Turn a Kind Eye to Breastfeeding in Public
Filed Under Mom Talk |
When my son was little, I was out with two friends at a coffee shop. I discretely put my son to the breast for a feed. He was a little fussy and so he attracted some attention from other patrons. Their glares instantly made me feel tense. I knew in my head it was ridiculous. I was providing the absolute best nutrition in the most natural possible way for my son, but the disapproving looks and head-shaking made me feel like a criminal. One of my friends who did not have children suggested I bring a cover-up next time to make “everyone feel more comfortable.” Her comment made me feel even worse.
Research consistently points to the hundreds of health, intellectual, and social benefits of breastfeeding for baby. In fact, according to this research, by breastfeeding my child I actually helped those judging people in that coffee shop by lowering the drain on healthcare, creating a potentially smarter child, and reducing environmental waste.
Public campaigns promoting breastfeeding shouldn’t only be targeted at new moms and moms-to-be, but to all members of society so that nursing in public doesn’t make moms feel like they are doing something wrong. If it bothers you to see a mother breastfeeding, try to think of how her choice actually helps your world, and then smile and turn back to your magazine or conversation and leave her in peace.
Cheers,
Andrea Page
