Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mothers and babies. It is recommended that children breastfeed for the first months after birth because their mother’s milk offers a lot of nutrition and health benefits. Motherhood is a natural part of many women’s lives across the world, and bringing a new life to the world is a part of the human cycle. Despite this, many still frown upon the act of women breastfeeding their child in public. These critics of public breastfeeding term it as a form of indecent exposure because of the sexualization of the female breast. However, women have the right to feed their children anytime, anywhere, including in public spaces.

The first reason why women should be allowed to breastfeed in public is that breastfeeding is a normal part of life. Women have the biological capacity to give birth, and those who choose to do so should nurture their children to the best of their ability. Breastfeeding is an essential part of caring for a young baby; therefore, people must accept that (Boyer 435). Most people once fed on their own mother’s breast, and they have relatives and friends with children. Critics should stop dramatizing breastfeeding in public and accept it as a regular thing.

The second reason why women should be allowed to breastfeed in public is that young infants need to be fed frequently. After giving birth to a child, a mother should be able to enjoy activities such as going out in public. Most of the time, they need to bring their infants along, and these babies need feeding at frequent intervals. When a baby needs feeding, mothers should be able to care for them immediately. For example, if a baby needs to breastfeed while the mother is in a restaurant, she should do so freely. The baby’s need cannot be put off simply because a few people find it offensive. Criticism of public breastfeeding is inconsiderate and selfish.

The main reason why some people criticize women who breastfeed in public is that they consider it indecent exposure (Amir 187). Such people explain that they feel uncomfortable seeing a woman breastfeeding their child. However, such arguments do not hold any water. People should be considerate of both the mother and the baby, and stop shaming them for a natural thing. Some people have gone so far as to publicly shame and report breastfeeding women for indecent exposure, which is quite shocking.

In conclusion, women should be allowed to breastfeed their babies in public. Some public establishments have designated spaces for women to breastfeed, which promotes their privacy and comfort. However, a woman should be able to feed her child whenever she needs to, regardless of the opinions of those around them. Many countries across the world, including the United States, have laws that protect mothers’ rights to breastfeed in public. People should practice kindness and be considerate of others’ needs. Breastfeeding is a normal thing, and critics should stop dramatizing an innocent action meant for the well-being of the mother and the child.

Works Cited

Amir, Lisa H. “Breastfeeding in public:“You can do it?”.” International Breastfeeding Journal 9.1 (2014): 187.

Boyer, Kate. “The way to break the taboo is to do the taboo thing” breastfeeding in public and citizen-activism in the UK.” Health & place 17.2 (2011): 430-437.

Frequently Asked Questions