why is there such a problem with women who breastfeed in public? If she is covered what is the problem???

Laurie - posted on 04/21/2009

to those people i say "you eat in public, why shouldn't my baby". would these people feed their child a burger in a dirty public washroom? i breastfeed my daughter in public all the time and most people just ignore it, but a few just stare...i guess it's human nature to look. i have also had a couple of women approach me and thank me for being so open and not hiding in a washroom. i encourage all breastfeeding moms to be open about it and ignore the people who have never experienced bond that forms with your baby while breastfeeding.

Bri - posted on 04/21/2009

I hated when people stared at me 2 if my baby is hungry then hell i'm gon feed her. People are so uncomfortable when they c u nursing ur child, i feel people should grow up their for feeding babies people

Sam - posted on 04/21/2009

I tried breastfeeding with my eldest two, yet unfortunately I couldn't seem to get the hang of it. When my 3rd was born my other two were only 2 and 3 so it seemed easier to bottle feed. My 4th is now due in july and since the others are 11, 10 and 8 and intend to try to breastfeed again. I'm a bit shy about feeding in public, but I think thats due to societys thinking. I'm hoping with practice it won't take me long to become comfortable, as I don't really want to hide in the house like a hermit until babys completely weaned.

Selena - posted on 04/21/2009

gosh, this makes me mad! i breastfeed my first in public a few times, and i swear peopel looked uncomfortable .... i dont know! i was coverd! makes me sooo mad, people who get upset about this are dumb

sorry, haha but thats how i feel!

we have boobs to feed or babies....

Mel - posted on 04/21/2009

Quoting Heather:

jst ignore any1 who has a problem it is t most natural thing in tworld, i used 2 sit in t pub nd breast feed my baby nd every 1 got over it.

haha i can imagine u prob got the same looks i did when i was at the pub pregnant holding my friends drink

Lynette Lyn - posted on 04/21/2009

Iquite agree people shoild get a life. It is all prt of being a mum

Heather - posted on 04/21/2009

jst ignore any1 who has a problem it is t most natural thing in tworld, i used 2 sit in t pub nd breast feed my baby nd every 1 got over it.

Nina - posted on 04/21/2009

Boobs are there for feeding babies! You should be able to feed them anywhere! I breastfed and are breastfeeding my baby boy - i do try to cover up as much as i can when doing so - but if anyone has a prob tough s***! i love breastfeeding and its the most natural thing to do!!!

Mel - posted on 04/20/2009

because some ppl are stupid !! i could be wrong but im fairly sure its now illegal in australia hence the reason they have rooms for breast feeding and most recently someone was kicked out of a restaurant for breast feeding. my friend said 2 me what does she expect ppl dont want to see that while thier eating i said to her well what is she supposed to do if she has a hungry baby why should ppl be made to hide while they feed which is a completely natural thing. anotehr friend of mine was breast feeding on a bench at the shopping centre not exposing herself at all but my partner said to me is that not illegal.

Holly - posted on 04/20/2009

I know this post is old but what the hey.
I was unable to breast feed but I am completely for breastfeeding, even in public. It is a basic human need and we treat it like it's a crime. A baby does not know how to be patient and wait for you to be in a discreet location so you can feed him. I know some stores (Babies R Us) has an open breastfeeding policy. I use to work there and there were always women in the gliders breastfeeding. There is also a mothers room for women who do not like to do it in public.

And I completely agree, why is it ok for women to walk around in see through tops with their bottom's hanging out, but it's not ok for women to breastfeed in public.

Kelly - posted on 03/26/2009

After thinking about it, it seems to me, that even though it might make some men uncomfortable, I bet it is (probably older) women who would actually say something about it. I could see my mother getting being disgusted about it and saying something. I think that is sad, but true. And actually, I had been told by someone who works for Partnership for Children (our local Head Start agency), that in our state (probably others) that women have the legal right to breastfeed in public. In other words, you can't get asked to leave or stop. It might be good to find out what the law is where you live, and then you could tell people if they say anything, that it is your legal right. They can't stop you.

