Breast Feeding in Public:

[mgdzkm433]

How do you feel about women breast feeding in public places?

[juniorgrrl]

I really don't like it. Yes, I know its natural, but hey, its also natural to urinate, but people don't just go doing it when and wherever they need to, and call it okay by putting a blanket over the area.

I personally find it rude that these women have the attitude of "I am a mother, therefore my breasts and their milk should be welcome wherever"

If a woman wants to breastfeed her child, and doesn't want to think ahead and make a reserve bottle, she should at least find someplace secluded like a restroom.

I think the worst I ever saw was a woman walking up to take communion at Christmas Eve mass, with her kid up under her shirt going to town

[AXO Alum]

I think that it is acceptable if they cover the child and breast with a blanket. I have seen women just popping both breasts out to feed, which I don't agree with. I think that the American culture has really made it a big deal, though -- it seems like we are the one country that makes such a big deal out of it.

Sometimes you can't plan ahead. My sister has 3 young ones, and I learned that fast. We as adults are capable of knowing when we're hungry, and doing something about it -- babies aren't. And I'd rather a woman cover herself and feed her child than to hear a screaming baby. Ideally, yes, a secluded spot would be the best place, however -- most public bathrooms I see are nasty -- I don't want to be in there, much less feeding my baby in there. I'd probably use a dressing room if I were shopping or something, but otherwise, as long as I'm being discreet, I don't think its anyone's business.

[Hootie]

I had posted this on the PDA thread.

I have this aunt through marriage that no one likes...well she breast fed one of my cousins until the age of 2...and in public.
THAT'S SICK.

I also used to work in a Children's Shoe Store. Well once time this woman came in and while I was trying to fit her children's shoes, she whipped out her breast and started feeding her child. Now I know it's only natural but I found it VERY uncomfortable because I was trying to get my work done and ask her questions, and she was sitting there doing that. What's worse is after I'd done all my work she just sat there and continued to feed her child in the store while her kids ran around. I dunno if I was embarassed to look or just embarassed for her.

[AlphaChiGirl]

For me, it depends on how old the kid is...if it's a little baby (3 weeks-3 months), it's okay...if it's a 2 year old who can walk around (I HAVE SEEN THIS!)...that's just gross.

There seems to be a sense of entitlement with breast-feeding mothers, which is annoying, to say the least.

[carnation]

Discretion is definitely the key. Although I nursed 8 of mine, I would've been mortified if somehow forced to do it without a blanket and out in the open.

And would you believe that some people nurse children until they start kindergarten? Not my idea of acceptable!

[KillarneyRose]

I have no problems with women breastfeeding in public so long as they are discreet about it. However, it was still a shock to me when I was at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum last summer and this little boy of around 5 or 6 ran up to the bench where his mom was sitting, lifted up her shirt and went to town! There are limits!

------------------
@~Tracy~@

By the light of the lamp, by the light of the lamp, by the bright shiny light, by the light of the lamp...if you are a DeeZee, you're the best that you can be, by the bright shiny light of the lamp!

[IowaHawkeye]

This topis is one that definitily hits close to home! My mom is a gynecologist and a registered lactation consultant - and everyone on her side of the family (7 brothers and sisters) is in the medical field and has breast fed every single one of their children - so it's something i'm used to. i grew up seeing cousins breast fed at family functions and so on so to me it's not uncomfortable for out of place. babies who were breastfed are proven to be more intelligent later in life and generally healthier. of course i think 2 year olds being breats fed is ridiculous, and breast feeding at christmas eve mass is also pushing the limit. but if it can be done discretely and quickly, i don't see a problem with women doing it in public - just cover yourself with a blanket!

[33girl]

Breast feeding is wonderful, but PLEASE keep it private. I guess I'm kind of a prude about this - one time a good friend of mine "whipped out the pump" in front of me and I was somewhat embarrassed.

I definitely think that in malls, stadiums, and other large public places, there should be a clean and comfortable lounge area in the restroom where mothers could nurse. This should be just as common as the baby changing tables. I also think if you can think ahead to have diapers, car seat, etc. you can think ahead to bring a bottle.

A 6 year old nursing - I'm sorry, but that's just disgusting, borderline child abuse if you ask me.

[Lisa Fishman]

I think it's fine as long as one can be discrete about it. I agree, use a blanket. While at a resturant take the baby to a bathroom. I really don't want to see breatfeding while I'm eating. Some places (ex. malls, resturants, movie theaters ect.....) have special places set up for this in their bathrooms. They may even have rocking chairs.

