Is it “inappropriate” to breastfeed in public
So my aunt is breastfeeding currently and when we go out to dinner or somewhere for lunch and stuff like that, she gets a lot of nasty looks and even has had people come up to her, telling her that she needs to be modest and shouldn’t do that in a public place. EVEN WOMEN SAID THIS. Keep in mind she is fully covered and notjing is exposed, so why does it matter? Is this behavior from other people normal? I feel like as long as she is covered I see no issue. what if the bottle runs out of milk or the baby is hungry, do they expect her to sit in a bathroom and feed her baby? Thats just absolutely crazy that she feels she has to hide away so she can feed her child.
Any other opinions on this?
Reading about your aunt's experience really hit home for me. It's truly heartbreaking to hear that in this day and age, a mother feeding her child still has to deal with nasty looks and rude comments, especially when she's being discreet! It makes you wonder, 'Since when is feeding a baby in public 'inappropriate'?!' Seriously, what are people thinking? I've been there myself, not as a breastfeeding mom, but as a friend witnessing it, and the judgment you see in people's eyes is palpable. It feels like there's this unspoken expectation for moms to disappear into a corner or, even worse, a bathroom, just to nourish their baby. But let's be real, babies don't operate on a schedule convenient for societal norms. When a baby is hungry, they need to eat, and a mother's breast is their food source. It's a natural, biological act. The root of this public breastfeeding controversy often lies in a mix of discomfort, lack of education, and outdated modesty standards. Some people genuinely feel uncomfortable seeing a breast, even if no skin is exposed, because breasts are often sexualized in our culture. Others might not understand the benefits of breastfeeding or the practical challenges of having a newborn. I've heard arguments like, 'Why can't they just use a bottle?' or 'They should just stay home.' These comments completely ignore the realities of modern life and a mother's right to live her life without being confined. The truth is, public breastfeeding is not only natural but also legally protected in many places. Here in the US, for instance, mothers have the right to breastfeed wherever they are legally allowed to be. This protection exists precisely because it shouldn't be a controversy. It's about supporting mothers and ensuring babies are fed. For moms who want to feel more comfortable, there are definitely ways to breastfeed discreetly if that's what they prefer. Things like nursing covers, specific nursing tops, or even just positioning yourself strategically can help. But the key here is *their preference*, not societal pressure. No mom should feel forced to cover up if she doesn't want to, or feel shame for nourishing her child. What we allies can do is just as important. If you see a mom breastfeeding, offer a smile, a kind word, or just mind your own business. If you witness someone giving a mom a hard time, speak up if you feel safe doing so, or at least offer support to the mom afterwards. Normalizing public breastfeeding isn't just about moms; it's about creating a more understanding and supportive community for families. Let's shift the narrative from 'inappropriate' to 'absolutely normal and essential.'
I don’t think there is anything wrong with breastfeeding in public. I do think if you whip your boob out in front of people without covering it is inappropriate and disrespectful to you and people around you. I mean at least I wouldn’t want anyone seeing my boobs in public? I would just be sure to bring a light blanket to cover up while breastfeeding my baby that’s all. No one has to or should see an intimate area of my body in public.