Breastfeeding In Public
There has been a lot of talk in recent times about the rights of a woman to breastfeed her baby in public. With even celebrities getting in on the argument over twitter and facebook, discriminating against those women who choose to feed their child in a public domain.
There are in fact some countries where it is illegal to feed your child in public, or expose your breast, yet we see many magazines adorning shop shelves with semi-naked women exposing their breasts for others enjoyment.
So what are your thoughts? You would be surprised at what women really think. There are in fact a lot of “closet breastfeeders”, who only breastfeed from home for fear of ridicule and general embarrassment. Some women are embarrassed at the size or look of their breasts and aren’t comfortable attaching their baby when it means exposing their breasts. Let’s face it, it can be awkward and messy in those first few weeks when both you and your baby are learning to feed. There is nothing wrong with that, its completely normal.
Breastfeeding, is a completely personal thing. It is nobody else’s business what you choose to do and there are many options for you to feed your child while you are out and about if you feel uncomfortable. In fact many women choose to only breastfeed at home and use expressed milk from a bottle while they are out, or use formula and there is nothing wrong with that either.
In the majority of countries in the Western world, it is illegal to discriminate against women breastfeeding in public. However this has not stopped the ridicule. If you do intend to feed in a public place then you must be considerate of others if you want them to be considerate of you, it’s just common courtesy. Yes, it is your god given right to feed your baby, but sometimes its appropriate to use a little discretion and that’s why we have some fantastic products like breastfeeding tops and wraps that provide comfort for you and your baby.
Remember that it is legal to breastfeed in Australia and if you are asked to leave an establishment or told to stop feeding, then inform them that it is legal as many people still are not aware of this. Public breastfeeding, although legal can still stir up quite a bit of controversy as we have seen. In fact recent studies show that around 40% of people find breastfeeding offensive in some way, but of course don’t mind seeing breasts in a sexual way.
Let’s face it; breasts really do have a dual function. Before having children they have a purely sexual function, women dress them up in sexy bras and use them in foreplay. However once your baby comes along and they become a feeding device, some of that sexuality is lost. Many women in fact stop breastfeeding after 6 months because they want to get their body back and feel sexy again and their breasts are a big part of that sexuality. Men also feel that they have a right to your breasts and some men encourage their partners to give up breastfeeding as it diminishes the woman’s sex appeal and ruins her breasts – yes this does indeed happen.
What we have to remember despite all the recent media, the backlash, the breast and bottle debate, is that, it’s an individuals choice. Yes there is the recommendation of breastfeeding your baby for at least 6 months and yes there are people with strong opinions on breast and bottle, but it is your choice only. My advice is to give breastfeeding a go. Yes it is the preferred option, but if you can’t or you don’t’ want to breastfeed, don’t let anyone get you down. Listen only to those who want to support you and encourage you in your decision not put guilt or pressure upon you. You have many options. Despite what others may tell you, many women use a combination of breast and bottle because it’s what works best for them and their family. They breastfeed at home and when they have to go out, or to work, then they give their baby a bottle. There is nothing WRONG with either breast or bottle, it’s simply what is best for you and your baby.
Written by Melissa McDonald
Melissa is the author of “Breastfeeding: Real Mums Tell You How”, a book that gives the modern woman realistic advice on how to feed their baby both breast ad bottle with stories and advice from real mums. The book offers encouragement and support, not guilt or pressure.
http://www.breastfeedingbook.com.au
*** Special Offer ***
Melissa from http://www.breastfeedingbook.com.au has partnered up with the lovely Amanda from http://www.mummahh.com.au for World Breastfeeding Week.
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from 1-7th AugustMelissa is giving customers who purchase her book - Breastfeeding, Real Mothers Tell You How - the chance to win a Mummahh Breast Feeding Essentials Pack!
All you have to do is purchase a copy of her fabulous book and at the checkout answer the following question -
"They say "Breast is Best" but does this slogan really encourage mothers to feed? We want you to tell us what you think the slogan for breast feeding should be.
