there is a huge push for the breast, but at the same time we allow people to believe that having a child will not change our lives, that it is unneccessary to change anything once a child comes along.
Natasha
I have four sons and I breast-fed all four of them. I did use a blanket to cover while I was nursing, but did find it almost always drew more attention to the fact that I was nursing. I noticed mostly women were making comments, sighing and acting disgusted by my breastfeeding. One husband actually said to his wife, "Relax, it's a baby." They even had young children with them. I did think though, what if I was nursing a 9 month old? I have the right to do that in public also. I don't condemn a mother for bottle-feeding, so why should we be made to feel "alienated" because we choose to breast-feed our babies? I always told people, "I figured my body made this milk for a reason and it is the best nutritionally for my babies, so I choose to breast-feed."
Nichole Ireland
This is completely INSANE! Fellow mothers of mine, we need to stand up and make something clear. These are our breasts, our babys, and its our personal choice. I was out at a restaurant one evening breastfeeding my 2 year old when a teenage girl came over to me and asked if I could stop because it was disturbing her. I promptly looked at her and said, "Young lady, this is what being a mother is about, and if you can't handle don't ever have kids."
Rebecca
Its a natural function..How much closer can a mother be with child?Why does everything have to turn to sex or being nude.. We were made without clothes, clothing is mans work,not GODS..We need to be updated like the europeans in regards to nudity,sex etc.WE(USA)are far behind in that category.
Joe
I care on the subject and every male should picture themselves in a position... what if you were a woman (if God chose that) with a two-week child unable to eat solids or drink liquids, but those things your body carried (and naturally placed there as a female mammal) are full and the baby surely is hungry...and the public looks at you like "she's exposing herself"?
I visited many countries for the thrill of travel, but here's my own comment on this issue: Breastfeeding seems to be widely acceptable in EVERY SINGLE NATION IN THE WORLD, except breastfeeding remains a controversial subject in the world's sole superpower: the United States, for some oddball reason. We may not firmly patronize motherhood until in recent decades, but Americans are still learning from the world on one important life source. Americans, like every human being and country, admire their mothers, but to what point?
I visited Canada, Mexico, France, Belgium, the UK, Japan/South Korea in east Asia, Chile/ Argentina in South America... and the variety of opinions on breastfeeding in public from state to state in this country. To my limited knowledge except for my nephew when he was born, breastfeeding esp. in public isn't considered a positive thing, but something shameful for a long time in the USA...except in American Indian tribes done this for antiquity and I'm of Cherokee/French background (my Dad came from France, my Mom is 1/4 American Indian).
In California, it's the urban areas (upper-income professional women, don't forget its' now illegal to ask a woman not to breast-feed in public, and someone told me it's considered "hate speech" on account of her sex/gender according to state law), and multi-ethnic neighborhoods (Cal. does have many Asians, Latinos and Middle-Easterners than most states) that tolerate and strongly practice breast-feeding, but done in secluded spots like benches and behind crowded areas to avoid being bothered in this hyper-sexualized society.
I'm NOT against a woman with her infant who must breast feed for the baby's health sake, and never need to bug her about it. If she feels a need to put a blanket on her front, that's fine... but I can tell you most Americans aren't programmed in a way to act politely and respectfully whenever a woman is breastfeeding her newborn/a month old at a mall, a restaurant, at work, on the bus, with family, or a friend's home (it remains definitely hidden from everyone in most of the US). The land of the free isn't for women and children???
Why you find breast exposure doesn't shock people in Africa, South Asia and Latin America has lots to do with cultural values and religious beliefs, but it may indicate the countries' dietary and health conditions, where baby formula is unavailable or not of good quality. No small wonder for newborn moms and societies in general to advocate and must perform breastfeeding to ensure their young are fed, in places where baby formula isn't around. And I've learned that men in these countries are brought up not to sexualize or shun them, but Americans as much like Europeans and other westerners aren't gender-stratified countries.
I don't judge mothers who choose to use formula, but it's not the best method for the baby to obtain the nutrients he/she needs to grow, unless proscribed by the doctor (the infant may have an allergy to breast milk, although most babies aren't... some health conditions exist for infants unable to digest or handle milk, but I'm not a medical expert on these issues). Just what I know on my nephew now at age 7 when he was a baby... and he struggles with many health ailments from his mother's lack of breastfeeding, not by ignorance... but her physical problems from a troubled pregnancy.
