Topic : 10/07 The Latest Debates

I strongly disagree with the Mom on the show arguing for breastfeeding in public and I wish I could have been there to ask her a question.  She said that she can do it anywhere, anytime, and she doesn't give a hoot if anyone is strongly offended.  What I would like to know is this:  If she is in a classy restaurant with 100 other people, all who are at least slightly uncomfortable with public breastfeeding... is she saying that all 100 people should get up and leave just because one person wants to whip out her breast and feed her child at the table?  I'm sorry- have some consideration for the public.  If you are making more than one person uncomfortable and there is something you can do about it, then do it.  Most bathrooms these days have chairs or couches... sit there while you do it.  Go to your car.  Bring a bottle with you when you know you will be in public.  Put a blanket over yourself.  There are so many options.   

Yes I know it's natural to breastfeed- but people are grossed out when men scratch their genitals in public.  Scratching is a totally natural thing to do- the fingers are made to scratch just as the breast is made to feed.  If you can breastfeed, they should be able to scratch their genitals. 

What about the young children around? We are trying to teach them modesty and respect, yet a ten year old boy, just becoming curious about the opposite sex, should have to see a woman with her breast exposed?   

You want to breastfeed, that's your decision and I respect it.  Do it at home, do it in the car, do it in the bathroom, do it in the back of the room or someplace where you aren't in full view.  Be modest and respectful. 

Firstly,  whether the American culture has sexualized breasts or not..it is still America..and if you prefer another culture..move!   

I read several posts that stated these women are breast feeding up and beyond ages2 and 3.  That is just ridiculous,  and mommy has issues! 

Also,  breastfeeding is only as healthy as the mother.  So,  if you are eating chips and drinking wine,  or taking aspirin,  eating anything but organic veggies..and all other foods less the pesticides and steroids found in most grocery store items..then you aren't doing ANY child ANY favors!  You are loading them up with carcinogens!  Breastmilk is an immune booster for only the first few hours after birth when the milk contains collostrum.  After that..your own health needs to be assessed for breastmilk to be beneficial to a child. 

And ladies..NOBODY wants to see your boobs unless you are dancing in a strip club.   

Again..this is America..love it or leave it! 

I dont want you to see my BOOBS. And you are very ignorant on breastmilk as well. You should read up. Breastmilk is made specifically for your infant. Do you drink cow's milk??? Did you ever consider the fact that it is made for baby cows?? Not for humans. Breastfeeding any infant is far better than formula feeding. Not to say that a drug addited mother should brestfeed, dont get me wrong. And a little glass of wine every once in a while will not hurt the baby either.  Not to say that an alcholic should brestfeed either. But breastmilk is using the mother's reserves for making milk not taking in new food everyday to produce. And most humans do have enough reserves in there stores to make suitable milk, of course unless youve been anorexic or bulimic or have some other servere problem. 

 You act as if we all want to go around showing our boobs and that is not it at all, you are making it into that issue. I am feeding my child nothing more nothing less. NOt trying to show my boobs nor flaunt my boobs. I would also like to say that if this was a debate about women showing to much cleavage in public and you were stating I dont want to see your breasts, wouldn't someone say you have a jealousy issue?? Maybe that is the issue here as well. My fist daughter had a brain injury due to her birth and I was told by my neurosurgeon to breastfeed, and it was hard I had to pump exclusivly  because she wouldnt latch on. I did this for 6 months, around the clock every3 hours on the dot, until my milk dried up. Partly from stress and partly because of exclusivly pumping. I did this for the good of my child and the health of my child, but if I could have feed her naturally I would have in a minute and anywhere she needed it. I would never tell someone they couldnt brestfeed in public and you women should be ashamed of yourselves doing so, you are discouraging some mothers to do the most natural thing in the world. 

I love watching a breastfeeding mother/child pair.  I spontaneously smile at the bonded pair.  I become warmed with a nice, comfy, fuzzy feeling.  It's almost as if I can feel the love and nurturing the mamma and baby are sharing.  The feeling is natural and spontaneous.  I don't usually put much thought into it, but when I do think about it, the depth of my contentment grows.  I know that today's children are our future leaders.  Breastfeeding is a wonderful source of comfort, nurturing and security.  I find safety and security in the thought of my future leaders being adult children of nursing mothers.  We hear alot about adult children of disfunctional parents.  Let's spend some time thinking about adult children of breastfeeding mothers.   

I obtain even more comfort from breastfeeding research.  Science has demonstrated that breastfeeding is not only the best food for babies, it is also good preventive "medicine" for moms and babies and is associated with lower risks of disease for both babies and for mothers.  Many are aware of the reduced risks of childhood infections for the breastfed baby.  Few are aware that breastfeeding also is good for mamma's health.  Take breast cancer, for example.  Nursing drastically reduces the risk of premenapausal breast cancer.   

When I see breastfeeding in public, I see happy, secure children; I see healthier moms; and I see lower health care costs. 

Michelle Breen 

Illinois