Should Sesame Street have segments about breastfeeding?

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Don't put words in my mouth, keep that for yourself. Thanks though. I said it is more likely, not that it should be or is the only time! Come on be realistic.

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

You can't be serious! LMAO! I think I'm getting the kind of mindset you are pretending to have. Women need to be modest because otherwise they are asking to be sexually assaulted. Right. You'd probably better plan your "personality's" move to Saudi Arabia. It is probably rather uncomfortable in a 21st century nation.

Stifler's - posted on 02/04/2012

It's actually against the law to be harassing breastfeeding women. Just sayin.

Sapphire - posted on 02/04/2012

There's a great way to solve the problem.



Invest in a product called Troll-B-Gone.



Usually works well in 3-4 applications. However, if used incorrectly, Troll-B-Gone will not take any responsibility for newly assumed identities!

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Johnny--- "Have you ever considered the risk you are taking by walking down the street being a woman? Doing that is just asking to be raped. Who knows what sort of pervert is hanging around!" Perhaps even more inviting if my boobs are exposed... right?? I think so... besides we are talking about breastfeeding in public, if I see a woman walking down the street without a shirt, be guarenteed I will be letting her know she has issues!!



I never received any "Merry Christmas" items from any corporations. We were advised at my work place, Government, to state "Happy Holidays" in order to be political correct (respectful) towards all cultures and religions.



Why are you getting mad Johnny? This is a debate. I am not mad. I am being respectful of mine and others that feel the same as I in regards to breastfeeding in public. I will say it again. I have no problem with breastfeeding in public but why, oh why, is it soooo difficult for you or anyone else to understand that it should be down quietly and respectfully? Why are my comments or feelings causing you and others such insault? I didn't say DO NOT BREASTFEED IN PUBLIC, I simply said as respect to others that do not believe or do not want YOU teaching their kids to keep it on the low, cover up as much as possible.

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Um, they actually have to go look for it then right? How about we make them look for it rather than give it to them??



You guys are going off board by far. If you feel it is ok to disrespect others that do not want a part of seeing your breasts that is fine, by you. However, don't be offended if someone asks you to put it away because they are not comfortable with seeing it or having their children see it. I am only saying it is reasonable to cover yourself or not flaunt it. I have, like I have already said, seen full breasts expossed, there is no need for it, none. Keep it inconspicuous and respect everyone not just yourself.



Good god, it seems there are many that just don't care how others may feel, as long as they are happy that's all that matters. Just remember that the next time you are offended by something that is legal but offends you as an individual. Remember that you have no problem with not thinking of others or respecting how they feel and see things... ;) I, on the other hand, will be mindful when breastfeeding my next baby, in 3-4 years.. ;)

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

"It may not be your problem others may get arroused but it is a problem if they go and harm an innocent child because they have mental issues and them seeing your breast triggers their grotesque desires.... "



I just pulled that quote DIRECTLY from your post now on the previous page. How is that misquoting you?



Have you ever considered the risk you are taking by walking down the street being a woman? Doing that is just asking to be raped. Who knows what sort of pervert is hanging around!

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

Best Buy, Canadian Tire, the Bay, Sears were just a few of the major corporations including the phrase Merry Christmas in their advertising this year. I got Merry Christmas e-mails from my internet provider (the main one here) and from the Hydro company. The national corporation I work for had a Christmas luncheon and my husband's work, partly large corporation in partnership with the government of Canada, had two Christmas parties. I think you are buying into conspiracy theories.

Jodi - posted on 02/04/2012

Yes, you do have to wonder at that.

Stifler's - posted on 02/04/2012

What? People who are aroused by breastfeeding will just google pictures of breastfeeding and get off. It's got nothing to do with child porn or women breastfeeding in public.

Jeannette - posted on 02/04/2012

When I was nursing my son, I did feel uncomfortable doing it in public, however I was always with either my husband or a friend, so having somebody to talk to helped. I did cover up, also. I only breastfed in public about 10 times, because my son ate every 3 hours (until he was 9 months and started eating every 2 hours) and I didn't really take him many places that we would be gone for very long. I don't live very close to any malls just to drop by and wander around, so there weren't many places we had to go that took that long. Anyway, if I notice a woman breastfeeding in public, in my head I'm like "yea breastfeeding" but I look away. No big deal.



