Is public breastfeeding appropriate? |
Yes.
We're humans. We're animals. We shouldn't, in my opinion, even be required to be clothed--so we most certainly shouldn't be required to hide while engaging in a fully natural act. Making women cover themselves or hide while breastfeeding teaches society that it's something to be ashamed of, and it's NOT. We need to show that it's natural, and that it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Posted by: JessalynI firmly believe that public breastfeeding is appropriate.
I definitely believe that public breastfeeding is appropriate. It is simply a mother meeting her child's most basic need.
I thinks it can be done modestly without "exposing" any body parts. Most mothers that I know that do breastfeed in public are able to do it without drawing any attention to themselves. A simple blanket or cover can be used and most observers do not even notice what is happening.Posted by: N0rInsanityI agree that public breastfeeding is appropriate for individuals who choose this method of feeding their baby because it is the healthier alternative.
I choose to support public breastfeeding because it has been medically proven to better benefit your child. If you are out in public you should have the right to feed your baby when needed without public ridicule.
Posted by: labot2001absolutely!
Everyone chooses to feed their babies in different ways! We don't tell someone that is feeding a child that its not allowed and this is exactly the same thing. When a baby is hungry you feed it! I do feel that a simple way to make everyone happy is to put on a nursing cover.
Posted by: AnonymousI think women should feel free to breastfeed in public.
I think that our society needs to get over the strange stigma about breastfeeding being "gross." For years, the visual arts have presented us with images of beautiful women exposing their breasts. Advertising has used breasts to promote everything from the Wonderbra to motorcycles. Why should a breast be so shocking to us, really? When we are surrounded by images of sex and violence in the media, isn't it actually lovely to see a woman publicly nursing an infant -- a living demonstration of love, nurturing and peace?
Posted by: Shim2freeIt is the best thing for a baby
People who are offended by it can just look away, it is a natural way and the healthiest way for a baby to get their needed nutrients.
Posted by: BennyWIf done in a considerable manner breast feeding is appropiate.
Breast feeding in public is the same as us eating out in public.that said there are certain ways to do it and not to do it.as long as the mothers breast isnt hanging out and offending others there is absolutely nothing wrong with breast feeding in public areas. Not to mention is natural and very much so healthy for the child.(t.daniels)
Posted by: AnonymousBreastfeeding is the most natural way of feeding a baby and should be completely acceptable in public.
Since the beginning of the mammal species, breastfeeding has been nature's way of providing food to a baby. We are the ones that have put taboo connotations on the naked breast. We are the ones that have put inappropriate ways of thinking on things that are completely natural to every other mammal on the planet. We say it's because we are more civilized but are we? Maybe humans have become a little too detached from our natural behavior.
Posted by: BrianDjPublic breastfeeding is not only appropriate but ought to be encouraged.
Public breastfeeding is not only appropriate but ought to be encouraged. Of course, you should be discreet. Breasts were made for this. Everyone else eats in public. I discreetly breastfed five babies everywhere I went. It wasn't too many years ago that it was the only way to go. Wet nurse or do-it-yourself. Many pregnant women I've spoken to were so far as offended when asked if they were going to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is better for the baby, better for the mother, completely natural and a beautiful thing that God created. It's nourishment and treated as if it is a form of oral sex.
Posted by: 5c4ryCarBreast feeding is natural
As a former BF Mom myself, I believe that it is completely unfair and just plain wrong to discriminate against a BF mother. Babies cannot control when they become hungry and a new mother cannot be expected to be at home all the time because of that. They also cannot be expected to arrange their day according to when their baby may become hungry. People need to get over themselves and stop being so judgmental. If you don't like it, then don't look! Plain and simple! The benefits to BF far outweigh the fears of being made fun of or ridiculed for the decision.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic breastfeeding, when done discreetly, should be permitted in public places.
Breastfeeding is a very natural and necessary activity for mothers and babies. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and with proper location and discreteness, no one should be uncomfortable or embarrassed - not the mother, nor the observer. Breastfeeding is healthier for new babies, and allowing breastfeeding in public encourages more mothers to breastfeed if they are able to.
Posted by: ZeeFranYea
Come on, breastfeeding in public doesnt harm anyone, and the only people who ARE offended by it are probably just over sensitive to everything and not mature enough to know that this is how nature simply works. Breastfeeding in public is like smoking in public, except its healthy for one person and nobody else gets punished by it, minus those who are even bigger babies then the baby being breastfed.
Posted by: imabenchOur societies backwards view of female breasts saddens me.
