It can be disheartening when a stranger critiques a mother for breastfeeding in public, yet it happens all too frequently. Stories abound of mothers being told to cover up, relocate, or simply switch to formula to make others comfortable. But what happens when this disapproval comes from someone within your inner circle? That’s precisely the experience of a new mother who took to social media to express her frustration after facing judgment from a family member.
Last week, Jenna Parker shared her distressing experience during a family dinner on her Instagram account. After her 8-month-old son, Ethan, began to cry for nourishment, Jenna instinctively began to breastfeed him. As she explains, “I pulled my shirt down, as any breastfeeding mother would do, when my uncle suddenly tossed a napkin over me.”
This unsolicited attempt to cover her up came from her own uncle, who remarked that the restaurant they were dining in was too “upscale” for such an act. Jenna didn’t hold back in her response, stating, “I wish I could say I handled it with grace, but honestly, I’m proud of how I stood up for myself.”
She described the experience as “humiliating,” emphasizing that no woman should ever feel ashamed for feeding her baby in public. “Breastfeeding isn’t indecent exposure,” Jenna asserted. “It’s not an invitation for anyone to gawk. Even if, heaven forbid, my baby unlatches and someone sees a bare nipple.”
She pointed out the irony in the criticism, questioning why mothers are expected to hide while breastfeeding when society promotes the idea that breast milk is best for babies. Jenna further highlighted that many babies resist being covered up, making such attempts futile.
Despite her uncle’s insistence that she should be mindful of those who might be offended—often men who sexualize breastfeeding—Jenna believes the focus should be on encouraging men to respect and normalize the act of breastfeeding rather than shaming mothers. While her uncle maintains his view that mothers should seek privacy or cover up, Jenna says he has come to understand her perspective, even if the hurt from his actions remains.
“It stings much more when the critique comes from someone close to you. It’s disheartening that they prioritized the comfort of strangers over their own family,” she remarked. This sentiment resonates deeply with many mothers, as the only disapproval Jenna faced during her breastfeeding journey was from a family member. The resulting isolation led to moments of loneliness that she now wishes she had confronted head-on.
It’s encouraging to see mothers like Jenna advocate for themselves. Breastfeeding can be an arduous journey, and the last thing any mother needs is criticism from her own family. For those seeking more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource.
In summary, breastfeeding shaming is particularly painful when it arises from family, as illustrated by Jenna’s experience. Advocating for the normalization of breastfeeding in public is crucial for supporting mothers during this challenging yet rewarding time.