Does breastfeeding in public offend you?

Contributor: LavenderSkies LavenderSkies
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
Recently in the news in some random Midwest McDonald's, a woman who was breastfeeding was asked to leave. The lady doth protest too much and proceeded to find other breastfeeding mothers and have a...tit-in? They all gathered at Mickey D's ... more
I'm absolutely fine with it wherever it is.
01/16/2011
Contributor: Shellz31 Shellz31
It doesn't bother me at all.
I wouldn't want anyone stopping me from eating when I'm hungry.
01/16/2011
Contributor: null null
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Actually "exposure laws" DO NOT apply to breastfeeding babies in all states in the USA! It is not "indecent exposure" to breastfeed in public anywhere and in most states, there are actually statutes on the books reaffirming that a ... more
Huh, I didn't know that. Learn something new everyday.
If that doesn't apply, then at least restaurants' policies of 'no shirt, no shoes, no service' would apply would it not? The shirt is not being used in its proper manner if it's not covering breasts (by covered I mean at least what is considered 'decent' among women). And it that doesn't apply, then couldn't they fall back on their right to 'refuse service'?
01/23/2011
Contributor: SexyTabby SexyTabby
Seems kinda silly would you want a screaming baby in a restaurant or a woman breastfeeding her child? It doesn't bother me at all. Can't really say it's beautiful cuz it's just a part of nature and not something I would think beauty too. It's not beautiful when I have a mouth full either lmao Seriously though I had three and breastfed in public when necessary. I didn't pull anything out but usually stayed in the vehicle or completely covered up so no one would see anything. It's not something I would want others staring at anyway. It's a bonding and personal but I've seen women just whip it out too. I'm not bothered by it though. Babies gotta eat and that's what boobs were designed to do lol
01/23/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by null
Huh, I didn't know that. Learn something new everyday.
If that doesn't apply, then at least restaurants' policies of 'no shirt, no shoes, no service' would apply would it not? The shirt is not being used in its proper manner if ... more
If that doesn't apply, then at least restaurants' policies of 'no shirt, no shoes, no service' would apply would it not? Nope, it doesn't legally apply. (Few women take OFF their shirts to breastfeed in public, anyway.)

Also, by refusing a nursing woman service, she is being harassed, harassing or attempting to stop a breastfeeding woman is also illegal for anyone to do in many states and rude in all.

Breastfeeding is not, in any state in the US, considered a form of "indecent exposure" whether nipple is showing or not.

It's feeding a baby, and thank heavens, our lawmakers have at least gotten this right. Even in states which do not have specific legislation protecting breastfeeding, still is not illegal in any way ("indecent exposure" does not apply to breastfeeding) to breastfeed in "public."

01/24/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
I am not against it and I'm not for it and I'm not offended perse as much as I am wholly uncomfortable witnessing something so intimate.

That's what we're raised to believe right? Breastfeeding is as much an intimate bonding experience as it is a means to nourish the child. I don't know where to look or what to say and I feel uncomfortable holding a conversation with a woman who has a child suckling. And if the child can ASK for the boob, I think it's the appropriate time to switch to a pump and sippy cups.
01/24/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by PussyGalore
I am not against it and I'm not for it and I'm not offended perse as much as I am wholly uncomfortable witnessing something so intimate.

That's what we're raised to believe right? Breastfeeding is as much an intimate bonding ... more
I wonder why they need to stop "if they can ask for it?" That oft heard phrase has always stumped me.

I'm a Lactation Consultant and I have studied Lactation for over 20 years. The average age for weaning is 4 years plus a few months. MOST children breastfed can and do ask for it.

My kids could talk at 7 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum age of one year of unrestricted breastfeeding (with solids NOT given until after the 6 month mark.) Where does that leave early talkers? Does that mean kids who learn to speak later (some kids didn't say a word until 3) get to nurse longer? While kids like mine, have to wean early (MUCH TOO early, IMO) because they can "ask for it" at 7 or 8 months?

And seeing as breastfeeding can add up to 12 points to a child's IQ, early talking is often the norm with some, but not all breastfed children. Why stop the very activity that is the best for a child, simply because they ask for it?

My babies went from saying "Numamammama" at 7 or 8 months, to "Num Num" at a year, to "Pwease, I have one?" at 15 months, to politely asking if they could have some milk (or Nummies, as we called it) at 2 or 3. IMO, telling someone that you need something you need is not a reason to stop it. Do we stop putting children in diapers when they start telling you they went? Or when they ask to be changed? Do we run out and buy a "Big" boy or girl bed and ditch the crib the first time they "ask" to be put to bed? Do we throw away the stroller because a baby asks to be put into it when they are tired and want to ride? What about kids who ask for bottles? Any different? Not in my opinion. When children learn language, the very FIRST things they talk about are the things that mean the most to them. That means the way they are fed (breast or bottle) and the comfort of their mothers are the first words spoken.

Do we stop hugging our babies because they ask for hugs? God, I hope not.

Breastfeeding is no different.

