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)
I have NO idea how I came to be on this site, I was innocently on Facebook! But then i started reading and I'm fascinated. I have no issue with public breast-feeding in theory. In practice it often makes me uncomfortable. I work in a progressive, rather liberal, public institution that caters very heavily to young families. As part of my job I'm expected at all times to be friendly, welcoming and I'm rather good at it. But quite frequently I'll slow down to say "hi" to a seated female guest before I realize that she is breastfeeding. Some people smile back and some people look embarrassed (tho they tend to be covered). And then I instantly avert my eyes, I'm embarrassed because I don't want anyone to think I have nipple fetish, I'm not a pervert, etc. But then I also instantly would like for that nursing mother to not feel like I've averted my eyes because I'm offended or whatever. So what should my correct course of action be when I find myself talking to someone in this situation? I honestly don't know!
Now how do I delete my posting? But is " excuse, me I didn't mean to interrupt" appropriate? It allows the mother to respond if she wishes, but if she doesn't there is no need to say anything. Not sure why I never thought of this before but I also have never thought this much about the issue either.
James:
If you feel like you've made her uncomfortable, then I think that would be an appropriate thing to say. In my case, however, I was completely at ease with having other people around me when I was breastfeeding. I would have smiled back and, unless I was looking for quiet to get my baby to sleep, I would also happily have entered into conversation with you while nursing.
I love these reasons. I have breastfed all over my children over a year. I love the bond that breastfeeding creates, not to mention that it is the perfect nutrition for the perfect price.
The big thing I didn't like about this article (keeping my own feelings about public breastfeeding aside) was reason number 49. Basically what's being said is that if you don't want to see someone breastfeeding, just walk away from it, don't tell them you'd like them to cover up/be more discreet/go somewhere more private. Which all of that's fine. There's also multiple articles on here, such as 'What gives you the right?' which also state that if you've got a problem with it, just deal with it and keep it to yourself. But as I read more articles on here, I came across one entitled 'Breaking it down for facebook'. In it, three 'stupid' reasons why Facebook wants to ban breastfeeding pictures are listed. One of them is 'You signed up to facebook, so play by there rules'. Here's a direct quote from it:
"The whole "if you don't like it, go elsewhere" attitude is very typical of current American culture. If you are having problems with your spouse, get a divorce. If you don't like your boss, quit your job. If you don't like an employee's clothes, fire him. If you get bad service somewhere, boycott that place.
Well I'm sorry, but I don't go away that easily. If I am in a good relationship, but there are a few problems then I'd rather work on those problems than just jump ship. If I am getting crappy service somewhere, then I'd rather bring it up with the manager and see if they can improve. If I don't like a company's policies, then I'll also raise it with them and try to get them to change it."
I just feel that this site seems to be adament with a 'shut up and deal with it' attitude... unless that prevents YOU from getting your way. So basically, you'll fight Facebook or any other company if you don't like their policies, which is perfectly legitimate, but if I ask you to please cover up while you're breastfeeding or to not do it where I'm forced to see it, such as in a food court, then I'M instantly wrong and need to just leave you alone instead of you changing your 'policies'.
Tommy - You said if you don't like a company's policy, then you'll raise it with them and try to get them to change it. This is exactly what the pro-breastfeeding advocates are doing with Facebook. Yes, FB is a public domain and we have to play by their rules. That doesn't mean we can't ask them to change their rules or to criticize them.
There is also a difference in that FB provides personal pages for each individual and you are free to add or delete someone for whatever reason you decide. Some people delete or block others because of political or religious reasons. I find some people's posts obnoxious and I delete or block them. They are free to do the same to me if they don't like something they see on my page.
And yes, we have the "don't look if you don't like it" attitude because it is applicable here. It is just like couples kissing on the street or having piercings or tattoos. Just because you are uncomfortable doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to do that.
How hard is it to avert your eyes? Your example of a food court and being "forced" to see it is silly. Look at the person you are dining with. Look at your food. Look at the myriad of other people walking around.
Tommy, you make a valid point about the expression of opinion, not so much about adults being "forced" to see it - I'm pretty sure what was meant by point 49 is that you don't have to look - you can look in another direction or turn your body, even if you need to be in the same place. I've definitely seen much more disturbing things when I've been out and about, and I was mature enough to simply look elsewhere until I was away from the offensive view. Granted, you could say that different people find different things offensive... but I'm pretty sure that a man with diarrhea leaking through his pants (yes, that is something I have seen) is grosser than a baby eating, no matter who you are.
Even if your point was 100% completely valid, that's only one statement out of 50 and the rest of the post stands. I also think it's important to note: adults should be able to understand that an infant's *needs* take priority over an adult's *wants*. Any behavior that expressly counters an infant or child's needs is counter-survival, at a species level. I could, therefore, make an argument that there is something seriously wrong, psychologically, with anyone who is more concerned about what they see than about making sure a baby eats.
