Poll: Breastfeeding in public

[Galliam]

As part of the post college crowd, I find myself to be exposed via facebook to a stream of expectant mothers posting various issues that pertain to pregnant life. That being said, I once had the bad sense to openly argue with a pregnant woman's opinion on the topic of breastfeeding.

As a 20 something man, I feel perfectly justified NOT wanting to see certain things when I go out into public. Its not because I think its wrong to breastfeed, or even because its supposedly "obscene". It just strikes me as something that should be done privately.

The debate between us "raged" mostly because she found my different opinion offensive, but still I persisted, because I was absolutely sure about one thing above all else. Any time I see breastfeeding in public, I turn my head and am forced to make an effort to not look. If its being done in a restaurant, I have trouble continuing to eat without staring directly at my plate.

I understand the desire to be free to feed your child, but I don't understand why Im such a terrible person for thinking that it should be a more private action.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Phlakes]

I don't scratch my balls in public. It's just common courtesy. Nobody wants to see you doing anything like that. It's awkward.

 

[SwimmingRock]

This poll needs an option for:"I genuinely don't care." I will probably never understand why people make such a big deal about this. If the kid needs to feed, that's a legitimate necessity. I also don't get why you have a hard time looking away or not focusing on it.

As for things that need to be done privately, I'm grossed out by kissing couples. Why don't we do something about that first?

 

[Hader]

I personally don't mind it, but it's something that women need to take into consideration too. It's not something anyone wants to see in public.

 

[Loop Stricken]

In lieu of an "I don't give a monkey's" option, I'm more for than against.

 

[Marik2]

Well I dont know, Ive never seen a woman breastfeed in public so I cant really say if I would be against or for it.

You should put a I dont know option btw.

Edit: Ah heres a good vid on the subject

 

[Ilikemilkshake]

while i personally would prefer it if they didnt, i understand that the baby has to eat, if its outside then there's not really too many places you can go, however if its in a restaurant i'd rather they went to the bathroom or something otherwise its realllly awkward

 

[crudus]

I really don't give a damn. The only ones who breast feed in public are the ones that shouldn't be. Also, there are just some things people don't like admit that happen, and this is one of them.

 

[the_green_dragon]

As a 20 something man, I feel perfectly justified NOT wanting to see certain things when I go out into public. Its not because I think its wrong to breastfeed, or even because its supposedly "obscene". It just strikes me as something that should be done privately.

Did this guy say he doesn't like Boobies??!!!

 

[Plurralbles]

the fact that if anyone looks she's going to flip out is good enough reason to cite for breastfeeding to remain private. Unless she has no problem with people staring. No one should have to adjust what they're doing so they can keep one person comfortable at the expense of the rest of the crowd.

 

[Galliam]

As a 20 something man, I feel perfectly justified NOT wanting to see certain things when I go out into public. Its not because I think its wrong to breastfeed, or even because its supposedly "obscene". It just strikes me as something that should be done privately.

Did this guy say he doesn't like Boobies??!!!

I said I don't like to have to look at any woman's boobs in public when I am not expecting or wanting it.

 

[loc978]

I don't give a damn either way. Not sure why people find it offensive. As long as the woman is okay with any teenage boys present gawking at her.
...we're really too hung up on nudity in the US.

 

[trollnystan]

True I'm female, but I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public. Sure it's a little embarrassing, but so is having two people making out at the bus stop you're standing at. Or people acting gangsta cos dey so kool ya, but they really aren't and it HURTS.

Spoiler: Offtopic rant

Do you know what I have a problem with? Drunk people in public. They're annoying, obnoxious, loud, and in some cases a danger to the people around them if only for the fact they could kill someone with halitosis.

I once had a guy in his late 30s get in my face and yell BOO! at me as I was passing. I was wearing my headphones at the time and in my own little world. He scare the living crap out of me. He's lucky I wasn't carrying my keys in my hand 'cause he'd have gotten the sharp end of mine in his bloody eye in pure fear driven reaction. If you can't behave like a decent human being in public while under the influence, then know your bloody limit. /party-pooper /rant

So yeah, breast-feeding is fine with me. But in Sweden it's also more accepted I think, although we have the anti-crowd here too...

 

[Ima842]

I don't really mind, but you do know that a baby crying in public is much more annoying that breastfeeding, right?

 

[the_green_dragon]

As a 20 something man, I feel perfectly justified NOT wanting to see certain things when I go out into public. Its not because I think its wrong to breastfeed, or even because its supposedly "obscene". It just strikes me as something that should be done privately.

Did this guy say he doesn't like Boobies??!!!

I said I don't like to have to look at any woman's boobs in public when I am not expecting or wanting it.

Well then, maybe you should expect to see boobs more in public. Ta Da! problem solved

 

[DefinitelyPsychotic]

Haha I get to see boobies in public! /pervert or /beingamale (pretty much the same haha!)

OT: Eh I'm for it! Why not?


Edit: Oh crap, that guy/gal above ninja'd me!

 

[LoFr3Eq]

It's a perfectly natural act. If you wanna act like a 12 year old boy about it you should probably grow up and show some respect. Mothers don't get to chose when their kids are hungry. And how would you like it if someone said that you can't eat in public, but that you had to go into the bathroom to eat.

 

[the_green_dragon]

Most places where I live they have special "Parent's Rooms" so u can change poopy nappies and breastfeed.

 

[Trivun]

It's a perfectly natural thing to do, so where's the harm? If you don't like it, then don't look. My mother and grandmother told me tales when I was younger of how my mother used to breastfeed me, and my younger brother, in public, specifically in a little cafe near my grandmother's home. No-one batted an eyelid, it was perfectly normal and accepted, and did nobody any harm. And for the record, this is my view on things like kissing in public as well. There is indeed a line to be drawn, I certainly don't agree with public sex or the like, for instance, but people are drawing the line at the wrong point. I have no problem with breastfeeding in public, it's what people used to do years ago, so why shouldn't it apply now too?

 

[Ultrajoe]

How dare, how dare I say, that woman drag herself out of the house where she might inconvenience you with the sight of a perfectly natural phenomenon.

Come on, boyo, she went through nine months of relative hell and then squeezed a baby out of a hole severely undersized for the job. Now you want her to stay at home, too? Post-natal depression gets so many women in part because of the isolation you'd see mothers go through to prevent you seeing a nipple. You're perfectly justified in not wanting to see it, but she's also perfectly justified in wanting to go out on occasion. Babies get hungry at all hours, man, she's just got to go with the very literal flow.