Crystal - posted on 03/26/2009

You are right, there really shouldn't be a problem, especially if you're covered up.  I have yet to try nursing out in public because I usually go to a dressing room to do it when I'm out, but I shouldn't have to.  And like you, it does keep me home a lot or rushing to get back home before my son starts screaming.  I thinks its do to our culture and just plain ignorance or a lack of people's knowledge about BF.  They don't realize that inorder to continue producing milk, you have to empty the milk by feeding/pumping.  And who is really going to walk with a pump everywhere they go?  You can't just pack a few bottles when you're out because you'll be regretting it later that day when you're in pain due to engorgement and the next day when your baby wants to nurse all day because of a decline in milk production.  I do understand where you are coming from, but we just have to stare back at those who stare at us because it is their problem not ours.

Miranda - posted on 03/26/2009

I asked my husband the same thing and he said that it makes men uncomfortable i suppose it is because it is a personal thing even though the woman is covered it is a private area of the body is my guess. I bought a sling for my baby and no one knew when i was feeding because the could not see a thing.

Stephanie - posted on 03/25/2009

I DONT UNDERSTAND EITHER, THERE ARE WOMEN WHO EXPOSE THEMSELVES AND WE ARE CARING FOR OUR KIDS? I AM COVERED. I BREASTFED BOTH MY KIDS AND NEVER HID. MY UNBORN BABY WILL ALSO BE BREASTFED. IF YOU CANT OR DONT WANT TO DONT BE MAD AT ME FOR DOING SO. I DONT GIVE JUDGEMENT ON SOMEONE GIVING THEIR CHILD A BOTTLE.

Maria - posted on 03/25/2009

i am not good at all with my nursing wrap as i have to get him latched on before i can cover up (i try to cover up in public because my husband feels a little awkward if i just whip it out and leave it out lol) but he either wriggles it off or keeps unlatching himself until i take the wrap off so he can see me lol



But i have to agree that the breasts have been sooo sexualized that most ppl dont realize that they have a purpose other then to look pretty lol and i know that there are "mother's room" or "family room" places here in kansas too and i take advantage of them! Kudos to all of you other bfing moms!

Terrianne - posted on 03/25/2009

There should NOT be a problem with it. In fact, it should be encouraged. Babies need to eat when they need to eat, and breastfeeding is the absolute best way to feed them. I have no idea why some people in the United States are so uncomfortable with that, but we need to get over it.

Becky - posted on 03/25/2009

Yeah, the only time I nursed in the bathroom room was if there was no other place to sit down. I would have hard a hard time not slapping the heck out of anyone who actually said something to me!

Natalie - posted on 03/24/2009

It took me a month of breastfeeding and only a couple times in public to get it down pat! Nothing had fallen out or anything so people should not have a problem with it. If my little girl gets hungry while we are out, I am going to feed her if people like it or not:) I do get weird looks from people. No one has ever said anything but I am waiting for it. Babies need to eat too:)

Kelly - posted on 03/24/2009

I never got too many looks, although I probably just wasn't paying attention. I tended to be focused on baby I guess. I think it is disgusting to expect someone to feed a baby in a public restroom! If you want to nurse there, no big deal, but I would not have wanted to. It is the last place I would want my child to eat, and eating from the breast is no different than any other meal. I did have a hard time trying to cover, because by the time my youngest was a few months old, she wanted to see me I guess, cause she would grab the cover and yank it off! I did have several funny experiences nursing in public, one of which was at a soccer game when one of the little girls from my older daughter's previous team (that I had coached) came over to see me. I was sitting on a blanket on the ground, with baby up under my t-shirt eating. No one could see anything but her legs hanging out. Well, the little five year old asked what the baby was doing, I said eating, she asked to see the bottle, and without thinking, I said, she doesn't eat from a bottle. She of course wanted more of an explanation and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to tell her, as I didn't know her family well and didn't want to offend anyone by informing their child about breastfeeding. Oh, good times, good times! There are a lot of women who can't or don't wish to breastfeed, and that is entirely their option, but I would love to see a world where women didn't have to feel uncomfortable about it if that is what they want to do!

