I feel so lucky that I live in a place that is so open to nursing in public. I have never been asked to cover up, given funny looks, or asked to move to the bathroom to nurse my children. But I know so many mothers who are terrified of nursing in public because they have been questioned, given looks, and asked to move.
As much as those stories infuriate me, today I feel there is cause to celebrate…and to weigh in. Some of you probably already have accounts on Opposing Views because they seem to cover quite a few topics (spanking among them) that AP parents care about. Today they launched the debate: Should Women Breastfeed in Public?
The reason we should celebrate is because it’s not even a debate–no one stepped up to take the “No” position on this one. I choose to make this mean that we’re winning the battle against ignorance and I commend the three wonderful experts who spelled out all the many reasons to support nursing in public. But your votes still send a strong message to any dissenters (and as long as neanderthals people like Barbara Walters are around, there will always be dissenters on this topic), so go on, vote to support a baby’s right to eat in public.
While you’re there, you might also want to vote on these two:
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I am also blessed to have never been given a hassle about nursing in public. It has also occurred to me that I may have simply ignored any judgmental glances and misinterpreted any rude comments…or perhaps it is my all consuming passion and confidence that just sends off a “don’t you dare” vibe to would-be nay sayers…whatever it is, I have enjoyed nursing my babies “Anytime, Anywhere”
If someone had a problem with me breastfeeding in public, I’d give them the riot act. How dare anyone get in my business about how I tend to my child. The US is just so far behind in so many ways. The simplest, most natural acts of life cause such a flurry. Geez people. MYOB.
I think breastfeeding in public is different for everyone! I know it is natural but I have always gone to the bathroom to nurse my baby. I’m not ashamed, just not comfortable having my boobs out for the public to see. When I do see women nurse in public though, it doesn’t bother me. It’s their choice and I don’t think anyone should judge them for it.
When a woman in a restaurant told me that I should feed my baby in the ladies room, I said, “You think my son should eat his lunch in the bathroom? He’ll have his lunch in the bathroom when you do.”
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