Public breastfeeding

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2003 : September : 27

Public breastfeeding
By Former breastfeeding mom

Although my "baby" is a very grown-up young woman now, I can easily relate to the situation you talk about. When she was born, I had three brothers, all between the ages of 12 and 21, and a nine-year old nephew. I nursed
my child in their presence on many occasions. I tried to be as discreet as possible, but we all treated it as the natural purpose for which God made breasts. Each of them learned the lesson that a woman's breast is not something to be ogled for making crude vulgarities. Part of the problem with the reaction of your co-workers is that they have bought into the idea that the media and

our pop culture has perpetrated, namely that breasts are toys to be used to heighten a man's sexual arousal. We do no one, male or female, any favors by buying into this myth.

During the time I nursed my daughter, I fed her in public on many occasions, including at restaurants. While I never did so at malls or sporting events, if the need had arisen at those times, I would have done what needed to be done. This would not have consisted of hiding in bathrooms, either, although "whipping it out" was never an option, either. Again, discretion was always the key.

By the way, all of the young male family members who observed my nursing of my daughter are now married with families of their own. Each of their wives were strongly encouraged by them to nurse their own babies and did so.

My personal opinion is that you should not become involved is this. The woman is doing nothing illegal, immoral, unethical, or wrong in any way. If the ones who are doing the gossiping (yes, it is gossip) have such a problem with the situation, let them be the ones to bring it up with her. Then stand back and watch the inevitable fall-out when the **** hits the fan!!!