Nursing in Public

This issue keeps many a mother from breastfeeding successfully. The thought of having to bare our breasts can make many of us cringe. Why is this? Why is it so terrible to show the natural infant food source? The sexualization of the breasts is the main reason. Breasts have become part of the pornography subculture. This causes women to feel as if they are doing something wrong by breastfeeding their children. This couldn't be farther from the truth.

Breastfeeding is a learned technique, which is best learned by seeing it performed. Most women who are giving birth have seen few or no breastfeeding mothers actually perform this act. Many women are wholly unprepared for the task of breastfeeding and thus never establish the breastfeeding relationship. Lack of education and lack of support make this all the worse. By breastfeeding in public we allow future mothers to have a basis of experience in viewing breastfeeding mothers.

Babies don't understand schedules and locations. They understand the feeling of hunger and the necessity for food only. Making a baby wait to eat can be very upsetting and potentially dangerous. By meeting your baby's needs whenever and wherever you are, you can build the trust necessary to raise an emotionally healthy child.

If the fear of exposing your breasts is keeping you from nursing in public there are ways to make it a more comfortable experience. Practicing at home before going out can be a big help. Nursing in front of a mirror can allow you to see how much you are exposing and find ways to expose less. Wearing a man's undershirt under your clothes will give you an inexpensive nursing shell that will help to hide more skin. Specially designed nursing clothes can be made or purchased. A nursing canopy can be helpful in the beginning when getting used to breastfeeding but older babies usually don't like it. Finding a quiet place to go nurse can be helpful in loud environments. Just remember that your baby is eating and the bathroom is no place for anyone to eat. Don't let well-meaning strangers direct you into the bathroom. Ask for a more appropriate spot. Having your husband or a friend act as a barrier can also help to keep you modest.

There are many ways to deal with criticism, if that is the problem. Ignoring derogatory questions can be the best approach. Asking a question in return puts the pressure back on the asker. Informing yourself of the glorious benefits of breastmilk allows you to spread the information every time someone asks why you're still nursing.

Finding a way to remain emotionally comfortable while nursing is important. If you feel uncomfortable you will be less likely to nurse in public. Knowing that what you are doing is the most natural and healthy way to nourish your child can help you to overcome the modesty issue. If more women start to nourish their children in plain view we would reclaim our breasts as the life giving vessels that they are. Every time that you nurse your child out in the open, you have the opportunity to show a young girl the healthiest way to feed her future children. We need to be out in public being great examples of loving mothers. You can help to sway the cultural misbelief that breasts are only for sex.

Sit down and feed your child, wherever you are. Don't worry what anyone else is thinking. Just assume that they are looking at you and thinking what a great mother you are to give her child breastmilk. Most often no one will even notice that you are nursing. You can only hope that someone will notice and take the opportunity to learn a healthier way.

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