Breast feeding, socially unacceptable or not?

[oldjerry]

What the hell's it got to do with anybody else how you feed your kids? So some people are offended by breastfeeding,so what?(some peoples very existence offends me).All my kids were breastfed,but if Lucia could'nt have they'd have been Bottlefed,and any one dumb enough to pass an opinion upon how we bring up our kids would soon find out what it's really like to be offended.Too many poeple in this country try to compensate for their own vacuous lives by interfering in other peoples.

[boboff]

Bring back the Red Tent I say!!

Seriously, why on earth should anyone object to this? Ok it's embarrassing when you first "stumble" on the situation, but that issue is with me, and not the Mum.

[milkymumma]

I breastfeed my 15 month old DD, and breastfed my first.

I feel breastfeeding in public has been made to feel socially unacceptable because of the normality of bottlefeeding and the sexualisation of breasts.

Bottlefeeding is a more acceptable method of feeding your baby in public, its what most people expect to see a baby with, hey our little dollies for children show this, and because its the norm it makes people who are not used to seeing breasts nourishing a child but are used to seeing them on the topshelf (well not even that now, they are only just above the kids mags! ) a lot of people will naturally feel uncomfortable. Generations of people have been conditioned to think that bottlefeeding is how we feed our babies and that breasts are just for men to oogle at in a racy magazine, it will take time for it to become the norm again.

Things are changing though, more women are aware that breastfeeding can be given a go, you can get more support (although its still not at an acceptable level) and women are given encouragement now to try.

I think it will become more acceptable over time,, but as I say it will take time.


Women should be able to feed their babies how they wish and if a woman is breastfeeding next to you while your eating your muffin, it shouldn't be an issue, as it wouldn't be an issue if she was bottlefeeding.

[kazaddress]

I have found this really interesting..

I breastfed my 1st son until he self weaned at 2 years. and I am currently feeding my second son (currently 8.5months).
I am normally a really strong person, but I have to force myself to feed in public (I do it because I know my baby needs feeding, and I know that the more i feed the more it will become socially acceptable again).

But.... I am still really nervous about doing it.

A week or so ago I saw a mother struggling in the library cafe to feed her baby a bottle of expressed milk.. her baby was crying.. she was getting upset.. I sat down with my 3 year old and 8 month old, in view of her, and started feeding my little one. The lady in question gave a huge sigh of relief and started feeding her baby too. neither of us said a word, but two old ladies opposite said to each other "awe how lovely". I felt so nice that day.

hopefully soon I will be able to go out and have the confidence to feed my bubba without worrying what others think...

[Helsbells]

I am glad this thread has come up again. I am still pro public breast feeding and will do it myself if I can when baby comes. Hubby still thinks people will gawp is a pervy "ooh look there are some breasts" kind of way, but I am not so sure, I don't think there is anything sexual about having a baby sucking on your boob. We will see. I don't want to be gawped at.

[kazaddress]

Helsbells.. you might find this a nice place to read. she sometimes makes really good points :)
http://www.thealphaparent.com/search/la ... astfeeding

[Thomzo]

Helsbells, whenever I've been out with friends who have been breast feeding, you haven't been able to see any boob, just baby's head. I'm sure you'll be able to manage it just fine.

Zoe

[kazaddress]

who would have known

[fifi folle]

You really can't see much, either by using breastfeeding tops/dresses or two tops (top goes up, vest underneath goes down).
The more women breastfeeding in public the more it will become normal.
It's daunting to begin with but when you have a screaming hungry baby other people are less of a concern!

http://www.analyticalarmadillo.co.uk/se ... n%20Public is also good

[kazaddress]

You really can't see much, either by using breastfeeding tops/dresses or two tops (top goes up, vest underneath goes down).
The more women breastfeeding in public the more it will become normal.
It's daunting to begin with but when you have a screaming hungry baby other people are less of a concern!

http://www.analyticalarmadillo.co.uk/se ... n%20Public is also good

I read er blog too :)

[fifi folle]

are you on natural mamas?

[demi]

Had a big argument with my husband today about whether breast feeding is socially acceptable or not.
I think it is or at least should be and that it is only frowned upon because breasts have been so over sexualised people are surprised when they are used for something else.
I said that women ought to be able to feel comfortable to openly breast feed and shouldnt have to be descreet about it.

Basically out views were:
Him - Breast feeding is still socially unacceptable so it is better for women to be descreet when breast feeding,
Me - If breast feeding is still socially unacceptable then women should openly do it in order for it to become socially acceptable.

What are your thoughts?

iv got 2 kids and have breast fed them both. i fed my daughter until she was 2 and 1/2 and im planning on doing the same for my son whos 7 months just now.
when i first had my daughter i was embarrest and shy about feeding her in front of people, especially men, apart from my husband and my mum. but as i got more confident with feeding i just bacame more matter of fact about it. obviously i try not to flash my boobs to everyone but im not going to go hide in a dirty public toilet to feed my baby! when your baby needs fed you have to feed him, no matter whare you are or who your with.

also when i first started breastfeeding i was faffing about trying to pull my top up to cover my boob and exposing my stomach at the same time, which i hate. so i soon found its easier to ware lower cut tops so i can just quickly pop my boob in and out as needed.

anyway, breasts are for feeding babys, end of story.
if men can handle that then they shouldnt be looking!

[fifi folle]

More often than not the problem comes from other women going by stories I've heard. I've been lucky in the 6 months I've been feeding my son that I've never noticed any negative comments/looks.
Boobs are there to feed babies (if you are able).

[kazaddress]

no.. please enlighten me? :)

[demi]

More often than not the problem comes from other women going by stories I've heard. I've been lucky in the 6 months I've been feeding my son that I've never noticed any negative comments/looks.
Boobs are there to feed babies (if you are able).

in the over 3 years total time iv been breastfeeding for iv never had anyone make a negitive comment ( not to my face anyway! ) and iv never noticed anyone staring or anything like that. i have cought peoples eye before then they look away and probably try to avoid looking in my direction after that, but thats them that feel uncomfertable about it, not me.
i have had old ladies, and once an older man, come up and talk to me while im feeding and trying to get a look at the baby.

IMO i am doing whats natural and best for my baby and i feel prowd about it.
to be honest, when i see women bottle feeding i am discusted in a way and i feel sorry for the child that the mother is not doing her best.
i know that sounds really critical and that some women do have genuin problems with their breasts which makes breastfeeding impossible. but the majority of women who choose to bottle feed are doing so for selfish reasons and dont have the babies best intrests in mind. everyone knows breast is best.
on the other hand, when i see a woman breastfeeding, especially a younger woman, i feel like saying 'right on sister, thats the right way to do it!'
i really feel like a new mothers primary job is to breastfeed her baby, giving him all the antibodies and nurishment and protection he needs to start life. and if you deny your baby that your are irresponcibly risking his health and his future.


i also think that formula milk should only be given on prescription from the doctor.
and that women should be better supported so that they can take time off work for the first 6 months of the babys life while they are exclusivly breastfeeding. after the baby is on solid food the mother can express milk to leave with the caregiver when she goes back to work.