Today a lady came into my work and basically declared that she could eat whatever she wanted because she was nursing and pregnant. She was wearing her baby in a carrier, so I asked what kind of carrier it was because if/when I have my next baby I want to baby wear and wanted to know if the one she used was good for breastfeeding. She happily told me that her daughter can latch by herself and she feeds anytime anyplace. Well, I did see the her baby eating and besides seeing some upper boob (which you see with people wearing low cut tops) it was fine. I more then likely would still use a cover, but that's just me.

Charlie - posted on 02/04/2012

I sometimes wonder if those with that rational Jodi are in fact covering their own uncontrolled desires.

Charlie - posted on 02/04/2012

Where we are from "Merry Christmas" was a featured AD during the holidays on most major free to air stations.



sorry less of an AD and more of a seasons greeting from the stations.

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Hold on a sec there Johnny and anyone else...



I said "It may not be your problem others may get arroused but it is a problem if they go and harm an innocent child because they have mental issues and them seeing your breast triggers their grotesque desires...." because it was said by Laura ♥♥♥ "Its so not my concern if my feeding my child arouses some stranger"... So, I responded, don't try and paraphrase things, take the entire picture or don't quote at all. ;)

Jodi - posted on 02/04/2012

I think there is something wrong with anyone who can equate using breasts for breastfeeding as anything sexual. And you can't compare it to walking down the street topless. That's just ludicrous. WTF is wrong with people?

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Umm, maybe where you are from, I am not sure where that is but NO it is not allowed in mass Media (I did not say it was illegal). A store, well was it a privatized store? I am speaking large media, TV, large work places... you know, where politics are present and being shown to a mass audience. It has been deemed politically incorrect, Johnny...

Charlie - posted on 02/04/2012

Emma don't forget flip flops ...... We all know foot fetishes are very popular !

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

The Jacobs ruling has been upheld in other provinces. Occasionally women may be arrested, but the charges will be dropped anywhere. There hasn't been a prosecution for indecent exposure for topless women in Canada in at least 10 years.



By the way, I do not go around topless. It's not in my comfort zone. I don't even go topless on a topless beach. But you are sadly misinformed.



You are totally entitled to your opinion. But on a debate board, you must expect it to be challenged. However, comments like "It may not be your problem others may get arroused but it is a problem if they go and harm an innocent child because they have mental issues and them seeing your breast triggers their grotesque desires.... " can't be considered anything but shit disturbing.

Stifler's - posted on 02/04/2012

Would you also like to ban cookie monster from eating and anyone else who eats on the show?

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

And as I have been told by others here (COM) wiki is hardly a reliable source, however, I guarentee that what you have listed if a woman was walking down the street topless and someone was offended it would be turned into a sexual indecent exposure. That is one problem with our justice acts, there is always plenty of room to be preceived differently by any judge, there is nothing there that you listed, that states it is legal to walk around topless. Just sayin..)

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Johnny---



That depends on the jurisdiction you are in. Many communities will have this fall under a decency code and will cite a female for doing this. Some communities such as New York State, and the province of Ontario, Canada, have made it legal for women to go topless. Though in New York State it is only legal in state parks and is celebrated yearly by the Buffalo Six. Women in both areas have faced legal battles to obtain those rights, though few take advantage of them.



BC and Ontario it is legal. You will be charged with the decent act in each and every other province.. Go give it a try. ;)



I am not stirring the pot Johnny. I do not agree with showing your breast to feed or not to feed your baby in public. It is that straight forward with how I feel, simple, short and sweet... ;) I am entitled to my opinion, that is what is so great about Canada and US. That is also a part of a healthy debate.

