Updated: August 25, 2016
In our daughter’s third flight, we decided to bring her car seat, hoping it would help her sleep. As usual, she had other plans. At the airport, she began arching her back and crying as if we were torturing her. I took her out, holding her closely as we boarded the plane. By the time we were seated, she had calmed down somewhat but was still squirming in my arms. That’s when the flight attendant approached.
“You’ll need to place the baby in the car seat for takeoff,” he instructed.
“Really?” I responded. “Can’t I just hold her?”
He shook his head. “She must be in the seat.”
“But if we didn’t have the car seat, one of us would hold her.”
“I understand, but since you have the seat, she has to go in it.” Sighing, he added, “In an emergency, do you want her secure or as a projectile?”
I nearly retorted, “Do you want her to scream for thirty minutes straight?” Instead, I looked at my daughter and said, “He just called you a projectile.”
The flight attendant offered a half-hearted smile and moved on. I could see my wife’s determined glance at him, and instantly knew our daughter would remain with her. Without a word exchanged, I understood her plan, and I was confident the flight attendant wouldn’t challenge her.
Just before takeoff, my wife discreetly breastfed our daughter. The flight attendant hurried past, trying to avoid looking at the situation, as if a nearly exposed breast were the most dangerous thing in the cabin. While the FAA might not have approved of the maneuver, I felt immense pride in my wife’s resolve.
Reflecting back nine months, I recall a time when I was less understanding. My wife, Sarah, and I had a disagreement about her choice of seating in our living room for breastfeeding. She preferred the glider by the front window, while I objected, worried about our neighbors seeing her topless. “Why does it matter?” she asked. I foolishly responded, “Because those are mine!”
I still remember the mix of anger and disappointment on her face. She rightly asserted that I had no right to be possessive of her body. Even though we didn’t reach a resolution, time passed, and I began to appreciate her commitment to breastfeeding. Watching her nurture our daughter, I realized that breastfeeding is not merely a physical act; it is a profound expression of love and care.
Breastfeeding requires immense dedication, yet society often fails to support women engaged in this vital act. Women who breastfeed in public frequently face judgment and disapproval, stemming from a culture that sexualizes the breast. Actress Mila Kunis recently addressed this issue, stating, “In the States, we sexualize the breast so much that people struggle to understand the concept of breastfeeding in public.” She hit the nail on the head; the discomfort surrounding breastfeeding arises from conflicting societal views on female bodies.
We celebrate breasts in media and entertainment but deem breastfeeding as inappropriate. This inconsistency perplexes me. The real challenge lies in shifting societal norms and encouraging acceptance of breastfeeding in public spaces.
As I navigate parenting, I strive to foster an environment where my daughter feels empowered and valued. It is crucial for all of us to recognize and support the act of breastfeeding, whether in public or private. Women deserve to breastfeed without shame, as it is both a natural and heroic act.
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In conclusion, breastfeeding should be embraced and celebrated, not shamed. It is essential for partners to support breastfeeding mothers, creating a comfortable environment for them at home and in public.
Keyphrase: Breastfeeding in Public
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