Saturday, October 21, 2006

"Anyone breastfeeding in public should be arrested for indecent exposure."

I'm quoting someone's moronic opinion written to the editor of Baby Talk. The magazine got 8500 letters, most of them positive, in reaction to their Aug. 2006 cover which showed a mom nursing her baby (above). Funny thing-I got this issue and didn't think anything about the cover. Groundbreaking? Controversial? It didn't cross my mind-just a sweet baby eating. Well, in my Nov. issue, I saw the many letters to the editor and had to write something about it. Some people apparently thought the cover was immoral-one lady even called it "pornography."

Are you serious? So, I guess this rates right up there w/ the advertisements seen in the windows of Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie and Fitch, right? God, help us. The same small-minded individual who wrote the above quote also said, "Yes, it may be natural, but we have formula now." Oh, so, what you mean is, yes, it's been proven by all the medical experts (as if we needed their green light) that breast is best, not to mention more convenient and cost-efficent, but who cares? Just go buy some Good Start. What insane reasoning.

Do I breastfeed in public? Only when it's absolutely necessary. Why? Because I have a Circus Nurser-she doesn't just quietly latch on and remain peacefully sucking for 10 minutes. No, she likes to do tricks-sometimes she stands up and then sticks her hiney out-all the while nursing away. Sorry, a blanket doesn't cover that too well. Also she is easily distracted-if I tried nursing her in a public place, she would be more interested in all the people walking by than her source of nutrition. But most babies are not like ours. So to those moms who can do it in public w/no problem, good for you! Any woman I've seen BF, keeps herself covered-she's not trying to flash anyone, for Pete's sake.

As one woman wrote, "Personally, I prefer peace and quiet, but when it comes down to it, a hungry baby has absolute priority over someone's views about feeding in public. Does it bother you? Don't look. Do I get on your case when I see you stuffing your face with a Triple Whooper Deluxe with extra cheese?"

Love it.

Another Muslim lady commented how in Algeria when she nursed her daughter in public (covered by a khimar-"a head covering that also covers the chest")-no one thought anything of it. "And this was in a country where female modesty is cherished." Yet in the US, she got nasty looks. This just proves how backwards we are as a country to all things natural-including childbirth. But that's another blog in itself.

I actually found several other blogs that had addressed the August cover. One blog had many comments on it-all positive. My favorite was this woman's response, "With both children, I bf them whenever and wherever I happen to be - the mall, Cracker Barrel, McDonalds, or the library. Yes, I do get some 'looks', but I double dog dare anyone to approach me and ask me to feed my baby in the bathroom. Would you really eat your nice, juicy steak while sitting on the pot?"

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I always wonder how men really feel about it. Most women state that men think the breast are for them (know what I mean?). But to be honest, in my personal experience, I get more respect from men when I go out in public wearing a skit and when I nurse in public with or without a blanket to cover. They may look over at a glance at first but not again. They do not look offended more like "why doesn't my wife do that for our child?" kinda look. I don't know, maybe it is just me. I get the looks from other women... seems backwards to me. (by the way, I nurse during the church service as well... never had anyone say anything to me about it!)

Letisha

Laura said...

What a great idea-nursing during the church service. I never even thought about doing that, but it would be so much more covenient than walking down 2 flights of stairs and down a long hallway to the lonely nursing room (which has no TV, so I can't hear/see the preaching). We'd just have to sit somewhere relatively private, b/c like I said Boosie is a crazy nurser! :-) I'd be flashing people constantly if not.

Anonymous said...

Well he is starting to want to nurse and watch everything else as well. We shall see how long I can continue this. With Rachel I did for a whole year! But boys are more rambuctious and cannot miss anything. I really rather keep children in church than put them in the nursery. Just my personal feelings. I have not figured out how to keep them quiet between 1 and 2 years old. It has to be easier if that is all they know rather than going to the nursery and playing. Different topic for another time.
yeah,we sit towards the back corner when I nurse. Which reminds me, the church we went to in Greenville had the last row set aside for nursing mommies! I always thought that was great!
Letisha

Laura said...

wow-a row set aside for nursers-that it great! We don't put Ella in nursery either-many reasons, but one is the 2 times she's been in there, she's gotten sick. If you ever figure out how to keep them quite during church at this young age, let me know. Will or I just end up having to take her out after the music's over.

Anonymous said...

I am always happy to hear of others keeping their children in church to worship as a whole family! Let me know what words of wisdom you stumble upon while keeping Ella in church!

Have you read "Parenting In The Pew"? Really good book. Although she starts with the age of 4. She has good ideas on how to keep them listening to the sermon.

Letisha

Laura said...

no, I haven't. Will have to add that to my list of things to read. :-)
words of wisdom...if I ever get them, will be shared. :-)