Comments on: Breastfeeding in Public – aren’t we forgetting something?

By: Breastfeeding in Public – What do you think? « Nuvo Maternity Blog

Breastfeeding in Public – What do you think? « Nuvo Maternity Blog — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:39:24 +0000

[...] interesting blog posts recently on the Reality Parenting blog over at Real Mums. The two posts Breastfeeding in Public – aren’t we forgetting something? and the follow-up post Breastfeeding in Public – Misunderstood? looks at women’s [...]

By: Breastfeeding in public - Misunderstood? — Reality Parenting

Breastfeeding in public - Misunderstood? — Reality Parenting — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:44:55 +0000

[...] the majority of people understood where I was coming from re my Breastfeeding in Public – aren’t we forgetting something? post, a couple of people – quite understandably – didn’t [...]

By: This is how we change the world — Reality Parenting

This is how we change the world — Reality Parenting — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:13:39 +0000

[...] Came across this on Pink Heels and thought it appropriate following my post re Breastfeeding in Public. [...]

By: madcow

madcow — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:13:05 +0000

Julia – I do wonder that, too – I am always confident when BF in public, and perhaps my “Don’t f*** with me” look stops people from commenting . I always see the positive in the actions of others – if there are any actions from others when I’m BF, mostly I’m just pretty much ignored. And I breastfeed in LOTS of public places.

Yvette, exactly, I agree with you – I didn’t mean to imply that we “bow” to other people’s beliefts – just that they do have them and we need to be aware of them. Most comments to breastfeeding mothers come from people with these beliefts … the comments are about them, not the mothers themseleves or the breastfeeding. I don’t think you can demand and receive respect from others if you don’t give it. Again, not suggesting you stop or hide – definitley suggest you stand up for yourself if anyone says anything, just don’t take it personally, it’s not about you, its about them.

I think my last point may have been overlooked – that people thing its totally ok to speak to others in the manner that they do – that’s my point!

I’m definitely an advocate for BF in public, and I would, and do, speak up!

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:47:20 +0000

I do sometimes think that as woman we need a ‘story’ to share and perhaps there is little to no times ever that people in general do not accept breastfeeding in public. I have fed my babies till well into toddlerhood in public and you know what?people just mind thier own business. I wouldnt know if they werent anyways because I dont go staring down anyone who dare glance in my direction, I just smile and always get a smile in return.

By: Yvette O'Dowd

Yvette O'Dowd — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:14:08 +0000

Yes, but … no sorry – can’t agree with you entirely, because is nobody agitates for change, it doesn’t occur. And pandering to other people’s sensibilities is not always a good thing. My mother’s generation would NEVER have visited the City without hat, gloves and stocking-clad legs. Ponder that next time you slink around Chadstone in a flimsy summer outfit! Or think of a world where women left the paid workforce permanently when they married.

Some people think it is okay to beat their children – in private, if not in public. Some cultures believe women should not leave the house without their head being covered. Some people thought black people shouldn’t be allowed to share the white people’s swimming pool , just in case. Or the schools, buses, toilets.

Some people believed Jews were a sub species that needed eliminating.

So no, I don’t think we should always bow to other peoples belief. And I think we need to speak up on behalf of those who are not able to do so themselves: the babies. Who are having their feeds deferred, delayed or interrupted by mums too fearful to feed them in public view. And those whose mothers suffer a lot of anxiety and demand trying to express milk prior to any activity outside the house, in case the baby needs to eat.

There are three options available in our community, designed to meet the needs of all breastfeeding mother/baby pairs away from home: the first is that feed time is unremarkable and occurs wherever they are, with confidence in their right to do so. The second is the ABA Breastfeeding Welcome Here accreditation, awarded to businesses and services who wish their support of breastfeeding women to be on record. And the third is the ABA accredited Baby Care Room facility, where mothers who choose not to feed in public can find a haven away from home.

As a society, we need to work together to ensure all of these options are supported and made available. Let all mothers work towards this common goal and stop wasting energy fighting each other.

By: Jodie Quinlan

Jodie Quinlan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:56:47 +0000

well done! Breastfeeding is natural and a great way to bond with your baby but i do understand how some women feel with my first baby (yes a story) I had pnd so I felt strange breastfeeding in public esp exposing myself I wasn’t horrifed by it as I felt it was natural just worried about showing my boobs. the more mums feed in public the more it will be seen as normal. mums need to step out and make a statement whether thats going for it or with a nursing cover like the one I sell. freedom to feed is an amazing thing we are so lucky in this country we can do that. great topic Amanda.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:33:22 +0000

Here, here. Very well said. I completely agree with you – we need to have more respect for others beliefs, and not only with breastfeeding in public either!