Avril - posted on 03/24/2009

lol even if she wasnt covered people should still mind their own business! haha!! my husband wasnt etirely sure (naturally he was feeling quite protective of us both) but i told him he didnt have a choice! i breastfed my first baby in public and intend to do the same with my next one due in july it has so many benefits (both for urself and baby) i personally think unless there is a medical reason why somebody cant or shouldnt breastfeed everybody should give it a try :) :) :)

Lucia - posted on 03/24/2009

good for you jocelyn it is the natural thing enjoy life with your new little one they grow up so fast

Jocelyn - posted on 03/24/2009

If anyone says anything to you, just say, "Our breasts are made for feeding babies. God has intened my baby to eat this way. You eat with your mouth, but I don't see you covering your face when you eat. Do you see how I am completely covered? There is nothing indecent about me sitting here. You mind your business, and I'll mind mine."

I am 23 yrs old, just had my first baby 3 weeks ago, and I've breastfed in public 3 times so far. If anyone says anything to me I will surely put them in their place because that is just ridiculous!

Allie - posted on 03/24/2009

I love the last response by Tracy....and although my son is past breastfeeding, i will definitly be keeping the hamburger comment in mind for the next child! Kudos to you Tracy, and of course to everyone else who nurses in public. It was the easiest most practical way to feed my son, cuz he was such a little piggy! Its nice to have such a nice support group of moms who have dealt with the same things!

Tracy - posted on 03/24/2009

I agree with everyones comments! I was not shy with breastfeeding either of my sons. If I got "disapproving" looks from others I would simply comment; you wouln't look twice if I were giving a 10 year old a hamburger now would ya! (they usually stopped staring pretty quickly!)

Jessie - posted on 03/24/2009

I agree with Tamara that if covering up works for you then go for it - sometimes it helps if the baby is easily distracted or even if Mom is just a bit shy. But we should not be expected to cover up just because other people have a problem with a baby eating. I have yet to see someone ask a mother to go bottle feed in a bathroom!!

Tamara - posted on 03/23/2009

I wish I knew. Luckily, in my almost 18 months of nursing, I have yet to be harassed but I'm also really confident when I NIP. Lots of big smiles and I never cover. I tried it and it didn't work for me and my LO. If a woman covers to help her NIP, than power to her but I don't think we all should be expected to cover.

Louise - posted on 03/23/2009

what i always say is " you dont like it , you can bit it" i breast feed anywere i can sit down

Jennie - posted on 03/23/2009

There is not a problem with it.  The people complaining about it are the ones with the problem!!

Diana - posted on 03/23/2009

I have a theory that, in addition to the sexualization of breasts and the uptightness about any sort of nudy, it (breastfeeding) reminds people that we're animals when it comes down to it, and that makes us prudish Americans uncomfortable.  I mean, think about how reluctant Americans are to even say "I'm going to the toilet."  In most situations, we say bathroom, restroom, water closet-anything except what we're actually going to do.  (Not that I'm advocating saying "I'm going to piss" everytime we do...lol)  But I really think it's a combination of attitudes that still carry over from Puritanism concerning what is "proper" about the body-and things that connect us with animals are cultural taboos, in a way.

Tara - posted on 03/23/2009

I was only able to breastfeed for the first 6 weeks or so with my daughter (due to medical reasons, etc), but I just fed her when she got hungry. In the hospital my room mate was Egyptian and had some cultural issues with it, so I fed my daughter behind the curtains of my bed area, but when we got home I just fed her wherever I needed to.  I don't see the issue with feeding your baby if they are hungry. After all, guys can go around looking like slobs with plumber's crack, and girls wander around looking like hoochie mamas, so why shouldn't you be able to feed your baby?

Shannon - posted on 03/23/2009

Quoting Sara:

A friend of mine was at a Children't museum with her kids and she was very modestly feeding her infant when a woman came up to her and said "You know there are restrooms right over there", to which my friend said "Yes, I know that". Some people are just weird I guess. I think part of it is because, obviously, our culture has sexualized that part of the female anatomy and it is considered "indecent" to show in public. But, it's the most natural thing in the world to breastfeed an infant, so people can shove it. Don't look if you don't like it, I say.

