How to behave around breastfeeding moms
Would you have lunch inside a public toilet? Would you cover your head while eating? Your answer would probably be a resounding no. If babies could only talk, they would probably scream no too.
So if our society doesn’t have issues with plunging necklines and cleavages. Why should we find the natural act of a mother nursing her child so awkward?
It has been an endless debate: should moms nurse in public? This shouldn’t be an issue at all, and for various reasons. If you don’t know how to react when your relative, friend or someone near you is breastfeeding, here are the things you should remember:
Don’t stare
It’s rude to stare, much more if what you’re staring at involves breasts. The mother is simply nursing her child; when you stare, especially when you stare long enough, it makes breastfeeding look malicious. Not only does that make you look like a pervert – you’re also making the mom conscious.
Those who do breastfeed in public risk being at the receiving end of reactions varying from awkward stares from strangers to being called “indecent.” That has got to stop.
Instead, you should support moms who breastfeed and offer a smile. Not the creepy kind, of course. Smile approvingly as if saying “you’re doing a great job!”
Offer a seat… or an extra hand
While breastfeeding can be done standing up, it is much more comfortable done seated. Offer a chair or any comfortable spot to the mother and baby. Offer to help the mother with the nursing cover, if she’s using one, or pass her the food or drink. Be her extra hand.
Protect her rights
This one is for administrators of restaurants, malls, offices and other establishments.
Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 mandates that “all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions shall establish lactations stations” and that these lactation stations “shall not be located in the toilet.” Truth be told, this law is not widely implemented in the country.
There are even horror stories in which breastfeeding moms and babies were asked to leave a restaurant because they are apparently disturbing other customers. A mom was also asked to leave when she tried breastfeeding inside a church. Now, that’s more disturbing.
Remember that breastfeeding is normal
It is important to remember that breastfeeding is not only natural, it is also normal. It spans across many generations and different cultures. It is as normal as eating. There is nothing wrong with eating in public, right?
Kate is a mom, wife and daughter. She is also a breastfeeding peer counselor. She loves sleeping but doesn't mind waking up early to hear her son's giggles. Follow her on Twitter at @katemoves.
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