It’s Just a Breast: Why Public Breastfeeding Is NBD

It’s Just a Breast

It’s completely infuriating, but of no surprise, to hear that many conservative men don’t like the idea of women breastfeeding in public—but when I read a recent study of women (specifically young mothers, pregnant women, and women trying to conceive) and their thoughts on public breastfeeding, my head nearly exploded. Although 95 percent of these women said breastfeeding in public is totally fine, almost half of them also said that it’s best for women to cover up while doing so.

This is completely bonkers. I mean, let’s talk real facts here: Breastfeeding can be hard enough as it is. It’s actually painful for many women, and it’s a very rare baby who will feed calmly while draped by some blanket or shirt. Would you want to eat your supper with a blanket over your head? I somehow don’t think so.

Yes, I’ve heard the argument that women’s breasts are “private parts” (full disclosure, I hate that term, but for lack of a better phrase, I’m using it here) and that to have them exposed in public is indecent, but I’ll counter that by pointing out that men walk around bare-chested all the time in the summer (or in California and Florida, practically year round) and nobody bats an eyelash.

Plus, can someone explain to me what it is that’s so upsetting about seeing a boob? Especially when a baby’s head is covering much of it anyway?! I mean, it’s just a boob. If you don’t want to look at it, then don’t. But don’t tell me that seeing a woman breastfeeding is going to corrupt your innocent children. They probably were breastfeeding not that long ago, and one day in the future, they may be breastfeeding their own child or helping their partner as she nurses. It’s not some big secret—it’s natural, normal, and completely non-sexual.

I’ve also heard the argument that women don’t want their boyfriends or husbands to see a woman’s bare breast as she nurses her child—because it might turn him on or give him “ideas.” To that, I say (pardon my language, but seriously) What. The. Hell. First off, if he really, truly wants to see some jubblies that aren’t yours, I’m pretty sure his preferred tactic isn’t taking another lap around the park in case the sleep-deprived mom from down the street is on a bench with her boob out. No, no, no. If he truly wants to look at breasts, he’s going to turn to the internet and Google. Secondly? If you’re so threatened by the sight of a woman feeding her child, you might want to think of why. Could it be that your partner has given you reason to distrust him in the past? If so, isn’t he the one you should be reprimanding instead of random women just trying to feed their little ones without being sequestered in their homes all the time? Yes. The answer is yes.

Our society has a long way to go when it comes to respecting moms and the pressures motherhood puts on women—and the best thing we can do as women is to support each other instead of reinforcing this culture of shame and secrecy.

What do you think? Do you breastfeed in public? Do you cover up or did you? How did it make you feel? Did you ever get any unwanted attention or comments from friends, family, or even strangers? Tell me all about it in the comments.