I can walk into a mall or turn on any tv station and see cleavage and breasts being used for advertisement of anything from bras to fast food burgers. Yet it is "inappropriate" for us to see them being used for what they are actually intended for?? Give me a break. As for the argument of not wanting it done in front of children...seems kind of ironic, does it not? It's not difficult to simply explain that that is how some baby's eat.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, if covered up.
I don't see the problem in feeding my babies in public as long as I'm discreet about it. The only things you see when I'm breastfeeding is my babies' feet and hands sticking out from under a blanket. To be honest, I don't want people looking at my breasts either. So of course I'm going to cover up.
Posted by: AnonymousBreastfeeding is a natural way to feed your infant.
Breastfeeding is a very normal and natural way to feed ones infants. Doctors recommend this method over bottle feeding. In public, breastfeeding should be acceptable as long as the mother is making an effort to properly cover her breasts during the feeding process. Most mothers do this already as to not become the center of attention. If a mother does feel that others may object, she can ask if anyone minds before she starts feeding in front of others. If others do mind, she may want to move to another location.
Posted by: M4rcGoobIeYes, babies have to eat!
And my daughter refuses to take a bottle, no matter what is inside it. Men can walk around with their shirts off, which is nothing I want to see, but I don't just whip my breast out for everyone to see. If you happen to see a little skin, you will live.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's natural
People say it's indecent but it is natural. Not everyone can afford the powder and the bottle. If women are not supposed to do it in public then why do it at all? They should not have to go in a bathroom because bathrooms are germ-infested and an infants' immune systems are not as strong as a adults' immune systems.
Posted by: AnonymousI agree that breastfeeding in public is appropriate because it is one of the most natural things in the world.
I believe that breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world and as humans we should be proud that females have the ability to provide babies with the most natural of nutrients.
The human body and the breastfeeding capability should not be seen as embarrassing or shameful. Surely breastfeeding in a public place is better than listening to a crying baby who is hungry?Posted by: MentM4j3r3Of course it's appropriate
I'm currently breastfeeding and I usually try to cover myself in public because that's how I feel comfortable but it does not bother me at all if someone decides not to cover. If that's how they feel comfortable plus my baby gets really uncomfortable when I cover her cause i never do at home. And NOT ALL BABIES GET THE BOTTLE like some people were commenting for example my baby refuses to get the bottle so I have to breastfeed her wherever and whenever she is hungry. Even if I'm in public if it bothers you can simply turn the other way. :)
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a baby. I do think that mums should make an attempt to at least cover up a little so that not all their breast is on show. I am a very shy person and when i needed to feed my daughter i would find a quiet spot and use a muslin cloth to cover any exposed bits. The argument that there are unnumerable other ways to feed babies is wrong, not every baby will drink from a bottle or can take formula milk, are the mums of these babies not allowed to leave the house until they stop breast feeding. People need to stop being so immature.
Posted by: dozzzer99Of course! It's natural!
No mother should be made to feel uncomfortable when feeding her child! I say feed whenever you need to feed, no matter where you are or who you are around! Women have been breastfeeding for millions of years so who is society to tell us to cover up or to stop feeding our children because of ignorant people!
Posted by: AnonymousThere is no question.
There is no question that BF should be allowed in public. It is a fully natural way to feed your babies and until it becomes supported by everyone as the BEST WAY to feed your baby, this will continue to be a debate. Why should women have to hide in bathrooms or stay home for fear of retribution? Walk through the nearest mall and see lingerie stores with plenty of breast exposed for all to see. If you don't like it...Look away! And for those who support it...Give a THUMBS UP the next time you see a mom BF in public!
Posted by: AnonymousHow would you feel if someone took your food away from you?
I really can't believe some people have said that it's 'indecent' to breast feed in public. Women have breasts for one biological reason, feeding their offspring and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. This is a obvious example of men feeling as if breasts belong to them, as sexual things to play with, and have no other purpose. Breasts are udders on women's bodies, which doesn't offend me at all. In some cultures men don't look at the breasts in a sexual way at all because they acknowledge them as something that feeds their children. We have made breasts a sexual thing among a practical thing and in some cultures, children are missing out on the benefits of breast.
Posted by: AnonymousI think that public breastfeeding is appropriate, if done discreetly, because a hungry baby should be more offensive to the public than a nursing baby.
Not all mothers feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. However, most nursing mothers find themselves forced to do it, due to their hungry infants. Nursing can be done discreetly and in such a way that no one really knows what is going on. There are great products, such as "Hooter Hiders", that women use to shield the nursing baby and her breast. Even if it is not done discreetly, feeding a child should never offend anyone. People wear so few clothes today anyway, and frequently too little is left to the imagination, so breast-feeders have a valid excuse for showing too much skin.
