Public breast feeding

The debate on public breast feeding continues to rage. People on both sides of the issue feel strongly. Nonetheless, it seems that the majority of Americans feel uncomfortable about public breast feeding – in other countries, the results would be much different. Yet in America, it seems that public breast feeding is still Taboo.

There is no American state that outlaws breast feeding in public, and there are even some states that have laws that specifically allow it. So, how come it makes us so uncomfortable?

Many advocates of public breast feeding state that it is natural and nothing to be ashamed of. While this is true, it is easy to state the urinating and having a bowel movement are also natural – should these body function become commonplace in courtyards and outside of private stalls?

When a baby is hungry, a baby is hungry, and a mother has no choice but to feed him or her. And it is not always convenient to carry around bottles that could go bad and/or must be warmed. Besides, isn’t a crying baby more noticeable than a nursing mother? But shouldn’t the mother at least take her baby to the restroom or a private corner to breast feed?

A woman needs to be and deserves to be comfortable to breast feed. Most women’s restrooms do not have the means to make a woman comfortable while breastfeeding. Well, couldn’t a mother at least cover herself up to breast feed?

Yes, a mother could breast feed discreetly, covering herself up, but to cover herself up, she generally must also cover up her baby. Doesn’t a mother deserve to look at her baby as he or she feeds? And the baby is not necessarily as comfortable as possible when covered, either. But the public is immoralized every time it is faced with a baby at a naked breast!

Sure, a naked breast has some erotic undertones… but with a baby at it? A baby at a breast is natural, and it is a symbol of nurture, not of sex. Besides, take a look at all of the billboards and magazines around in public – many of these promote sex much more readily.

All women should have the right to public breast feeding – all babies deserve this right, as well. Of course, perhaps – as a means of compromise – women can try to be discreet while breastfeeding. No, they should not have to be totally discreet, but in certain situations it could avoid conflict, and nobody wants conflict.

Also, perhaps when asked nicely, a woman should cover up, as a matter of compromise – or, perhaps, the persons who find the natural act perverse should leave. But if they cannot leave (like when on a plane), it seems respectful of a mother to try to be discreet. Again, though, it is her right to breastfeed, even if it involves a little bit of exposed breast.

Perhaps the best solution is to have more public breast feeding. The more public breast feeding occurs, the more comfortable people will become – people will see it as a normal act – and the less likely a person would even consider asking a woman to cover up.

And if you are one who still would not like public breast feeding, then do not watch!

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