Spinoff from Theresa's Post, Do you think its ok for women to breast feed in public.

This is my opinion..I feel that they should go somehwere discretley. I was in a restuarant, and the woman was breastfeeding at the table. Come on...go in the bathroom.
I know it is nature, but so is going to the bathroom, and I dont pee in front of others.

I know this is a very touchy subject, but I've always felt that nursing is something that should be done in total privacy. I know it's not always possible; I mean, if you have to feed your child then you have to feed your child. But, I really don't feel comfortable seeing women nurse their children in public, even if they cover up. That's just my feelings on the issue. FH is a little disappointed that I don't want to nurse; I may pump and then use a bottle since I do believe that breast milk is healthier for the baby, but no way is a child ****ing on my boob! Sorry, it's just not for me. Don't mean to offend anyone. This is just my personal choice


Ha! S u c k got censored!

Girls, with all due respect, I DO AGREE that it should be done discreetly, and the woman should cover up to respect the 'rights' of others that might feel uncomfortable (our society needs to lighten up )

Diane, the bathroom? we discussed this already on this thread, and if you mention that on a BFing message board, you might get breastmilk thrown at you (Actually theyd NEVER so much as waste as ounce of their golden liquid, LOL)

Anyway, just to give you guys an idea, I think you should follow a BFing mom around and every time she had to nurse, YOU should go to the bathroom yourself and stay there till she's done. You'll get real sick of the bathroom real quick and see how absolutely wrong it is for them to have to hide away all the time. Its not right. Discreet yes. Leave the room no.

I know if I was breastfeading, I would have to leave the room.
Especially if you are in a restuarant. Not at the table in front of others.

I guess this question can never be fully answered unless you are a BTDT BFing mom (or atleast tried). You will never know or fully understand all the aspects of the beautiful thing we have been selected to do for our offspring.

I would probably not BF that openly at a restaurant, or if I has mastered it as well as Karen , and I could be that discreet about it, I probably would. If the woman is comfortable, I think a little tact and she's fine. She should enjoy her meal at the table with everyone else.

I have never seen a mom with her boob totally OUT. I think 'boob hanging out' is also something that we say based on what we think is too much exposure. Nursing bras remain ON when youre nursing. How exposed was this woman?

Anna, she was sitting in the funeral parlor chair with her shirt unbuttoned, nursing bra flap down, BOOB OUT.

Courtsey of the LaLecheLeague.org

BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC
Mothers have a right to breastfeed where they go with their baby, even if that is out in public. It does not matter whether the mother goes to a public or a private place, or even whether they are in a state with legislation. No one has the right to tell a mother how to feed her baby, especially a way that increases the risk of illness to both mother and baby! Legislation has been enacted in nearly one-half of the states in the U.S. because they want to clarify this right, and in some cases, provide a remedy for mothers told to stop breastfeeding. It is hoped that legislation will help to change society's attitudes that breastfeeding is something indecent and should not be done in public. Underlying this, is the goal to increase the rates and duration of breastfeeding recognizing that this is an important health choice that must be encouraged.

Babies need to be breastfed on demand, and mothers should not feel pressured to use bottles. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies do not need to have bottles or pacifiers, and even if a mother wants to use these, they are contraindicated until breastfeeding is well established. Early introduction of bottles or pacifiers can put the breastfeeding relationship at risk, as the baby can develop nipple or bottle confusion, often resulting in the baby not being able to correctly nurse. If this happens, the baby may wean, or have such serious difficulties that the mother may need to seek professional help. Would we want even one mother or baby to have an increased risk of illness just because someone doesn't want to see it? Also, using bottles takes away from the convenience of breastfeeding, as the breast it is always ready and available, at the perfect temperature, with no preparation needed. No breastfeeding mother should be told that she should have to use bottles, anymore than a bottle feeding mother should be told that she should be breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an act of nurture, not something to be hidden. Mothers should be allowed to choose for themselves how they want to feed their baby, and our society should not discourage their choice, especially when it is one that benefits all of us.

It is important to remember that women have a right to breastfeed in public whether there is a law or not. The purpose of legislation is NOT to legalize it, but to clarify the fact the fact that women have the right to breastfeed in public, or that it is not a criminal offense, such as indecent exposure. Thus, if you are in a state that does not have legislation, you still have the right to feed your baby where you go. Breastfeeding legislation often exempts breastfeeding from any criminal statutes, such as amending an indecent exposure or nudity law. More progressive legislation creates a new law that sets forth a woman's right to breastfeed. Some of the laws provide mothers with legal recourse if they are told to stop breastfeeding, such as New York, which has the strongest law in the nation, where a right to breastfeed as one of a person's civil rights was created.

Not only have states enacted legislation, but various cities and counties have amended ordinances, or enacted laws that protect breastfeeding. One of the most notable is the City of Philadelphia, which submitted an ordinance in 1996 that not only prohibited discriminating against breastfeeding mothers, but also prohibited segregating breastfeeding mothers. In response to other states considering allowing establishments to tell mothers where they can breastfeed, they enacted this law to make it clear that such acts are segregation. In 1999, a federal law was enacted that ensures a woman's right to breastfeed her child anywhere on federal property that she has a right to be with her child. As the legal system continues to recognize and encourage breastfeeding, a message is sent to the public at large that breastfeeding is an important issue; one that has an impact on our lives and the futures of our children. But society's views and taboos are not easily changed. Legislation that recognizes the importance of breastfeeding is just one step toward helping our society become more supportive of breastfeeding.

well, lets just say she was NOT wearing a nursing bra.
It was inappropriate.
Im not condoning BF. I was considering it myself, still not sure, but that just really turned me off, and I thought if I ever do that, I will just get up and leave the table if I had to, rather look like what this woman did.

kptoys..Im NOT against BF, so dont think Im attacking you for some reason, I just felt the way this woamn displayed herslf was not appropriate.

Diane - No attacking just opinionating I think BF should be allowed anywhere a parent is allowed to be with her child, even in a restruant, BUT I think the mother should cover her exposed breast.

Wow who would of thought this post would have gottne so many rfesponses.

Great point of views

I have NO problem with it!!

Whenever I needed to do it out in public I always covered myself & the baby w/ a blanket!

Amen to everything Anna and Karen said!

Irene, I do not know you, but I will venture a wild guess that you might change your mind about that the minute you have a child - if only for the reason that you cannot be a hermit for an entire year or more, just so you can BF your child! JMO.