Social media and “brelfies”.
Facebook recently changed its nudity policy, allowing mothers to post photos of themselves breastfeeding. Previously, if someone reported a breastfeeding selfie (or “brelfie”) as offensive, it was removed. Yet, thousands of videos of fights, murders, child abuse, bullying, racism, etc. remain on the website.
READ: The Best Breastfeeding Foods
It’s legal.
Some argue that breastfeeding in public is no different than exhibitionism. That might be the case if a mother was sitting on a bench and just decided to whip out her breast just because.
But, there’s a purpose. Her child is hungry and she’s feeding. Breastfeeding in public is not the beginning of the fight to end public indecency laws. In fact, they’re not fighting to do anything but exercise their right to breastfeed. With the exception of Idaho, mothers are protected by law to breastfeed in public. But schools, restaurants, retail stores, etc. continue to give them the ultimatum of “cover up or leave”.
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It’s not for you.
I repeat. It’s not for you. Nor is it about you. Mothers don’t walk around thinking, Who can I gross out today by feeding my child? They probably don’t even notice you until you approach them. Though there are some benefits for mothers, it’s not even for them.
In fact, many mothers will tell you that breastfeeding is quite painful. Yet, they endure the pain of clogged milk ducts and cracked nipples to give their child the best nutrition possible.
Men and children are present…and that’s OK.
A lot of women like to use this excuse to play off their own discomfort. But, mothers know better. They also know that they aren’t doing anything wrong.
If your child is present, educate them. If you’re worried about your guy getting turned on by a breastfeeding mom, perhaps you should address him (not the mom).
Let them eat.
If we’re really for the child’s wellbeing, let’s let them eat in peace. You wouldn’t want someone bothering you while you’re eating. You certainly wouldn’t want someone telling you to eat in a public restroom.
Bottom line: If you don’t like the way it looks, look away.
