Annie, over at PhD in Parenting, created this video as a follow up to a post called Covering Up is a Feminist Issue. The video speaks for itself.
I agree with all of her points about breast feeding in public. Women should be able to nurse whereever and whenever they need to. Of course, that is law, but some people feel they have the right to comment or stare. If it makes you uncomfortable, don’t look.
With twins I found it tricky to breast feed discreetly as they were often hungry at the same time and I would nurse them at the same time. When you have a baby on each breast it is impossible to be discreet (in my experience). For that reason, I really liked the nursing room in the Sears at my local (if a 1.25 hour drive is local) mall. It was comfortable, with rocking chairs, nursing pillows, a change table and some toddler toys and books. I preferred that to any other place. I really disliked any nursing rooms that were in a wash room as they were cold and sterile and uncomfortable.
Ultimately, I think it is up to the mother. What is she comfortable with? A nursing room. Using a receiving blanket to cover up. Nursing clothes that cover the breast. Or just raising her shirt and feeding her baby.
I did struggle with one aspect of the video. The image of the woman in the burqa. Although I realize that many women want to wear it, I can’t help but think that is because they are oppressed. Maybe it’s because I can’t imagine how anyone would want to wear one as descriptions I’ve read have always been negative in terms of comfort and safety. I do understand the hijab, but the burka, I just can’t get my head around it.
Am I being closed minded here or is it a symbol of oppression? What do you think?