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

In Canada, s.173 of the Criminal Code[2] prohibits "indecent acts". There is no statutory definition in the Code of what constitutes an indecent act (other than that the exposure of the genitals for a sexual purpose to anyone under 16 years of age)[3], so that the decision of what state of undress is "indecent", and thereby unlawful, is left to judges to decide. Judges have held, for example, that nude sunbathing is not indecent.[4] Also, streaking is similarly not regarded as indecent.[5][6] Section 174 prohibits nudity if it offends "against public decency or order" and in view of the public. The courts have found that nude swimming is not offensive under this definition.[7]



Toplessness is also not an indecent act under s.173. In 1991, Gwen Jacob was arrested for walking in a street in Guelph, Ontario while topless. She was acquitted in 1996 by the Ontario Court of Appeal on the basis that the act of being topless is not in itself a sexual act or indecent. [8] The case has been referred to in subsequent cases for the proposition that the mere act of public nudity is not sexual or indecent or an offense.[9] Since then, the court ruling has been tested and upheld several times.



~~from Wikipedia, my emphasis

Stifler's - posted on 02/04/2012

If you have a dog with pups do you sheild your kids eyes from her engorged nipples or the pups feeding?

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

"It is shunned upon to say "Merry Christmas" now because some cultures and religions do not celebrate Christmas. Now, it is forbidden for any type of Media to say such a phrase. They must now say "Happy Holidays","



Now you're just making things up. Merry Christmas was said all over the place this past Christmas. In stores and in the media.

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

I made the statement in regards to going to the washroom but I quickly reversed that into an appology because I quickly realized that is an insane thing to expect of anyone. A public washroom is disgusting and I would actually frown upon a mother feeding her baby in one. That was very wrong of me to suggest, again, I appologize for such a insensitive thought..



No one is saying anyone needs to be stuck in their house. A breastfeeding Mom does deserve respect and should be able to feed their baby as they wish (without showing their stuff) but so do those that do not breastfeed and/or do not want their children or themselves to be subjected to it. So, why not respect everyone on both sides and breastfeed in public, if required, just inconspicuously? Why is there even an arguement to wanting the right or respect of being able to show your breast while feeding? Again, I have seen mothers with them all hanging out, I have seen toddlers going up to their mother, lifting their shirt, pulling their bra up and sucking their boob, they even say "BOOBIE MOMMY"... That is not respectful of others that have other opinions or views and neither is a mother that has control of what she shows and how she shows it...



You know, most 1st world Countrie's, especially US and Canada are melting pots of very diverse cultures. It is shunned upon to say "Merry Christmas" now because some cultures and religions do not celebrate Christmas. Now, it is forbidden for any type of Media to say such a phrase. They must now say "Happy Holidays", you know why? Because, we must learn to respect EVERYONE, not just ourselves. Not everyone wants to see a breast in public or on a child's TV program, not everyone believes or is as comfortable with publicizing such a private practice as the next person may be. It is important to respect all and not be ignorant to others and their beliefs, morals, standards, etc....



BTW - I do still say Merry Christmas but only to by closest friends and family, just as I still breastfeed I just keep it private as much as possible.... ;)

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

Sherri, I can totally respect that you may be very uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public for yourself. I totally get that for some, it feels too exposed. And I support your right to find a private place to do so. But I wish that you would understand it doesn't feel the same for everyone and pass along the same courtesy.



Meme, I am getting the sense from reading through your posts that you are just trying to stir shit with bullshit.

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

Meme, you are sadly misinformed. The legal decision that makes it possible for women to go topless was a Charter challenge, making it applicable in all regions of Canada. Anywhere a man can legally go topless, so can a woman. As Meghan mentioned, most places such as restaurants, malls etc. (it really depends on the establishment) have no shirt, no service policies. Which apply equally to men and women. However, the right to breastfeed is protected. You just can't take your shirt off to do it.



You'd probably better put on a burka if you are concerned about people being aroused by any part of you. There are people with all form of fetish and body part interest out there. You can find websites dedicated to toe cleavage, neck napes, and ears. I think that is the point Laura is trying to make with her hotdog comment. Every person has unique interests and things that arouse them. You never know what might be getting someone going.



I still haven't received any real explanation of the harm that could be caused by seeing breastfeeding. Obviously the occasional person is skeeved out by it. I still fail to see why that should force the remainder of people to change their practices. Old people with gross feet wearing sandals skeeve me out, but I don't expect them to endure full shoes in the heat of summer for my comfort. I just avert my eyes.

