Such a provocative title, but I assure you it’s nothing political. Just some thoughts I had on how uncomfortable this makes me and many others.
I breastfed with my daughter and when in the privacy of my own home I was all out with them, I could never imagine doing that outside of my home. I always covered my daughters face or went somewhere private. I definitely applaud those women who don’t give a damn if anyone sees and will pop one of her puppies out.
BUT–
When I see that I can’t help but look! I don’t gawk like a hawk, but it’s a bit uncomfortable for me because it’s your boob and a bit of the areola is peeking through. We women can just sit there with a garbage bag, but if just a bit from the top of your boob shows you will get stare upon stare.
Women are beautiful and of course there are those times where you can see a beautiful woman and appreciate them. You start to examine her; makeup, eyes, lips, hair, outfit, butt and yes even boobs. I’m not into women in that way, but we are all built in amazing ways we can’t help, but look at another gorgeous woman.
We can look at a woman breastfeeding and not think anything dirty or perverse, but that does not go for many. Many people out there think about sex constantly and they won’t think just because a child is hanging on your boob that it’s not sexy. Who knows what they’re thinking!
I think that’s why it’s uncomfortable for most people. We see a body part that’s not necessarily suppose to be all out there and we start thinking sex. We aren’t as comfortable or out there with certain body parts being exposed like other countries so it’s a shocker for most of us.
Breastfeeding in public has become such a hot topic for most people it’s crazy if you think about it. I say go for it if you must, but I don’t see such a big deal with covering up either. Catch 22? Before I get any hate comments, remember I did not say it was wrong just makes me uncomfortable…
Thoughts?
9 Comments
Andi
Jul 17, 2014 at 12:58 am. While I understand your point of view, that is all it is. Anything can be objectified and sexualized: shoes, hairstyles, painted toenails,etc.. I mean, how many men have the Sexy Librarian Fantasy? A respressed, restrained and shy woman, all buttons buttoned, long skirt, hair up, big geeky glasses hiding the face… beauty hidden away, a secret, that is what makes it enticing. Women ‘s breasts are objectified and sexualized. Human females are the only mammals that have fulltime breasts of noticeable size (most of us anyway) In our culture, breasts are multifunctional and have many labels including, but not limited to: mate bait (I think I made that up!), indicators of sexual maturity, enhancers or detractors of beauty, a badge and identifier of femininity, pleasure zones and nutrition centers for our offspring.
What many of us fail to understand (and this is my opinion), all of the sexy,dirty stuff with breasts is neccessary to fullfill their ultimate destiny to become a food factory. Problem is, we are so short sighted and selfish, we have put the goal in with the dirty stuff and made feeding our babies naturally, a shameful act. People brag about clean eating, organic gardening, no gmo’s but they are ashamed to feed their child naturally, in a public place, when that child is hungry. They allow people to shame them into stopping breastfeeding all together, publicly or privately, because “it’s time ” instead of letting the intuitive bond of mother and child guide that path. I applaude you for breastfeeding your child. It is not my place to judge where and when you do it. While breastfeeding can be a special, hopefully quiet, intimate time of bonding with your child, ultimately, it is chow time. I think it is unfortunate that many mothers who able, are ashamed and uncomfortable to feed their babies at their breast whenever and where ever the need arises. The more we hide it away, the more enticing it is. I feel we need to take our breasts back and stop letting society body shame us out of feeding our babies naturally.
Betsy
Jul 29, 2014 at 11:59 pmThat was beautifully written! I agree with you 100% society/life experiences is what makes me uncomfortable with it, but we need to stop letting society shame us. Well said Andi!
Fatima
Jul 14, 2014 at 3:28 pmI used to cover up. Then I realized I was just making it unconfortable for myself. A breast is meant to nurse your child, and that’s what I do.
Betsy
Jul 15, 2014 at 1:04 amYeah I definitely know what you mean. Good for you! Maybe one day I’ll get over it lol
Justin
Jul 14, 2014 at 3:11 amThanks for the revision, I appreciate it! 🙂
jackie
Jul 14, 2014 at 2:26 amFor another point of view on the subject of nursing in public please read this http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jenniferfitz/2014/07/breastfeeding-at-mass-yes-please/?utm_content=buffer20de5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Betsy
Jul 14, 2014 at 2:49 amHaha good read! I’ll make sure to wear that hard hat :p
justin
Jul 14, 2014 at 2:13 amI think its ridiculous how you could think for all men. Stereotype much? I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public, they have a right to feed their own child where and when they please. When I see that a woman is breastfeeding in public I dont think “oh look a boob.” it just gets to me that you label all men as perverse.
Betsy
Jul 14, 2014 at 2:46 amyou’re absolutely right! I didn’t even think of it in that way— I’ve revised 🙂