# Breastfeeding in public- Are you OK with it? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 15, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333 "2010-06-15T19:07:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Wunky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/4bbf92/32.png) [@Wunky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wunky)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/61 "2010-06-16T02:04:31Z")
> [@](#): > > Breastfeeding in public- Are you OK with it? No, I find it gauche. ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/62 "2010-06-16T02:13:29Z")
I honestly don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, but I have to admit that if I can see everything it icks me out a bit. As long as it’s discreet (and most women are, I think), it doesn’t really bug me. I will admit that it turns me off when can see a whole boob and all the dribbly gross baby drinking action. Despite the fact that I’m female I have basically no maternal instincts, and I find the way babies eat to be highly disgusting. If I can see liquid and drooliness while the kid is feeding, it seriously makes me a little nauseous. I do realize that this is my own personal problem, but I really appreciate that the vast majority of mothers seem to cover up a bit - blanket, shirt, cardigan, whatever. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/63 "2010-06-16T02:33:54Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > Despite the fact that I’m female I have basically no maternal instincts, and I find the way babies eat to be highly disgusting. Everything about babies is disgusting if you want it to be. I’m pro-baby, though, and pro-breastfeeding. ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/64 "2010-06-16T02:37:17Z")
If it was a smoking hot MILF who doesn’t mind me staring, it’s all good. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/65 "2010-06-16T02:59:27Z")
> [@irishgirl](#): > > I’m still breastfeeding Irishbaby at 11 months- she refuses to take a bottle or cup if I am with her and won’t feed if her head is covered. > > Now, I’m as discreet as possible- layered clothing, cardigans, not making a song and dance about it- but I feed her when she wants it. > > So far I’ve never had anyone say anything, and I can’t say I’ve noticed any dirty looks. > > So, are you squicked out, offended, aroused or not at all bothered by public breastfeeding? Nope, in most cases I think it’s sweet. It reminds me of my own days as a nursing mom. Now, if it was some sweaty Springerite in a stained wifebeater with a ciggy hanging out her mouth and just letting them all hang out, baby just danglin’ on the knee, hangin’ on the nip…booby swingin to and fro while mom gossips with the girls and takes an occasional nip at her beer…umm…an eyebrow would go up, but even then I think I’d merely avert my eyes and hustle away ASAP. (why yes, unfortunately I have seen a sight similar to what I describe above, why do you ask? :D). ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/66 "2010-06-16T03:10:30Z")
If it’s a time and place that’s ok for babies and food, then I don’t care and probably won’t notice. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/67 "2010-06-16T03:13:59Z")
Hey, babies have to eat. Go for it. I have never, ever, seen a breastfeeding woman “whip it out” in public. I submit that such things are really very rare and there are probably a lot more women out there publicly breastfeeding than anybody knows about. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/68 "2010-06-16T03:20:49Z")
I support breast feeding. (Just as long as the child is not on a dining table. 😃 ) ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/69 "2010-06-16T03:28:28Z")
Nothing wrong with it whatsoever, and there’s no need to be discreet. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/70 "2010-06-16T03:42:12Z")
> [@scifisam2009](#): > > But I’ve seen a few women with very large breasts who have to hold their breast up for the baby to feed from it. I imagine that’s harder to do discreetly. This is another problem I have. I’m very well endowed - even moreso now that I’m nursing - I have to support whatever breast my daughter is feeding off of while she’s eating, which means I have to grab the underside of my boob and hold it up for her. I don’t have enough hands to accommodate holding her, plus her need for me to be practically topless along with the need for my breast to be supported for her. I’ve actually begun practicing breastfeeding discreetly in the mirror (should’ve thought of that one earlier, huh?) because I’d prefer not to have to cart around bottles. The Hooter Hider looks really cool, too - I think I’d like to try that. ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/71 "2010-06-16T03:50:02Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > Everything about babies is disgusting if you want it to be. > > I’m pro-baby, though, and pro-breastfeeding. Hey, no arguement here. I actually find many things about babies disgusting, including the messy way they eat (even solid food). However, I recognize that this is my issue and have no expectations about not seeing it in public. I just appreciate it when breastfeeding women are a bit discreet, and most in fact are. Even if their not I wouldn’t say anything to them or give them the evil eye. I’m certainly not anti-breastfeeding. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/72 "2010-06-16T03:50:13Z")