Posted by: MeatyClarence70Everyone's gotta eat.
For everyone on the opposing side that said "just because its natural doesn't make it appropriate in public, since using the bathroom is natural & so is sex", well eating is appropriate in everyone's eyes to be done in public. The baby is eating, not using the bathroom or having sex! Geez! I agree that women can cover up when able. But if it's hot out & it's a public place, I'm not covering my poor baby's sweaty head with a blanket to appease the judgmental hypocrites who say it's natural & best for every baby, but don't want to see it. I don't think breastfeeding mothers should have to stay indoors for a year so they don't God forbid have to feed in public. & yes bottles are available, but for those that agreed that breast milk is best for the baby; reheating, freezing, & bottling the breast milk changes the composition of the milk. It loses a lot of its nutritional value which is the most important reason to breastfeed to begin with! Look it up! & breastfeeding in front of children, what is so wrong with teaching our children to one day make the best & healthiest choices for their children? & that there is nothing more beautiful than a mother providing the nutrition for her child instead of a cold hard fake nipple & an inferior aluminum can.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic breastfeeding should be accepted as an appropriate biological function.
A breastfeeding mother should be expected to show a modicum of discretion in selecting where and when to feed her child, but should be allowed to do so in public. Actions such as sitting towards the rear of a room and covering the breast with a cloth should be considered perfectly acceptable.
Posted by: TickoAbbeyIt is the best start in life.
Breastfeeding is THE most natural thing in the world and it is unbelievable that it is deemed inappropriate by some truly narrow minded people who quite obviously have no personal experience of breastfeeding a child. It is not just as simple as saying express milk and bottle feed, the milk isn't just available like water from a tap! And when people are forced to feed their babies in public to avoid any such comments is ridiculous. You wouldn't eat your own dinner in a place where you urinate so why feed a baby in there. I think some people in society need to open they're eyes. They would soon complain if a hungry baby cried in their presence so surely a content feeding baby is better than a child screaming for his dinner? As a breastfeeding mother I would not leave my child crying in hunger and getting worked up to appease people who find it unnatural. After reading some of the negative comments in this debate I am absolutely disgusted to find what some people think and have luckily only had positive comments myself about doing the best by my baby. I just hope I never come across anyone who thinks like this!
Posted by: AnonymousI think so.
Breast milk is incredibly healthy for babies and is also beneficial for the mother. Moms shouldn't just hide in the bathroom to nurse their little bundles of joy. If you don't want to see breasts, then please avert your eyes. All moms have the right to breastfeed their own children.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic breast-feeding is appropriate as long as the mother is using a cover-up.
Babies need to be fed at odd times and multiple times a day. So if the mother is outside in public running errands and such, she should be allowed to care for her baby by breast-feeding. As long as she is using some form of cover up so there's no exposure, public breast-feeding should be appropriate for society.
Posted by: M4xFaceBreastfeeding good, but only with cover
I support breastfeeding in public. It's just someone eating. But because the breast, which is also a sexual organ, can be exposed, a cover should always be used. There are bigger covers with straps with help hold it on even if the baby is squirming. I don't understand why many moms want to show their boobs in public. Before the baby latches on and after the baby is done the breast is fully exposed.
Posted by: butterballWhy not, the kid gotta eat.
The question that should be asked is, why are we, as a nation, obsessed with a women breast and nipple. Keep sexual activities in private and let mothers feed their children. We are the most obsessive country in the world. We seem to confuse and equate nature with sex. How may women proudly flaunt plunging neck lines and go bra less under a shirt? We don't have people in an uproar about that and if we did we would get even more people crying about our rights. I don't get it. Our nation may have started out with puritan values values but Europeans of today don't seem to take issue with breast feeding. Keeping it covered up is what breast feeding moms try to do. Keep nipple slips for the paparazzi and stop giving mothers a hard time.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic breastfeeding is a perfectly natural occurrence that is only an issue in our society because of our Puritanical views regarding the human body.
Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for an infant. To force mothers choosing to feed their children in this manner to hide or have to leave public places in order to care for their children is beyond ridiculous. As a society we are too uptight with regards to the human body and the natural functions it performs. There is nothing more natural than a mother breastfeeding a baby.
Posted by: 5hinyIuciaIf done discreetly, and not in a way that exposes too much, then I would say yes.
Its good for the baby, and as long as the mom covers up, I'm fine with it. However, covering up is important. Flashing people, even unintentionally, is not hard to prevent, a simple blanket is more than enough. So, yes, but only if it's covered up.
Posted by: OberHerr-_-
How is something so natural inappropriate at all?? It's not harmful or indecent. People sit in public and eat their meals. Why shouldn't babies be allowed to? Sure, if the mother feels uncomfortable she can move to a more private place. I struggle to see how it could ever be deemed 'inappropriate' to breastfeed publicly.