JMO

As you can see, to me, this is a really important part of not only parenting, but to society and humanity. I hope my comments are taken in the spirit they are given, kind and informative.
01/24/2011
Contributor: Sexymami69 Sexymami69
I think its ok to a certain point, if it's an infant at least put a blanket over the shoulder hidding what the kids doing, its obvious what they are doing but it's a lil discreet, if the boob is just out and you can see everything thats wrong, and people should get tickets for indecent exposure especially if it's a todler sucking on it, that makes me gag
01/24/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Sexymami69
I think its ok to a certain point, if it's an infant at least put a blanket over the shoulder hidding what the kids doing, its obvious what they are doing but it's a lil discreet, if the boob is just out and you can see everything thats ... more
Dear heaven. Have you read the entire thread.

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO HARASS A BREASTFEEDING MOTHER AND IT IS NOT "INDECENT EXPOSURE" TO BREASTFEED IN PUBLIC ANYWHERE IN THE USA.

You don't have to look, really. And, honestly, have you really ever seen "seen everything" during a quick breastfeeding? EVER?

It offends those of us who have had the foresight and intuition and Education (and some luck) to breastfeed children into toddlerhood to have someone say what we did for the BEST for our children (because we KNOW it was the best for them) makes someone "gag." Please don't attack those who choose to do what they felt was best for their children.

Every mother has her own right to make her own decision, and some moms have issues that make a full year or more of breastfeeding difficult or impossible, but many of us really don't like being attacked because we fed our children the way we knew best.
01/24/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I wonder why they need to stop "if they can ask for it?" That oft heard phrase has always stumped me.

I'm a Lactation Consultant and I have studied Lactation for over 20 years. The average age for weaning is 4 years plus a few ... more
I understand this is a passion of yours, it certainly is not a passion of mine. I really have no desire to see a three year old latched onto a breast, for any reason. No different than taking a pacifier or blanket away when it is no longer socially acceptable for the child to have one in the company of others.

I was not breastfed and I am incredibly intelligent. Well above the peers of my socio-economic class.

Honestly, I really couldn't care less one way or another.
01/24/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by PussyGalore
I understand this is a passion of yours, it certainly is not a passion of mine. I really have no desire to see a three year old latched onto a breast, for any reason. No different than taking a pacifier or blanket away when it is no longer socially ... more
I understand if it isn't a passion of yours. But, pacifiers and blankets are not either forms of human comfort, not are they nutritive or do they enhance the immune system or the entire body.

I am not going to get into the whole "I wasn't breastfed and I'm fine." Argument, as it is simple anecdotes and proves nothing. I was breastfed for about 4 weeks, and have a high IQ, too. That doesn't disprove the 20 or so studies that show the additive effects on intelligence from a diet of human milk directly from the breast.

Each has their own opinion, but facts are facts. What people "don't like to see" has nothing to do with the immunological, nutritive, neurological, and bonding benefits of breastfeeding. Them's the facts. Not to mention women have the legal right to breastfeed anywhere they and their child have the legal right to be. (I see things I "don't like to see" every day of my life, including kids drinking blue Kool Aid or Coca Cola from a bottle or a sippy cup, but it is NOT my right to say anything to their mothers. Nor is it my "right" to wish such activity illegal. It's simply none of my business and I have the "right" to simply look away, which is what I do. It's my issue for being "offended" and I say nor do nothing about it.)

It's been kept civil up until now. I think we can agree to disagree on what we "like to see" and realize that what one "likes to see" has no impact on fact, science or reality of what is best for the people one is looking at.
01/24/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I understand if it isn't a passion of yours. But, pacifiers and blankets are not either forms of human comfort, not are they nutritive or do they enhance the immune system or the entire body.

I am not going to get into the whole "I ... more
The only thing this conversation has done is to create mental notes of whom not to speak with about breastfeeding.
01/24/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
I have no kids, but it doesn't bother me.
My sister has kids and breastfeeds them. She's very discreet about it, and her kids are very happy and healthy. I don't think it's a big deal.
One lady rudely accused my sister of stealing, cause she had something under the blanket.. (A baby duh) And whipped the blanket off, so boob was exposed then.

However, otherwise she's decent.
01/24/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I wonder why they need to stop "if they can ask for it?" That oft heard phrase has always stumped me.

I'm a Lactation Consultant and I have studied Lactation for over 20 years. The average age for weaning is 4 years plus a few ... more
At this point, let me please thank you and the other members of your profession. I have no doubt you have eased the burden of dozens, if not hundreds, of parents. I know in our case, when my son was born, we tried and tried for 24 hours to get him to breastfeed, but he simply wouldn't do it. We were getting horribly concerned, when we had a lactation consultant visit us. Literally within one minute, she had our son breastfeeding, and we had no problems after that.
01/24/2011
Contributor: markeagleone markeagleone
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
Recently in the news in some random Midwest McDonald's, a woman who was breastfeeding was asked to leave. The lady doth protest too much and proceeded to find other breastfeeding mothers and have a...tit-in? They all gathered at Mickey D's ... more
It's a natural part of life.
02/06/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
At this point, let me please thank you and the other members of your profession. I have no doubt you have eased the burden of dozens, if not hundreds, of parents. I know in our case, when my son was born, we tried and tried for 24 hours to get him ... more
Thanks, Vacc. I am so glad you and your lady sought out help and kept with it.

