Answered Conundrum Next Conundrum
Should a mother breast feed a baby in public?
I had a women do this in my office one time. The meeting was only about fifteen minutes. I felt she should have fed the baby before or after. What do you think? The baby was not fussing.
Interesting Question?
Yes (0)
No (0)
RSS
Best Answer Chosen by Asker
Marked as Best!
October 10, 2009 05:31 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
As a breastfeeding mother myself, I can perhaps take an educated guess as to why this mother would choose to feed her "non-fussy" baby during the 15 minute meeting. She probably saw it as 15 minutes when she would just be sitting, so a perfect opportunity to "kill 2 birds with one stone" and breastfeed during the meeting. Perhaps she had to get in her car and drive home after the meeting??? So to delay the feeding would mean dealing with a fussy baby on the car ride home. Rather than "liking to breastfeed in public" I am sure she simply would prefer to take the path of convenience. Also, you saw a "non-fussy" baby, but the baby could have become fussy in a much shorter time than 15 minutes if left without a feeding.
It is definitely a right for a woman to breastfeed in public. And one that should never be debated, in my opinion. You might as well tell people they may not eat a hamburger in public! It is completely natural and necessary.
Yes, discretion is preferable. I always cover modestly with a blanket. However, women should feel free to breastfeed even if they haven't planned ahead with blanket in tow. People should be able to be mature in enough to look away. Our society needs to realize there is functionality to breasts beyond sexuality.
It is definitely a right for a woman to breastfeed in public. And one that should never be debated, in my opinion. You might as well tell people they may not eat a hamburger in public! It is completely natural and necessary.
Yes, discretion is preferable. I always cover modestly with a blanket. However, women should feel free to breastfeed even if they haven't planned ahead with blanket in tow. People should be able to be mature in enough to look away. Our society needs to realize there is functionality to breasts beyond sexuality.
| Asker's Rating: |
• I never thought that she may have been trying to take care of the baby while she wasn't driving. Killing two birds with one stone as you say, it does make sense. Thanks.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
Other Answers (13)
October 09, 2009 07:41 AM
Also checkout this useful blog on the subject:
http://uk.askmen.com/daily/blogs/women/is-public-breastfeeding-offensive.ht... Helpful Answer? (2)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I have no issue with a mother breastfeeding in public whatsoever.
Infact its often been a surprise to me how women who were so modest before the birth were quite happy to breastfeed openly afterwards. From discussions i've had it's because the mothers feel that breastfeeding isn't in any way a sexual act whereas exposing ones breasts out of breastfeeding would probably be.
The process of breastfeeding is an entirely natural one and as a father I love to see mothers and babies bonding in this way.
I do feel a little discretion is required sometimes though. In the situation you mention, the mother probably could have delayed the feed until afterwards (as it was only 15 minutes). The fact is though that some mothers like to nurse in public and this may have been the reason? If the baby was desperate for a feed though (not suggested in your question) then I would have said the mother should have fed during the meeting.
Source(s):
Infact its often been a surprise to me how women who were so modest before the birth were quite happy to breastfeed openly afterwards. From discussions i've had it's because the mothers feel that breastfeeding isn't in any way a sexual act whereas exposing ones breasts out of breastfeeding would probably be.
The process of breastfeeding is an entirely natural one and as a father I love to see mothers and babies bonding in this way.
I do feel a little discretion is required sometimes though. In the situation you mention, the mother probably could have delayed the feed until afterwards (as it was only 15 minutes). The fact is though that some mothers like to nurse in public and this may have been the reason? If the baby was desperate for a feed though (not suggested in your question) then I would have said the mother should have fed during the meeting.
Also checkout this useful blog on the subject:
http://uk.askmen.com/daily/blogs/women/is-public-breastfeeding-offensive.ht... Helpful Answer?
(2)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 09, 2009 08:30 AM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I would say though breast feeding is a natural thing as a mother, I have never had an issue finding a secluded corner in public to breast feed in. There is no need to be front and center about it, nor did she have to do it right there in your office. Unfortunately it's fallen into another, "I'll do it because some people don't want me too and it's my right" type thing were people think flaunting it is somehow helping the cause not realizing that if they could just, find a bench out out of the way or go to their car no one would care in the first place. I think it a little impolite to flop a boob out in public.
