People Against Breastfeeding In Public

Breastfeeding in Public

Debate #1

Kristi Washbourn CD116 Abstract Imagine this . . . there’s a small park in the middle of a bustling downtown area. The park is filled with kids playing on playground equipment as their parents look on, ever present in their vigil. Families are enjoying an afternoon picnic lunch; basking in the sun. There’s a group of elderly people sitting near the water’s edge, feeding a swarm of ducks. Near the parking lot is a pack of teenagers riding skateboards around and around the skate area. All seems well in this idyllic setting. Suddenly, a loud, shrill voice breaks the silence

At some point in time, all new mothers come into a situation where they must feed their child in public. And while breastfeeding is the simple and natural act of a mother feeding her young child, some people are very much against it. According to the on-line article by, Kate Miller-Wilson for lovetoknow.com, entitled, Why Are Some People Against Breastfeeding in Public, approximately 34% of debate.com’s polled audience is against breastfeeding in public because they feel it’s an inappropriate or indecent act that should not happen in public places. They go on to say that just because nursing is a “natural” act, doesn’t mean that it’s appropriate in all types of situations. Polltakers stated that, “the act of exposing a breast, even in the context of breastfeeding, may be asking for harassment and perhaps even assault.” The same pollers also said that public breastfeeding could cause awkward and possibly intimidating environments as some people are not comfortable with the naked

According to breastfeeding-problems.com, breastfeeding stress reduction is pivotal, as a mother’s milk supply depends mostly on mood; that when a mother is anxious, her milk supply can decrease dramatically. If a new mother, or even a veteran mom, is feeding her child in an environment where others are making her feel uncomfortable, or degrading her for feeding in public, both baby and mom can have a bad breastfeeding experience, which could lead a mother to stop breastfeeding altogether, even though that’s what she really wants to do.

Conclusion

The decision to breastfeed is a personal choice that is different for every woman and should be made on what her needs and wants are for her family and child. No woman should be made to feel bad for her decision to breast feed solely based on how other people feel about it.