I don’t think asking someone to put a blanket over themselves while they’re breastfeeding in public is making their life more difficult. I’m not judging them because they are breastfeeding, because breastfeeding is a healthy and natural choice for any mom. I am asking for common courtesy, though, which usually involves doing things that aren’t the most comfortable or easiest thing for us, but which take into consideration the feelings and comfort of those around us.
I think half of what bothers me about the lactivist movement is the notion that somehow everyone else should be accomodating of lactating mothers, but they shouldn’t have to accomodate anyone else — as if being a mother who breastfeeds comes with some sort of social superiority that puts them above the kindness and respect they demand of all other lower beings. And this includes their constant, vocal condescension and criticism of mothers who choose to use formula.
(via robot-heart)
I don’t think that parents who feed their child formula are lower beings. I do know that, all other things being equal, breastmilk is better for babies than formula. I think that the idea that breastfeeding in public somehow equals “whipping them out” or infringes on other peoples’ comfort level is extremely judgemental.
I have seen many, many women breastfeed. They don’t take off their shirts or wave their boobies around. They bring their child to the breast, often under a shirt, and make the necessary adjustments. Why is that considered rude? Because the breast isn’t safely in a bra? Because if you stare, you might see some nipple?
I’ve been nursing my son for a year and half. For the first six months of his life, he nursed every three hours, often for 30 - 40 minutes at a time. To hide myself from the public gaze everytime that happened would have meant leaving restaurants, parks, gatherings of friends and family - places where I am an equal citizen, despite the fact that I am a nursing mother.
As for the blanket? I have known a few kids who would nurse under a blanket, but they were few and far between. It’s like telling someone that in addition to nursing, they are going to have to wrestle this angry octopus - you know, for everyone else’s comfort.
