This picture is absolutely amazing, it brought a tear to my eye. I am a total and complete supporter of breastfeeding, and these women are so amazing. Leave me your comments on what you think of this issue on breastfeeding in public
Photo courtesy of google images

           Lately I have been hearing from different moms and groups on face book about the issue of women breastfeeding their babies in public.  I don’t really know what the big deal is about this.  People get offended and disgusted because you are feeding a baby.  It’s a natural form of feeding and it is in no way disgusting.  We see half naked women all the time at the beach and no one gets offended.  I think that people need to get over it and understand that breastfeeding is not only a mothers choice, but it’s her right. 

            In my opinion, breastfeeding is a special time to bond with your baby, and there are going to be times when you have to feed your baby in public.  Sometimes when I take my little ones to the park, my daughter (9 months) gets hungry and I have to breastfeed her, so I do it.  At her doctor’s office the nurse told me that I could breastfeed in the bathroom.  Mind you the bathroom at her doctor’s office consists of a toilet and sink.  Yeah right.  I was not going to feed my baby there ever! I was appalled that a nurse would even say something like that to me.  As mothers we need to do what is convenient for us and our babies, and if your nursing they can become hungry at any time.  If you nurse past the six month mark, it actually gets easier because they are introduced to solids and snacks they can eat with their hands. Sometimes this will hold them off until you get home.  I love going to Babies R Us, because they have a mothers room.  A secluded place for you to feed your baby.  I think stores that sell baby products should have this option as well.  It makes it easy for mothers who are nursing to feed their babies in a comfortable environment. 

            I think that if you’re hungry, you eat.  So it’s the same thing for babies.  I am not a fan of pumping, personally.  It never really worked for me and my kids never liked the bottle.  It was time consuming and because I fed both of my kids on demand, it didn’t really complement my breastfeeding style.  So nursing in public was always an issue for me, especially with my first baby.  With my first baby I didn’t really know what to expect when it came to breastfeeding, so I would make sure I was covered and feed him whenever I had to.  No big deal.  No one said anything to me, but I was always embarrassed and I’m not sure why.  Now with my second, I still cover myself with a nursing wrap but I am not afraid or embarrassed to feed my baby at all.  I get angry when people tell me something or they look at me funny.  I don’t think that I am doing anything wrong by feeding my baby in public, especially if I am completely covered.  There are moms out there who prefer not to use covers and feed their babies whenever they want bare breast.  I say, do what you feel.  I think that is what is so great about this country.  We have the right and freedom to do what we want.  Breastfeeding mothers should have those same rights, regardless of a wrap or not.  I prefer to be covered up, because like I mentioned my nursing time is a special time for me and my baby and I don’t want people staring and allowing me or my baby to feel uncomfortable.  

            So the point is that if you need to breastfeed your baby, do it.  Don’t worry about others and if you do worry or feel uneasy about this then you can get a wrap or cover yourself with a blanket.  My opinion is to be confident in the decision you chose to breastfeed your baby.  It’s the best form of food for them and you are doing great.  Keep that confidence and you will be fine.  You can purchase wraps at places like Target and Babies R Us, they are affordable and easy to use and pack. 

            Thanks for stopping by, share this information with other breastfeeding mommies out there.  We have to support mommies of all types, and the choices they make for their babies and themselves.  Together we can keep striving for mommy success!! 🙂