I am irritated by this comment, one that most women seem to find ok to say, Women seem to think that this is neutral ground for a mixed group of women, that is, women who breastfeed and bottlefeed.  "Put a blanket on it" allows women to stand on the edge of indecisiveness, and with breastfeeding rights, that is not possible.

First, if your baby doesn't mind the blanket and you don't either, great.  Mine hated the blanket.  So...

Second, people that make that remark need to understand:

Babies need to nurse frequently, 1) they are hungry, and 2) that is how a mother's milk supply stays high enough to feed her baby.  If you don't want to see a mother nurse, go away.  It is absolutely her right (that is why so many laws protect her).  Until the public becomes educated, women are going to continue to be ashamed of feeding their children.  This leads into my next statement.


Three, ignorant responses such as "put a blanket over it" only show that it is ok to do, but as long as you hide it.  The United States has moved away from "hiding it" (the antecedents of "it" are endless) and breastfeeding needs to be one of them.  Imagine if society still put a metaphorical blanket on domestic violence, drunk driving, pharmacutical abuse, elder abuse, etc.  To further a cause, it must be out in the open.  The public had to know it was ok to talk about so the agenda could move forward.  Women, I say, throw off your blankets!  You have nothing to hide! 

Fourth, the bible shows by example that women do not need to hide nursing.  Many women nursed their babies in public, not only for food, but for comfort.  (type into google breastfeeding + bible).  So...freedom of religion? 

Women need to work together to change society for the better.  We should all band together for our children.  A good place to start is by breastfeeding and helping all women breastfeed.

Now that my feelings are out in the open, does anyone have any advice?  What do you say as cowards pass by and mutter, "cover that" or "do you need a blanket"?   I hate to lower myself to his or her level, and I don't want to upset my baby.  Should I just say, I have a blanket for you?  Sooooo irritating!

Tags: Breastfeeding In Public Covering Baby With Blankety Breastfeeding

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