Breastfeeding in public is a touchy subject that spawns a great deal of debate. Here are some unsystematic and uncomprehensive thoughts on the matter.
(1) Like just about everything, breastfeeding in public can be done in very poor taste. Most women are discreet, whether they use a blanket or not. I can recall seeing one woman nursing in a manner that seemed designed to show the maximum amount of herself for the greatest length of time. She is the exception and not the rule. For the purpose of the debate, let’s talk about average and not extreme.
(2) In every blog-comment debate on the subject I have read, someone equates breastfeeding with elimination and/or intercourse and says “those things are natural but we all know they should be done in private.” Those aren’t equivalent actions. Try again.
(3) My comfort level of nursing in public usually involves a blanket, but discretion in nursing in public (like many things) is not an exact science. Also, not all babies eat well under blankets and sometimes it is far too hot to use one. Many women I know do an excellent job of being very discreet without using a blanket. So, let’s not be legalists about how discreet breastfeeding looks.
(4) The weaker brother stumbling in scripture is hard for me to equate with breastfeeding, but I will give the benefit of the doubt to anyone who is avoiding the beach, the mall, television and printed media. Otherwise, the argument that my nursing under a blanket reminds men that I have breasts, which may make them stumble, seems a bit of a stretch to me.
(5) Sure, breasts are sexual and can be used to arouse men. But so are thighs. And lots of other body parts for that matter. We need to be conscious about the way we dress and how we expose ourselves. But, believe it or not, the primary function of breasts is breastfeeding.
Excellent post which sums up my thoughts exactly. Here in Arizona, I think there is a group trying to make it a ballot initiative to make breastfeeding not be a part of public indecency.
I also found a link for an article that references the cover the absurdities that surrounded it on the SuicideGirls newsfeed. Here is the link: http://suicidegirls.com/news/culture/17513/
Agreed with your post.
I breastfed all 5 of my children in public–with a blanket. I also agree that some gals are able to do it without a blanket, but I never could pull that one off too well. Don’t know it if was my wardrobe or what.
If breastfeeding under a blanket causes a guy to stumble, that guy has much bigger issues than the fact that I’m breastfeeding in front of him!!
Hear, hear!
I like to think that I’m pretty discrete when I nurse- usually I don’t use a blanket, but rather use my sling to offer some protection. If I put a blanket over my baby, I’d have a screaming baby, not very discrete at all. ;)
I actually have not been comfortable NIP with my new baby yet… we are still dealing with latch and supply issues, so I do appreciate a private place to retreat to. But I’m sure I’ll get more comfortable with time.
I was in a meeting with Hubby with several church elders, our pastor, and our missionary team leader. I had an eight week old. The eight week old went ballistic, it was a small room, I was not dressed the best for breastfeeding. Tense situation, turned my back to latch the baby on, and breastfed during the remainder of the meeting.
I was so thankful and relieved that the men in that room were accepting of breastfeeding, and not squeamish about the less-than-ideal situation. I was not made to feel unwelcome, the awkwardness of needing to breastfeed when I hadn’t planned on it, and the reality of infant needs were not dwelled upon or pointed out.
My estimation of them (and our church) went up significantly.
As a man, I agree with Kristen. For the record, I am not aroused by breastfeeding women. I like it and encourage it, but not due to my depraved, sinful tendencies. :)