I know of a mom who had someone say that to her and she said 'you may eat your food there by my baby doesn't'

Joy - posted on 03/23/2009

Quoting Jessie:

I say whip out that boob whenever you need to! The most wonderful thing about breastfeeding is that you can feed the baby whenever and wherever you need to, it's kind of the whole point! It's not like you can see much anyways, just the top of the boob and only if you are actually standing over the mom. When people make a comment about nursing in the bathroom I just say "would you eat your dinner in the bathroom?"
Girls can prance around in clothes that barely cover them but I can't feed my child??!! No way! Feed your baby whenever you need to and ignore any negativity.

I was going to say pretty much this same thing Jessie said...about girls wearing next to nothing and that being "acceptable" but a woman doing what nature intended and feeding her child isn't.  Before my son was born I had every intention to breastfeed.  I got several types of "covers" to wear for public feedings.  For reasons I won't get into here, I was only able to bf for 6 weeks and at that point I wasn't really taking the baby out in public all that much so I never had the public breastfeeding experience.  If I had been able to breastfeed longer, I would have been one of those moms doing it discreetly wherever I was....not hiding in the bathroom.  I agree with Jessie....whip out the boob and feed your baby!  And if someone has anything to say about it, tell them to look away if it makes THEM uncomfortable.  And if someone gives you a dirty stare, tell them to take a picture, it'll last longer.  I've seen moms feeding in the mall and I always smile because I think it's sweet and it's something I wish I had been able to do. 

Corrine - posted on 03/23/2009

I completely agree with all of these wonderful posts. when my son was probably about 2 months old, i was at the hospitol picking up my sister after her surgery...she couldnt make it down to the pharmacy to pick up her meds, so i went for her....my son started to scream and cry....feeding time! so while i was nursing him...AT THE HOSPITOL HE WAS BORN AT!!!! everyone started giving me looks...so i moved into the bathroom, and sat in a stall to nurse him. its pretty sad if you ask me, that women in todays society cant do something that  is so natural, and thats been done for thousands of years!

Amy - posted on 03/23/2009

i had a woman sitting next to me on an airlplane tell me that there was no way that i was going to breastfeed that baby sitting next to her that it was disgusting.  I told her it couldn't have been to big an imposition as i had actually just finished feeding him and she didn't notice.  seriously, was i supposed to stand in a airplane restroom and feed him? 

unfortunately, that same trip to alabama there were other issues.  i was at a funeral and went into a separate room to feed the baby.  three creepy, male, barely relatives followed and stared from aa few feet away and made comments.

Michelle - posted on 03/23/2009

My baby's Dr. was right. She gave me 1 month before I would feel comfortable and I would start feeding where ever I was. She was right. Here in MI many of the baby stores, well, Baby's R Us have nursing rooms as someone else mentioned. But that's not getting this done. If I can walk and keep going while nursing, I'm going to. I have had looks before, until I bring the baby back out of hiding then it's 'oh what a cute baby you have, how old is he, or they just smile. The people who have a problem with it I am sure are the women who never had a chance to do what we are doing and are jelous. From what I have been told and if I am wrong, I'm sorry. But, I was told last week that there was a time only about a generation ago, breastfeeding was uncommon. Or it was done in the 'safety' of your home. Formula was used more. I think it's sad, we were made by God to feed our baby's if we are able to. Why not? Just like fast food, when it's time; it's time. Baby wants food you feed the baby. Don't hide out at home just because someone has a problem with a child hiding under a blanket.

Cheyenne - posted on 03/23/2009

Quoting Jessie:

I say whip out that boob whenever you need to! The most wonderful thing about breastfeeding is that you can feed the baby whenever and wherever you need to, it's kind of the whole point! It's not like you can see much anyways, just the top of the boob and only if you are actually standing over the mom. When people make a comment about nursing in the bathroom I just say "would you eat your dinner in the bathroom?"
Girls can prance around in clothes that barely cover them but I can't feed my child??!! No way! Feed your baby whenever you need to and ignore any negativity.

Love this!! I never thought about all the little girls wearing hoochie clothes showing things off, but people get upset when we are trying to feed out baby!

