As a breastfeeding mom, one of my biggest obstacles is how I
plan on feeding my daughter while I am out. Breastfeeding in public is always a
hot topic, and now that I fit into that category I can finally shed some empathetic
light on the controversy.
Get ready to shame me moms, because I don’t understand moms
that breastfeed in public uncovered, I really don’t.
Don’t get me wrong, I think that breastfeeding is beautiful.
I think that the ability of a woman’s body to produce the nutrition for her
baby to grow is an amazing thing. I also find it astonishing that a newborn
baby, never exposed to the world before, knows exactly how to latch and feed
themselves. Breastfeeding is such a natural thing, and it is hard not to see
the beauty in it. However, I think the biggest reason I find it so beautiful is
because it is a very private and affectionate moment for you and your baby.
There is not a better way to bond with your baby than sitting in a quiet,
peaceful, empty room breastfeeding your baby.
I think women need to stop only considering how they feel about exposing their breasts in
public and start considering how it makes other people feel. I have
breastfeeding friends who see no issue in plopping their boob out in front of a
room full of people, and while it doesn’t necessarily bother me, it is awkward
for some people. When we are planning a trip to see family, or anywhere that
would require a feeding while we are out I either plan to pump a bottle, or I
pack my nursing cover. If I am at a family member’s house I tend to go to a
back bedroom and feed my daughter there. It really isn’t inconvenient, and it’s
much more comfortable for everyone.
I honestly thought that I would be on the losing side of
this argument, but I found some interesting statistics
to back me up. I found it surprising that on that specific website 60% of
voters said yes, cover up.
I think about it this way: Before being a mommy I never
whipped my boob out in public. If I had it would have been completely
inappropriate. Why does this value change now that my breasts carry milk? They
look the same? They’re the same pair? Call me old fashioned, but mommy or not I
think your breasts should be a private issue. For further reading on this
issue, this mommy
blogger makes some awesome points too.
I’m a huge breastfeeding advocate. If you can produce
breast milk then by golly you should be giving it to your baby. I am much more
comfortable feeding my baby something my own body produces than feeding her
something some strangers in a warehouse concoct. I am also much more
comfortable letting that experience be a private one.
:)
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