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.

[Hoovie]

I would have to see the video footage before I could render an opinion...

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I would have to see the video footage before I could render an opinion...

[Pragmatist]

I think breastfeeding in public is fine and a woman should not have to cover up. How many of you eat with a blanket over your head? The child covers most of the breast anyway.

As for how to respond, "I think it's great that you're feeding your baby. We need to see more of it so it becomes normal and expected."

[Fiyahstarter]

Wow. I must admit I'm surprised. So let me get this straight. The skirt must come below the knee. But it's OK to have a breast exposed?

[Pragmatist]

Well, I don't believe skirts have to come below the knee either.

Modesty has context. If I wasn't feeding my baby, my breast shouldn't be exposed. But I shouldn't have to stay home all day or hide in another room, because my baby has to eat.

[Fiyahstarter]

Originally Posted by Pragmatist

Well, I don't believe skirts have to come below the knee either.

Modesty has context. If I wasn't feeding my baby, my breast shouldn't be exposed. But I shouldn't have to stay home all day or hide in another room, because my baby has to eat.

That must be one hungry kid!

[Ron]

I am a prude when it comes to matters like this & believe convering oneself with a blanket or coat or other garment is the decent way to go.
I have 3 kids & all 3 were breast fed by my wife & was breastfed in public many times, but was always covered.

A women that is breast feeding is neither a turn on or are overly attractive so the issue isn't "sexiness" but rather "decency."

Going to the bathroom and picking one's nose is a natural function of our body, but I would rather not watch others do so & prefer that they exercise some "decency" in such an act.

I am also one of those who don't go for letting the little ones (5-6 & under) running around in the summer without any clothes on.

Decency is a word that has been redefined in recent years I am afraid!

Signed,

An old prude!

[nahkoe]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

That must be one hungry kid!

Babies nurse a lot. There are a lot of reasons, most of which you are probably extremely uninterested in. lol It's just the way it works.

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

That must be one hungry kid!

Well it was certainly true for me in the first few months. To establish a good milk supply you have to feed frequently. Breastfed babies can't be on a schedule like bottle fed babies.