Breastfeeding In Public A Primer For New Moms

Breastfeeding in public is a somewhat tricky undertaking. You might have had that infamous nude dream, you know, the one where everyone else is clothed but you are the only one in your birthday suit?...

Breastfeeding in public is a somewhat tricky undertaking. You might have had that infamous nude dream, you know, the one where everyone else is clothed but you are the only one in your birthday suit? It is interesting to note that some moms feel the same way about breastfeeding in public. This stands directly at odds with the message that is aggressively spread and which documents not only the benefits of breastfeeding, but which also denounces the retiring to restrooms and private areas and instead encourages women to openly breastfeed whenever the hunger strikes their little one.

Moms are reminded that breastfeeding is a time of bonding, and that nothing should come between child and breast. In the same vein, women are sometimes encourages to practice breastfeeding at the hospital in front of one or more nurses, and since everyone is treating it with the utmost normalcy, there is little reason for women to treat it any differently. Of course, once out of the safe hospital environment, women become quickly self conscious and suddenly the time of bonding is hurried, fraught with frustration, and in some cases even interrupted by rude stares and even the embarrassment of the husband who fails to shield his wife from the inquisitive stares of strangers.

Making matters worse are the mixed messages that women who are breastfeeding public receive from other women. In spite of all the medical evidence that showcases breast is best, it is the criticism of women and the thinly veiled glances of disgust that make it hard to continue with the practice. In some cases this kind of behavior is spawned by ignorance, but in other cases it is a carryover from the warring factions within and without the breastfeeding movement that see their way as the only way and consider anyone going against the grain as a threat to their understanding of the world.

By way of a primer for new moms who are breastfeeding in public, it is important to realize that there is no right or wrong answer to this dilemma. Breastfeeding is of course the best way to nourish an infant, but whether or not you feel comfortable doing so in public is your choice. If you simply do not feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, then it is perfectly acceptable to pump your breast milk at home and offer it to your baby via the bottle. Conversely, if you want to breastfeed while you are out and about, go ahead and continue and return dirty looks with sunny smiles. At the same time, keep in mind the sensitivities of others, and do make the effort to cover up a bit so that teenaged boys are not tempted to ogle you.

It is understandable that breastfeeding in public is not everyone’s cup of tea and that occasionally a dirty look may come across. At the same time, it is also understandable that some moms simply do not feel comfortable doing so out and about, and rather than criticizing them for their choice to pump at home and give breast milk via a bottle, it may be more constructive to just live and let live.

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