Respect the Breast
I hope you’re not one of those people who squirms when a mother breastfeeds her baby in public, because I’m one of those publicly breastfeeding mothers. If that makes you uncomfortable, well, talk to the breast!
There is no better food for babies than breast milk, of course, so it’s a great decision for mothers who are able to do it. And when it comes to social graces, I’m just not sorry to say that I won’t run off to nurse in a bathroom or tote bottles around to preserve a faux Victorian modesty (ahem, Facebook). We see more breast online and at Fox news than I could possibly compete with.
Besides, the breast is the ultimate eco-friendly feeding option. Formula is made from either cow’s milk or soy, and both come with problematic environmental implications. Then there are the bottles, usually made of plastic, which even when BPA-free, still need petroleum to be made.
What’s with our shyness? I say it’s high time to get rational and respect the breast. There’s no need to look away in embarrassment or frown disapprovingly if you see my baby noshing on my nipple. After all, what could be more sane, healthy and normal than using breasts the way nature intended? Sure, the world might be sex-crazed over boobies, but for my baby, it’s what’s for dinner. Nomnomnomnom.
Image: Raphael Goetter
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13 Comments
August 4th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I grew up in a conservative set, but I don’t ever remember breastfeeding being looked down upon – most of the moms just had little blankets that they partially concealed the activity with, probably more as comfort and security for the baby than out of modesty about a breast being exposed. It’s too bad people feel uncomfortable around something so natural. Sarah, what’s your take on this when it comes to restaurants? I don’t mean at the local pickup counter, I mean, if you’re at a really nice restaurant where you’re there to have an amazing experience?
August 4th, 2009 at 8:52 am
It’s not just Facebook – apparently YouTube looks askance at breast feeding too. I heard they even censored a 1970s clip from Sesame Street that featured breast feeding. Could we be regressing as a society?
Feeding your baby is a perfectly natural and healthy thing to do and it’s not always possible to go elsewhere. Besides, feeding your baby in the public bathroom is completely unsanitary.
I really think we need to get over ourselves.
August 4th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Here’s what I say to people who think that they shouldn’t have to watch a mother breastfeed in a restaurant when they are eating: The baby is eating too!
If other diners don’t have to go into a bathroom stall to eat, why should a baby?
August 4th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Thanks Sarah – you wrote a simple post that states the simple facts. I’m not yet a mother and my mother didn’t breastfeed me, but I’m having a difficult time finding words…
Please have some respect. It’s a baby being fed by its mother. What could be more beautiful and precious than that?!
Caitlin said it best, “I really think we need to get over ourselves.”
August 4th, 2009 at 9:52 am
What a shame that some people are upset by a woman feeding her child in public. It’s a perfect relationship and should be applauded.
August 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Well said!
August 4th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I have nursed in restaurants and have never been hassled, but a friend of mind, tucked away in a back booth and covered with a blanket, was once asked to stop nursing in a restaurant. Ridiculous! That’s what really inspired me to write this post. I myself have only received a few awkward glances, but mostly people are pretty cool. Of course, I live in a fairly progressive town too.
What I really wanted to do was open up a conversation and get some people thinking.
I remember traveling in Peru and seeing a woman breastfeeding in the mercado, with no blanket to cover, she was completely bare. And even though Peru is an extremely macho culture, with men always ogling women’s bodies, this was a time where nobody even blinked an eye. A mother always has a right to do her motherly thing, and it just isn’t a big deal to anyone. I was inspired by that attitude.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:38 am
By the way, thanks for putting that beautiful picture up! Breastfeeding really is an incredibly beautiful, bonding experience.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Another thing I forgot to mention (this post could easily turn into an essay), women have been arrested for “indecent exposure”, even when covering up with a blanket. Thankfully, many of those women used it as an impetus to get legal protection for public breastfeeding in their state!
August 4th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Good post Sarah!
I remember coming home from the hospital and my dad and brother being so uncomfortable with the breast feeding because they had never been exposed to it before. I think for some, it confuses how they see the breast: for their own pleasure rather than for feeding our babies. Also, it is important to point out that breast milk can be one of the most toxic substances in the eco world because of our bodies being exposed to chemicals (i.e. The Story of Stuff: http://www.storyofstuff.com/ This video explains it well.
We all have to work toward eradicating exposure and making the milk as pure as possible. I do have to say breastfeeding was one of the miracles of the entire birth experience. It brought us closer and also was a great tool after a doctor’s visit or other times to calm the babies down.
August 4th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I think the way you do, but you are braver to say it!
I quite agree even though I am more conservative. Inside there is just a part of me that wishes people would get over it.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Love it! Just posted it to my blog!!
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