Go Natural Or Go Home? Breastfeeding In Public Causes Debates

The debate about breastfeeding in public has resurfaced, with many women being asked to cover up.

Some celebrities have made their opinions public, with popular figures such as Kandi Tucker from Real Housewives of Atlanta and Sam Faiers from The Only Way Is Essex being openly photographed while breastfeeding their infants in public.

The UK Infant Feeding Survey, carried out by the NHS, showed that 83% of women breastfed their babies after birth.

Anna Macintosh, 31, mother of two said: “I regularly breastfeed my child in public because it is natural. Islington has plenty of mum and baby groups that encourage mothers and just help us feel free. I just attended the mum and baby group in St Silas Church in Islington and they welcome all mothers to feel free to nurture their babies.”

According to NHS England, breast milk is the best form of nutrition for infants, and is highly recommended for the first six months of an infant’s life. It is advised that breastfeeding should continue for as long as the mother and baby wish.

Some members of the public, however, have mixed feelings. Sam Balogun, a 28-year-old working at McDonald’s on Holloway Road said, “I know mothers cannot help breastfeeding in public but I think they should cover up so that people who are still stuck in their ways won’t be so offended.”

People on debate.org had mixed feelings. “Actually sex is natural too, that doesn’t mean we do it in public,” one contributor said. “It’s natural but so is urinating, defecation, sex and nudity. Discretion should be used. What’s the big deal about carrying around a breastfeeding blanket to cover her breast?”

A poll carried out on Facebook showed that 65% of those who voted feel it’s not offensive for women to breastfeed in public, while 20% felt that is was.

The National Childbirth Trust says that breastfeeding women are “protected (by law) in public places such as parks, sports and leisure facilities, public buildings and when using public transport such as buses, trains and planes. You are protected in shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels regardless of how big or small. You are also protected in places like hospitals, theatres, cinemas and petrol stations.”

 

 

Residents of Islington borough showed their opinions on breastfeeding in public.