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Thursday, Nov 26, 2009
Of breast-feeding and Bob Edwards: Readers sound off on whether public breast-feeding is nasty or natural, and whether NPR's ousted "Morning Edition" host is a saint or a bore.
Mar 30, 2004 | [Read "Breast Intentions" by Larry Smith.]
As the father of three girls ages 1, 3, and almost 7, my wife has been nursing one or two children since the first one was born. I know a little about nursing women and children. First of all, get over the schoolboy reaction to a woman's breast. Breast-feeding is so incredibly good for the child it should be encouraged. From the compounds that aid in brain development to the digestibility of breast milk (poop from kids who have only ever had breast milk doesn't really stink) to the close and secure feelings created (a surefire way to calm a fussy baby), it is nothing but good for kids. It is also great for Mom, too. Breast-feeding burns 500 calories a day just sitting there letting baby suck! It stimulates the contraction of the uterus to help her get her shape back. It releases the good hormones so Mom is relaxed, not stressed.
Larry, if you're uncomfortable being around a woman who is breast-feeding and you really want to help, go get her a glass of water, because that is the one thing she forgot while pulling off the New Yorker trick. I promise, she is thirsy.
-- Andrew McNeil
As a nursing mom who has nursed on the subway systems of three major cities, at Wrigley Field, in malls, and on airplanes, the thought that I couldn't do so comfortably in front of my husband's closest guy friends is absurd. They handled it with aplomb the first time, and every time.
So here's a tip sheet for men on handling the boob coming out:
1. For God's sake, don't leave the room.
2. Keep the conversation going -- don't act like we've suddenly become invisible!
3. Nope, we don't need any help. But you might offer to fetch us some water or a snack.
4. Personally, I could care less if you watch or not.
5. I could also care less whether or not it excites you, nor do I think you should feel bad if it does. This reaction will fade as nursing in public becomes more normal.
And tips for women who want to nurse in public:
1. Check out motherwear.com for excellent, affordable nursing clothes that help you avoid revealing your tummy.
2. Don't worry about what others are thinking! Your baby is hungry! I have never, in my 11 months of nursing, had anyone stare or make inappropriate comments (even at Wrigley).
Let's remember, people, that in most parts of the world seeing women nursing is perfectly normal. I only hope that it comes to be so in the U.S., as well.
-- Rachel Kimbro
It's not just men who are squeamish about public breast-feeding. I'm a woman (incidentally, who has no plans to have a child) and I really don't need to see breasts in public -- for any reason. It may be "natural," but for me, it's not "normal." It's hard to see breasts eroticized every day in other contexts -- and then, suddenly, they're not, because Mom's showing for the baby instead of showing for beads.
-- Lesley Bingham
As a new father whose wife openly breast-feeds, I was delighted to read Larry Smith's article. I would like to add that my main discomfort regarding public breast-feeding stems from anticipating others' reaction. My wife has repeatedly been directed to use a restroom or even leave the area when she nurses, despite our state law (Texas) that forbids denying anyone a service due to public breast-feeding. Thank god for La Leche League, where women (and their partners) can get together to help each other cope with the most nutritious, economical and natural way to feed your child.
-- Richard Graham
While I have been a member of the indiscreet public nursing club for over two years now and I usually take great offense at the notion that what I'm doing is somehow weird, I would like to thank Larry Smith for doing something that very few people have been able to do since the birth of my son: making me feel like a hottie.
-- Amy Callner
My wife has nursed all six of our children. At first it was a revelation for me to find that, contrary to what pop culture tells us, breasts are not merely ornaments -- "Oh, that's what that's for!"
Of course, this discovery about the breast naturally followed another and even more startling revelation. I had witnessed an anatomical feature I had long cherished as having been created for my personal pleasure function as our child's entrance into the world. The "birth canal"! Who knew?
As to the squeamishness (or obsession) of the men described by Larry Smith, I can only say, Grow up. My wife is by now such an old hand at breast-feeding that she has nursed our babies during church services without anyone realizing it. It's hard to be grossed out by something you don't even know is happening.
Any man who would take advantage of a nursing mother in an attempt to "sneak a peek" -- dude, how pathetic can you get?
-- R.S. McCain
