Updated: Aug. 23, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 7, 2023
Recently, I had a chuckle about the current trend of celebrities stepping out to “normalize” breastfeeding in public. The notion is that famous faces can help lift the stigma surrounding this completely natural act. But, believe it or not, the need to combat the shame some women feel while feeding their kids is very real. There are plenty of individuals who simply can’t handle the sight of a mother nourishing her child in public!
On my social media, I playfully questioned who these judgmental folks are that make mothers feel embarrassed for breastfeeding. Spoiler alert: I think most of them have acted in far more disgraceful ways. We all have, let’s be honest.
Context Matters
First off, let’s consider the context. Whether you’re a conservative from the Bible Belt who deems it indecent or a misguided dude who only wants to see men in compromising positions, take a moment to think about what’s really happening. Even if you find it distasteful on some level (seriously, grow up), the act of a parent feeding their child in the most primal way is a miracle.
Secondly, we witness far more objectionable behaviors daily than breastfeeding (which shouldn’t even be on the list). And guess what? None of those acts have the life-sustaining benefits that breastfeeding provides.
Common Public Activities That Are More Offensive Than Breastfeeding:
- Nose-picking: Not only is it gross, but the person caught doing it usually feels ashamed—rightly so! Meanwhile, breastfeeding carries no shame at all. Benefit: Maybe saving on tissues? But please, just don’t.
- Crotch-adjusting: This belongs on the baseball field, not in everyday life where everyone can see! Benefit: Comfort and … well, let’s just leave it at that.
- Fingernail Clipping: Seriously, who thinks this is okay in public? The sound alone is disturbing! Benefit: I can’t even think of one.
- Spitting: Not many bodily fluids are pleasant to see in public, and spit is one of the least offensive. But watching someone spit is definitely worse than a mother feeding her child. Benefit: A way to clear your throat?
- Smoking: It smells, it’s harmful, and nobody enjoys secondhand smoke. Benefit: Light-headedness? I won’t even mention the long-term effects.
- Fast Food Eating: Instead of nourishing a child with wholesome ingredients, you’re filling your body with junk. And it’s messy! Benefit: Convenience, I guess?
- Urinating: While most men don’t whip it out in a restaurant, they do line up at urinals. You’re telling me that seeing a breastfeeding mother is worse than sharing space with someone relieving themselves? Benefit: Comfort, I suppose.
- Twerking: Seriously, can we just stop with this? Benefit: Exercise? I’m not convinced.
In Contrast
Breastfeeding, which involves only partial exposure of one of the most revered parts of the human body, seems to rattle countless people. It’s not indecent exposure; it’s a functional necessity. Most women cover up with a blanket or the child’s body. The end goal? Benefit: Keeping a tiny human alive.
Let’s have a little perspective, folks. The real behavior that needs to be normalized is the attitude of those who give nursing mothers a hard time.
And if you’re interested in more about family planning, check out our other post here. For those curious about boosting fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable insights. Additionally, March of Dimes is a fantastic resource for pregnancy information.
In summary, while some may find breastfeeding in public offensive, it’s vital to recognize that this natural act should be celebrated, not shamed. The focus should shift to those who feel the need to criticize nursing mothers, not on the mothers themselves.