I agree on the attitude of Europeans (esp. the western and northern countries I went to) are comfortable on breastfeeding in public, and the lack of this stigma on women's breasts you find in the US... is surprising for someone to come from a sexually prudent culture (in fact breastfeeding has no sexual connotation to it). Breasts are more artistically expressed in Europe not simply for sexual desire, but to celebrate the wonderful nature of being feminine in non-sexist terms... so had all religions, according to anthropologists studied the significance of breastfeeding in pre-modern cultures, the Greeks or Romans said "mother earth fed the young human race".
Same applies for Canada, Russia, Australia and Japan (all included in the "developed world" category) have national health care groups that actually advocate breastfeeding instead of formulas, unless NECESSARY UNDER A PHYSICIAN'S ADVICE (food allergies, lactose intolerance or weaning after the baby turns a year old). The communists of the USSR and Eastern Europe never frowned on women breastfeeding anywhere they want, then nobody was actually "free" or equal" under a communist dictatorship, a big irony when you'll find the majority of Soviet women were in the workforce and conscripted to the Red Army as well.
I'm glad to know Islamic countries in the Middle East, despite their sexual moral standards are higher than in the western world (Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc. under the Sharia or the common sight of women in veils or burkas, and abide by strict socio-moral conduct codes in dealing with the opposite sex), actually encourage moms to breastfeed, even if done in private (esp. the countryside, rural areas and more conservative villages), and culturally valued the same way like in most countries, regardless of the countries' predominant religion or culture (Europe? Canada? Australia? They have more in common..sort of...to the USA).
Japan and east Asian societies remain more tolerant of public breastfeeding, but their economic and social life is changing into more like that of the west... I'm afraid the Japanese, south Koreans, Indians and Chinese: their health systems and moral standards may become "Americanized", like why the upper-classes in urban centers are less likely to breast feed in public or pushed to have formulas as many working moms resorted to this. It's typical to see Filipina women in their homeland and in the US to breast feed in public (they were formerly a part of the US 1898 to independence in 1946, but we never introduced too much of that bad breast fetish stigma?). As well the Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian public health ads to remind their women: "forget the formula, our beautiful mothers can feed thru their bodies".
It seems from not just personal opinion, but my own experiences of visiting Socialist countries or those with progressive governments are more relaxed on the breastfeeding approach. I've seen this attitude in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and not surprisingly, in many eastern and southern European lands (Italy, Spain, Greece, Hungary and Serbia) that are actually "liberal" on issues concerning sexuality, partial nudity, and the maternal need to breast-feed wherever or whenever the baby require regular feeding. And of course, communists had a high degree of sexual morality like 1950's North America.
I took notice when I was in Chile and what I heard on Venezuela, most of Latin America had a national health crusade to tear down new media-implanted ones and old taboos based on this "machismo" dominance, and where health issues are seriously dare... the governments went on by saying (on TV, radio ads, newsprint and billboards) "go ahead... breastfeed anywhere and anytime... for the health of our nation... do this for the next generation". In southern Cal. where large Hispanic populations are present, I'm so used to see immigrant and Mexican-American women are confident, as moms in breastfeeding their infants.
Be in mind, Chile has a woman president (Michelle Bachelet) herself a physician, also spoke on her experience as a mother; and Venezuela under president Hugo Chavez, is a strong supporter for health care programs and techniques such as breastfeeding and wants more socialized health care for the country's large poor class. There's no need to explain the high incidence of public breastfeeding in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean as much in South America, where political leaders (Argentina leader Juan Peron and his wife Evita had advocated it too) agree with any medical professional, church clergy, celebrities, and millions of Latina mothers...there's no shame in it (even on Latin American TV dramas/comedies).
I'm not advocating American culture is bad nor are our political or religious values, but we're (the US and most North Americans) taught to be very strict in particular to breasts and other "sex organs" or "private parts" not displayed EVER in public (or always get covered up when not in public situations). To let a woman breastfeed her newborn isn't a sin, not a crime in most states and to most state legislators don't even constitute as a misdemeanor. If there's an anti-hate crime in Cal. to protect women (as new mothers) from gender harassment based on breastfeeding, it reminds us of women are specific targets in the freest country on earth!
This morbid fear of exposure by American newborn moms living in the "red states" (more conservative oriented), that I never seen in Cal. or the so-called "blue states" (mainly liberal/secular) where newborn moms are actually excused for bearing their breasts in public, because it's so obvious: the babies need to be fed. I rather not get into the political divide here, but why it's common to run into a breastfeeding mother in Los Angeles, New York, Miami or Seattle may not have to do with state law, but tolerant regional customs when one comes across new ideas and cultural differences, sometimes are picked up and adapted.
