Everyone loves boobies, it's true, you can't deny it. But here's a question for you, do breasts ever make you uncomfortable?
Sure sure, the response from most will either be, "Nah, I have a pair of my own", "Actually I find the bosoms of a woman to be a natural and beautiful part of our world" or "BRING ON THE TITTY SHOW!!!". But I'm sure there are a number of people in the world who are somewhat off-put at the sight of naked flesh of any kind - think Amish and ankles.
Why in the world would anyone want to tackle this topic? I guess I just don't have enough controversy in my life at the moment, surely this will divide many of my readers into two camps. 1. We support breastfeeding mothers, it's natural, they should be welcome everywhere! 2. We don't want to talk about it, we will pretend to agree with whoever is the most vocal.
Now, as with many issues that I have tackled here in the past, location and discretion are of utmost importance. The etiquette in a fine dining establishment is different than a fast food joint - and varies in between. But you will argue, IT'S NATURAL, a mother should be allowed to do this anywhere. Not true, pooping is also natural, making sweet love to your significant other - NATURAL. There are many wonderful natural things that exist in our world that I do not want happening at the table next to me in a restaurant.
I personally feel that breast feeding is an intimate moment shared between mother and child that need not be broadcast to everyone in the vicinity.
However, with all that being said, if I may quote someone who prefers to remain anonymous - but who contributed to the dialogue regarding breastfeeding in restaurants - "timing is everything'". Perhaps the moment while your server is taking your order and you are describing to them that you'll have the caesar salad but with no crouton, light on the dressing - here's my boob coming out and here I go hoisting baby up to suckle, got a good look at my nipple didn't ya? - oh and extra bacon; this, maybe, is not the time.
Discretion is the other thing. I have to admit I do have a soft spot personally for breastfeeding women. There's a warmth and tenderness to the vision of a baby held close to its mother's breast (so long as the child is not toddler sized or beyond! Another topic for another post). But, perhaps it could take place under a blanket, or one of the cute hats in the picture at the top of the page?
Oh yes you've opened a can of worms. My thoughts: get over it. Or have a baby and get over it, so you actually know what you're talking about with you child, baby, breasrfeeding, anti-kids-in-restaurants-ever rants.
ReplyDeleteNot cool Chew! I am currently breastfeeding a 14 month old. I will continue to breastfeed her in public without a blanket covering her face until she's 2. This is what's best for babies health. You're the one with something to get over. Babies won't wait and shouldn't have to wait to eat at a time that's convenient for the server. I know people feel uncomfortable around nursing, but too bad. Get over it.
ReplyDeleteI too believe that there is a time and a place for these types of things. I'm no prude, but whatever happened to discretion? I also feel that this time spent between mother and child should be a bonding experience. Why disturb that with public noise and chatter?
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, I do have to say that I am becoming more and more irritated and offended by mothers or fathers saying, 'oh you don't have a child, so you wouldn't understand'... or like Anonymous 10:41 and 10:53 said, 'get over it'. How about no... I don't want to get over it. Just because I choose not to have a family of my own, I shouldn't be reprimanded for it. In the same respect, Chew also shouldn't be reprimanded for voicing their opinion.
Chew, I commend your courage and respect your right to continue to voice your opinions. The people who visit your page should expect some controversy or in the very least, some great material for conversation. Please, keep doing what you're doing!
You are a brave Chew, indeed...
ReplyDeleteI breast fed both of my children.
It IS, indeed, beautiful, natural, and the best option for raising healthy children.
I do have to agree with you, though, Chew.
I don't wanna see anyone's boobies when I'm in a restaurant...or just about any other place, for that matter.
I am not a prude.
Far from it, if you ask my friends.
Yes, it's natural...but then so is chewing with your mouth open (so much easier than keeping those lips together), or talking with your mouth full (but what I have to say is important!).
Seriously, ladies,is a little discretion really too much to ask?
Round the clock feeding schedules with demanding little people who don't respect day or night schedules - poor moms just want to have a hot meal that someone else cooked. And wouldn't you know, despite all their planning, little baby decides it's feeding time. Sure, Mom and baby could excuse themselves and go to the bathroom, but bathrooms aren't always clean or comfortable and all either of them want to do is eat. Sure, try and be a bit discrete breastfeeding moms, but do what you need to do.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would much rather have a breastfeeding contented baby in the booth next to me than an infant squalling with hunger and frustration.
It's hard enough looking after a baby; leave them alone to their meal.
Can we all agree that no one would be offended if a parent bottle fed a child in public? I think that is a safe position (regardless of class of restaurant).
ReplyDeleteTo me, they should be treated no differently.
Breast feeding is best for child and mother on many levels. You can't very well restrict it to certain times. Babies don't transition that well! Let's support people's decision to do what is best for them (and frankly for our health care dollars).
I don't think that anyone here has said that the feeding of babies should be restricted.
ReplyDeleteAll that is being asked for here is that a little discretion be implemented.
There are ways to feed a baby without having to expose your breast in public.
Women have done it for generations -- our own mothers would have been discreet, and look how perfectly we all turned out.
:)