Sunio: Breastfeeding in public

A WOMAN sitting in a public bench pulls down the collar of her blouse and scoops out her breast, exposed to the sight of other. She then immediately inserts her nipple to the baby in her arms. She feeds her child. Some might complain that it is quite an unpleasant sight in public.

Why raise an eyebrow at that sight?

A lot of people complain about mothers who do this practice in public, saying that breastfeeding should be done in a corner where people would not see your “melons.”

Why would you find the sight of a responsible mother unsightly?

Breastfeeding is an ability that only mothers can do. It is a sight to be respected because it epitomizes the bond of a mother to a child–how the mother loves and gives life to the baby.

The mother is almost literally giving a part of herself to her child.

Sometimes, no matter how messy the mother’s clothes, hair, and overall look is while her child suckles on her chest, it should be appreciated how the parent puts her child’s well-being first than appearances.

It’s not another porn or art movie, it is the beauty of womanhood.

Some mothers I know posted on Facebook that they do not care what others would say about their “conduct.” They appreciate what they do for their babies in public.

They would rather immediately satisfy their child’s needs first, rather that run and wait to find the “perfect spot” to feed their baby in order to preserve their “reputation.”

These mothers feel that breastfeeding – even in public – is womanhood at its fullest, for them.

While some women define femininity as having slender waists, long legs, heels, and makeups; these ladies found their existence is in full circle when they felt that an infant becomes completely dependent on them.

Womanhood for different women varies, however. Nonetheless, we should respect each one–including the choice to breastfeed and to do it in public.

It is true that some public places have provided breastfeeding stations. However, we should consider that there are still places that do not have these kinds of spaces.

These responsible mothers can no longer wait nor bear to see their child crying and hungry that is why they would not mind losing appearances just to feed their child.

Rather than complaining about the “unpleasant view,” we should change how we look at femininity and motherhood first. We should respect – and even salute these women.

Motherhood, as what some of my friends said, is tiring, a little chaotic, and often grubby. Nonetheless, it is also equally rewarding. It is beautiful despite its difficulties.

Sometimes, it would require you to scoop out your breast in public, but the joy of nourishing a life is wonderful.

rizsunio@gmail.com

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