To observe and learn about other cultures' response to breastfeeding is affectionate, heartwarming and positive... unlike in most of the US, in part due to our country's puritanical origins like 300-400 years ago (most of those beliefs either vanished or lessened, but this problem on breastfeeding in most US states tells me we didn't change much)... and indeed, the majority of evangelical Protestant sects... unlike most of Christianity (Catholicism and Orthodoxy) has once even told newborn moms not blindly follow on their breasts to nourish their newborn young, when the other Protestants and liberal religious sects disagreed.
And yes, the un P-C media displayed women's breasts in ways to provoke feminists and moralists to react together, despite the opposite ends in the US' "culture wars" to oppose the media's overdoing the somehow degrading sexualization of women's breasts in America is negative and can lead to consequences, in terms of infant health. I'm a 26-year old male who may find women's bodies arousing or attractive, but I realize a woman after she gives birth is changed and the reason is... those boobs do come in handy... for babies' sake. That's been picked up by more liberal elites and upper-income classes in America... but when will the poor, working and middle-classes in the US change their minds on public breastfeeding?
No wonder most of the human race in five continents, the developed world and the third world, the Islamic world and the Western world, in the Far East (the orient) and south of the US border, in sub-saharan Africa and in ex-Soviet Europe, they have one thing in common unlike what most North Americans have believed in: there's no real deal on a mother breastfeeding her baby, in public or in private, and they realized for ages... it's a very healthy thing to do. +
I respectfully disagree with the idea that it is better to attempt discreetness while breastfeeding publicly by using a blanket for cover when possible. This only perpetuates the idea that breastfeeding is somehow shameful, thereby further discouraging women who are already uncomfortable from breastfeeding at all. I never felt any shame and therefore took pride in my right to openly breastfeed my children anywhere we were. This doesn't mean I flaunted it, but I always felt that the more common it became to see babies and toddlers nursing, the less anxiety other women would feel while breastfeeding in public, and the less the public would react as though there was something to react to.
sharla
A lot of my friends have breastfed their babies, but mostly short-term. I think we've come a long way in the last 20 years or so as far as promoting breastfeeding in our culture, but we still have a log way to go. I think the lack of good support is one of the reasons that so many women in the U.S. don't attempt breastfeeding, or only continue it for a short time. The other major factor is that breasts and women's bodies in general are so sexualized and objectified in our culture - and even in our so-called advanced country, a lot of people seem to have a lot of trouble separating the sexual aspect of women's breasts from the functional aspect. Even though there are laws in place protecting women's rights to breastfeed in public, it seems like every month or so there is a new story in the headlines about some woman who was harassed for nursing her baby in public. It's sad. We as a people are theoretically supportive of breastfeeding, but in practice, it makes people uncomfortable. As for me, I guess I'm not very mainstream. I have nursed all of my children for at least 18 months (including a set of twins) and not one of them has ever had a drop of formula, and I am very comfortable nursing them wherever we may be - the mall, restaurants, church, the park - I've done it all.
Lisa
I nursed my daughter for 6 months, I never had a problem with anyone.
When my son was born my husband was not comfortable with him being breastfed, I said if he was a girl you wouldn't have a problem.
So, I stopped at 3 weeks for my son. When my daughter was being breastfed he (my husband would kiss her head and say she looks so sweet) But our son, there seems to be competion.
Anyhow I even had a couple of friends that told me the same kinda thing if it were a female baby its okay, but if its a male child ummm not so much in the liking.
Gina
I think all women that are blessed to be a mother should be encouraged to breast feed their child. It is extremely healthy and balanced diet for a nursing child.
Ronald
First of all, love the website. Secondly,I am disgusted at how public breastfeeding is such an issue in America.Has anyone seen the covers of Maxim and FHM? Those covers could be considered "soft" porn by some standards,but, let the right starlet be on the front and you have everyone and their brother talking about their "sexy" and "provocative" photos.Those mags are displayed in public and you don't hear much about that, but, let a woman breastfeed in public and it will literally turn into a national debate! The hypocracy is appaling.It is NATURAL, NATURAL, NATURAL!!! Why would the most nutritious liquid be coming out of our breasts if it were not intended to be given to the baby? Yes, for most people who have never seen a woman breastfeeding, it is an "oddity", but, that is the time to educate that person/s about the wondrous benefits of breastfeeding.I only bf my daughter for 4 mos but, now I am a (little) older, wiser, and will prayerfully be getting pg with my second in the next few months.I will not allow societies warped, perverted views of my breasts discourage me from doing something that we were meant to do in the first place. And please, don't try to ask/insist/threaten or intimidate me to retire to a dingy,foul smelling, germ ridden restroom whose sole purpose if for people to expel toxins from their body and expect me to be okie dokie with that. As I have heard before, "The most dangerous place in the world to be is between a mother and her child."
