Last week, mother and girlfriend of Miami Dolphins player Phillip Wheeler was attacked in the comments of her Instagam page for posting a photo of her breastfeeding her newborn. Many came to her defense and the photo sparked a social media discussion. Today I also read about mother in Canada who was issued an apology from Ikea after being called "disgusting" while nursing her crying baby. According to a Canadian newspaper Brea Rehdar, the 24 year old mother made the following statement:
"I told her that I just wanted to verify a price and she was said, ‘when you’re done being disgusting we can continue this conversation and in the mean time you can take it to the bathroom because you’re holding up the line,’” said Rehder.
“I was absolutely speechless.”
It's odd to me that people still get appalled, uptight and downright offended considering all the resources about the benefits of breastfeeding. These women are being sexualized. I think its doing us all a disservice to shame someone so deeply for a natural act. I charge the men and women who tried to shame these women allow them to reclaim their bodies. There is nothing provocative or sexual about feeding your child. These women are nurturers, not an exhibitionists. And if that still makes you uneasy, look away.
Below is a flow chart about how to deal with public breast feeding, found on MotherWiseLife.org. It's both hilarious and necessary.
I agree with you 100%. Humans I tell you smh.
ReplyDeleteI hate that people dont see the beauty in Nursing. I nursed my 22 month old son for 19 months and I am very proud of it! In the beginning I was scared to nurse in public, until I looked under the blanket I had him covered in, he was all hot and could not nurse comfortably. I knew then...never again would i be ashamed. I think the picture of young lady is beautiful! Nothing sweeter than being your child's everything.
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