Public Breast Feeder

[MissBrattified]

1. I think it's a shame that women have to be worried about covering themselves completely when they're nursing a child.

2. In our culture, female breasts have been sexualized to the point it is nearly impossible for men (or other women) to view them differently. You can respond to that existent culture in one of two ways: Cover up so men won't run into trees, or bare all in an effort to rebel against an unreasonably sexual culture, and bear the stares. And criticism.

I nursed all my babies, and when I was in public, I made sure I was modest. The easiest thing is to find a nursery or bathroom that has a seating area so you don't have to cover up--babies really don't like having their faces covered. Most of the time, though, if we were having an outing, I just planned around it.

It really can make you mad to read some of the comments made by men in regard to breast feeding on secular sites. Ranging everywhere from being disrespectful to women in general, to implying that nursing is a sexual act between mother and child. So I really empathize with the groups of women who are trying to normalize what is already a natural act.

It doesn't make me uncomfortable to see a mother breastfeeding a baby, unless there's a man in the room who I know is feeling some discomfort. Then it's just awkward altogether.