Crystal
Great website! I applaud your efforts to encourage women to nurse their babies. It is the best thing we can do to encourage their health in those early months. It's a shame that so many women feel pressured to stop breastfeeding earlier than they would otherwise choose do to social pressures. Please visit http://webpages.charter.net/peekaboob/. Maybe if the breastfeeding mother is more comfortable she will also be more confident, therefore doing something natural and healthy for her child and other women will see her nursing in public and be encouraged.
Keep it up! Amie Lerch
My wife and her Momma's group stumbled upon a great product that really freed them from being worried about breastfeeding in public. She wrote up her review of the Hooter Hider on her blog at http://babytoolkit.blogspot.com/2006/08/breastfeeding-with-limited-exposure.html
Jim
A suggestion: Put a beautiful picture of breastfeeding mom in convenient spots of public places, where moms can feed their child, with a caption. "Give the baby some milk". (Let the picture be a showy one so that those who are obsessed to look at exposed breasts may glance at the picture a 100 times!!)
maryn
Thank you for this link, u right, what the fuss is all about? many statues are nude, no one complains about them, am latina, 54, breatfeed 2 sons and my best friend 2 sons, never had any problems.
Barbie
when I was traveling from california to oregon with my 10 day old son he began to cry in the restaraunt. My father asked what was wrong with the baby and a shyly said "I think he is hungry". My dad looked at me and said, "Well, feed him". It was never a question from then on. My husband and brother also observed this interaction and encouraged and supported breastfeeding. Men can provide women in no so favorable situations for breastfeeding with encouragement and support and it does not have to involve a lot of words. The US is mixed up and breastfeeding initiation is increasing but termination of breastfeeding occurs often before the baby is 6 weeks so the mother can return to work. The US is slowly killing themselves.
wendy
Hello, I think breast feeding is wonderful for children. I breast fed both my children, my little boy until he was 16 months and my little girl until she was a year. They both loved it, are very healthy children, and I never had any issues breast feeding anywhere. I just did it and did not worry about what other people thought. It was a wonderful experience and I would definetely do it again. I do not think we should have to hide in a bathroom or anything like that. I mean really, does anyone else eat there breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the bathroom. I don't think so!!! Anyway, more power to the women breast feeding and keep up the good work. Have a wonderful day, Julie
I grew up in Ghana, West Africa and saw women breastfeeding all the time - my teachers in school, women at church, traders at the market, neighbours - and they did so without cover and without shame. Ghana is a very conservative country, low-cut tops are frowned upon, but breastfeeding is okay, its actually encouraged. America needs to get over itself and its double standards. People can dress scandalously with confidence but women can't feed their babies in peace. This whole being 'polite' and 'discreet' is utter rubbish - its not like they walk around the mall with their boobs dripping. Please people, if it bothers you, look the other way! Formula is over-rated, and a waste of resources (packaging, processing, etc). Breastfeed!
African girl
I feel like people need to reaspect nurseing moms... Everyone has been a baby and didnt u need to eat?? Its not about sex anymore when it comes to nursing a baby! People need to stop being freaks and respect nature!
kim
Whipping out the boob in public.... at first I was very aware of my exposed breasts and even would cover up when in a nursing support group surrounded by other nursing Moms. Silly huh? As time went on I became more confident as a Mother, my son's nursing skills improved, and before I knew it I was nursing anywhere I needed to and would carry a small cloth for my modesty when the baby was latching on and off and for those moments when the curious little guy would rubber neck every 60 seconds to see what was going on. I believe in Mothers nursing their children wherever, whenever, but I also believe we need to respect others and be discreet. If you flash a little nipple don't sweat it...but don't shove it in people's faces either just to make a statement. That is NOT what feeding our children is all about.
K.P.
wow, this has been really informative. My wife is 35 and has 34a breasts, she is now pregnant and thanks to the site, I know a lot more about breats!!
kbernard
i think that breast feeding in publick is normal and is supose to be natural
jone
Hey that cartoon thingy was so imature. i mean how people react to a women breast feeding in public. womens breast are normal and thats how you NORMALLY feed babies. I think that MAYBE, women SHOULD go to in a private place and nurse because your a women and sould have womenly manners. but hey, that just my thought
Tux Johnson
I think breast feeding your child in public is should be a natural thing. I did it with all three of my children. I did not feel the need to cover my breast and my child while feeding. Sometimes I got looks,sometimes I didn't. I feel society has made breasts sexual. Woman were givin breasts for a reason, to feed our children.
lori
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