When discussions about breastfeeding arise, particularly those involving mothers being asked to leave public spaces to feed their babies, I often find myself compelled to read the online comments, despite usually avoiding them. Living in a community that supports breastfeeding, I’m curious about the varied opinions surrounding it.
One recurring question I encounter is: “I support breastfeeding, but why can’t mothers just cover up when nursing in public?” While it’s wonderful that you’re supportive, we should really be calling it what it is—feeding a baby, not just breastfeeding. Should mothers really need to cover their babies while feeding them? Here are a few reasons why many moms opt not to do so:
- Difficulty in Managing a Cover: For new moms, managing a cover while trying to nurse can be quite the challenge. Positioning a wiggly baby for a proper latch while balancing a blanket can be frustrating. The need to cover is often most pronounced during the initial latch, and trying to do that while keeping a cover in place can be cumbersome.
- Babies May Dislike Being Covered: Many infants resist being covered while feeding. Just imagine trying to eat with a blanket over your head; it’s not comfortable, especially in warm weather. Babies often pull the cover off, which can create a chaotic situation.
- Importance of Eye Contact: Breastfeeding offers a unique opportunity for bonding through eye contact. The way a baby feeds naturally positions them to look at their mother’s face. This connection is vital, and it raises the question—would you cover your baby’s face if you were bottle-feeding? It’s a natural act of nourishment, after all.
- Unintentional Attention: In my experience, using a cover can sometimes draw more attention to the act of breastfeeding. When nursing without a cover, it often appears as if a mother is simply cradling her baby. A cover, on the other hand, can make the act seem more conspicuous as you struggle to maintain it while trying to get your baby into a comfortable position.
- Implying Shame: Using a cover can suggest that there’s something inappropriate about feeding a baby in public. In truth, it’s just a natural part of caring for an infant.
Another common sentiment is: “If you’re going out, why not just pump?” While it’s great that some moms can pump successfully, not every baby will take a bottle. The process of pumping, storing, and warming milk can be cumbersome. Why go through all that trouble when a mother’s body is equipped with everything she needs to feed her baby right there?
Some people express concerns about modesty, especially around children or teens. However, it’s worth noting that the exposure during breastfeeding is minimal—often similar to what one might see in a swimsuit. If you’re uncomfortable, simply look away or redirect your children’s attention. Isn’t it better for kids to witness the primary purpose of breasts rather than the sexualized messages they often receive from media?
Others may suggest that mothers should just go to the bathroom to feed their babies. But let’s be real—bathrooms are unsanitary and uncomfortable spaces for eating. If a mother desires privacy while nursing, there should be designated areas for her comfort, not because she feels compelled to hide.
There are also some less tactful comments, such as the comparison between breastfeeding and going to the bathroom. The latter is a private and unpleasant act, while feeding a baby is a nurturing experience. Furthermore, if you don’t want to see a mother nursing, just don’t look. Most mothers are simply focused on feeding their babies, not seeking attention.
In conclusion, breastfeeding in public should be accepted as a normal and natural part of motherhood. If you’d like to learn more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on donor insemination. For those curious about the journey of parenthood, visit this page about expected due dates.