Replies to '10/07 The Latest Debates'

Dr. Phil,

I am the mother of a 3-month-old breastfed baby boy, and I am disappointed at the quality of argument put forth on the subject of breastfeeding in public.  I also think this is a subject that could use more time and attention, and it would be nice to hear the opinion of your wife, Robin.

Dr. Phil, I am very proud of myself for following through with breastfeeding my son, because I heard so many horror stories from women who gave up after a few weeks.  I had read books about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies and was determined to do the best I could for my child.  The support from friends, family, and most of all, my husband, was what has enabled me to be successful.

This is why I am upset about the lack of valid arguments from both parties:

The woman who advocated breastfeeding in public did not support her reason why it should be all right.  Her major point was that she had the right to do it, so if anyone had a problem with it, they should get over it.  While I agree with her, can anyone take you seriously if that is your main argument and attitude?

 The woman who took the side against breastfeeding in public had some of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard.  Ranking highest were that "some people don't find it as attractive as the mothers do", "You have to take your shirt off to do it", and that "it is the same as someone exposing their behind in public".  She never even answered the main question that you asked two or three times:  "What don't you like about it?”  All she kept saying was that it is not attractive to some people.  Those arguments were not even worth that short time spent on the subject.

I have always been accused of being a "prude" or "uptight", and that is what makes my letter unique.  The closest I have been to breastfeeding in has been on an airplane while my husband held a blanket over me.  Whenever I see a mother nursing in public, I have been so envious because I wish that I could be confident in my ability to be discreet and modest.  Every two to three hours I am constantly looking for a bathroom, trying to get to the car, or interrupting a meal to nurse my son, all because I don't want someone to be offended.

Recently, while shopping with my brother and my mother, there was no bathroom available, so I went to the car.  I was still feeding my son when my brother came back and started to carry on a conversation.  Only when my mother told him that I was nursing did my brother become uncomfortable simply because it was his sister's breast that was involved!  He had no clue what I was doing.

It was then that I realized that I could be discreet and if someone has a problem with the way I have chosen to feed my son, turning the other way is much easier than me, with my son and diaper bag in tow, going to the bathroom.  I'd like to see some of those people sit up straight on a toilet with no lid holding a 15 lb. baby up to their chest for 20 minutes, and then do that every two hours.  I believe that might change their tune.

Dr. Phil, please consider doing a more in depth piece on this subject and pick some people who can take a stand for their side on this issue.

Sincerely,

Robyn
Mansfield, OH

Dr. Phil,

I am the mother of a 3-month-old breastfed baby boy, and I am disappointed at the quality of argument put forth on the subject of breastfeeding in public.  I also think this is a subject that could use more time and attention, and it would be nice to hear the opinion of your wife, Robin.

Dr. Phil, I am very proud of myself for following through with breastfeeding my son, because I heard so many horror stories from women who gave up after a few weeks.  I had read books about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies and was determined to do the best I could for my child.  The support from friends, family, and most of all, my husband, was what has enabled me to be successful.

This is why I am upset about the lack of valid arguments from both parties:

The woman who advocated breastfeeding in public did not support her reason why it should be all right.  Her major point was that she had the right to do it, so if anyone had a problem with it, they should get over it.  While I agree with her, can anyone take you seriously if that is your main argument and attitude?

 The woman who took the side against breastfeeding in public had some of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard.  Ranking highest were that "some people don't find it as attractive as the mothers do", "You have to take your shirt off to do it", and that "it is the same as someone exposing their behind in public".  She never even answered the main question that you asked two or three times:  "What don't you like about it?”  All she kept saying was that it is not attractive to some people.  Those arguments were not even worth that short time spent on the subject.

I have always been accused of being a "prude" or "uptight", and that is what makes my letter unique.  The closest I have been to breastfeeding in has been on an airplane while my husband held a blanket over me.  Whenever I see a mother nursing in public, I have been so envious because I wish that I could be confident in my ability to be discreet and modest.  Every two to three hours I am constantly looking for a bathroom, trying to get to the car, or interrupting a meal to nurse my son, all because I don't want someone to be offended.

Recently, while shopping with my brother and my mother, there was no bathroom available, so I went to the car.  I was still feeding my son when my brother came back and started to carry on a conversation.  Only when my mother told him that I was nursing did my brother become uncomfortable simply because it was his sister's breast that was involved!  He had no clue what I was doing.

It was then that I realized that I could be discreet and if someone has a problem with the way I have chosen to feed my son, turning the other way is much easier than me, with my son and diaper bag in tow, going to the bathroom.  I'd like to see some of those people sit up straight on a toilet with no lid holding a 15 lb. baby up to their chest for 20 minutes, and then do that every two hours.  I believe that might change their tune.

Dr. Phil, please consider doing a more in depth piece on this subject and pick some people who can take a stand for their side on this issue.

Sincerely,

Robyn
Mansfield, OH