When I was breastfeeding my own children, I felt like I had an awareness of what was socially acceptable. When nursing in public, I usually would turn and hide us while my baby latched. I didn’t want people to see my breast anymore than they did! Once baby was latched, I pulled my shirt down to reduce skin exposure and happily nursed. As they got older and more curious, my babies pulled off if they heard or saw something interesting, but I was quick to grab my shirt and tug it down appropriately. Now, as a lactation consultant, people have said to me “Well it’s fine to nurse in public as long as you’re not one of those women who flashes EVERYTHING!” I thought to myself… Who are these women? I’ve never seen them and I hang around A LOT of nursing mothers. I decided to ask friends and neighbors if they’ve seen any of these women who “flash”. No one could recollect a time where a crazed breastfeeding mother was flashing. My husband assured me that if there were a lot of women out there doing this, he would have surely noticed. He has a kind of radar for these things!
So, I think it’s the thought of what is going on under that shirt that may be freaking people out. Keep in mind, this is the method of feeding that has kept our species on this planet since the beginning of time. The problem is, we forgot what breastfeeding looked like when formula feeding became popular in the 50s. Now we know all the health benefits, so woman are choosing to breastfeed again. In fact, 75% of mothers in our great nation start breastfeeding. Unfortunately, because of lack of support, many moms stop early. Don’t let breastfeeding in public be one of those obstacles for moms. It’s normal! If you’re reading this and thinking that you’re a little embarrassed because you may be one of those who think a mom should nurse in the privacy of her own home, don’t be! There are so many people who think like this, we had to make a law. Yep, by law, a mother in PA (as well as 43 other states) can breastfeed anywhere and anytime. So, next time you see a mom nursing in public, give her a thumbs up instead of a blanket! She needs your support and the more we are exposed to it, the more normal it will seem.
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