Thursday
May132010
50 Reasons for Breastfeeding Anytime, Anywhere
Thursday, May 13, 2010 
Once again, there has been an incident where someone went up to a breastfeeding mother and told her she had to cover up or leave. Once again, the media feels to need to create a breeding ground for ignorance by asking questions like "should there be any restrictions on breastfeeding in public?" The answer to that stupid question (and yes...there are stupid questions), is simply NO. There should not be any restrictions. There is a myriad of reasons why women should and are able to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.
Human Rights
1. It is illegal to discriminate against or harass a woman because of her sex, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. (or if it isn't where you live, it should be!)
2. Telling a woman to cover up or to strip down is a tactic used to control women.
3. Telling women not to breastfeed in public is a mechanism for marginalizing women.
4. Child's right to eat. Period.
5. Child's right to eat without a blanket over their head.
6. Child's right to eat under sanitary conditions (i.e. not in a washroom).
7. Child, especially baby's, right to eat when they are hungry and in need of nourishment (not according to a schedule arbitrarily imposed to convenience others).
8. Person with disability's right to use the handicapped stall in a washroom when needed, rather than having to wait for a shunned nursing mother to finish nursing or pumping in there.
9. Because a baby's right to nurse is more important than your non-existent right to not have to look at things you do not like to look at.
Logistical reasons
10. To avoid nipple confusion (giving a bottle or pacifier before breastfeeding has been fully established can cause the baby to reject the breast).
11. Because it is a lot easier to just nurse anytime, anywhere than to try to plan the nightmarish logistics of having enough pumped milk with you for the time you will be out, as well as finding a private place to pump before your breasts explode.
12. Because babies often will not allow you to put a blanket or nursing cover over them and will push it off.
13. Because it is hard enough as it is for new moms to get their baby latched on properly, without having to worry about whether they are covering every inch of skin all of the time while doing so.
14. So that mothers can toss a diaper and some wipes in their bag and then go out, rather than being weighted down by having to prepare and lug around a huge diaper bag full of bottles, formula and/or pumped milk on ice, nursing covers, etc.
15. So that moms do not always have to be on the lookout for somewhere to warm a bottle while in public.
16. So that moms do not always have to be on the lookout for somewhere private to express their milk while in public.
17. So that when a mom ends up stuck somewhere longer than she planned, she doesn't ever have to worry about running out of food for the baby (or getting a breast infection because her breasts haven't been emptied in a long time).
18. So that a mother's older children are not prisoners of their younger sibling's need to nurse - a nursing mom can go with her older child to the park, to swimming lessons, to school pick up/drop off, etc.
19. So that breastfeeding moms do not lose their place in line by stepping out to nurse a baby in a private place.
20. So that other women do not have to wait even longer in line at public restrooms because all the stalls are full of breastfeeding moms.
21. So that breastfeeding moms do not end up with a soaking wet shirt when their milk lets down in public because their baby is crying.
22. So that breastfeeding moms do not need to leave their companions hanging in the middle of an interesting conversation by saying "excuse me while I go into the other room to nurse for 30 minutes."
23. Because frequent nursing helps mothers to maintain a good milk supply (inadequate milk supply is the most frequently cited reason for giving up on breastfeeding).
24. New moms have enough to worry about in their sleep deprived state without having to make special arrangements in order to accommodate your opinion about how they choose to feed their baby.
Financial reasons
25. So that mothers do not need to purchase unnecessary bottles, breast pumps, infant formula, nursing covers or other apparatus just to make a few squirmy people feel comfortable.
26. So that mothers do not waste gas going back home between errands in order to nurse at home, rather than in public.
27. So that mothers continue to be good consumers, spending their money in stores, cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, airlines, resorts, sporting events, and more all while nursing their child (instead of staying at home).
Societal reasons
28. To allow women to continue to be full participants in society even when they have an infant.
29. To cut down on unnecessary noise from babies and toddlers who are crying, when it could easily be fixed through the nourishment and comfort of their mother's breast.
30. So that you don't have to listen to a screaming baby while waiting for the bottle to be warmed up.
31. So that you don't have to wait longer for your meal or drink because the waiter or flight attendant is busy heating up a bottle.
32. Because nursing in public is a better (easier, quieter, more attractive) alternative to pumping in public and then feeding a bottle.
33. Because it is actually a lot more discreet to nurse without a cover than to have one of the "HELLO LOOK AT ME I'M BREASTFEEDING" covers over your baby.