To Lisa, I never said that I would argue with the policies, I was quoting the article. And unless I found something fundamentally wrong with a policy that prevented me from living my life, I would just take my business elsewhere or use a different service. And if you or anyone else wishes to criticize a company's rules, as long as it's done respectfully and understandingly, more power to you. The point that I was originally bringing up was that this site's attitude is 'deal with it if you don't like it, just don't bother me with your opinion'. But if Facebook doesn't want breastfeeding pictures on their site, it's instantly wrong and there's only one side to the argument, yours.
To Megan, the only reason I picked out number 49 specifically is because it's very contradictory to the 'Facebook' story. I take issue with other points too. And I never said anything about what the baby eats. If a mother chooses to nurse, that's fine with me, but it doesn't need to be done brazenly in front of everyone. If I'm at a county fair or something where the nearest restroom is a port-o-potty, I'm not going to use it because it's disgusting. But I'm also not going to just pull my pants down and pee in front of everyone, which there would be nothing sexual about that either. Even though it's a 'need' not a 'want', it's perfectly natural, and everyone does it, it doesn't mean I'm not going to try to respect those who don't want to see it.
Can I just say EVERY time someone has come up and made a rude comment to me about breastfeeding in public, I WAS using a nursing cover! I suppose it advertises exactly what is going on more :P
I even had one woman come up to me while I was nursing my oldest in a mall, chiding me that my baby was "too old to be nursed" and should be on formula.
Mind you, she could see a single part of my then 3 month old except his feet poking out the end of the cover @_@
With my youngest I experienced the same issue, so I learned to just wear layers and flash as little skin as possible (I'm so self-conscious that I can't be comfortable otherwise). I've had much less commentary from strangers by doing that, although my husband's family still insists I cover up no matter how many layers I'm wearing.
I fully support breastfeeding mothers and am one myself ... but I cringe whenever someone says that it is "free." Breastfeeding is only free if you consider a mother's time not to be worth anything. In order to breastfeed exclusively for the recommended length of time you either need a very flexible job so you can go home to do feedings / work from home / pump every 2 hours or you have to quit your job entirely. It is wonderful for mom and baby, but it is definitely not free.
I love the reason stating that every baby has the right to eat when he/she is hungry! I breastfeed in public frequently, and while I have gotten some rude stares and awkward people, most people don't even seem to notice. My baby is healthy, happy, and not screaming. :)
[...] more reasons that I can begin to share, so I thought I would just send you over to an article: 50 Reasons for Breastfeeding Anytime, Anywhere. This entry was posted in Babies, Nursing by Michelle McCallum. Bookmark the [...]
One thing you missed. When you're talking about breastfeeding "in a washroom" you're missing the true horror of what a Mom & baby are having to endure. It's a TOILET. It's not a washroom. It's where people POO. Would *anyone* want to eat in there?
With my first 2 babies, I tended to not nurse in public. I wasnt comfortable with it, so I would pump and give bottles, and just generally make it so much more difficult than it had to be. I quit nursing both of those babies around 4 months because it was just too difficult managing nursing, pumping, washing bottles and then supplementing when my supply dwindled. I am now nursing my EBF almost 6 month old son and I'm loving every minute of it. I have had a mindset shift with this baby, and now I don't even use a nursing cover. I breastfeed, and am proud of it! The oneliner that has helped me is the idea that Those of us that nurse in public now, help to make things easier for other women. The more women are aware that they arn't alone in the breastfeeding world, and the more frequently 'outsiders' see breastfeeding, the more 'normal' it will be. I am willing to fight for my right to breastfeed, especially if it helps ensure that one day, my daughters won't have to fight for their right to.
Fantastic article. I breastfeed in public regularly, and have no issues doing it, for many of these reasons. New and prospective moms who see us are more likely to be comfortable doing it themselves. I am comfortable enough with it that I would not have any issues addressing any negative commentary firmly and directly if someone decides to make it. So far, nobody has ever approached me or made any kind of comment (that I heard), which is positive in and of itself.
Great article! I am a new mama (I have a 3mo old) and this is very encouraging. I do nurse in public, though I have used a cover for the most part. I have always been ubber modest. I am trying though :)
I really liked #38. I am the second oldest of 9 children. I watched my mom BF all my younger siblings. When I was pregnant with my LO I was encouraged to see an lactation consultant, but due to a number of different reasons I wasn't able to. After the birth of my LO, when I started nursing him, my midwife commented on how good I was at BF, and was sure I had seen the LC. Years and years of watching my mama (and nursing my own baby dolls alongside of her :D ) helped me have confidence with my own LO.
Thanks!
I worked for a bank as a personal banker. My desk area had no walls and was open inside of a grocery store. I had a mother start breastfeeding at my desk without a cover, and I say more power to her. That is how breastfeeding should be. You shouldn't have to worry about what others think. It is a natural process.
