I breastfed my babies for nearly 200 months collectively. I frequently nursed in public areas (restaurants, stores, homes, parks etc), and was NEVER asked to stop by anyone. As far as I know, no one was ever offended - likely because no one could even tell what I was doing (and it wasnt even always due to a blanket). If I couldnt manage to be discreet (curious toddler stage, clothing challenges etc.), I nursed privately (dressing rooms at store, my car, a nursing mothers room); and I even used a criminal holding cell once when I had to go to court to dispute a ticket and my then-toddler was in a peek-a-boo stage while nursing. I always found everyone to be accommodating and helpful. I know that, while I had a good experience, not every single person is accommodating or friendly to nursing mothers; there are surely lots of bad experiences out there. But you would think that, if the general public opinion was SO anti-public nursing, out of my 200 months of breastfeeding, I would have at least experienced one incident of kickback. But none. Not even a frown. So when I hear people getting all freaked out about the supposed chronic infringement upon their right to nurse in public (like here moms.popsugar/Principal-Tells-Mom-More-Discreet-While-Breastfeeding-35291414), I have to wonder if there is more to it. Like, maybe the self-centered attitude that others should be forced to participate in our public nudity without any effort to be polite or loving in return. The school simply asked her to use a blanket or find a private place to nurse. They even confirmed the beauty of breastfeeding. However, the woman in this article interpreted this as shaming and bullying. Seriously? Note, I never forced others to participate in my private experience by exposing myself, so I dont think they felt like I was violating their space. I also didnt behave as though vendors or private businesses owed me a special room in which to nurse. Where in the world is this entitlement attitude coming from? Whatever happened to preferring others? I loved nursing and, now that my kids are mostly grown, I miss it! And I want young moms to have the same great experience I did, and to feel the same ease in nursing in public as I did. If youre having trouble with responses from friends, feel free to PM me and maybe I can help you figure out what is causing others to feel uncomfortable, and give you ideas on how to help you overcome the conflict!
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 21:38:49 +0000
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