When a mother is carrying her child, we show her the utmost courtesy. But, mothers lose this privilege the moment they decide to breastfeed in public, regardless of whether or not they use a coverup. Mothers are constantly being asked to either breastfeed in their cars (regardless of the temperature) or a public restroom, a place where many people don’t even care to urinate.
Why is public breastfeeding still taboo for many? Rather than judging mother’s who choose to breastfeed in public, we should normalize public breastfeeding.
READ: Black Women DO Breastfeed: 5 Reasons More Of Us Should
It’s natural. But, it’s not “normal”.
We sexualize certain body parts so much, that we often forget the main function of them. Most of the time, when we see a nipple, or any interaction with a woman’s breasts, it’s in a sexual context. Mainstream media sells sex. So, I get the initial shock of seeing a mother breastfeed and feeling like she’s doing something wrong.
But, have you ever taken a second to try and understand that she may feel the same way? Many women have reported not being able to breastfeed because they feel like they’re sexually abusing their child. Even for moms who don’t feel this way, the idea of breastfeeding still takes some getting used to.
Seeing mothers breastfeed is how we learn to normalize it and remember what breasts are for.
As if breastfeeding doesn’t provide its own challenges, mothers also have to deal with complete strangers shaming them for breastfeeding in public.
In a time where people love to talk about clean eating and organic foods, you’d think mothers who breastfeed would have an overwhelming support system. But, that’s not always the case. Plenty of people like to argue that a baby can get all the nutrition they need from baby formula even though breast milk is more nutritious and free.
READ: Does Breastfeeding Causes Sagging Breasts?
There’s nothing to see here.
Let’s be honest. We really can’t see anything, especially if the mother has chosen to use a coverup to avoid onlookers (or the occasional pervert with a camera phone). Unless you catch her right before or after feeding, all you see is part of her breast (about as much as you’d see if a woman were wearing a revealing top) and the baby’s head.
Social media and “brelfies”.
Facebook recently changed its nudity policy, allowing mothers to post photos of themselves breastfeeding. Previously, if someone reported a breastfeeding selfie (or “brelfie”) as offensive, it was removed. Yet, thousands of videos of fights, murders, child abuse, bullying, racism, etc. remain on the website.
READ: The Best Breastfeeding Foods
It’s legal.
Some argue that breastfeeding in public is no different than exhibitionism. That might be the case if a mother was sitting on a bench and just decided to whip out her breast just because.
But, there’s a purpose. Her child is hungry and she’s feeding. Breastfeeding in public is not the beginning of the fight to end public indecency laws. In fact, they’re not fighting to do anything but exercise their right to breastfeed. With the exception of Idaho, mothers are protected by law to breastfeed in public. But schools, restaurants, retail stores, etc. continue to give them the ultimatum of “cover up or leave”.
It’s not for you.
I repeat. It’s not for you. Nor is it about you. Mothers don’t walk around thinking, Who can I gross out today by feeding my child? They probably don’t even notice you until you approach them. Though there are some benefits for mothers, it’s not even for them.
In fact, many mothers will tell you that breastfeeding is quite painful. Yet, they endure the pain of clogged milk ducts and cracked nipples to give their child the best nutrition possible.
Men and children are present…and that’s OK.
A lot of women like to use this excuse to play off their own discomfort. But, mothers know better. They also know that they aren’t doing anything wrong.
If your child is present, educate them. If you’re worried about your guy getting turned on by a breastfeeding mom, perhaps you should address him (not the mom).
Let them eat.
If we’re really for the child’s wellbeing, let’s let them eat in peace. You wouldn’t want someone bothering you while you’re eating. You certainly wouldn’t want someone telling you to eat in a public restroom.
Bottom line: If you don’t like the way it looks, look away.
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