Breastfeeding in public

[somegroovychick]

Re: Breastfeeding in public

You did not just compare nourishing your child with defecating! Seriously.

Pooing and peeing are acts that pollute the environment for everyone around you, not to mention it is pretty filthy and uncomfortable to wipe yourself and maintain good hygiene if that’s what you choose to do. This is why these acts will always remain private and what separates us from many third world countries where there is lack of awareness about this. Breastfeeding your baby pollutes nothing. If it is offensive to you because breasts are purely and only sexual objects for you, then look away, by all means, or walk away or request a different table. That doesn’t sound great, does it? “But why should I have to?” etc, well, why should a nursing mom have to?? She’s nourishing her child. You’re enjoying a peep show. Doesn’t take a lot to get judgey about right and wrong in that statement, does it?

As for that last comment of yours, I’m sorry, I truly am, but do you also blame rape victims for their assault? Because what you said right there is so ridiculous, I have no words. Why would I “risk hearing it”?? But it’s perfectly ok for a third party to make that comment?? You’ve effectively taken all blame off the perverted dude and placed it squarely on the mom. As one woman to another, I have to say, shame on you.

I do have a huge issue with the concept of hayaa. I have a daughter now and whilst I will absolutely teach her to dress modestly and be aware of how the public- good and bad- perceives her and teach her self respect for HERSELF etc etc… I will NEVER teach her to be embarrassed or ashamed of her body. That is what was put forth to me as hayaa and it can so easily translate into self esteem issues and I would not want her to ever go through that. I’m curious how hayaa was defined for you ladies in practice as you were growing up?

@redvelvet

The urge to pee and defecate is a natural one, too. And some kids may be too uncomfortable to go behind a tree or a bush, so does that mean you let your bachay bachoongray freely empty their bladders and bowels in public spaces in plain view of all and sundry each and every time nature calls? Why is it okay if that results in people scrunching their noses and shaking their heads at the “immodesty” but feeling bashful at a woman pulling out her boob receives censure? Yes, it’s natural for babies to get hungry, but have some hayaa…by making the act a bit less conspicuous. There are ways to work around this. Yes, folks are supposed to lower their gaze but don’t rely fully on that, do your own part as well. OP, I agree with you and I am sorry that your maadran friends had a go at you.

Reminds me of a really cheap scene I once saw in a b’wood movie that I found disturbing. A woman was sitting in a train and trying to get her baby to drink the milk and the pervert next to her (Shakti Kapoor, surprise surprise? Not really) tells the kid to drink the milk or otherwise he’ll drink it. Why would you wanna risk hearing such off color remarks in real life as well? Just because, you as a mommy, see your breastfeeding as something beautiful and natural and non-sexual…don’t mean others will share the same sentiments.