Full terms and conditions available at http://www.breastfeedingbook.com.au
This is a fabulous book, if you haven't already you can read my review here - Breast Feeding Real Mum's Tell You How Review
There are in fact some countries where it is illegal to feed your child in public, or expose your breast, yet we see many magazines adorning shop shelves with semi-naked women exposing their breasts for others enjoyment.
So what are your thoughts? You would be surprised at what women really think. There are in fact a lot of “closet breastfeeders”, who only breastfeed from home for fear of ridicule and general embarrassment. Some women are embarrassed at the size or look of their breasts and aren’t comfortable attaching their baby when it means exposing their breasts. Let’s face it, it can be awkward and messy in those first few weeks when both you and your baby are learning to feed. There is nothing wrong with that, its completely normal.
Breastfeeding, is a completely personal thing. It is nobody else’s business what you choose to do and there are many options for you to feed your child while you are out and about if you feel uncomfortable. In fact many women choose to only breastfeed at home and use expressed milk from a bottle while they are out, or use formula and there is nothing wrong with that either.
In the majority of countries in the Western world, it is illegal to discriminate against women breastfeeding in public. However this has not stopped the ridicule. If you do intend to feed in a public place then you must be considerate of others if you want them to be considerate of you, it’s just common courtesy. Yes, it is your god given right to feed your baby, but sometimes its appropriate to use a little discretion and that’s why we have some fantastic products like breastfeeding tops and wraps that provide comfort for you and your baby.
Remember that it is legal to breastfeed in Australia and if you are asked to leave an establishment or told to stop feeding, then inform them that it is legal as many people still are not aware of this. Public breastfeeding, although legal can still stir up quite a bit of controversy as we have seen. In fact recent studies show that around 40% of people find breastfeeding offensive in some way, but of course don’t mind seeing breasts in a sexual way.
Let’s face it; breasts really do have a dual function. Before having children they have a purely sexual function, women dress them up in sexy bras and use them in foreplay. However once your baby comes along and they become a feeding device, some of that sexuality is lost. Many women in fact stop breastfeeding after 6 months because they want to get their body back and feel sexy again and their breasts are a big part of that sexuality. Men also feel that they have a right to your breasts and some men encourage their partners to give up breastfeeding as it diminishes the woman’s sex appeal and ruins her breasts – yes this does indeed happen.
What we have to remember despite all the recent media, the backlash, the breast and bottle debate, is that, it’s an individuals choice. Yes there is the recommendation of breastfeeding your baby for at least 6 months and yes there are people with strong opinions on breast and bottle, but it is your choice only. My advice is to give breastfeeding a go. Yes it is the preferred option, but if you can’t or you don’t’ want to breastfeed, don’t let anyone get you down. Listen only to those who want to support you and encourage you in your decision not put guilt or pressure upon you. You have many options. Despite what others may tell you, many women use a combination of breast and bottle because it’s what works best for them and their family. They breastfeed at home and when they have to go out, or to work, then they give their baby a bottle. There is nothing WRONG with either breast or bottle, it’s simply what is best for you and your baby.
Written by Melissa McDonald
Melissa is the author of “Breastfeeding: Real Mums Tell You How”, a book that gives the modern woman realistic advice on how to feed their baby both breast ad bottle with stories and advice from real mums. The book offers encouragement and support, not guilt or pressure.
http://www.breastfeedingbook.com.au
*** Special Offer ***
Melissa from http://www.breastfeedingbook.com.au has partnered up with the lovely Amanda from http://www.mummahh.com.au for World Breastfeeding Week.
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from 1-7th AugustMelissa is giving customers who purchase her book - Breastfeeding, Real Mothers Tell You How - the chance to win a Mummahh Breast Feeding Essentials Pack!
All you have to do is purchase a copy of her fabulous book and at the checkout answer the following question -
"They say "Breast is Best" but does this slogan really encourage mothers to feed? We want you to tell us what you think the slogan for breast feeding should be.
Full terms and conditions available at http://www.breastfeedingbook.com.au
This is a fabulous book, if you haven't already you can read my review here - Breast Feeding Real Mum's Tell You How Review