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/04/2012

""""It may not be your problem others may get arroused but it is a problem if they go and harm an innocent child because they have mental issues and them seeing your breast triggers their grotesque desires.... """"



Now meme this is unacceptable.

Sherri - posted on 02/04/2012

Actually my issues with breastfeeding in public have nothing to do with others judging me because I never felt judged. It has to do with my own modesty and extreme uncomfortableness breastfeeding in public in front of strangers. I will do anything at all costs to not have to, but on the rare occasion I do, I make sure I am 100% covered as well as my child.

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/04/2012

You guys type wy too long posts" seriously I'm not reading all that.

But to say that me nursing my baby could cause a man to go rape a child is ludicrous!



Knock it off and quit being so rude.



No one is flapping their breasts around in public.

We feed our babies and aren't exhibitionists about it.

Maree - posted on 02/04/2012

Yeah i guess you're right...I wouldn't care whether it was on a kids show or not but i guess i can understand that some people are against it just the same as some are against showing bottles...i personally would be MORE against the bottles than the breast. I'd rather that bottles were not shown but i don't really care that much and i agree that it is up to us to teach our own kids.



I think that what some people are saying though...and i totally understand it,is that although a bottle is JUST a bottle and a hotdog is JUST a hotdog...they are both a type of food just like a breast is for feeding. I know that a breast is more than that but to the woman that is feeding her baby,all she is thinking about is nourishing that baby...



It is unfortunate that some people are offended,but i think most breast feeding women do not appreciate being told that they should not leave the house,or put a blanket over the baby,or go to a bathroom etc. I'm sure they very much dislike the attitude that they are doing something offensive...to them and most people it IS NOT offensive,it is feeding a baby..plain and simple.



Because it is so widely accepted,i think it is up to people who don't want to see it,to just turn the other way,cover their kids eyes if they feel the need...and move on.

There is no point telling people they should hide their boob because they simply won't do it...and why should they???



I have learnt this on here...no matter what i feel about bottles,how many times i go on about how i hate the damn things...it won't get me anything but nasty comments in return,so why bother...i have been told to try to be more understanding and realize that people have reasons for doing what they do....breast feeders should have the same respect and understanding...and because they are usually forced to be with their babies all the time if feeding on demand,it is unfair to expect them to go to toilets or stay home...i for one would have become very depressed if i stayed home every day or had to work my outings around a feeding schedule.



Also,speaking of perverts etc...i think those kinds of people are EVERYWHERE. No one knows who is out there perving at their child or at women or whoever. I am not going to keep my child at home because there may be some dirty old man looking at my kids...I run the risk of that all the time but keeping them locked up,to me,is worse.

I think the same about bf-ing...you can't help who may be looking but i think what women on here are saying is that they would rather take the risk of someone perving and just feed their baby without being concerned about "someone elses issues"...they don't want to run their lives around other peoples feelings and dirty minds...especially when what they are doing it totally normal and natural..

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

BTW - I was not breastfed, I was born in the 70's when formula was the most advocated way to feed your baby. However, I still breastfed both of my children. I became educated through reading, research and close friends. Seeing a mother breastfeeding their baby in public is not why I chose to breastfeed. I chose because I was made aware of the benefits the milk has for a baby and the benefits it has on a mother, not because I saw it in public places..... I am unsure of how that helps anyone understand the implications of the benefits of breast milk or how it can help prevent breast cancer if you do it. It may spark interest but so does posters that give actual information of the benefits rather than showing the breast...

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

I agree with part of what you say Maree, although I do not agree with your comment in regards to the wackjobs that may become arroused from seeing your breast. These people have mental disfunctions and even if they had seen breasfeeding as a child, it is highly unlikely they are going to be able to make their brain decipher between the two....



Breastfeeding has become very accepted, as well as practiced in all 1st world Countries (most 3rd world always have breastfed, due to finances), you just don't "see" it alot because many women are private people and are very mindful of others....



Everywhere I go in regards to feeding your baby (doctor, hospital, feeding clinic, baby stores, etc..) the number one practice advocated IS Breastfeeding... Everyone I know, only a very few have chosen to go directly to the bottle and it is these people I still respect - there is nothing wrong with a bottle either, it is their choice, it is their baby - and it is these people that should be respected in public when amongst breastfeeders. It is no ones place to decide anything for others, unless you are Government and there is not a choice in the matter.



