Public Breastfeeding

Nurses General Nursing

Published

In a discussion I had with my brother in law today (who is a future nurse!), I learned he is uncomfortable with public breastfeeding unless there is a blanket involved. I know some folks wouldn't even like it with a blanket! I strongly feel that, as nurses, we should be doing what we can to support and advocate for breastfeeding and shed it in a positive light. I couldn't believe that a health care professional would feel differently. Obviously, this is coming from the United States (sigh).

I'm someone that usually works to make people feel comfortable in situations, but if my baby needs to be fed and some guy doesn't like it, well then he doesn't have to look! My baby comes first. That's how I feel about it. Guys will say that we shouldn't expose our breasts because they are too sexual, then agree that breastfeeding isn't sexual, but still say that we should hide it.....I cannot follow the circular reasoning.

I want to raise sons who know that breasts, as sexually appealing as they may be to them when they are older, are made to feed babies. That a uterus carries babies and lady partss birth them. I believe that this gives men a truer, deeper respect for women and for all human beings ... our bodies are not just sex objects! I saw a funny T-shirt that said -- Breasts: Not just for selling cars anymore!

I wanted to see what other nurses thought about this, on a personal level as well as a public health level.

How does your BIL feel about women in tight sweaters, low-cut blouses, snug tee-shirts showing the nipples and such? Seems like that is just taken for granted nowadays, while the natural function of the breasts - to nourish babies, is looked at as somewhat obscene. What a screwed up point of view!

And, although I do feel it most women would want to be tasteful, and not flaunt their breasts while feeding, it certainly would be nice if children were raised to think of breastfeeding in public as natural, and not something to gawk at or snicker about.

As far as being 'grossed out' by a woman breast feeding in full view of others eating in a public restaurant, ya wanna know what grosses me out? Seeing teenagers bent over and half their butt crack showing over the low cut pants they choose to wear. But I'm told that is stylish!

In Saudi Arabia, where many (if not most) women cover their faces, breastfeeding in public doesn't raise an eyebrow.

Amen, sister! Victoria's Secret - ok. Girls gone wild - ok. Network tv that borders on soft Media - ok. Using a breast to feed a baby - obscene. What's wrong with this world?

I think people should be able to breastfeed in public. My 4 children were breastfeed and my wife often had trouble with people. Some even told her that she was disgusting. My wife is very private and would hide in corners and always cover with a blanket but still people would walk right up and scowl or say things to her. That has to stop, people should just mind their own business.

As for the idea of separating sexual from natural/maternal. As some may know I am both a man and an L&D nurse. I make that separation everyday. I have taught many women to breastfeed and don't think twice about the things I see while at work. That being said when I do see a women breastfeeding uncovered in public it does make me a bit uncomfortable. I would never say anything to them nor do I think it's wrong.

It makes me uncomfortable because inevitably the site causes a reflexive double take and then after that I make myself not look back in that direction. This isn't because I find it offensive or sexual but it just takes a second for my brain to register what's going on, as it isn't something one sees everyday. I always worry that I will make them uncomfortable or that they might think I'm checking them out.

I know there are people who have don't approve of breastfeeding at all and some who consider it something to be done behind closed doors. Still I have to wonder if some of the reactions aren't just people feeling awkward and not knowing what to do. I also wonder if my awkwardness has made some people think I disapproved of their actions.

Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.

I was actually asked to go to the bathroom to nurse my son once while in a public setting. I refused and pointed out that my son was hungry, nobody could see anything and the bathroom had no place for me to sit to feed him other than the toilet! I'm afraid I made an enemy but by this time I was used to the rolling eyes, the quick exits, and the shocked gasps and stares. He was my 4th baby and I had already decided long ago that I would not assist anyone in their ignorance anymore. I nursed my hungry baby and then got up and continued my errand. :) I really would like to see this become more of the norm in our society. I'm afraid we have a long way to go, though.

I ran into this problem a lot because I never used a blanket when I was nursing in public. My babies got hot and would pull blankets off - that left me much more exposed than if I just discreetly put them on and let my shirt cover everything up to their faces and bellies - which covered the rest. I finally found a great sling that I could put my second baby in to nurse that was just great! It gaped open at the top so it did not feel like I was smothering my baby, but no one could see in unless they were looking from directly over the top. Also great because I could now nurse on the go! Yup, talk about multi-tasking. I have nursed my son in the checkout of the grocery store and no one was the wiser. People just think you are cuddling your sleeping baby!!! Works for me!

