Breastfeeding in Public

When I finished my February Lady Sweater, I wanted to photograph it exactly the way I would be using it.  I nurse my baby many many times a day, and I wear him constantly.  I have recieved mixed responses about this picture:

Is this innappropriate?  I REALLY don’t think so, but some would disagree.  First of all, when I posted this on Ravelry I recieved and huge positive feedback.  I recieved  17 comments, even more messages, and it was favorited 34 times.  All this feedback was so sweet and supportive, everyone telling me how much they loved this picture, and how nice it is to show support for breastfeeding.

On Facebook, however, this was not the case.  I recieved several messages and a comment claiming it was innapropriate and I should take it down.  “We’re all for breastfeeding” they would say, “but you don’t need to show it to the world.”  If this truly were the case, then I would never have posted such a provocative picture.  I NEED to show it to the world.  Our society needs to see this as normal, because unfortunately it’s still seen as indecent.

It’s not their fault though.  The people I’m talking about are super conservative and from UTAH of all places, where no one even shows their ankles or wrists (sarcasm).

I breastfeed in public and I don’t use a cover.  I’ve exposed myself to many people.  It’s not on purpose of course.  It’s important to understand that mothers need to feed their babies.  Babies don’t like being “tucked away neatly” under a blanket.  Mine throws it off, it’s too hot for him to eat his lunch in a makeshift tent.  I’m not whipping out my boobies and flashing people like in “Girls Gone Wild.”  My baby needs access to his food, and if you happen to catch a glimpse, I can assure you, it is NOT for your benefit and honestly you don’t have the right to be offended.

I am very discreet and people rarely know what I’m doing.  The few times I did use a cover it wasn’t very discreet, I ended up making a big scene because it was difficult to maneuver under it.  If any readers out there do use one, that’s perfectly fine.  This is just my personal preference.

When I do nurse in public, I get a great response from other people.  The older men smiling in approval, the grandma who’s been there and misses it, the other new mother who’s needing to do the same, and so on.  My favorite response is when a mother of a toddler sees me nursing and tells her young child that’s how babies get their food.  This makes me so happy, that these children know what normal is.

I understand that things have gotten so much easier for the breastfeeding mother.  I grew up in Utah which is 20 years behind in showing acceptance for nursing in public.  So it’s understandable, but still inexcusible (so glad I don’t live there right now! haha).  I just want to add that it’s not ALL people from Utah, just the few that make life hard for everyone else.

I am SO grateful I don’t have to fight a battle everytime I feed him in public.   I’m glad all the work is done for me, but still it’s unfortuante that the few random people have to be so closed minded.

Finally I want to say that I LOVE Ravelry.  I have found so many great friends there, especially in the Itty Bitty Knits group.  Thanks to all those who commented, messaged and also fav’ed my project.  This positive feedback has been so wonderful, I feel like crying.

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