Let me add (repeat) that a bottle is a tangible item, it is not a part of our bodies. It is no different than a bowl, plate or cup but a breast is very different. It, no matter what any feels, is a part of our body and is used for more things than feeding a baby, a bottle is not... But, neither should be advocated on a child's TV program, leave that to the parents to teach and only the parents.

Maree - posted on 02/04/2012

Although i do understand both sides of this....i really don't think a woman should have to hide her breast whilst feeding. Apart from it sometimes not being possible,i also think it's unnecessary.



If a child,teen or adult sees it and thinks sexual thoughts....well i would think that maybe that would have not happened in the first place if the child had grown up seeing bf-ing as normal...the point,i think,is if they never see it as a normal way to feed a baby then they are most likely going to see it as sexual.



maybe a teenage boy might go through a stage where EVERYTHING is sexual but he will grow out of it,i wouldn't be particularly concerned about that as long as it isn't right in his face and done on purpose in attempt to arouse him..if a person did that then THEY are the sick one,not the child !!!



Having said that,it is still a very personal choice whether to breast feed at all...where,when and how to breast feed...it is not up to any person to tell another that they should hide it or that they are somehow damaging another persons child by simply feeding a baby and ALLOWING a passer by to get a glimpse of skin,because i think,generally it is nothing more than a little bit of skin that is seen anyway.



It is completely legal and in Australia at least,we need to get the bf-ing rates up significantly so it is very accepted ANYWHERE....some people i'm sure won't like to see it but i can only assume that it's mostly women that bottle feed that have some issue with seeing a woman breast feed.



I have taken a second look if i've seen a woman bf-ing. Not cause i have a problem with it but because it is SO rare and i get a bit of a shock. This is the problem,not enough women are bf-ing and not enough children see it as normal because of it being hidden or just not happening at all. All i see is bottles...they are everywhere. I have to constantly talk to my son about bf-ing being normal because if i didn't,he would most likely think that i am the strange one !!! ... Unfortunately sometimes i feel compelled to teach him that bottle feeding is not something we should be doing . I want him to see both as NORMAL of course but if he only sees ME bf-ing and everyone else bottle feeding then i can't help but think he is going to see what is most often done as the NORMAL thing....and that,to me would be very disappointing.

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

A man walking around without his shirt on is much different than a woman that has breasts. I did say we are sexual creatures and there are wackjobs out there (most of which are men).



Not sure what your comment about a hotdog is suppose to mean, that is going a bit far when we are talking about breasts (for breastfeeding), of which are a part of the human anatomy, not a hotdog of which is a food... They can go buy their own hotdog, it is a bit harder to go find some breasts that are "willing" to let these weirdo's have them....



A bottle is an item, it is not a part of our body. However, SS shouldn't show either... it is up to us as parents to teach our children on the ettiquette of feeding babies. Leave SS to teaching our children children things...



Do you use the door on a bathroom stall in a public washroom when you pee? Or do you close it? Why close it at all, it is not a sexual process when peeing, it is a very natural bodily function, everyone has to do it. I am unsure of the difference here. Show your wussy when pee'ing or show your breast when feeding?? Do you close the door when trying clothes on in a department store? Why would you? It is not a sexual action it is a normal day to day function of getting dressed.... I am unsure of the difference.... Other than the fact that it is a private affair, which showing your breasts when feeding your child is as well.



Not everyone feels as you may and they deserve the same respect as you do when walking into a public washroom or dressing room.



In addition, some men just shouldn't be allowed to go without a shirt, truthfully, it should be illegal for them too. Clothing is one of our 4 basic life essentials and it should be proactively used. Otherwise, a community where clothing is not required may be best for those that disagree. Our 1st world countries believe clothing is a necessity. Again, there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public, just be discrete is all I am saying. Be mindful of others that do not think the same as you.



It may not be your problem others may get arroused but it is a problem if they go and harm an innocent child because they have mental issues and them seeing your breast triggers their grotesque desires....



