You can't do a lot of things because people will feel awkward. I can't sunbathe [and feed my organism with vitamin D] in my garden with a bikini because I live in front of a factory and the workers will stare. They should concentrate on their work, yes, but that won't stop them from staring and feeling awkward. What do I do? I either go to a club's pool, or trip to the beach.

I also can't bycicle in front of my house while using a micro-mini-skirt or short shorts, because it's right beside a boy's academy, and they will stare and feel awkward, and due to the sexual nature of micro-mini-skirts and short shorts, it might even create the wrong *ahem* impression. What do I do? I cover my legs with pants, or choose another exercise routine.

I don't know where you live, but I'm fairly sure that in most places you can go into your own yard and sunbathe, so long as you're still minimally covered.

Unless it's your own inhibitions at work- and with the second scenario, it seems so.

Of course, that's on the matter of legality: On morality, or social manifestation.. eh, that's up to you. And you may be in the right; But does that mean it should be limited? Especially with things like nudism providing seemingly stable oppositions to the standard views of appropriateness.

Originally Posted by Kah Hilzin-Ec

Doesn't happen with breastfeeding though. It still disturbs me. It's hard having an overactive imagination, making me see what's not there... >.>'

Wait-what?
So... you don't like public breastfeeding because you have an "overactive imagination"?
If that be the case, that's your problem for you to overcome. Why on earth should other people have to make concessions for your failings?
Dear me.

And with regards to using other covers and slings with a cover on, it's exactly the same concept as using a blanket; if the head is covered, the baby may refuse to feed; if the breast is covered, the mother may not be able to see what she is doing.

I'm not saying that nursing mothers should stand topless on a stage or anything, but if someone is breastfeeding and you happen to see a flash of breast, be a grown up about it.

Originally Posted by Cherish

For or against public breastfeeding?
How do you react when you see it?
What are the laws regarding breastfeeding in your area?
If you have children, did you/your partner breastfeed, and if so, did you do it in public?

• I'm 100% for public breastfeeding.
• Breast feeding doesn't bother me. I'm a mother who was unable to breast feed due to a few medical problems and insubstantial equipment, and I really regret not being able to do so. I wouldn't want other women to choose not to breastfeed solely because she's afraid of discrimination.
• I live in California, so it's illegal to stop a mother from breastfeeding her child. Whether her entire breast is showing or covered with a blanket.
• Tried to breast feed.. But that's a story I would rather not get into.

@Cherish: Sorry for posting a personal opinion [and issolated habit] instead of an argument. And sorry you thought it was all I had to give.

The head of the baby isn't "covered". I posted a link to a special bag, and you can clearly see it's not something you put on the head of the baby, but rather something to screen you from passerbys. I'm pretty sure there must be other ways to screen your baby instead of covering him/her.

@Darkeyes: I don't know how it works in the US, but here in Ecuador it's illegal to walk around nude or in a swimsuit in most areas [that is, anywhere that isn't near a beach or a pool].

With the academy scenario, yes, it's my own inhibitions. I'd rather not give those grown-up boys a specific idea of how my body is and give them the impression I'm a slut, and maybe even spark some wrongful intentions on their minds. [EDIT: Just so you don't again try/seem to try to twist my words, I say this in an attempt to prove that there can be situations where certain things may not be done in order to prevent from making other people feel awkward, and thus proving beastfeeding can be something like that. Absolutely not trying to prove breastfeeding will give all men a hard-on.]

i think that if a breastfeeding woman can find a more private place to feed her baby, she should. However, it seems to normally be the baby's choice when he or she is hungry, so it's not as if a woman can go from middle of the park to behind a tree before she feeds her baby. i don't have anything against women who breastfeed their babies in public. on airplanes, for instance, they sort of need to if the baby is hungry. There's really no other place to go on an airplane. I just always feel awkward when a woman is breastfeeding her baby in a public place, like i have to look away or something. But i certainly don't have an extreme reaction to it.

This reply is not to anyone in this thread. It is just my thoughts on the matter.