34. Because if you are staring with your jaw open at a mom who is breastfeeding in public, you might miss some of the truly atrocious things that you would otherwise have been exposed to in public.
Normalizing Breastfeeding
35. Because breastfeeding should be seen as normal, and not something that needs to be hidden in the washroom or under a cover.
36. Bottles, rather than breastfeeding are often seen as the universal symbol for baby feeding, despite breastfeeding being the preferred method of feeding and more imagery of breastfeeding is required to combat this.
37. The infant formula and baby bottle industry flashes images of bottle feeding all over the place and since there is no money in the advertising of breastfeeding, breastfeeding moms are needed to combat that imagery with the "real thing".
38. Most women haven't had the advantage of seeing their mothers, aunts, and sisters breastfeed, so it is important for them to see others doing it so that they can learn how it is done. The 2 minute whirlwind breastfeeding positioning education given in the hospital just doesn't cut it compared with years of observation.
39. Women in certain socio-demographic groups have never seen another woman breastfeed and that is a huge barrier to them considering breastfeeding their own babies.
40. Women who do not nurse in public or who use nursing covers are likely to wean their baby earlier than those who nurse without a cover in public, which could mean that they do not meet their own breastfeeding goals and and that fewer women meet the goals prescribed by health authorities, such as 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding until at least age 2.
41. Children need to see breasts being used to feed babies before they are introduced to them as sex objects. This means that they should see their own mother (if possible) and other mothers breastfeeding, so that they understand the natural function of the breast.
42. Images of sexualized breasts are everywhere - from advertising to women walking down the street. If there is no breastfeeding in public, but sexualized images of breasts continue to be flaunted in public, our youth will grow up thinking that breasts are only sexual. This will make more women think it is "icky" to breastfeed and make more men have the attitude of "no baby is going to suck on those tits, they are all mine."
Just because
43. Because babies like it.
44. Because breastfeeding is beautiful and I'm sure there are more people who appreciate seeing babies being breastfed than there are people who oppose it.
45. Because mothers do not deserve to be belittled or humiliated when giving the best thing there is to their baby.
46. Because an awful lot of women show more breast when they are not breastfeeding than breastfeeding mothers show when they are breastfeeding.
47. Because I don't like the way you look, but you don't see me debating your right to be in public or suggesting you should undergo surgery or change your wardrobe before leaving the house.
48. Because companies like facebook continue to have screwed up policies that do not allow breastfeeding photos, but yet serve up ads with topless women in them.
49. Because you can turn your head or avert your eyes.
50. Because even one of these reasons is a good enough reason for continuing to ensure the rights of breastfeeding mothers and breastfed children and because every one of these reasons is more important than the "ick, I don't want to see that" excuses of those who oppose it.
Those are my 50 reasons. Which is your favourite? What did I miss?
Image credit:jakekrohn on flickr
Reader Comments (229)
This is a fantastic post! I wish more moms would feel comfortable to nurse while in public. I do it all the time and my son is 13 months old!
My favourite: 46. Because an awful lot of women show more breast when they are not breastfeeding than breastfeeding mothers show when they are breastfeeding. - that drives me crazy.
And I also love Paul A Lee's comment!
I really think the biggest tie to people finding breastfeeding in public offensive is that in America, where we are educated enough to know the benefits of mothers bonding with their children, we have the shortest maternity leave time AND it is all unpaid. I think it is ridiculous to expect a woman to breastfeed for a year, minimum, when we can only stay home with our babies if we can afford to be out of work, and potentially not have a job to go back to after 12 weeks anyway. Like the stress of being a new mom isn't troubling enough without throwing finances into it, AND stress decreases supply! We need to get the maternity leave here changed before we will see progress!
very true, at least our breast feeding babies are drinking milk from the same species! Of course I say that with a delicious milkshake in hand! And what choice did they think I had? We had one office fridge, even if i could afford it I wouldn't want to buy a small fridge or freezer to put my milk in at work and would have no place to put it anyways. My milk was always in milk storage bags, in a ziploc, in a tote bag, in the freezer. It's not like I poured it over their food. It was really only a couple younger guys and one woman who were uncomfortable with it being in there but it was still frustrating. I would find myself walking from the room I was able to pump in, through the building to the kitchen trying to hide my full baggies of milk and dirty pump pieces under my bag, then hoping that they wouldn't be in the kitchen while I was washing everything and putting it away. Partly that was my self consciousness not anything they were actively doing, but I shouldn't have had to feel self conscious.
