Breast Feeding in Public: What are your throughts?

[Phantom]

Hey all, I remember in a newspaper once that a woman was breast feeding her baby in a public park and she received a serious fine for it. On one side we have angry mothers upset that they are getting singled out for breastfeeding in public and the courts who fine them for it. Others say breast feeding in public is disgusting, some say it makes the mother look like a whore (excuse me for that ladies), and others say there's nothing wrong with it.




I'm not dising any women that do breast feed in public but I honestly think that some mothers should breast feed their children when they at home and not in the open where they could catch the wrong attention. I think mothers would feel more comfortable and safe feeding their babies outside of busy places, or another alterative is to buy formula and bring a bottle to feed your children if your going out. I don't have a problem with women doing that in public but I do think it would be safer for the mothers if they breastfeed their children in the safety of their homes. Now its your turn. What do you guys think about Breastfeeding in public? Do you think it should be allowed or do you think it should be kept at home for the mothers and babies safety?

[winterborn86]

I dont think there is anything really wrong with it, at the end of the day the baby needs to be feed, and some mothers just dont want to use a bottle, and they feel comfortable breastfeeding in public.
I personaly think that gettin a fine for it is a bit outa hand, there is no need for it.
And to all those people who say its digusting, i say 'if ya dont like it, then dont bloody watch' no one is makin them watch the women breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding to some mothers is a loving bond between them and their child, and they are doin what feels right to them, and no one can tell these mothers what they can and cant do.
I use to think bout breastfeeding my daughter but if i had of done, i woulda put it in a bottle when being out in public, and thats not cos of what people will think of me, but only cos i wasnt comfortable doin it.
At the end of the day like i said at the start a baby needs to be fed, and if the woman is comfortable to breastfeed in public then i say 'go right ahead'.

[Zardoch]

My sister use to breastfeed her kid all the time when me and my family visited her family. I honestly don't see anything wrong with it as long as the mother takes precautions. Such as my sister always brought a blanket to cover herself while she breastfed my niece. If the situation were the opposite with a mother breastfeeding without something to cover up, then I think it might be a bit disturbing or an issue with other customers. Otherwise there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Besides, I heard breastfeeding is better for kids as they develop higher intelligence and such as they grow. My niece is pretty smart too as well.

Anyway, I don't see why this is in intelligent discussion. I mean if you're looking for people's opinions, then you can easily post this in the general forum, but there isn't really anything intelligent about this.

[Sasquatch]

I don't see a reason that it should be acceptable for a woman to whip out her tit in public, for any reason. Baby needs to be fed? That's what breast pumps and bottles are for -- or bathrooms. Mother's comfortable with it? If I'm comfortable masturbating in public, does that make it alright? Hey, if you don't like it, don't watch.

As Vicious pointed out, I wouldn't have a problem if the woman covered herself -- but it'd be difficult to do.

Otherwise ... I'm all for breastfeeding. It's great for the child. But it's pretty practical to do it in private. I wouldn't lead a crusade against it, but I wouldn't object to a ticket here and there. I'd say a warning would be more reasonable, but it depends on how indecent the mother is.

[Nemesis93]

I really agree with winterborn86. At the end of the day yeah babies do need to be fed by their mothers. People who think is disgusting shouldn't F****** watch. Yeah I'm not really all that entitled to what I really say about it cause I'm not the one thats breastfeeding. I just really don't care for it. To me they can do it as much as they want. They shouldn't get heavily fined for something that is natural. I mean my cousin April did it our living room when she visited us. It didn't bother me but that was mostly because I was upstairs playing video games. women who want to breastfeed all the power to ya.

[Jin]

Come now. Comparing breast feeding to masturbation is just silly. Let's keep our analogies grounded.

People are way too uptight sometimes. Breast feeding is just that, breast feeding. It isn't the prologue to Girls Gone Wild: Mothers Edition.

