Breastfeeding In Public? Appropriate or Not?
The hot topic of whether to breast feed in public or not is a matter of personal preference. Still, breast feeding is completely natural, shouldnt it be accepted in all walks of life?
Convenience is a definite benefit if you breastfeed your baby. The mother who chooses to breastfeed will never find herself caught up short, having left the house with out bottles or cereal. “Have baby will travel”, is the motto of most breastfeeding mothers. However, mothers who breastfeed, face a dilemma. Is it appropriate to feed your baby in public? Mommies who breastfeed have one of two choices. Either they stay home until the baby eats solid foods, or they choose to nurse their babies in not so private places.
The decision mom makes, is primarily dependent on her level of comfort, breastfeeding away from the privacy of her own home. If you are a nursing mother and feel comfortable in doing so, breastfeeding in public is perfectly acceptable. It is not necessary to make a run for the nearest bathroom, baby in tow when it is time to feed.
One would think that in the 21st century there would be little controversy over breastfeeding in public. Though the controversy is not as great as it was a number of years ago, still it exists. This is understandable, considering that in our culture a woman’s breasts is no longer a symbol of motherhood. There is nothing as pure as a mother breastfeeding her fondling baby. The problem however, is this is not the picture that springs to mind when suddenly a breast is openly exposed in the mall. You understand of course, that nursing moms are not the culprits who perpetrate a less than pure assessment of a woman’s breast. But, I digress.
Don’t shy away from breastfeeding your baby in public. It is wholly achievable, without unduly exposing yourself, to every ogling Tom, Dick and Harry. With a little attention to modesty breastfeeding can be easily accomplished while you are out and about.
Before venturing out with your little one consider your wardrobe.
Be sure to wear what is comfortable for breastfeeding. Wear a two piece ensemble. A pullover knit blouse, for example, will deliver more coverage than a cotton button down shirt. The knit blouse will stretch a bit providing some privacy for you and your nursing infant. Also, designers are marketing clothes especially for nursing mothers. It is very easy to be discreet with shirts and dresses made for this intended purpose.
Chances are when you are out with your nursing baby, you will have on your person a receiving blanket.
Light blankets do double duty. Use the blanket as a slight covering. Position the blanket in a manner which is comfortable to your baby and yet will sufficiently cover what you do not wish to expose. If a baby blanket is too much coverage and hinders the baby’s feeding time, then a cloth diaper or burp cloth will do the trick. It is a good idea to hold your baby’s little hand in yours while he nurses. Babies have an uncanny way of gripping the covering with tiny fists and revealing what is beneath.
If you are uncomfortable nursing your baby in a very public place, find an out of the way location.
For instance find a spot away from entryways and hallways. In addition, sitting at a booth or table provides some camouflage.
Finally, more and more places are providing family lounge areas. These areas, while they are found in public places, are located away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and offer a quiet more private place to nurse.
Breastfeeding is pure and natural. Nursing mothers should not be made to feel otherwise. Anyone offended by the sight of a babe and his/her nursing mother should ‘grow up.’ Or at the very least cancel his cable subscription.