I do support moms who breast feed in public. I think it's horrible that many moms do not breast feed because a breast is seen as taboo. A breast has milk ducts. Since, the beginning of time that is how mothers provided nourishment for their babies. The whole XXX sex symbol is something that came after.:roll: The function of a breast, like any other organ or body part has a function, is to feed a baby. In the "cave man" era do you think the women went outside their cave and got a magic can of formula from the bushes? :| Formula pales in comparison to breast milk, but the op already listed all of the benefits in the first post.

In the states, there is a group trying to get private areas for moms to nurse. I have heard people say that a mother should breastfeed in a bathroom. That is horrible, would you eat your meal in bathroom? People act as if the woman is going to rip off her shirt and squirt milk in people's eyes terminator style.

It's summertime now. I see rather...husky men on the street without shirts. Their belly touches their kneecaps and their breasts could rival mine. Although, it isn't the most beautiful site to see; I do not focus on them. I may catch a glimpse and that's all. I mind my business and continue what I set out to do. There isn't an uproar about these men covering their moobs, hairy belly buttons, etc. Or what about the elderly man jogging in spandex? Or what about this guy? It just amazes me that a mother can not feed her child in peace for fear of ogling, snide remarks, etc.

Originally Posted by Snowflower

People act as if the woman is going to rip off her shirt and squirt milk in people's eyes terminator style.

That was totally awesome. <3

I fully agree- people complain about prejudice against overweight people in the states- but it'd can't be that bad if a third of the people in the states are obese..
Regardless, they may get frowns, but their freedoms aren't being restricted..
And being unhealthy is a lot less natural than breastfeeding.

Apparently my brain is spazzing out right now, so I'm going to end the post here.

I personally don't like the idea of public breast feeding. I mean it's great for the baby and such but can't you breast feed at home, where you're in private. No one needs to see that. I personally just don't think it's the best idea in the world because it kind of creeps me out a little bit. If I saw someone breast feeding in public I most likely would just try to ignore them. I don't plan to have children.

Originally Posted by LunaLov

I personally don't like the idea of public breast feeding. I mean it's great for the baby and such but can't you breast feed at home, where you're in private. No one needs to see that. I personally just don't think it's the best idea in the world because it kind of creeps me out a little bit. If I saw someone breast feeding in public I most likely would just try to ignore them. I don't plan to have children.

So, mothers of babies should just stay at home at all times with the child until it's breastfeeding, or not allow the child to eat until they get home?

That's more than a bit unreasonable. :|

Originally Posted by LunaLov

I personally don't like the idea of public breast feeding. I mean it's great for the baby and such but can't you breast feed at home, where you're in private. No one needs to see that. I personally just don't think it's the best idea in the world because it kind of creeps me out a little bit. If I saw someone breast feeding in public I most likely would just try to ignore them. I don't plan to have children.

I love this topic..... I think the people who have a problem with it are WAY too sexually repressed especially since breast-feeding a child is NOT a sexual act. Yet, people act as if a mother is pole dancing and jiggling her breasts in their faces whenever they see her breast-feeding. Get your head out of your bum! There is NOTHING sexual about breast-feeding!!!!!!!!

Making breastfeeding difficult means that moms who cannot afford to stay home and nurse will use formula. Which is not in the best interests of public health.

Breast feeding in public, woah, well if i was doing that then i would care cause im just one of those people who does care what others think of you, its none of their buisness, and its keeping a baby healthy, whats the discrimination in that? being called "Milk machine" or something? its not their problem if the babys thirsty and theres no other option, its good to keep your baby well fed and healthy whenever means, now if your baby is starving and theres no other option in public you would most likely breastfeed now this is just my opinion but theres nothing wrong with it, no strangers just gunna say to you "do you mind?" are they, they should just turn the other way instead of being a nervous pervous. yes i am quoting ned flanders,
but to be fair with some people it is about what you want to do , and im not bovered what you want to do, you can do it in private but aslong as your keeping the baby healthy thats al that matters i think, as long as its getting the care it needs, its fine.