Besides, anything that shuts crying babies up should be completely legal.

[Furore]

Besides, anything that shuts crying babies up should be completely legal.

Exactly. And besides, they're not old enough to legally drink alcohol. Why ban any other form of baby refreshment?

But seriously, babies do need to be fed and looked after. And if someone doesn't want to see it then they can just look away. I'm pretty sure breast feeding pre-dates most belief systems in society.

It's something that can be essential. And as Jin said, yeah it can quiet down an otherwise rowdy baby. Breast Milk. Is there anything it can't do?

[T.G. Oskar]

I don't see a reason that it should be acceptable for a woman to whip out her tit in public, for any reason. Baby needs to be fed? That's what breast pumps and bottles are for -- or bathrooms. Mother's comfortable with it? If I'm comfortable masturbating in public, does that make it alright? Hey, if you don't like it, don't watch.

Uh, what does the most beautiful act on the world (a baby sucking the milk out of it's mother's teat) compares to masturbation? Choose a better analogy, boy.

Breast-feeding is a beautiful thing. Just see the baby all comfy and cute, getting fed by its own mother. That's the most beautiful act of motherly love.

But!!

Your thoughts made it something pervy? I mean, you aren't seeing the baby, you see the mother's teat? I mean, some mothers cover their teats out of respect for people, and people don't seem to mind. Actually, any mother would go to the other mother, and say "aww, how cute!!!"

So, drop that mentality as a favor to all of us, and think how beautiful is a mother giving nutrition to its baby. Not in...

Girls Gone Wild: Mothers Edition.

Also, Jin...completely agree with you. Pacemakers are legal, but do they keep the baby crying out when it's hungry? And will a mother just go to the bathroom to feed it's baby, when she has no more need to use it?

Let a mom feed its baby as it wants, not ashamed of her beauty and her pride. That's like saying a woman that she should not work, because people will think naughty thoughts of her. Which, I do expect and I believe, it's a better analogy than yours.

[FF Ace Cid]

Breast feeding wrong? Nonsense! It is a natural part of an infant's feeding cycle.

Come now. Comparing breast feeding to masturbation is just silly. Let's keep our analogies grounded.

People are way too uptight sometimes. Breast feeding is just that, breast feeding. It isn't the prologue to Girls Gone Wild: Mothers Edition.

Besides, anything that shuts crying babies up should be completely legal.

I agree with Jin. Bad analogies, don't go around saying those kind of things not expecting to fall on your face. If you don't like seeing a natural event of life, don't watch it. There's nothing to it.

[Sinister]

This is asinine. Just so you all know. I've been known to lend my opinion gracefully here or there without bias or prejudice and giving no one a hard time for their opinions. I shall break precedent here. Normally, I pride myself in being a well of indifference next to an ocean of apathy, but honestly people, grow some goddamn testicles and thicker skin.

What could you possibly have against something that doesn't concern you in the slightest? Something that you play NO part in whatsoever. It isn't a display unless you are too afraid you would gawk and make a total ass of yourself. A plentiful percentage of mothers choose not to breast feed ever, you need not persecute the few that do.

-Sin

[Unknown Entity]

I don't see a problem with breastfeeding in public, as long as the mother covers up a little bit. I have to agree with what Phantom said about the mother being more comfortable if she was doing the feed in her own home, and it being safer, but if the baby needs to be fed, it needs to be fed. Can't let the poor little thing starve right? Some have said something about a formula? What if the mother is dedicated to breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is alot better for the baby than feeding the baby formulas...

I agree with winterborn86 that if you are somewhat discusted by public breastfeeding, then don't look. The mother isn't putting up a show by feeding her baby - she's making sure her baba is fed. Look away if you are bothered! No one is asking you to watch.

I have no problem with, as long as the mother at least doesn't put her boobs on show, and uses a blanket.