Oh I just love all of them! I was very upset by the school in Tampa that told a mother she no longer had the right to be in their lobby because she was breastfeeding her two year old. And all of these is right. And I can attest to the fact that not breastfeeding in public makes you wean earlier. I was too scared to breastfeed even around my family and my daughter weaned shortly after her first birthday. I did not see the connection until you said that but now sure - they were not always available to her so she learned to soothe in other ways. She is almost two now and I am really sad that we missed out on this year (and possibly more) of breastfeeding.
I have been breastfeeding my second child going on 14 months. I see no problem with breastfeeding in public. HOWEVER, as a nursing mother, we should RESPECT those around us and cover up. Just because WE are comfortable with breastfeeding doesn't mean that OTHERS are. We should have respect for those who feel differently than we do.
Ok, number 34 was my absolute favorite and just hilarious!
My favorite: 9. Because a baby’s right to nurse is more important than your non-existent right to not have to look at things you do not like to look at.
I love it! Especially #3.
Though I have to point out that for #17, the issue of avoiding breast infections? As a mama who had recurrent mastitis I think that's both a human rights issue for mom and a financial issue. The right to empty your breasts in the most efficient way possible (i.e. baby power), anywhere and everywhere is a matter of preventing life-threatening infections for some women.
[...] Here is a GREAT article with 50 Reasons for Breastfeeding Anytime, Anywhere. [...]
And is anyone else as shocked as I am that some states have laws which only protect a mother's right to NIP as long as the baby is a certain age? TN state law says a mother can nurse anywhere as long as the baby is 12 months old or younger. I think that is crazy, because my first child didn't eat more than a bite at a time of any solids until she was about 13-14 months old. A law which restricts age doesn't take into account the special situations that some people may have. Plus, how do you explain to a baby, "Well, you are now 13 months old, so we can't nurse here any more." Not likely to go over well, even if the baby is eating lots of solids!
why is it we allow young men to run around with pants down to their knees, butt showing. Over exposed breast , people running around using filthy language , acting like idiots.But some jerk is worried about a mother feeding her baby???? I do agree you should be descret , but come on people it is a BREAST, not a butt or vagina.Come on America,Relax !
I did have a male come up to me at a restaurant once. He told me that I should have to cover my baby because it was gross that he had to see that. He had to have been 40 years old! I told him that I was a vegan, and it was GROSS that he was eating that hamburger, so he should take my baby blanket, and cover up his head while he ate, because I shouldn't have to see THAT.
He finally sat back down. But not after complaining to the restaurant manager. The manager said that he would move the guy to a new table, but that he was not going to tell me to leave and/or cover up. The guy just got his food "to go" and left.
My babe won't nurse covered up at all.
I see lots of things that gross me out. I see people eating meat all the time. It offends me. Should they have to cover up while they eat their meat because it offends me? Should they have the respect to avoid eating meat in case there are vegans in present company?
I am sorry, but I could not care less about the person sitting next to me, or across from me. I care about my babe, and what makes him comfortable and happy.
I can't make every one happy. And it is not my job to. My job is to do what is best for my child (who will be 2 soon, as is still breast fed frequently). As for what some stranger thinks...who cares?!?
My oldest two children are the same as your nephew. When the babe would cry they would say "he wants mommy milk!!" Then they would ask if they had mommy-milk when they were babies (they did).
I think it is important for my daughter to know that it okay to breastfeed, but I also think it is equally important for my son's. They will probably be husbands one day, with a wife or a girlfriend who may be afraid or unsure of breast feeding. It would be nice if he could say something like: I remember when my mom did it, she wasn't ashamed, and you shouldn't be either.
I'm sure this falls under many of your points, but one of my biggest arguments for NIP is that expecting someone to leave or a child to be covered is segregation. Leaving or covering physically segregates people (whether the mother or child) from society. And I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but segregation doesn't really work. Separate is not equal. I will not leave or cover my child because I refuse to participate in societal discrimination period.
[...] often wonder why I bother with breastfeeding advocacy. This is why. Someone posted a link to my 50 reasons to breastfeed anytime, anywhere on one of the message boards at the bump. The mother of a 3 month old baby wrote: Thanks for [...]
I love this.