I don't want anyone deciding on what and when my child learns about sexuality, which includes feeding a baby (a man cannot breastfeed, only a woman with breasts) or Religion. That is to be done with my morals, my belief system and my personal experiences. Those that believe they are high and mighty and should be teaching my children in their way are wrong and do not deserve my respect because they have not respected my standards as a mother....

Daniela - posted on 02/04/2012

So does that mean we should exlude babies being fed bottles as well? I'd actually be ok with that. Either show all sides or don't include it at all. By the way, I highly doubt a segment like that on SS would include ANY piece of flesh. We are hardly talking about a lesson in latching correctly here. Showing bottlefed babies only is a distortion of reality.

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/04/2012

If someone gets aroused by watching me eat a hot dog should I use a cover over my head to eat it?

If I get aroused watching a man wander around with his shirt off in a park should he not be allowed to go topless?

It's not MY job to make sure everyone else feels happy and platonic. If they don't like it they can look away and if they like it too much I'll ask them to walk away lol.



Its so not my concern if my feeding my child arouses some stranger

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Ah, perhaps in BC Megan, I agree it does vary from Province to Province but in AB, Sask, NS and MB a man can have no shirt on in a mall but he must have shoes ... However, in a restaraunt, no, they must have both....



Again, I have no issue with breastfeeding in public but I do have an issue when they must show all to do it. As I have said, I did breastfeed with both of mine and there is no reason to show all, although I have seen some that do and I must ask why? Why do you need to show both breasts or even a full breast when feeding? They only need the nipple... I am not saying anyone here has or does but it is why I suggest covering up because I have witnessed it myself.



There are perverts out there and that sometimes is all they need to go home and look up pornographic material which often includes children, why does anyone need to give one of those freaks a reason to resolve their inner nastiness? It is a crazy world, which unfortunately, holds many crazy's.



I also, do not need to see anyones boobs nor do my children, even if it is for feeding, we are sexual beings and whether anyone likes it or not some people just can't look at it as "only" feeding their baby (I am not saying that person is me, but there are those people out there)....



I am my children's parent and I will choose when and how they learn about the different ways of feeding their baby when they are older, no one else has the right to say other peoples children need to understand, that is not anyone's place but the parents.... Some people do not believe in breastfeeding, so why is it our choice to teach their children? These are our morals and ours alone.



Many people here would say they would be irate if someone else disciplined their child but they think it is their place to teach other's children about breastfeeding? That makes no sense... Now, are we being choosey on what and how we teach other's children but we don't want them teaching ours? hmmmm

Tracey - posted on 02/04/2012

Barb, "What's the point of promoting it on a show for kids":



So the child has that memory when the time comes to make a choice, in a world where there's all kinds of advertising dollars thrown at artificial feeding methods.



So that the child, making that choice, has a lowered chance of breast cancer, and her babies have a lowered chance of illness and lowered IQ.



So that society in general, in discussing breastfeeding, doesn't use such offensive language as "whipping their boobs out"/ "waving their boobs around" and using that as a reason why people have to remain closested at home for months or covered with hot blankets and made to feel ashamed if their baby gets hungry or their toddler needs comforting while they're out of the house. Which they may have to be, if their husband has odd hours/their older kids are involved in enrichment activities.



I've breastfed three kids for a total of 8 years and only one time revealed anything, which was when the first one was 5 days old, the first time I had him out in public (celebratory dinner out with family who'd come from a distance to do it). When the youngest was born, the oldest was already 8 years old and involved in Scouts, 4-H, baseball, gymnastics and Awanas, and the next one in those activities plus ballet. I could yank my kids from their activities so I could stay home so I wouldn't "offend" anyone. Or I could take the baby along. Gyms and ballet studios are hot, and no way would I be hiding under a blanket, which is a great way, incidentally, to announce what you're doing and draw peoples' attention. You could hardly do better if you attached balloons and a banner to the blanket. You'd better believe the perverted are thinking about what's under the blanket.



If you want *not* to draw attention, a far better method is to wear a vest, a nursing bra, and a knit shirt under the vest. LIft the shirt, unhook the bra, and latch the baby on. The vest covers the side view and the baby covers your belly. You do need to not be wearing really low cut pants.