Posted by: kat.eder
It's a natural occurrence, but.......
Breastfeeding is a natural occurrence, but so is using the bathroom and everyone does that in private. If you use the bathroom in public you could end up being arrested for indecent exposure. I don't want to see women whip out their nipples while I'm out in public. I breastfed my daughters, but never did it in public!
Posted by: AnonymousMany other things are as natural as breastfeeding.
Although what the pro breastfeeding 'team' says is true with regards to certain things, I disagree with the public nature of this activity. I wholly support breast feeding, it is wonderful for child's immune system and building connection between baby and mother.
I have chosen not to have children, and although parenthood is your choice, please respect mine and cover yourself up. Some may view this topic as controversial or 'opening a can of worms'- it would seem that by having children, you (the breastfeeding populace) automatically hold your opinions higher than then general population, which is unfair.
May I suggest breast milk in bottles during your time in public?Posted by: AnonymousThere is never a good reason to have your breast hanging out in public.
It's called a bottle, use it. There is also a great invention such as a breast pump and a whole industry devoted to creating clothes, blankets, bras, etc to easily cover yourself if you feel the need to whip it out in public. No one is saying you shouldn't be able to feed your baby, there is just no reason to have to expose yourself and make everyone uncomfortable to do so. If you can't have the common decency to cover up or the common sense to be prepared enough to bring a full bottle or 2 out with you... then don't expect people to gracious.
Posted by: AnonymousAlthough I am in favor of breastfeeding, doing it in public makes for very awkward situations for the ones around the person.
I believe breastfeeding is a very personal experience, and it should be done in private, not in public. It can get rather noisy, and this is kind of embarrassing if there are young children asking questions, or older people who have to try to ignore it. Breastfeeding is great, but, as someone that I know once said, it is not a spectator sport.
Posted by: PinkMychIf you consider society, NO!
While it is fun to pretend that we are all intelligent and mature individuals, the reality is that it will encourage certain individuals to do stupid things. More so, with the fine line between right and wrong growing ever closer, it is very possible that people would push this boundary way further than breastfeeding women. It is not even very necessary for women to breast feed publicly. I'm certain they can find a place to breastfeed within 5 minutes, on average.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic breastfeeding is not appropriate because it violates common standards of decency.
Public breastfeeding exposes everyone in the vicinity to a view of private areas of the mother's body. This is offensive to many people, and particularly inappropriate when the children of others are present. There are innumerable other ways to feed babies without breastfeeding in public. Often one hears that this is a natural function and so it should be acceptable in public. Sex and defecation are also natural functions, but no one is suggesting they take place in public.
Posted by: R0xHartNO it should Not be allowed
If we start saying this should be allowed in public who knows what people are gonna start doing in public by saying its a natural act. We're meant to cover ourselves up, not be displaying ourselves for the public to see. Ok, babies need to be fed, but it can be done at the side in a quiet place also being covered up because lets be honest, no one wants to see this. Also just think about it, when you're hungry, majority of the time you most likely go to the side to eat if you have sandwiches, or you go to a cafe/restaurant or something, you won't just sit down in the middle of the shopping mall when people are walking around and start eating would you? So why can you not go to the side to feed your child? Especially when you're going to expose certain parts of yourself. And for gods sake, you know you'll end up getting freaks like fully grown men or women start drinking from a breast, and then saying why not? "im just eating." if its deemed "legal"
Posted by: AnonymousNatural but private.
I'm totally with breastfeeding and how it's all natural and good for the baby. But, there are (as others have pointed out) other things that are natural to humans but that shouldn't be done in public (sex, urinating, and so on). The fact that breasts are seen as "sex objects" is why so many people, including me, don't want to see breasts in public. I think it is natural and is nothing to be ashamed of but is a private act. I'm not saying run into a bathroom or behind closed doors, but use something to cover up a little.
Posted by: clover4meNo.
Come on, we don't need to see that.
Posted by: sculmer2No
Bare breasts in public should not be allowed. Just feed it from a bottle! Response to "It's natural" argument: Sure, many things are natural, but it does not mean we should be able to do it in public. Urinating is natural, that does not mean we should do it in front of everyone.
Posted by: 1dustpeltNo
It doesn't matter whether a breastfeeding mom tries to conceal her breast or whether breastfeeding is natural. Breastfeeding itself is a really personal action, and I find it bizarre when done in public. My stance has nothing to do with degrading women. If guys had breasts, then I also wouldn't want them to breastfeed in public.
Posted by: Anonymous