And because moms have the right to eat their meals while they're warm instead of having to disappear right when the meal arrives/is ready because the baby realized it's Mom's dinner time and immediately becomes hungry. My son seems to have a rule that no matter what time my food is ready to eat, it's his time to eat as well, which would ruin many a meal (especially in public places) if I were afraid to feed him there.
Another reason - while out with the family if your LO needs to nurse its BRILLIANT excuse to find a coffee shop, sit down, have a break from shopping and have a cuppa! (I'm from Northamptonshire in the UK thought so the cuppa is something we're well known for!)
Also I'd like to add my 15 year old daughter has seen me breastfeed her baby brother, as has my 12 year old son. They've both said when they're older and have kids, breastfeeding will be the way they go :D
47 is the best
I had a classmate who took on the issue of breastfeeding in public for her English oral speech and she had this huge prop or poster saying “breastfeeding is beautiful” let’s say this is what got me here. Originally I would never thought the stand for breastfeeding in public would be so strong, but I am to an extend amazed by the strength and logic behind the arguments. However there are some things you could keep in mind or think about:
1. Concerning argument 1-3 and 47. To me argument 47 translates into “Go away (could be stronger language), I don’t want to see your ugly face if u think breastfeeding is ugly”. There is one thing to say people opposing breastfeeding in public to be wrong and one totally different thing to say all people opposing breasting feeding thinks it is ugly.( personally I don’t mind and I know I can control myself if I was put into a man’s position. )About the point above, I would like to tell you a scenario and see what you think:
Your friend (a very good one) come up too you while you are breastfeeding in the workplace, ask you very politely, as he is always very courteous, if there is an alternative to your actions. He explains that he is feeling super uncomfortable, and says that despite being able to look away and being sensible, he simply can’t bear the thought (use you imagination). This is given because of his conservative up bring and you can tell as he Is Asian (not being racist here). Clearly he doesn’t not feel comfortable and is stressing out.(don’t know if this is possible in real life but for the sake of argument)
Now please consider this, would u be kind enough to throw argument #47 and the like of my translation right into his face, like “piss off (sorry for language)I don’t want to see your ugly face.” Keep in mind he did not at all say breastfeeding is ugly and in fact in his heart he probably support in, know it has its benefits and it is “beautiful” to some. My point here is please don’t think prejudice towards those opposing or simply not following because you are not the only one stressing out sometimes. They have their reasons and unless you want to go discriminate their culture and blah, blah, blah. Be nice. And like “I always appreciate a breastfeeding article that doesn't heap shames on bottlefeeding families. But I can't deny that every point you make here is so amazing and awesome. “ said by Kelly, she has a very good point.
2. Second concern. Have you ever consider Asians (mainly Chinese and not being racist), think they will suddenly turn to breastfeeding in public with a proud smile on their face? Yes, we need breastfeeding but really, this issue probably is only concern to the western world(“concern” meaning openly discussed, of course there are Asian feeding in public, their just don’t talk about it, just like I don’t talk about it with my mother out of respect and to avoid the awkwardness)
3. Now the real problem I want to talk about, concerning argument #42:
I think if breast are being sexualized too much, the same could be said for sex. The way the media portrays sex is really nerve whacking, it is everywhere. It is being sexualized way too much, “sex=pleasure” and the like, I think we need a balance between its useful purpose (reproduction) and its side effects (sorry for the way I put it I know it sounds lame) just like we need the younger generation to stop thinking sick and drawing that damn link between breast and sick stuff. If you have kids in primary school I say they are very much in danger of having a sick mind(again “the western world” is the hint if you ask where, form firsthand experience)
4. I know I went totally off topic so please forgive me. Feel free to shot me down in flames if you disagree or absolutely hate my guts, but use wise words please.
Note: don’t assume I am a mum or and female please, sorry if I have offended any one in any way, but I don’t see getting to expressed theses ideas anywhere else.
this could be a double post because i didn't get it the first try, blame internet.
No, its not OK. Never has been and never will be. Just because u bred, it doesnt mean everyone should bow down to u, got it? I really pity u, victims of marxist feminism....
Sex is natural, so why not do it in public? Peeing, pooping the same too? This new "trend" shows us once more how retarded this society is and how much have we regressed.
Because all tits should be free, not just men's!
I completely disagree with half of this article. I agree with the benefits of breastfeeding your child and that children should be breastfed. But also, please cover up. Penis's are reproductive organs but they have been sexualized and you likely don't want one of those in your face while your sitting in the food fair, same difference.. It really is, think about it. We can feed our babies when they're hungry but have some respect for yourself and throw a blanket over please and thank you.
One of the best articles on breastfeeding on Internet! It is a mom's and baby's right and no amount of social shaming can alter the fact! Breast pumps
i agree with breast feeding in publice. sometime nipslip isn't bad.
I would love to be able to use this article for a paper I am doing in English class. I can't find the authors name and publication date for a reference page. Any help would be great. Thank You
Thanks a lot! =)