I loved your article. Thank you! It DID give me more courage to bf in public. I bf whenever and wherever I need to. Of course, I prefer to bf on my rocking chair at home, and I am not out there looking for a park bench instead. A park bench is not my ideal location to breast feed my baby, but sometimes it has been necessary. It is really important for my baby who hates bottles by the way to breast feed whenever he is thirsty. I just don't know what I will say to someone when they approach me. However, this list has so helped me prepare for that moment when I have to tell someone that is is really important for my child to continue to bf in public. So THANKS!
-My idea on men who are starring at women bf'ing in public. ...They just needed to be bf'd themselves when they were babies! HA! That would have fixed them! LOL!
[...] reasons to breastfeed anytime, anywhere 50 Reasons for Breastfeeding Anytime, Anywhere | PhD in Parenting __________________ Mom of 4 busy [...]
[...] 50 Reasons for Breastfeeding Anytime Anywhere from Phd in Parenting: Just in case you needed an excuse!!! [...]
I love the list, but I have to say that I take exception to part of #25 and #33. I use a nursing cover and it's not about making squirmy people feel comfortable or hiding what I'm doing. It's about my own personal modesty. I think for many, if not most, moms that choose to use a cover, this is the reason for them also. I am proud to breastfeed my child wherever we are, but I don't need to have to worry about my nipple showing as I help my baby latch or worry about what might show as my baby squirms around. I know that some moms wouldn't care about that, but I do. It's not that I think it's wrong not to use one, but it's a personal choice for those that care about modesty. I know that you can nurse without a cover very discreetly, but it's just not for me. I like being able to throw my cover around my neck and nurse my baby anywhere. Using a cover might draw more attention to me than if I didn't have one on, but it doesn't matter. I'm a proud nursing mama and I'm proud for those that see me to know that I am. I just wish that non-cover wearing nursing moms wouldn't be so harsh about those that choose to use a cover. I see it on so many breastfeeding forums.
I agree that women aren't always supportive of breastfeeding. My own sister has complained about the idea of me feeding my son in public often equating it to urinating in public "just because you can, doesn't mean you should" she often says and constantly talks about it being icky, gross, or inappropriate. She was appalled that I fed my youngest in the theater while watching a movie --in the complete dark! Her comments have influenced her two sons who now think it's weird that I nurse their cousin.
But my husband has always been the one to support me nursing our sons anywhere/anytime needed. He has never seen it as being lewd or sexual. Even when we see other women nursing he just shrugs and says good for her. The first time I nursed our son in public it was at a restaurant while on vacation - I was so nervous worrying that someone would notice. My husband was so encouraging and supportive. In the end, for all my worrying and trying to cover up, no one seemed to notice - even the waiter didn't blink an eye when he brought our plates.
Nursing in public is a right not a privilege. I am not an exhibitionist for wanting to do what is best for my child and I am thankful that my husband understands and know that one day my son will be understanding of his wife.
Thank you! This was such a great post... I wish everyone thought this way!!!
zachsmom:
My point in #25 is that a nursing cover is not essential and no mom should feel forced to buy/use one. If you want to, by all means, go ahead. To me it goes into the same category as nursing clothing. Some women prefer to buy and use it, but others don't see any reason to spend extra money on nursing clothing when they can pull up/pull down clothing that is already in their closet to nurse.
With regards to #33, the reason I included that is that a lot of people suggest a mom needs to use a nursing cover in order to be discreet. However, I have found it is much more discreet to nurse without a nursing cover. But if you, or anyone else, is more comfortable using one, then that is fine too.
Amen! Check out Nursing Our Future http://www.holisticmoms.org/category/news-events/nursing-our-future/ from the Holistic Moms Network and celebrate nursing!!!
This one is my favorite. I don't like seeing people wear tights as pants, I think it is gross and inappropriate, but since it is a matter of taste, I just look away. Since opinions on decency vary so much, that is what it comes down to, it is a matter of taste, so if you don't like it, look away.
"47. Because I don’t like the way you look, but you don’t see me debating your right to be in public or suggesting you should undergo surgery or change your wardrobe before leaving the house."
Unfortunately, my sister isn't very supportive, either. She says she doesn't have a problem with women NIP "as long as she covers up, because I don't want my son to see a boob." That made me REALLY REALLY want to ask her: "Does your son know how babies are supposed to be fed?" Because, unless she has told him, he has never seen it. Only one of my siblings has (successfully, or continued to) breastfed her children, and she lives out of state. (I have 3 sisters) It makes me sad. And I don't know how to deal with her now, when I have a baby, because I am NOT buying a cover.
you missed the risk of milk going off in bottles, risk of baby getting food poisoning.