Lezanne - posted on 03/23/2009

i have to say, i love all the responses of the bf moms! we went on holiday to the coast in january and went for a nice long walk one early morning, we walked for about three hours and i've got one of those babies who are feeding just about permanently, so there i was, sitting on the sand, nursing my son, with my feet in the sand, watching the ocean. i have never felt more at peace and one with mother nature! note: MOTHER nature, she sure didn't seem to mind!

Jessie - posted on 03/23/2009

I say whip out that boob whenever you need to! The most wonderful thing about breastfeeding is that you can feed the baby whenever and wherever you need to, it's kind of the whole point! It's not like you can see much anyways, just the top of the boob and only if you are actually standing over the mom. When people make a comment about nursing in the bathroom I just say "would you eat your dinner in the bathroom?"
Girls can prance around in clothes that barely cover them but I can't feed my child??!! No way! Feed your baby whenever you need to and ignore any negativity.

Bhavani - posted on 03/23/2009

Hi Ramonda,  I guess its' more of a Western outlook of being ashamed when you breastfeed your child, in Asia its quite common to breastfeed your child in the malls, shops, when your baby cries for his/her feed.  My American sister in law too was able to do that when she was in Malaysia, but felt quite uncomfortable when she went back to the US....  I think people whould know breast are there mainly for breastfeeding and not for mens pleasure!

Emily - posted on 03/23/2009

Quoting Sara:

  Some people are just weird I guess. I think part of it is because, obviously, our culture has sexualized that part of the female anatomy and it is considered "indecent" to show in public. But, it's the most natural thing in the world to breastfeed an infant, so people can shove it. Don't look if you don't like it, I say.

Quoting because it is great information! I am sorry you are getting the looks- just remember it's their problem not yours! Of course, you could always carry around a blanket and if anyone suggests they don't like seeing you nurse just pop that sucker over the nosey busybody's head then they won't see a thing!

Allie - posted on 03/23/2009

I agree with Sara's post, it is because our culture has sexualized that part of the female anatomy. If it is something that YOU feel comfortable doing than you should do it dont be mindful of what everyone else thinks, its their short coming in my opinion!!! If you dont feel comfortable doing it, which i know many people dont feel comfortable doing it right out in the middle of the store...thats ok too....depending on what state you live in (I know that most places in GA have these and they are the most wonderful areas i think) In most malls and other places they have family "Areas" where they have benches and rocking chair set up, in a quiet  area out of the way and behind closed doors and this area is specifically designated JUST for breastfeeding moms! It is wonderful, and i think all states should give mothers a place like that so that mothers like our poster, who have a child on a 3 hour feeding schedule dont feel like they have to stay cooped up in their houses to avoid "offending" somone!!!

Sara - posted on 03/23/2009

A friend of mine was at a Children't museum with her kids and she was very modestly feeding her infant when a woman came up to her and said "You know there are restrooms right over there", to which my friend said "Yes, I know that". Some people are just weird I guess. I think part of it is because, obviously, our culture has sexualized that part of the female anatomy and it is considered "indecent" to show in public. But, it's the most natural thing in the world to breastfeed an infant, so people can shove it. Don't look if you don't like it, I say.

Max - posted on 03/23/2009

This always annoyed me too, especially when you consider all the men out there wearing jeans below their rears showing their boxers, or the men with the plumber's crack. It is quite ok for them, but feeding a baby it out of the questiong???

Ramonda - posted on 03/23/2009

I guess I am baffled because that is what the breast are for...to feed your baby...I keep myself covered, and lately I hae stopped going out because I know my son is on a 3 hr feeding schedule and even while I am covered I still get the looks....

Emily - posted on 03/23/2009

I have never met anyone who has a problem with it. Especially if she is covered! Honestly,why someone would mind totally boggles my mind.

Rachel - posted on 03/23/2009

Ya know... I couldn't tell you what the problem was, but while I was breastfeeding I would go to the bathroom and 'hide' while in public because I wasn't sure what my rights were, but also I didn't want to offend anyone. It's weird because I didn't see a problem with it, but I didn't know if anyone else had a problem with it.