Whenever a breastfeeding story makes headlines—especially those involving mothers being asked to leave a public space to feed their babies—I find myself breaking my own rule about avoiding online comments. Why? Because I’m curious about the various opinions on breastfeeding in public. While I’m fortunate to be surrounded by supportive individuals in real life, reading differing perspectives can be quite illuminating.
A recurring question often arises: “I totally support breastfeeding, but why is it difficult for moms to cover up while nursing in public?” It’s wonderful that you support breastfeeding, but ideally, we should be able to refer to it simply as “feeding.” After all, it’s about nourishing a baby, not just the breast. So why should mothers feel obligated to cover their babies while feeding them in public? It seems a bit absurd, right?
Here are some reasons why many moms choose not to cover up when breastfeeding:
- The Practicality of Covering Up: Covering up while nursing can be quite cumbersome, especially for new moms trying to get their babies latched on correctly. Even as a seasoned mom with my third child, I found it challenging to keep a blanket balanced while positioning my baby. The only time a cover might be necessary is during that initial latch, and managing a blanket while ensuring a good latch can be frustrating.
- Babies Often Dislike Covers: Many babies resist being covered. Mine certainly did! I wouldn’t enjoy eating under a blanket, and I imagine many would agree—especially on a hot day. It’s stifling and uncomfortable.
- Maintaining Eye Contact is Vital: One of the joys of breastfeeding is the connection it fosters through eye contact between mother and child. The breast is positioned conveniently for the baby to see their mother’s face. When bottle-feeding, would you cover the baby’s face? That would be odd.
- Covering Can Draw More Attention: I found that using a cover often attracted more attention to what I was doing. When I nursed without a cover, it simply looked like I was holding a sleeping baby. In contrast, draping a blanket over my shoulder while trying to get the baby comfortable was more conspicuous.
- Covering Suggests Inappropriateness: The act of covering implies that feeding a baby is somehow inappropriate, which it is not. It’s a natural act of nourishing a child.
When someone suggests that mothers should pump instead of breastfeeding in public, it’s important to recognize that not all moms can pump successfully, and not all babies will take a bottle. While I was able to pump, my babies refused bottles. The idea of a mother needing to pump and then deal with transporting and warming milk instead of simply feeding her baby directly seems unnecessarily complicated.
Regarding modesty, many people express that they support breastfeeding in public as long as it’s done discreetly. However, if modesty is your concern, consider how often you see women in bathing suits or low-cut tops. The reality is that breastfeeding usually doesn’t expose more than a bathing suit would. If you’re uncomfortable seeing a mother adjust her clothing to nurse, perhaps it’s worth teaching children to look away rather than shaming mothers.
And then there’s the suggestion to breastfeed in a bathroom. Who wants to eat in a restroom? Bathrooms are unsanitary, often lacking seating, and it’s essential for mothers to feel comfortable when nursing, not exiled.
Some comments comparing breastfeeding to private acts like using the restroom or having sex simply miss the mark. Breastfeeding is a natural act of nourishment, not something to be confined behind closed doors.
In conclusion, breastfeeding in public should not be a source of shame or discomfort for mothers. Instead of drawing attention to the act, let’s focus on the beauty of feeding a child. If you’re uncomfortable with it, simply look away. It really is that simple.
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Keyphrase: Why breastfeeding in public should be normalized
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