I don't see a reason that it should be acceptable for a woman to whip out her tit in public, for any reason. Baby needs to be fed? That's what breast pumps and bottles are for -- or bathrooms. Mother's comfortable with it? If I'm comfortable masturbating in public, does that make it alright? Hey, if you don't like it, don't watch.

Ha, funny. BUT, masterbation is for your pleasure (ew! - doncha dare say: "But its natural!" cos i do think its natural, but not to be done in public - thats gross!)! Mothers don't breastfeed for pleasure or for themselves - its for the baby getting a good start in life.

[Chez Daja]

but if the baby needs to be fed, it needs to be fed.

That's exactly what I was going to say. Buuut... I would prefer it if a lady was to do it in her own home, or in a place that isn't totally packed with people. To be honest, I find it a little strange. I don't want to see some womans' tit, but as long as she covers some of it up and doesnt get her boobs right out there, I don't have a direct problem with it. I'll admit that in most cases, a woman is willing to cover up as much as she can, which is something I can respect.

That said, I would do formula. There's no way I'd ever let a baby latch onto one of my nips. Some babies' bite and that shit hurts. Especially if the baby wouldn't let go. Not speaking out of experience here... Just saying... >_>.

Boobies were made for breastfeeding, but um... They've been upgraded to be seen sexually, so it makes some people a little uncomfortable.

What could you possibly have against something that doesn't concern you in the slightest? Something that you play NO part in whatsoever. It isn't a display unless you are too afraid you would gawk and make a total ass of yourself. A plentiful percentage of mothers choose not to breast feed ever, you need not persecute the few that do.

This may be the only time that I will ever disagree with you, but as long as it is done publicly, it IS the business of those around. You don't see that everyday, and it is considered to many, as unnatural. It may be a natural process, but it isn't seen like that by the majority these days. Not to say I don't partly agree with you, I do, but a lot of people might not.

In the long run, I personally have no direct problem with it, as long as the mother isn't doing it right in my face, and her nipples are appropriately covered up. As Unkown Entity said, babies need feeding.

[Walter Sobchak]

Here is a tricky subject.

In and of itself, I would be for breast feeding in public. It is natural and is a harmless sight. In fact, children should see it so they understand some things about the world that they don't learn in school.

However, in the context of decency laws, it should be illegal. Nudity is nudity. The laws should be overturned, but a bare nipple is illegal in these circumstances.

[Sinister]

How is it indecent in anyway? Explain it to me in a manner that is logical in anyway and I will change my position and hail your greatness.

This is not masturbation, not a sexual act, no more nudity than when a man goes without a shirt and certainly more utilitarian and purposeful. The parent may have a strong reason why the infant is to be nursed in this manner, and even if they do not, it is their child. They can tend to it as they see fit just as you can avert your eyes and grow thicker skin.

And if it does offend, then explain how? What in particular is inappropriate?

Propriety is derived from context. So follow: The act of public breast feeding is indecent in which of the following ways:

• Because it is an intentional act to offend or provoke
• Because it encourages indecent behavior
• Because it is the source of psychological or physical harm to any member of the public

I put it to you that the only claim you can make with any lucidity is the third. And if this is your reason it should be illegal then I can produce a large list of public displays that cause the same amount of harm that are still perfectly legal.

-Sin

[draco]

I say that its alright for a women to breast feed thier child. I mean it's their child and they should be able to do anything they want with it because it came out of thier stoamc. and plus I don't think its really against the law and all for a women to breast feed in public. And plus I beleive that this is gods world and he created it to natrule and breast feeding is the natrule way to feed a baby and you have a problem with that then take it to a court.

[Chez Daja]

How is it indecent in anyway? Explain it to me in a manner that is logical in anyway and I will change my position and hail your greatness.

And if it does offend, then explain how? What in particular is inappropriate?

I wasn't sure whether this was quoted at me or to El Wray, or to whoever mentioned masturbation, but I'm going to answer anyway.