And new mums getting sick etc as they cannot eat their own food while bf in toilets or parents rooms
I'm glad you encountered a good manager. A lot of people are just generally more rude, and from what other countries say, it is an American thing.
I am a huge fan of breastfeeding and it is sad to see it so misunderstood. It is one of the most precious times of motherhood, harder than I ever imagined it would be, but worth every moment!
You're right about the nursing cover, as women, we should be allies. People often get flustered over things they normally wouldn't if they had taken the time to consider the circumstances.
Exactly Kristen!
I have a 2 year old still nursing who refuses to nurse cover up. It just annoys him and he'll pull it off, creating more of a fuss then it would be to just discreetly pull up my top and latch him.
While I do respect that people feel uncomfortable seeing my boob out there in public, if I'm not showing anything indecent, like say pulling up my shirt, exposing my entire breast, and then latching my son, why is it anyone else's business. Feeding your child in public is not indecent, it is not weird, and it is not unnatural. To all those that think like that, you can always turn around. YOU have a choice to NOT stare at me as I feed my child.
OMG! I'd probably say, "His birthday is next week, he'll be one!" each time, even if it's obvious s/he is older. It's not like I carry my child's birth certificate in my wallet.
EXCELLENT post! Bookmarked it and will be sharing with friends and family. I am pretty sure you covered it all :). I'm still currently nursing my 16 month old daughter and people are starting to make comments on how we are "still nursing". Even our pediatrician! So tired of it...
Yes, the good thing is that I bet most people don't even know what the law says, so I bet it wouldn't be an issue. I have nursed my toddlers in Chattanooga and Nashville in public, and nobody has said anything to me. I still think that the law needs correcting, because if it ever became an issue, I am sure a lawyer could find the law and use it against a mom who was nursing her toddler if a restaurant or store owner was making a fuss about it.
Here's another good one, why is it offensive for a woman who is nursing to be showing a slight (and very slight) part of her breast but no one complains about women who are walking around half naked or in bikini's that barely cover anything even the nipple. Can someone explain this to me why thats acceptable in our society but nursing a baby uncovered is not? And isnt the standard that your breast is not fully exposed unless the nipple is showing and clearly a nursing mom would never be fully exposed because the baby would have the entire nipple in it's mouth. Society is so messed up! I nursed all 3 of my babies and the first 2 i was living under the blanket of paranoidness but with the third i just did what was most convinient for me and the baby and the family.
I live in Tenn. too and I also hope that this law gets changed one day to get rid of the 12-months-or-younger part.
I was with you for the first 10 reasons but then the reasons started about "me me me me" and all about what is convenient to a mother. I don't believe that when YOU make the decision to have a child that you can then expect for everyone everywhere to do whatever they can to make sure YOU'RE happy and that your needs are satisfied.
"So that moms don't have to. So that moms don't have to" that was repeated in the list above. Moms HAVE to do certain things because they are moms! Embrace the inconvenience that is sometimes breastfeeding and enjoy that time with your child. Don't be angry at the world because of the decisions that you've made! I am a breastfeeding mother and I am ALL for breastfeeding in public but seriously. . get off the high horse.
I probably will upset some of you but the superiority from many Breastfeeding mothers is absurd. you're doing a natural act by feeding your child. There are no medals involved nor should you receive any special privileges or accolades for doing what women have done since the beginning of time. None of you invented nursing.
Jenny - breastfeeding mom for 9 months.
I was with you for the first 10 reasons but then the reasons started about “me me me me” and all about what is convenient to a mother. I don’t believe that when YOU make the decision to have a child that you can then expect for everyone everywhere to do whatever they can to make sure YOU’RE happy and that your needs are satisfied.
Any one of the first 10 reasons will do, so even if you disagree with the other 40, that's fine.
“So that moms don’t have to. So that moms don’t have to” that was repeated in the list above. Moms HAVE to do certain things because they are moms! Embrace the inconvenience that is sometimes breastfeeding and enjoy that time with your child. Don’t be angry at the world because of the decisions that you’ve made! I am a breastfeeding mother and I am ALL for breastfeeding in public but seriously. . get off the high horse.
Yes, moms have to do certain things because they are moms. But society also goes out of its way to make mothering difficult in many instances. Moms and children used to be a regular part of society. Now new moms are isolated at home or confined to "child friendly" places so that their child and god-forbid their breasts don't offend anyone. It isn't about being on a high horse, it is about being able to continue to participate in society even if I do happen to be feeding my child.
