In 2006, fifty-seven percent of the public was uncomfortable with public breastfeeding. (ABC News) However, the number has increased over the last ten years. “There are no laws in the US forbidding breastfeeding outside of the home, and only two states in which laws place any limitation on the way in which public breastfeeding may be done.” (Marcus) The questions remain, why is everyone so squeamish about breastfeeding? How much more shaming does mothers across the U.S. have to endure until public breastfeeding without harassment becomes the norm?
It should be acceptable for women to breastfeed in public. Breasts are not sexual organs. Breastfeeding is a natural, healthy process that has occurred since the beginning of time. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. The physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help the baby bond with the mother and feel secure. (Benaroch) “Since you don’t have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you bond.” (Benaroch)
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Some people act as if we don’t live in a society where it’s okay to show part of your boob or cleavage. Sometimes the women who give breastfeeding moms (with a cover) dirty looks are exposing almost three times as much skin than the mom is. If there’s a woman walking around with her breast practically falling out of her shirt, men will ogle her and women will roll their eyes. Some women might give her a nasty look but for the most part no one says anything. There are huge Victoria’s Secret posters (23 ½” x 23 ½”) that only show a woman in her push-up bra and thongs, but no one seems to complain about that.