I only personally find it indecent if a woman is getting herself right out there. And yes, I have actually seen on two ocassions, two different women where they treated breastfeeding as if it was an invitation to practically open their whole shirt up and show everything off. I find that offensive and indecent, one of these two women wasn't even looking at her feeding child, or at the people she was with.

I find that inappropriate. Like I mentioned, all I'd like from breastfeeding women is a little bit of modesty. If you want you to shove your tit in your babies' mouth in public, it has nothing to do with me. If you want to get your tits out and and look at strange men whilst your child is practically hanging from you, it becomes something different and in my opinion, brings a lot of modest breastfeeders down.

I personally don't care too much, I just don't want women purposely making the act the center of attention because then it will obviously attract public attention.

[Koda]

Breast feeding is a natural thing for mother's to do. However, I do believe that if a woman is going to breast feed in public, she should at least cover herself and the baby with a light blanket or something. To me that is just respectful to others, especially the elderly who would have never even thought of breast feeding in public. It's just a matter of respect for others as well as yourself really. I mean, I don't want everyone looking at my chest when I'm feeding my child. I would prefer privacy myself. And you know that what I'm about to say is true.....if you are with your man, and he see's a woman breast feeding, you know dang good and well where his eyes are going to be...and it isn't going to be on the baby!!!! Come on....admit it!! And you are going to either punch him in the arm or smack him along side the head for doing it. That example alone is the reason I say mother and child should be covered in some way for privacy. It isn't meant to be a show....it's a mother nourshing her child....

[Fluffy]

I find it somewhat sad that we've come to the point that the body can be considered to be offensive or disgusting, especially in a situation like this.

I see breastfeeding as a beautiful thing, in much the same was as T.G. Oskar. I think the only indecent thing is the thoughts of others who find it indecent.

I can only guess that this problem comes from people finding breasts to be inappropriate to show in public, which I also find ridiculous. I don't think that's any more inappropriate than a man going without a shirt. If you want to argue sexuality, then breasts are really no more sexual than any other part of the body can be, as anything can be sexualized.

I do, however, agree, that the way things are now, it would be nice for mothers to cover up. But I don't think it should be mandatory. I think to suggest to a mother to go elsewhere when her baby obviously wants to be fed now is ridiculous. They could definitely prepare in advance by bringing a blanket or something, but sometimes things just don't go as planned. Maybe you forgot it.

Still, I think it should be okay for mothers to choose not to cover up.

[VictoriaValentine]

I don't see breastfeeding as BAD in public. If the baby is hungry you feed it I don't think that should be a problem. If a woman is running around showing her goods and NOT feeding a child then thats a problem.

[Govinda]

Here, in Scotland, there are television adverts which actively promote breastfeeding in public, aired at any time of day. The one that springs to mind is basically the camera wandering around a busy cafe at lunchtime, focussing on a toddler running around, and two female friends chatting. The camera pulls back and a voiceover asks 'Which one of them is breastfeeding?', at which point it shows one of the chatting friends at a different angle: she actually had a baby attached to her tit for the whole thing, but had cleverly hidden her modesty. The advert ends with something about encouraging breastfeeding.

I remember the first time I saw it. I was about five, and my auntie Sabine had come over from Germany with my cousin Ruby, who was only a few months old. I wandered into the spare room and found them there, Ruby happy as you like, Sabine staring out of the window, baby attached to nipple. I wasn't traumatised. I just asked Sabine what was going on, at which point she delicately taught me why women have boobs and men don't. I can still remember it clearly. Even then, it looked kind of beautiful. Mother and baby, both totally relaxed, getting on with their own thing at the same time. Yes, I did just say that. Moving on.

The only people who can be offended by breastfeeding are adults. Kids don't give a shit, and will accept it so long as you satisfy their curiosity with answers that they need to know anyway. I think it's natural and okay, even if it does look kind of weird half the time.

[dimmufan]

I like boobies ;-). Being a breast man I say let them do it. Ain't nothin better than a free peep show. j/k.............or am I?