I probably will upset some of you but the superiority from many Breastfeeding mothers is absurd. you’re doing a natural act by feeding your child. There are no medals involved nor should you receive any special privileges or accolades for doing what women have done since the beginning of time. None of you invented nursing.
I'm not asking for medals or special privileges or accolades. I'm just asking for the same basic human rights afforded to other people.
phdinparenting,
I believe that's perfectly reasonable. but many of those commenting her are saying things like "why can other women walk around in short shorts or with their boobs hanging out and nobody cares??" the reality is that plenty of people do care about that. To act as if Breastfeeding mothers are constantly singled out as pariahs in society is simply not true. In my opinion many exaggerate the plight of the breastfeeding mother. We're not victims we are mothers! If you choose to breastfeed in public you must accept that some of society is simply not ready for that and you may get "ick that's weird" looks. WHY let that bother you? Why get so angry and why let people belittle or humiliate you?
People make snarky comments about all sorts of behaviors that go on in public it's not just BFing. You're not singled out victims. Getting SO wrapped up in this issue just seems like time you could be spending bonding with and feeding your beautiful child. Change will not happen immediately and unfortunately it's a fact that many are uncomfortable with seeing a woman nurse in public. The moms that force this issue on others and act as if they are entitled to certain things do more HARM to the BFing movement than they do good.
jenny:
I agree. People do make snarky comments all the time about how people are dressed and how they act. However, it is generally at worst, snickering behind that person's back. I have never heard of a a woman being kicked out of a restaurant, an airplane, a school, a swimming pool, a mall, or other similar venue for wearing short shorts or having a low cut top. And http://twitpic.com/1og9ya" rel="nofollow">what about nipple showing men? But as soon as there is a baby suckling at that breast, people feel they have the right to demand that it be covered up or stopped altogether.
And really? Instead of being a breastfeeding advocate I should be spending time bonding with and feeding my beautiful child? Really? My beautiful children are 3 years old and 5 years old and happily sleeping in their own beds right now after spending the whole day "bonding" with me.
Well there you go...interesting. I fully support the rights of those people to wear whatever they want too, as I said in my post called http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/01/27/covering-up-is-a-feminist-issue/" rel="nofollow">Covering up is a Feminist Issue.
I think a point can be made that this site is a blog about parenting and breastfeeding. Naturally, the author is going to write about issues that she feels passionately about, as do many other blog authors on the web who write about issues near and dear to their own hearts. I don't see it as unbalanced in that regard.
It is def. an American thing to make a stink about breast feeding. BUT - an Ikea here in the state of Georgia had just come under fire for asking a woman who had her baby in a sling, nursing, to leave the store. And the whole thing with that airlines that kicked the mom off the plane that was nursing her baby....the "nurse-in" had only been a few months before at the airport real close to here.
So, I think when things happen locally - other business owners tend to take notice. They don't want to come under fire. And if he would have made me leave or asked me to nurse in the bathroom I would have called the local news as soon as I stepped my foot out the front door.
The most disturbing part to me about that comment is the part that apparently we are "disrespecting" men when we "allow" them to ogle at us and "chuckle with kind of dirty look." Isn't that the other way around? Isn't it the MAN who is disrespecting the WOMAN in that scenario? And doesn't this open the door for the same logic as "you should cover up b/c men might look at you with lusty thoughts?" Maybe women should all just stay at home always and never leave the house...
This is a wonderful post. I am going to share it with everyone. Breastfeeding is not a crime, it is not porn and it is not disgusting. It is a wonderful thing and I am very proud to be able to do it. :) Thank you.
[...] 50 Reasons for Breastfeeding Anytime, Anywhere [...]
Because when people find my breastfeeding offensive and tell me that I should cover up or feed in private, it suggests that feeding my baby is somehow wrong or indecent -- and that offends me. Oh, wait, I'm supposed to take their offended feelings into consideration and be nice by covering up for that? Ok, I'll do that -- as soon as they take my offended feelings into consideration and rethink their offendedness.
Hi I wandered over from CodeNameMama and just thought I would add my #51.... Because nursing in public can't POSSIBLY be as difficult to watch as the overweight man with the pants that he bought about 75 lbs ago...and that therefore allow WAY more of his posterior to show than I would EVER allow to show of my breast. Thanks for a great article!!