[newbie]

Originally posted by AXO Alum:
I think that it is acceptable if they cover the child and breast with a blanket. I have seen women just popping both breasts out to feed, which I don't agree with. I think that the American culture has really made it a big deal, though -- it seems like we are the one country that makes such a big deal out of it.
Sometimes you can't plan ahead. My sister has 3 young ones, and I learned that fast. We as adults are capable of knowing when we're hungry, and doing something about it -- babies aren't. And I'd rather a woman cover herself and feed her child than to hear a screaming baby. Ideally, yes, a secluded spot would be the best place, however -- most public bathrooms I see are nasty -- I don't want to be in there, much less feeding my baby in there. I'd probably use a dressing room if I were shopping or something, but otherwise, as long as I'm being discreet, I don't think its anyone's business.

My thoughts exactly!

[juniorgrrl]

Originally posted by KillarneyRose:
I have no problems with women breastfeeding in public so long as they are discreet about it. However, it was still a shock to me when I was at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum last summer and this little boy of around 5 or 6 ran up to the bench where his mom was sitting, lifted up her shirt and went to town! There are limits!

Not only is that creepy, its gonna warp that kid. 20 years from now, there'll be some new boobie porn mag on the stands, and it'll be founded by this kid who used his mama as a soda fountain till he was 6.

[PotentialPledge]

I agree with breast feededing, I was breast fed, one day I hope my children will be breast fed, but be discreet about it. Im working at The National Gallery of Art over the summer and this woman was WALKING AROUDND THE GALLERY WHILE BREAST FEEDING HER CHILD! It was kinda weird. I have another story about this. When I was like 14 I was helping clean-up my elementary school's playground and the council member from our ward was there. And this lady was talking to the council member while breast feeding her child. There was no blanket or anything, just her white pale, huge breast. I think discreet is the key, mothers should find a nice quiet place to do it.

[PenguinTrax]

Originally posted by juniorgrrl


If a woman wants to breastfeed her child, and doesn't want to think ahead and make a reserve bottle, she should at least find someplace secluded like a restroom.

Would you eat your meal in a restroom? Why should my baby have to?

I love it when I see a woman BF is public and think it's beautiful. Yes, just 'whipping it out' could be a bit disconcerting, but today's nursing clothes make it easier than ever to discreetly feed your infant in public. In fact, I've had to 'look twice' to confirm that a woman was BF in public, because it was so hard to tell at first glance.

Breasts are to provide nourishment to human infants. They are not there to sell beer or pleasure men. Breast milk is the most complete and perfect food for human infants, constantly (naturally!) changing it's nutritional components to satisfy the changing needs of growing human infants. No other food product on this earth is more perfect for humans than breastmilk.


The average age of weaning in countries outside the US is 5 years of age. In the US, it's 6 months. The Pediatric Association recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year, preferably 2 years or as long as mutually desirable. Extended breastfeeding is a natural process that has been perverted by American 'morals & values'. Breastfeeding a toddler will not turn them into breast-obsessed maniacs, it is NOT child abuse and it is NOT pornography.

The longer a woman breastfeeds, the better it is for her and the baby. Recent studies have shown that a woman's risk of breast cancer diminishes greatly for each month past 6 months a woman breastfeeds and diminishes even more for BF past a year or two. The percentage risk goes down even further with subsequent children that the woman has and breastfeeds.

You know what? I used to be a "Breastfeeding is gross and disgusting and perverted" kind of person. I did ALOT of research and saw the truth of the matter - it's better for the baby, it's better for me and it's better for the world. Breastfed babies are healthier overall - it helps prevent obesity, diabetes and other diseases. It makes an infant feel secure and loved. I don't support corporate greed when I breastfeed and I save A LOT of money when I breast feed. Breast milk is free. Formula can run as much as $500 a month for the specialty forumulas. Wouldn't that money be better spent in your child's college fund?

I realize that there are many women that can't breastfeed due to physical limitations and are forced to feed formula. Two of my close friends will never be able to BF and it's horrible to see how they are treated by women that don't know their story. But if you are physically able to breastfeed and don't, I think you are doing your child and your own body a great disservice.

Informational links (if pictures of breastfeeding infants offend you, do not visit):

http://www.breastfeeding.com/

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

Pediatric Assoc's statment on BF: http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html

http://www.waba.org.br/

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

Lucy Lawless (Xena, Warror Princess) is featured (while BF) on
Australia's poster for World Breastfeeding week. It says, Breastfeeding...my best role ever. http://www.ausxip.com/lawless/pictur...ert-poster.jpg

http://www.promom.org/

http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/

[EagleChick19]

Thank you, PnguinTrax, for that excellent article!