But in all actuality, I really don't see anything wrong with it. Say the baby is hungry and won't stop crying, momma ran of out of Gerber, what is there left to do? Pop the shirt open and shut the kid up. People know that breast feeding is a natural part of life. Some people think it's kinda cute to see baby animals suckling at their momma's tit, so why should it be any different for humans?

[Itachi Uchiha]

I think that I adopt most people’s stance on this matter after reading some of these posts in that Breastfeeding is totally alright to do in public as long as the mother is modestly covered. To make some what of an extreme point, with the amount that is emphasised on Breasts in our current world I don’t see how this should be a problem. Not that I condone that point, it could be made as one. I mean, you can’t even open a newspaper over here without having a pair shoved in your face.

But like I said, that point is a bit extreme for myself. Still Breast-feeding is natural and good for the baby as I’m sure most people have said. All the children in my family have been and I’m sure when I was little I was bound to see this happen to some relative, ask about it and not be remotely phased by it due to it being a natural occurrence.

I like the idea that Pablo Honey has mentioned about the Scottish government advertising it to show that it is infact publicly acceptable. I don’t see why England shouldn’t use this advert as well.

[Lilium]

I see nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public. They're just giving nutrition to their babies, and they're helping them grow. It's just like baby food, it's only that, since breasts are viewed as a "private part", people don't necessarily take kindly to it when they're shown in the outdoors.

I don't see why people find it so disgusting. They're just breasts. So a baby is sucking on them. It's just feeding. It's a natural act and part of life. There's nothing offensive, obscene, or sexual about it, so I don't really see what the big deal is with it.

Society has gone downhill ever since it's started cracking down on obscenity and political correctness. Now the natural act of feeding a baby has become disgusting to people. It really is sad.

[Mr Spike]

Here, in Scotland, there are television adverts which actively promote breastfeeding in public, aired at any time of day. The one that springs to mind is basically the camera wandering around a busy cafe at lunchtime, focussing on a toddler running around, and two female friends chatting. The camera pulls back and a voiceover asks 'Which one of them is breastfeeding?', at which point it shows one of the chatting friends at a different angle: she actually had a baby attached to her tit for the whole thing, but had cleverly hidden her modesty. The advert ends with something about encouraging breastfeeding.

Really? I've never seen that advert at all........ I'l look out for it.

I don't, personally, have a problem with public breastfeeding, as long as it is done discreetly. I understand that babies need feeding and that some mothers feel that breatsmilk is better than bottle stuff. So fair deal.

I heard of one situation (i think it was on one tv program, if someone knows then do tell) where some woman was breastfeeding on a train, and changed the baby from one breast to another, but didn't put the other one away..... XD

That's a bit too far IMO. But funny at the same time.

[Dizz]

The day I see something like this happen will be the day I will seriously just die.
What has the world come to? A natural, beautiful thing has been turned into a nasty mistake in the eyes of most.

I seriously do not see what's wrong with it. I will agree that covering up would be a smarter choice, but who cares? No one is forcing you to look. Heck, if I was there, I'd go up to her and compliment her baby.

All I have left to say is:
What is wrong with people these days?

[Rikkuffx]

I dont think its a big deal. As long as the mother is showing any part of her breast/nipple I dont see the problem. If the kid is hungry its gotta eat.

[Pete]

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. I'd say there should be a respectful way to do it, like maybe putting a small blanket or something over the baby just to shut up any complainers. No offense to moms out there or anything, but if you're toting around all the other baby gear, a small blanket isn't asking much. Though, I would also agree that there are situations where it would be deemed appropriate and inappropriate. For instance, funeral= bad. Park= good. And if the kid has teeth and can chew solid food, then NO nipple for them. The creepiest thing I've ever seen, aside from tap dancing Bunny or whatever it's called, is that 8yr old who was sucking her mom dry.