Topic : 10/07 The Latest Debates

Discretion and Compromise. These two words seem to be missing from the hard-line "anytime anywhere." Everyone has behavior they use in public, and behavior they use in private.  

  

The idea that "my child is hungry, I'm going to feed him" doesn't fly; parenting includes teaching children "time and place" for activities. Infants need to eat often, go ahead and breastfeed in public, but general consideration and courtesy to others applies in all situations.  

  

Biological needs do not change the need to function in society. There are many bodily functions that we do not perform around others because it's not appropriate. Breastfeeding is acceptable, if done with some consideration for others. 

  

We share the world and public places -- let's act like it. 

I understand that it is every childs, as well as every humans, right to eat when hungry, however there is a very discreet way to feed a child if you are in public and you breast feed. I've always heard of a tool called a "breast pump". How come no breast feeding mother's are using these? What happens if you're at work, and the childs care taker calls because you have a hungry child? Do you run to the sitters to feed him/her, or have you already pumped it, and it's there for them? Why not take advantage of a breast pump before you are going to be going out into public with the child?

If parents would take an active role in the lives of their kids. I am not for or against this issue. We need to deal with this issue on a case by case basis. You should know your child well enough to decide whether or not they should have birth control.

Yes breast feeding is natural and I am a mother of 2 and I think breast feeding mothers should be discrete in public. Sex is also very natural but I don't do that where everyone can see it either. People associate breasts with sexuality whether you use it as a feeding tool or not. My son is reaching pre-teen and an exposed breast would be embarrassing for him. Tell a 14 yr old boy not to look at it YEAH RIGHT! What do you say to a man who's dining out with his girlfriend who can't help but to stare? It's just a sensitive topic. Cover up! You can bond with your baby and avoid making a spectacle of yourself by exposing your breasts....unless breast feeding women like the attention.

I think that it would be decent and totally appropriate if breastfeeding mothers would cover up with a blanket or something while they breastfed.  I don't think that they have to leave but I don't think it is appropriate to need to expose the breast -- especially if there are easy and convenient ways to do otherwise.  There is absolutely no reason why doing this much should be such a big issue.  It does not affect the bond between the mother and the child nor does it affect the convenience of breastfeeding to just cover up. 

  

Personally, what bothers me about exposed breastfeeding in public is the fact that bodily fluids are actively flowing out through someone's body in front of me.  In no other situation would this be considered appropriate or sanitary in a public situation. 

 

  

I don't understand what's so hard about settling this issue. There is a win-win.  I breast fed my child, but when I knew I was going to be in public for more than an hour, I would use my breast pump to prefill a couple of bottles.  If she got hungry, I'd give her the bottle and everyone wins--my child is fed a healthy meal when she needs it and no one has to cringe in discomfort.  I know some women feel that you shouldn't alternate between bottle and breast and ideally, I agree.  But in special circumstances, you should and/or have to, like when your child goes to Daycare or the babysitter, you can't send your breast--you send bottles.  And to cover the last possible argument-- there's no risk is losing a 'nurturing-bonding' moment with your child by not breastfeeding in public.  You'll have plenty of those throughout his/her lifetime!

Considering the styles of the day, and women of all ages and shapes wear them, I can't see any big deal about breast feeding in public. 

If the breast is somewhat exposed, so what?  There's a lot more exposed at the Mall, at the supermarket and anywhere else you might want to go.  

  

If someone is offended by the sight of a nursing mother, overly exposed or not, the offendee has issues.   

  

  

I am so suprised about peoples reactions to breast feeding - its the most natural thing God created - the people who have a problem with it are the ones that stare at the nursing mother!!! Others just seem to go about their business. 

  

  

I have 4 well behaved children.  My husband and I feel it is especially important that they behave in public.  I am not afraid to take my children to a "nice" restaurant or a wedding, church service or any other place.   Children do misbehave, including mine, it needs to be dealt with quickly and appropriately.  The only time it is appropriate to correct someone else's child is if they are causing harm to your personal property.  You wouldn't let an adult cause harm to your personal property would you?  I have found most people that feel it is ok to correct someone else's children most likely does not have children of their own.