Good job.
02/06/2011
Contributor: sweet seduction sweet seduction
I have nursed in public, fully covered of course, and I feel there is nothing wrong with it. If you can eat in public then why shouldnt a child
02/09/2011
Contributor: vegan.guy vegan.guy
I don't see anything wrong with breast feeding in public.
02/09/2011
Contributor: Erotica Explorer Erotica Explorer
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Actually "exposure laws" DO NOT apply to breastfeeding babies in all states in the USA! It is not "indecent exposure" to breastfeed in public anywhere and in most states, there are actually statutes on the books reaffirming that a ... more
As of September, 2010, it appears the following is true:

44 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.

28 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws.

24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have laws related to breastfeeding in the workplace.

It is also permissible to breastfeed in a Federal building if the mother has business there.

(This comes from a site that would know better than I: the National Conference of State Legislatures.)

Know the laws where you are; just as in other cases, ignorance of local statutes is not a valid excuse for not following them.
03/30/2011
Contributor: Anjulie Anjulie
I dont see the issue with it. It is natural and kids need to eat.
05/25/2011
Contributor: lunapixie lunapixie
I see no problem with a mother breastfeeding her child in public, it's a natural thing.
05/25/2011
Contributor: ToyGurl ToyGurl
You forgot "Hello no, it doesn't bother me!"
05/25/2011
Contributor: Sex'и'Violence Sex'и'Violence
I don't see a problem with it. It's not sexual at all it's a matter of nourishing your child and if someone has an issue with it- they don't have to look.
05/25/2011
Contributor: Kiwidragon Kiwidragon
I see a lot worse things on a daily basis. I mean, just because you have no butt cheeks doesn't mean you can walk around with your crack hanging out... But I see older men do this all the time. And the hanging out bellies; buy clothes that fit please!(Maybe it's where I live?) I'm still breastfeeding my 10 month old son but I've never fed in public uncovered, I have a neat little sash that covers me and not the baby. However, if it's in my home and your visiting me I will whip it out and if you don't like it you can leave and never come back for all I care... I love breastfeeding because it's so much easier than bottle feeding. I can't imagine having to get up at night to make a bottle, that would be horrible. Just unclip, pop on and back to sleep.
05/25/2011
Contributor: The Curious Couple The Curious Couple
As long as the mother is properly covered I have no problem with it.
05/25/2011
Contributor: Rossie Rossie
If those moms definitely have to breastfeed, they should do it discreetly. They should sit at a corner, not in the center of wherever they are. Most importantly, cover up while they're doing it!!! Even though breastfeeding women believe it is a normal thing for them, it makes most people around them uncomfortable and have to turn their heads away.
05/25/2011
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
I think breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural, wonderful thing. I have no problem with it being done anywhere at any time. Covering it up would be preferable, and that's how I would do it. I've also seen women so adept at covering it up that you didn't even realize what they were doing. I don't see why anyone would have a problem with a woman doing that discreetly in any situation, personally.
05/26/2011
Contributor: salaciousrex salaciousrex
I don't think woman should flaunt it, but for some babies, it's their only source of food till they're older. I don't think a woman should have to leave where ever they are if the baby is hungry.
Just for it to be okay in public, their boob shouldn't just be hanging out. I think they should be covered with a blanket or something for it to be appropiate
05/26/2011
Contributor: K101 K101
Blinker, I'm kind of relieved to see that other women do feel that it isn't something absolutely neccessary. I thought I was the only one. Honestly, the breast feeding in public is rarely neccessary. I hate to sound prudish, but I would NEVER breast feed. I don't want something sucking the life out of my boob when there are store-brand formulas that ARE just as healthy. I have feed all the kids from a bottle & although they aren't genuises, the oldest is 13 and is being watched by Yale and they've asked to test him because of his outrageously high grades. He's always been extremely smart and the rest are as well. It's actually quite astounding to see just how unbelievably incredible the kids are and they WERE NEVER breast fed so I don't buy into that crap. They get vitamins. They eat healthy and take their aloe and coconut oil and wheatgrass/barley grass (we've cut that one out lately for the most part.)

I don't think its something that is totally neccesssary. Of course if that's what pleases a girl, then go for it. But in my personal opinion, I don't want to see it. There are ways to be discrete about it to where nobody sees it. There's a car, a restroom, a breast feeding section/room, etc. It's not something that cannot be helped.
05/26/2011
Contributor: K101 K101
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
Lol I guess it's different here in GA. And hillbilly titties are not pretty!
Lol OMG! & You're from GA TOO! WOW! So am I!
05/26/2011