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 02/04/2012

Meme I believe it does vary from Province to province and State to State. But a man can't go into a mall or anywhere else topless even in British Columbia. It violates the whole no shirt no shoes no service thing.

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/04/2012

Johnny, I am unsure of what Canada you are living in but the one I live in you are NOT allowed to go topless everywhere a man can... I am unsure of where you heard that one... Try and go to the mall as a woman without a shirt on and see how fast they rush you to the police simply because they are not going to allow to leave like that either. It is illegal to walk the public as a woman without a shirt on.... This is why they have secluded nude beaches, it is illegal to walk the streets as such...



However, BC is another story (half my relatives live there and I have several friends), if this is where you are from... BC has tried very hard to stay in the Hippie era, so yes, they don't care there.. I grew up in AB, lived there for 24 years and now live in NS and have lived here for 12 years, it is NOT allowed... Ah and Ontario, they just put a legal allowance on being topless, so it differs by province just as it differs by state... However, they can still arrest you if they "police" feel it is inappropriate, but you would probably get off the charges in those 2 provinces... So, it is a province by province things not a Canada "country" thing...

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 02/04/2012

Johnny, it's the same in New York state. If I had wanted to feed topless back home, I could legally have done it. I have heard that there are some issues in AB though, but I'm going there on holiday this summer to visit a friend, so we'll see.



My 7 year old knows that there are children older than her baby sister who are breast fed and she's fine with it. She also knows that there are people with limbs that didn't form all the way and the only thing she does is ask the person what happened. She doesn't get grossed out because she only has half of her middle toe on her left foot. I believe that it's important to teach your child acceptance for differences whether it be physical appearance or someone breastfeeding in public.

Janice - posted on 02/04/2012

Well said Johnny!

Johnny - posted on 02/04/2012

Well, if the reasoning for hiding breastfeeding is that women aren't legally allowed to expose their breasts. Then not a single Canadian has that reason. We can go topless anywhere a man can. But I digress,



I simply fail to understand this huge breast fear. Who cares if kids see a bit of boob. What? Are their eyes going to fall out? Really, this just seems very silly. They are being used to feed babies. A practice older than humans. Throughout the majority of human history, until just the mid point of the last century, all babies were fed at the breast. Only the royalty of some societies avoided it. Everyone grew up seeing breastfeeding and there was no measured harm as a result. So if it does not cause harm, then what could possibly be the source of your concern? Are you worried your kids will be comparing how nice mommy's boobies are to another moms? LOL.



Where I live, most women do breastfeed, and I see it all the time. In restaurants, malls, coffee shops, even on the bus. I can assure you that our children are growing up just fine, moral, and upstanding with their eyeballs intact.



I just can not help but find this fear of public breastfeeding simply mock-able and ridiculous.

Stifler's - posted on 02/04/2012

So kids are aware of all the ways of feeding a baby, not just bottles. So they're not like eww gross and have intolerant attitudes towards people feeding in public when theyre older. Lots of reasons.

Barb - posted on 02/04/2012

They don't need to promote it on tv, because either the kid will see it or not. What's the point of promoting it on a show for kids. I know parents watch too, but doesn't seem to be a proper place on a child's show. If they see their mom do it it's another thing all together. Wouldn't want my daughter to see it unless I decided to breast feed.

Maree - posted on 02/03/2012

Not that i want to see a young mum...or any mums boobs particularly....however i would be very impressed to see a YOUNG mum breastfeeding as it is very rare where i live...i would probably tell her how awesome she is !!!!

Janice - posted on 02/03/2012

Well, I dont show them off, but I do love that my boobs are bigger now. But maybe thats a different topic hehehe...

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 02/03/2012

Come to NS, I have seen a few in the mall! However, they are young moms and obviously trying to prove something, maybe they like that their boobs are bigger now or maybe they just don't care but they are out there, or I would never have said it.... ;)



BTW - I too shield my young children from low cut shirts that have boobs hanging out (not for breastfeeding). My 13 year old on the other hand, laughs and whispers to me on how nasty such clothing looks. ;)

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 02/03/2012

I did nurse at the beach this past summer. No one really paid attention. But it's easier the adjust a bathing suit top than a sweater