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 09, 2009 11:35 AM
(1)
(1)
Permalink |
Report
Would you have been as disturbed if the woman was bottle feeding her baby in your office? If it was an inappropriate place for a baby to be, then the method of feeding is irrelevant. If it was okay to feed the baby, then it was okay to breastfeed.
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(1)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 09, 2009 01:14 PM
(0)
(1)
Permalink |
Report
ask the mother if she could feed her child in private it is real hard to listen and to concentrate on what's being said when a mom is feeding her child in public but for the child should always come first no matter what's going on weather it be a job whatever cause the child could have heath problems but if the child wasn't mad then she should have waited that was disrespectful
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(1)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 09, 2009 04:50 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
ssmacd: I like your answer answer partly. I think I want to add something to it. If the baby was allowed by the office policy to be in the room, then the method of feeding is irrelevant of course, excepting one thing. Was the woman who was feeding the baby exposing herself to get a sexual thrill, or was she completely covering herself and her baby the entire time? A blanket is sufficient for such a purpose. If she and the baby were completely covered, then there should be no problem if the office allows the baby in the meetings. If on the other hand, she was showing off cleavage, then, I think she has a problem, and it needs to be addressed, as it will lead to more distractions while trying to get work done.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 09, 2009 05:10 PM
The woman was my client. It was only her and I in the room. She was at least twenty years younger then me. The baby was not fussing, crying, or wanting attention. I don't know about a sexual thrill. I think she was either seeking attention or trying to embarrass me.
Report
October 09, 2009 05:22 PM
It sounds to me more like a power struggle angle is involved, knowing that info. I do think you are right and that she was trying to embarrass you. Seems she thinks she can do whatever she wants, because she knows you don't want to lose her as a client. I hope her behavior doesn't escalate. If you feel uncomfortable about it, however, I suggest in your policies guidelines updates, that you make sure to make it an office policy for all children to remain at elsewhere during business meetings.
Report
October 09, 2009 06:31 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
i am from the india, and in india there is a good way of the breastfeeding the child the in the public.
the mother cover the head of the baby and her breast with her sari. i think it is a good method of creating the private
place in the busy out side public.
i think the answer is relative in the point of view of the baby if baby need it then it is his natural right, also the mother please to feed her baby no matter where it is until it fulfill the need of the baby
in my point of view, it is good idea with the some private space creating.
think about it
Helpful Answer?
the mother cover the head of the baby and her breast with her sari. i think it is a good method of creating the private
place in the busy out side public.
i think the answer is relative in the point of view of the baby if baby need it then it is his natural right, also the mother please to feed her baby no matter where it is until it fulfill the need of the baby
in my point of view, it is good idea with the some private space creating.
think about it
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
Answer this Question
View All Parenting QuestionsAsk a Conundrum
Please visit these retailers to purchase Conundrum or find the wine at these fine restaurants:
-
11900 Metric Blvd Ste
-
Not Available
-
Tweet via Caymus Vineyards (@CaymusCabernet) http://post.ly/vTRh
11:16 a.m. Sept. 3rd, 2010 -
#haiku y cabernet de california http://bit.ly/c8VqDb #vinos #poesia #napa #caymus
10:42 a.m. Sept. 3rd, 2010 -
RT @JoePinot: Thanks again to @RickBakas @FrankLovesWine for place and help to pour Caymus #Cabernet yesterday. Was a fantastic time. Lots of great #wine
10:36 a.m. Sept. 3rd, 2010 -
RT @JoePinot: Thanks again to @RickBakas @FrankLovesWine for place and help to pour Caymus #Cabernet yesterday. Was a fantastic time. Lots of great #wine
6:20 a.m. Sept. 3rd, 2010 -
RT @JoePinot: Thanks again to @RickBakas @FrankLovesWine for place and help to pour Caymus #Cabernet yesterday. Was a fantastic time. Lots of great #wine
6:15 a.m. Sept. 3rd, 2010