Why do some people feel such stong feelings against breastfeeding, breastfeeding in public, etc?
I have been reading a lof of breastfeeding Q’s&A’s and some people seem totally against the idea in general, calling it “gross” and “disgusting.” Other people “don’t want to see boobs in public.” Some people are saying that nursing a toddler is child abuse and that there are no benefits after a year, etc, etc, etc.
If you have negative feelings towards anything to do with breastfeeding, will you please share your reasons with me.
Research shows that there is an association with breastfeeding and education level. (Higher education more likely to BF). What else? Your family beliefs, you’re uncomfortable because you really don’t know anything about it? Please share.
First off I am a HUGE breast feeding advocate! I nursed my son until he was 21 months and only stopped then because HE was done.
I have a few theories I would like to put out there though.
Breast have been so sexualized in the US and other “westernized” countries that most people see them as sex objects only, not a food source for our children. In a lot of other countries the idea of a man fondling or sucking a woman’s breast is considered weird or gross as they are meant for babies.
I believe that women who are more educated breastfeed more often because they know HOW to research, WHY to research and WHEN to research. The uneducated masses rely heavily on the media to tell them what to think. Breast feeding is only now becoming a subject that stars are willing to talk about. If they would come out and say,”I had a REALLY hard time at first, but I am so glad I pushed though the hard part!”, we would have a lot less women giving up so easily. Educated people know to take everything the media says with a grain of salt and if it is of import to their lives to research the facts!! (ie; breast feeding, vaccines, co-sleeping)
Personally I grew up in a household that was very modest to the point of having an almost Victorian mindset. I had to overcome a lot of that to be able to nurse my child in public. My son is a little wiggly, curious, excitable boy and we could never keep him covered, so eventually I gave up trying to cover him. I did try to stay at least a little modest by wearing clothing made especially for breastfeeding. Honestly I have NEVER gotten any rude comments though. If I ever did I would feel almost sorry for the person though! They would get an earful from me!
I also think a lot of women believe that formula feeding is easier. That is honestly the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! I breastfeed, in part, because I ma LAZY!! I don’t have to pack anything extra, I don’t have to prepare anything (especially in the middle of the night), I don’t have to sterilize or wash anything and I don’t even have to stay awake to feed! I roll over, latch baby on and let him go to town while I go back to sleep!
How to Breastfeed : How to Breast Feed with a Scarf or Blanket