Do you think women should breast feed in public?

1. 60

   alvairsposted 11 years ago

   Do you think women should breast feed in public?
   
   What is your view of a mother meeting the needs of her child in public, by breast feeding?

   replyreport
2. 73

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   I don't think they should. I remember watching two women breastfeeding in my youth and have been a little queezy about the idea ever since. It was just creepy. Breasts were always told to me that they were special and should always be hidden. Then for women to take them out in public? To me it is like stripping nude in front of other people.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      alvairsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      With discretion i think it is fine. Thanks for your thoughts

      replyreport
3. 66

   sarahmooseposted 11 years ago

   I think they should be able to if they feel comfortable enough to do so. I have done in the past, but always fed with a blanket round me so people couldn't see. I can understand why people may feel uncomfortable about it; individual beliefs and values are important, but in that way we should respect those who wish to breastfeed in public as well as considering the people who don't like it.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      alvairsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      i think it is fine to breast feed in public with exercised discretion on exposing one self to others around you.

      replyreport
4. 61

   Pauline Davenportposted 11 years ago

   The breastfeeding pages on Facebook have gone wild on this topic. In today's sad world it's acceptable to have sex and nudity shoved down our throats on the one hand, and breastfeeding a child seen as something gross on the other. It makes no sense to me at all. Definitely a 'yes' from me, but with discretion, although the breastfeeding hard liners would fiercely disagree with me.
   
   I have breastfed my children in public in the past, but discreetly, and wouldn't feel at all comfortable 'baring all' to the world, although I accept that other mothers feel differently
   .
   The bottom line is though, other people don't have to gawp either - discretion comes in many forms doesn't it?

   replyreport
   1. 60

      alvairsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes i agree with you, but you will find people that will stare because of ignorance. Thank you for your insight.

      replyreport
5. 87

   Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

   There once was a time in the United States, when breastfeeding a baby was done, in public or not, because that was the only way to feed babies.  Then, along came the corporate production of bottles and formula, and mothers who chose to have their babies delivered in the hospital, were now having their choice of breast or bottle feeding thwarted by the 'good doctors' who supported the industry of formula. 
   
   Breastfeeding is NOT an issue of morality.  Breastfeeding happens to be a form, and the MOST NATURAL form for feeding an infant.  Let me ask this question: Does the public get squeamish because animals suckle their mother's teats in public?   
   
   Breastfeeding in public does not necessarily mean that you whip your breast out in front of a trillion watchful eyes of all ages.   There are as many ways to breastfeed discreetly as there are mothers and babies.   I used to wear a poncho and tuck my baby under without anyone knowing the difference.  In the summer, it would be a light shawl or poncho and no one knew the difference.  Other times, I would step into the bathroom and feed them there.   Nowadays its even easier-there are 'nursing rooms'  or sitting areas in many bathrooms.  There are even family bathrooms in public places.   
   
   Anyone who feels this is a naughty thing or immoral really needs to take a check in regards to how they happen to view a woman's breasts.  If it is as a sex object, then of course there will be negativity regarding exposing the breasts for an infant to be nourished.   If it is as a natural part of the human cycle, then of course there will be positive support in regards to nourishing the little one. 
   
   Interesting question, alvairs!

   replyreport