I support breastfeeding in public... FUCK all the people who shit tank shells over breastfeeding mothers and tell them to feed their babies in the bathroom. They (the anti-breastfeeders) know they wouldn't eat food in a bathroom because it's NASTY, SMELLY and FILLED with fucking GERMS. Why should they expect a baby to suffer that? Anyway, nowadays they have very convenient tops that allow a mother to discreetly feed her baby in public without having to smother the baby in a blanket or anything.

There truly isn't anything wrong with public breastfeeding. People who are against it should try baring with the fact of no eating until someone else gives you some at a certain time. THEN you'll hear them talk. The babies need food, the mothers provide them with food. What's wrong with them doing it? Just because you see a breast? Well I have absolutely no doubts that no one in this world has had some sexual education in school. It's part of a body, something that little baby needs at the moment. If they don't like it they should close their eyes, shut their mouths and walk on. :]

For or against public breastfeeding?

For, it is a natural act and we should not discriminate against something that has been happening naturally for centuries.

How do you react when you see it?

Normally I think something along the lines of "Aw! Mother and child bonding! That's so sweet!" or something like that. I don't think it is gross at all.

What are the laws regarding breastfeeding in your area?

I live in Maryland and I think we pretty much just allow it here.

If you have children, did you/your partner breastfeed, and if so, did you do it in public?

I don't have kids (and hopefully never will, terrible at raising them) but if I did I would have no problem breastfeeding my kid in public.

What kind of reactions did you get from people?

None. No breastfeeding.

If you plan on having children in the future, do you plan on breastfeeding in public, or would you mind if your partner did?

YES. I would breastfeed in public because I see nothing wrong.

I really don't mind women breastfeeding in public... but there was this one time when a mother was breastfeeding her child at a public pool. No, not at the poolside... IN the pool. And she was getting angry when people splashed her by accident. That woman was craaaazay!!

I think it would be fine to breast feed in public as long as you are covering your chest and not just letting it all show

I don't find breast feeding sexual at all (Then again, I'm gay. I don't find breasts sexual in general).
I think it's just a necessary role of mothers who choose to breast feed.. I mean, babies have to feed like every half hour, right?

I've already posted my veiws on this in some other thread, so I'll just say I have no problem with it at all. If I have kids I'm definatly going to breast feed, and if I happen to be in public when the baby gets hungry, well the, IDGARA what anyone has to say about me feeding them there. Of course I'll bring a blanket or wear one of those special tops, but honestly, with the way fashions have been traveling lately, by the time I have kids, I don't think I'll have a need to do that at all.

I think that it would be nice if there was a dressing-room type thing for mothers to go into if they needed to breastfeed their children. For both the mother and the people around her. The mother because its kind of awkward to take off your shirt in public, even if you're trying your best to cover up and it isn't for a sexual reason. Yanno? I would feel really jumpy if I had to breastfeed in public just because I like being fully clothed. And obviously, there are immature people that might say sexual things or perverts trying to sneak a peek. And some people just aren't comfortable with half-naked people around them because of the way they were raised. They just aren't. But since no such place exists yet, I'd say that its fine to breast-feed a child in public as long as the mother puts some effort into covering up.

I think Breast-Feeding in public isn't that bad, I don't understand how someone can be against it. It's a completely natural thing, some mother's are against using instant-Milk to feed their little ones. Breast feeding is alot healthier for both Mum and baby.

If anyone doesn't like watching mothers do it, Just don't watch. It's as simple as that. If you're going to try and ban babies from eating in public, why shouldn't you be banned from doing the same thing? Food is food, No matter where you get it from, No matter where you eat/drink it, It's something you need.

In response to what HikariKuro said...

For me it's not a matter of being sexually repressed - it's more jealousy because I was born very ill and had to be fed through a feeding tube. I know it's incredibly selfish of me to think this way but like someone else said, if it keeps the baby from screaming like a banshee then I suppose it's not such a bad thing. I'm sensitive to noise.

I think breastfeeding is a natural and healthy process. I think women should be able to breastfeed whenever, wherever.

I see nothing wrong with it.
Also, HOLY CRAP HOW DO I GET ITEMS?