Updated: February 8, 2021
Originally Published: July 30, 2018
Throughout history, women have breastfed in public without it being a topic of controversy—this only became an issue in more recent times. If you happen to be one of those individuals who disapproves of women nursing in public, prepare yourself; this article might ruffle some feathers. It’s filled with vintage images of mothers feeding their children in plain sight, fully unbothered by onlookers. Because honestly, it’s not a big deal—at least it never used to be.
Modern nursing mothers often face harassment for simply feeding their babies, with some people expressing discomfort over a bit of exposed skin. Others encourage mothers to cover up or retreat to seclusion while feeding their child. This is absurd. Thankfully, a viral post by Mia Thompson is shedding light on the fact that breastfeeding in public is far from a new phenomenon.
Mia shared numerous historical insights along with a collection of old photographs depicting mothers nursing their babies in public settings. According to sources from Breastfeeding USA, public nursing was a non-issue in colonial America. Women were expected to juggle household responsibilities, including feeding their infants, and breastfeeding in markets or public spaces was commonplace. Back then, nursing was the primary method of feeding a baby, either by the biological mother or a wet-nurse, and societal norms supported this practice.
Even the Puritans embraced breastfeeding! My, how far we’ve regressed. Some of the photos in Mia’s collection date back just a few decades, while others are even older. They all share a common theme: mothers feeding their children without a care in the world—exactly how it should be.
Public breastfeeding was once just a normal aspect of life, not a political statement or a parenting debate. Looking back through history, there are countless artistic representations of the Virgin Mary nursing Baby Jesus. If it was acceptable for such a revered figure, why should it be any different for modern mothers?
Artistic geniuses like da Vinci even celebrated breastfeeding in their works. You really want to argue against that? One notable piece depicts Mary looking rather exasperated, a face every mother can relate to. It’s the expression that says, “Breastfeeding in public is perfectly normal—deal with it.”
The societal double standards are glaring. While provocative lingerie ads are widely accepted, a mother nursing her child in public is often met with disdain. The reality is simple: when a baby is hungry, a mother feeds her baby. That’s it.
In her post, Mia also points out that a federal law exists to protect women’s rights to breastfeed in public. Despite this, many individuals prioritize their discomfort over the needs of nursing mothers. All 50 states now allow public breastfeeding, though some places, like Utah, still insist on using covers. Thanks, outdated lawmakers!
Mia’s post serves as a visual reminder that shaming women for a natural act is a relatively new development. There was a time when mothers didn’t feel anxious about doing something as essential as feeding their child. Breasts are meant for nourishment, and using them for their intended purpose shouldn’t attract scorn or criticism. Instead, it should be met with acceptance or indifference, just as it was for our ancestors.
For more information on related topics, check out our article on the legal rights surrounding breastfeeding in public here. If you’re looking for more resources on home insemination, you might also want to visit Make a Mom’s Insemination Kit. For comprehensive insights into fertility services, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.
Summary:
Public breastfeeding has been a common practice throughout history, yet it has become a point of contention in modern society. A viral post highlights vintage images and historical context that remind us breastfeeding in public was once seen as completely normal. Despite laws protecting the right to nurse in public, many women still face disapproval and harassment today. It’s essential to recognize that using breasts for their natural purpose should not attract negative attention, but rather acceptance as a fundamental part of motherhood.