Breastfeeding in Public
I used to feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding in public, and the way I felt depended on the age of my baby, where we were, and how confident I felt about my ability to breastfeed at the time.
I found public breastfeeding difficult in the first few weeks. I guess I felt really exposed as my son would get on and off the breast constantly throughout a feed. Then as he got older –about 5–6 months– and more easily distracted, it became difficult again as he was fascinated with all the sights and sounds around him.
When a baby is attached to the breast, you actually can't see very much of it at all. And there are always ways to breastfeed discretely, no matter where you are. If you're wanting to cover up for your own comfort rather than to make those around you more comfortable then by all means go for it but know that you're not obliged to.
Public breastfeeding is supported by law and it's actually illegal in most countries for anyone to ask you to stop or to make you feel uncomfortable about it. This is a huge plus for all mums, but until breastfeeding is seen as the normal way to feed a baby there may still be some slight resistance to public breastfeeding.
There are push up bras, gel bras, and all types of tops which make breasts more attractive, bigger and in your face…and it all seems perfectly acceptable. So there is clearly a much stronger association between breasts and sexuality than breasts and mothering. And it's this association that makes people uncomfortable.
It may also be the breast milk itself that can put people off. And if this is the case I wonder how people feel about expressed breast milk in bottles? I find some comfort in the knowledge that I can't please everyone, so I guess in the end it's important to do what you think is right and know that you are supported in that choice.
By breastfeeding in public you are helping to promote breastfeeding and break down the social barriers to breastfeeding. You are helping to show people that breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed your baby.
My son used to bring me his teddy bear and ask me to breastfeed it. I used to love watching him hold the bear to his chest as if he was breastfeeding. I'm glad that my kids see breastfeeding as normal.
By breastfeeding in public you are able to emphasise this message for everyone that sees you. So please feed your baby as he or she needs no matter where you are and no matter the age of your baby. You're doing a great thing by reinforcing the message that breasts are an important, natural part of mothering.
Do you know someone who may find this article helpful?
If so click 
to SHARE it.
Where would you like to go now:
Return from Breastfeeding in Public to Breastfeeding Pressure
Go to Breastfeeding Toddlers
Return to The Essence of Breastfeeding