> [@Wunky](#): > > No, I find it gauche. So do I, but only if they’re doing it purely as a fashion statement. If they’re just feeding a baby or something, I guess it’s okay. ---
**Author:** ![Chicken\_Fingers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Chicken\_Fingers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chicken_Fingers)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/73 "2010-06-16T04:35:51Z")
It makes me happy to see babies being breast fed in public. I nursed my kids many years in many places. No one ever said a bad word. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/74 "2010-06-16T05:30:01Z")
Whole lotta ‘meh’ from me, although I’m honestly perplexed by those wanting to stare at a hot mom. I mean, it’s something sexual ??? Um, no. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/75 "2010-06-16T05:37:03Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > Breastfeeding in public? Fine by me. That’s what breasts are for, after all. I’d like to tell people who get offended. “We’re mammals. Deal with it.” ---
**Author:** ![trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6f9a4e/32.png) [@trapezoidal\_jellyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapezoidal_jellyfish)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/76 "2010-06-16T05:49:40Z")
I would be perturbed if I saw a woman completely bare both of her breasts in public, but I’ve never seen that happen. The only think I’d like to add is that breastfeeding might not be OK if it’s in a place you shouldn’t have brought the baby to begin with. What those places are, and if there are any such places at all, is debatable. Still, I think most people would agree that there are at least a couple locations where it would not be appropriate to have a baby or very small child at all. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/77 "2010-06-16T05:50:35Z")
I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but it’s never done over here. I find weird, however, that in the USA, having a boob appearing on TV will cause a national commotion while nobody has any issue with the same boob appearing in the street when a mother is nursing. I assume that the issue of boob on TV belongs to the “think of the children” category, so I’m not sure why some would think that the TV boob will disturb a child while the street boob won’t. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/78 "2010-06-16T05:57:28Z")
That’s what breasts are for-- Why would I be offended? That’s like being offended at someone using their feet for walking. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/79 "2010-06-16T05:59:22Z")
**clairobscur** , I think that’s just a matter of whom you’re talking to. I suspect that most Dopers don’t have a big problem with a boob appearing on TV, either, and many of the folks who do object to a boob on TV would also object to public breastfeeding. ---
**Author:** ![Neeps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a183cd/32.png) [@Neeps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neeps)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2010, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333/80 "2010-06-16T07:48:37Z")
Timely thread - I’m 3 months into nursing my baby, and trying to figure out how comfortable I am doing so in public (this is in the UK, btw). > [@overlyverbose](#): > > This is another problem I have. I’m very well endowed - even moreso now that I’m nursing - I have to support whatever breast my daughter is feeding off of while she’s eating, which means I have to grab the underside of my boob and hold it up for her. I don’t have enough hands to accommodate holding her, plus her need for me to be practically topless along with the need for my breast to be supported for her. I’ve actually begun practicing breastfeeding discreetly in the mirror (should’ve thought of that one earlier, huh?) because I’d prefer not to have to cart around bottles. The Hooter Hider looks really cool, too - I think I’d like to try that. See, this is my problem too. I’m really struggling to figure out a way of discreetly feeding my three month old (who will not take a bottle, so that’s not an option) in public. Because I’m finding it hard to feed without exposing more of myself than I’m comfortable with, it has made me reluctant to go out much in public so far, which is making me a bit miserable, to be honest. I’d also been reluctant to use one of those feeding cover ups, as I’m thinking that they draw more attention to what your doing. And when you’re amply endowed, you also really need two hands to just get your breast out in the first place. Add a baby and a cover up in to the mix, and I’m going to be dropping something! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-in-public-are-you-ok-with-it/543333.md?page=5)