Public Breastfeeding

There are HEAPS of groups around who's main aim is supporting women in breastfeeding and campaigning for acceptance of women breast feeding in public. But seriously who has a problem with women breastfeeding in public?

I have breast fed everywhere schools, shopping centres, cafes, benches, playgrounds, national parks, public pools, the beach and never once received a negative comment. Surely these people with a problem are in the minority? So I used my facebook page to ask “Does anyone actually have a problem with breastfeeding in public?” Out of the thirty-five responses I received only one person that said they disagree with public breastfeeding. Interesting side note: this person does not have children and works in hospitality. I know that if I'm out and about and bub needs a feed I will stop at a cafe or restaurant and eat or get a drink while I nurse. My assumption is she has developed a negative attitude towards it as she has been caught up in the middle of a dispute within a restaurant where someone complained about someone else breastfeeding or maybe copped a eyeful when a baby has pulled off unexpectedly. That happens to everyone right? Not just me? Anyway she went on to say when she has children she will express and bottle feed. I really wanted to say 'yeaaahh riiighht!' This is waaay easier said then done! Not only does bottle feeding have the potential to cause nipple confusion but expressing is HARD WORK! I work one day a week and I STRUGGLE not only to pump enough, but to find time to pump enough! Good luck finding the time to pump every time you need to leave the house!

A few people said they feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public, which I get. I feel uncomfortable watching it as well and I do it myself. So I don't watch it duhhh? Common sense? I don't think anyone feels as uncomfortable as the woman with her boob out. If I can speak on breast feeding mothers behalves for a moment. There is no way in hell we would be sitting in the middle of a shopping centre, busy street, restaurant etc with our boob out if we didn't need to feed our child.

As for nursing in mothers rooms provided at shopping centers, its GREAT they provide them but at the same time that's where mothers take there toddlers to change there poo-ey nappies. Who wants to sit in there smelling that? And if you have other kids its not much fun for them. Having two children, I would personally much prefer to go and sit near one of the indoor play grounds for children or get some food somewhere to keep my eldest occupied while I nurse baby.

One negative response out of thirty-five kinda makes me think there is a lot of media hype over this for nothing? Or people are harbouring negative views but know they will be ridiculed if they publicly voice them so they keep them to themselves.

Just my thoughts. What are yours?