Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
I love asking moms on our Facebook page how they feel about breastfeeding in public. We always get a good response but I am always amazed at how many moms find breastfeeding in public offensive. Click here to see the latest responses on our Facebook page.
In the past a number number of the moms stated that they don’t want their husband to see another woman’s breasts which I find a little strange. I can’t see how a man finds a boob attractive with a baby sucking on it. I asked my husband one day how he felt about it and he said it is just a boob with a baby on it and it does nothing for him. Yes I am sure there are plenty of men with fetishes out there too, but I think they are a serious minority.
Breastfeeding is perfectly natural and in my mind very far from sexual. Besides there are boobs everywhere all the time for our husbands to perve on if they feel the urge. Spend a bit of time taking note of how many times you see boobs on tv, in magazines and on billboards – it is quite insane how often half naked or naked women are shown. We’ve all got boobs, we’ve all seen them and so have our husbands and kids.
When I was breastfeeding I would have loved nothing more than to sit privately with my baby and feed without anyone being able to see a thing, but the truth is there was often nowhere for me to go and my baby was screaming for his lunch! I tried numerous occasions to cover him with a blanket but the little guy fought me and won. I am also not the most graceful person and when I tried to do it discreetly it always backfired. The last thing I needed was to have a boob hanging out in the open while fighting with a baby and a blanket, I looked ridiculous!
In the end I gave up on modesty completely and it turned out that was a lot more discreet. Although I have had my fair shares of looks of disgust from people.
Something else that really intrigues me is that black women regularly feed anywhere and everywhere. It seems to me that there is not much notice taken when they do, but let a white women take out a boob for her baby and it is noticed. I personally don’t pay any attention to black women feeding their babies and hardly notice, but if a white woman is feeding in public I know immediately. Can anyone give any feedback on my perception with this?
Here is a post on my Facebook page about Breastfeeding in public:
I used to be as discreet as possible but felt that why should I cover my babies head when all he wants to do is eat, My question would be … How would you feel about closing your head up with a towel or blanket at supper time??? It would be hot, uncomfortable and unreasonable. I think everyone should give breastfeeding moms some space and credit for doing the best they can for their babies and stop running them down.
This is a touchy subject – for me personally I don’t like feeding in public or exposing my boob(s).
However, if I have to , I will cover up as much as possible while ensuring baby is comfortable.
I like covering up bt my baby dont like it because she likes to play while feeding
I’m old-fashioned and am offended by bikinis! So you can imagine how I feel about breastfeeding in public. But seriously, I understand a hungry baby… and if he needs to be fed he needs to be fed. Sometimes they’re not even hungry and just want the comfort. I understand that. But there are ways to do it discreetly. I breastfed for 14 months and never did so in public (not even in front of family at home). Pump out beforehand, or take formula for that feed. If you hate to pump, then go to the WC. Here’s an idea: they should put a comfy chair with magazines in every public bathroom at the malls – that way a mommy can comfortably breastfeed her baby in semi-privacy.
You are right, it is more noticeable when white women do it. I wonder why. Maybe we don’t think it’s a “civilized” thing to do?
Here in America, I have actually never seen a woman breastfeeding in public. And I don’t know why that is so true. As especially you can go to any beach here and see a woman’s breasts almost hanging out of her bikini and same thing on TV and yes in that context the image is very lewd. Breastfeeding is a natural act, carried on by every mother of every species on the planet. Why are we stigmatized? A female cat is not stigmatized for allowing her babies to suckle in public. And, yet the human female is. That is bizarre thinking to me. I hope things change for us soon.
I think so long as woman have the right to choose then there is no real issue- you will never have the whole world agree on any single thing- from breast feeding to how babies are born to where they sleep, how to punish children and even being a working mom or not- there will always be people for and against. The best you can do is what works for you and be ok with not caring what people think – all I can say is no matter, where or how you do it- well done for doing it 🙂
Hi Angie
You are so right there. It is amazing how many moms get judged for the choices they make for themselves and their children. Very sad. Each mom to her own way I say.
Kind Regards
Lynne
I personally don’t feel comfortable feeding in public and seeing other people doing the same, however that doesn’t mean I’m against it. I have a lot of respect for woman who are brave enough to feed in public especially when people have so many negative things to say. If it makes you uncomfortable then move away, if you can’t physically move away then look away. It is all however a matter of opinion and you will always have people for or against it.
Hi Justine
Great feedback! I only breastfed in public (discreetly) because my son was always so hungry. If I didn’t do it in public I would either have to stay at home all the time or have a screaming baby!
Kind Regards
Lynne