Specializes in MICU.

I breastfed my son whenever he was hungry- @ home, out on errands, etc. Sometimes, I was more comfortable going to my car to nurse him because the seats were so comfy! But, usually, I would stop what I was doing, sit down, and feed my son.

I was @ a small toy store once, and sat in the rocking chair that they provided for that, and started nursing my baby. My sister looked around and said, "Is it ok to do that here, like out in the open?" I laughed and replied,

"Actually, I think I would get into more trouble if I didn't feed my baby!"

I think people are just uncomfortable alot of times because they are not used to seeing breastfeeding in many public settings. I always did what I needed to do and I never really had a problem at all. :-)

S

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

I breastfed my son and wouldn't have considered not using a blanket. It always somewhat surprises me that some women don't. But honestly, people who are uncomfortable with it just need to get over it. The onus shouldn't fall on the woman to accommodate society's hang ups.

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.
This issue always makes me think of that movie, "Meet the Fokkers":chuckle

It is ironic to me that America can accept sexual undertones in almost every product ad, explicit language on tv, violence, etc.....but then frown upon public breastfeeding as being preverse or unnatural.

It also amazes me that we have teenagers (or even worse, adults) parading around with their bra straps and/or underwear showing, and middle aged men and women showing up at the beach in bathing suits for which they are incredibly, er, unsuited, and no one seems to bat an eyelash. God forbid a woman should show a bit of skin whilst nourishing her baby, though.

Specializes in ER.

Feed that baby, anywhere you like. It is foolish that adults cannot have a more mature attitude. That said, I think a light cover after the baby is latched on will prevent a lot of discomfort for passersby.

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

It is ironic to me that America can accept sexual undertones in almost every product ad, explicit language on tv, violence, etc.....but then frown upon public breastfeeding as being preverse or unnatural.

True.

I support breastfeeding. I breastfed my twins for one month before my supply just couldn't handle the demand. :/

I do agree though that as much as breasts are natural, they are still a sexual object of desire in our society so I support breastfeeding but with discretion. I believe it should be done discreetly.

Yes, while there are sexual undertones throughout our society, MOST of the time we have a choice on whether or not we'll watch that show, listen to that music or play that video game. If I'm sitting in a restaurant, I suddenly DON'T have a choice if a woman is breastfeeding quite openly, in other words without a blanket. This I think is why there was such a stir when Janet Jackson had her wardrobe malfunction; it wasn't that it was a breast, it was that viewers weren't warned and didn't have a choice. And it was during a show that would not be expected to have a bare breast showing. And that i where I agree. I don't want my choices taken away from me.

So..breastfeed away, and more power to you as I wasn't able to for long. But I believe you should be discreet about it.

I nursed all of my babies wherever I needed to. I chose to wear nursing clothes with the discreet openings. My babies didn't like the hot blankets either. I would just find a quiet spot so my baby wouldn't be disturbed and feed her. My husband was a little leary in the beginning, but he realized that no one could even tell what I was doing. He totally supported the breastfeeding. The only person I ever had a problem with was my father in law. He would make rude faces and huff out of the room. I think he quickly got over it after having 6 grandchildren in 5 years and ALL of them were breastfed. Even his own daughter would nurse her little one in front of him. I think it was great! My dad was always very supportive even though my mother never breastfed me. I always say, if you don't like what someone is doing, just don't look. Works for me!

I fully support nursing in public...no discretion necessary. Not every baby goes along with the "be discreet" idea. Do what's best for you and the baby. Cover up or don't cover up. That should be based on you & your baby's comfort, NOT a passerby.

I nursed in public, and if my kids weren't tired, they wanted NOTHING to do with a blanket on their heads.

Specializes in Critical Care.
I finally found a great sling that I could put my second baby in to nurse that was just great! It gaped open at the top so it did not feel like I was smothering my baby, but no one could see in unless they were looking from directly over the top. Also great because I could now nurse on the go! Yup, talk about multi-tasking. I have nursed my son in the checkout of the grocery store and no one was the wiser. People just think you are cuddling your sleeping baby!!! Works for me!

I would love to find out where to get one of these. My son's GF is pregnant and I think this would make a great baby shower gift for her. :balloons:

+ Add a Comment