In the realm of parenting discussions, especially when it comes to breastfeeding in public, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the comment sections—despite my better judgment. Surrounded by a supportive community, I get curious about people’s thoughts on the appropriateness of breastfeeding in public.
Undoubtedly, there are some harsh opinions out there, but many questions come from a genuine place. As a mother who has nursed three kids in various situations, I’d like to tackle the common query: “If breastfeeding is so natural, why can’t moms just cover up?”
First off, it’s wonderful that you support breastfeeding. Ideally, we’d reach a point where we simply refer to it as “feeding,” because, at its core, that’s what it is—feeding a baby, not a breast. With that said, here are five compelling reasons why many moms prefer to go without a cover:
- The Logistics of Covering Up: Let’s be honest—trying to cover up while feeding a baby can be a serious juggling act. For new moms, getting a squirmy baby into the right position can be challenging enough without adding a blanket into the mix. Even with my third child, I found it tough to balance a cover over my shoulder while ensuring a proper latch. The only time a cover might seem necessary is during that initial latch, but it can become a real hassle.
- Babies Have Opinions Too: Many babies simply dislike being covered. My little ones would often tug at the cover, and I can’t blame them—who would want to eat with a blanket over their head? It can feel stifling, especially in warm weather.
- The Magic of Eye Contact: One of the beautiful aspects of breastfeeding is the bonding that occurs through eye contact between mother and child. The design of breastfeeding naturally places the baby right in line with the mom’s face, allowing for those precious smiles and interactions. If you wouldn’t cover a baby’s face while bottle feeding, why should it be any different with breastfeeding?
- Covering Can Draw More Attention: Interestingly, I found that using a cover often made me feel more conspicuous. When I wasn’t covered, it usually just looked like I was holding a sleeping baby. Conversely, draping a blanket can scream, “I’m breastfeeding!” while struggling to position the baby—definitely not subtle.
- The Implication of Shame: Choosing to cover up implies that there’s something inappropriate about breastfeeding in public. In reality, it’s simply feeding a baby. There’s nothing shameful about that.
Now, let’s address some other common concerns. For example, some may suggest, “Why don’t moms just pump if they’re out?” While pumping can work for some, not every mom can manage it successfully. Many babies refuse bottles despite a mother’s best efforts. The idea of pumping just to go out seems excessive when a mother can simply feed her baby directly.
When it comes to modesty, I hope you feel just as strongly about modesty in other situations, like women wearing swimsuits or low-cut tops. Remember, if you see a mother preparing to nurse, it’s simple—look away if you’re uncomfortable.
As for the suggestion to breastfeed in a bathroom, let’s be real: bathrooms are unsanitary, and there often isn’t a comfortable place to sit. If a mom seeks privacy because it makes her more comfortable, that’s her choice. However, needing to hide to breastfeed sends a message that what she’s doing is wrong, which is not right.
For those who argue that breastfeeding should be treated like private acts, let’s clarify: feeding a baby is not the same as going to the bathroom or having sex. Feeding is a natural, wholesome act that fosters connection between mother and child.
So, if you find yourself feeling uncomfortable with a breastfeeding mother in public, remember—turn your gaze. There’s no need for judgment or shame. Let’s normalize breastfeeding and focus on what truly matters: the well-being of both mom and baby.
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Summary
Breastfeeding in public can be a challenging experience for many mothers, and the notion of covering up can add unnecessary complexity to an already demanding task. From logistical difficulties to the inherent bonding benefits of eye contact, there are numerous reasons why moms may prefer to nurse without a cover. It’s crucial to create a supportive environment that allows mothers to feed their babies without shame or judgment.