Forums > Social Discussion > Facebook Bans Breastfeeding Photos
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
Facebook ban incurs 'lactivist' wrath
Apparently sharing photos of you breastfeeding your child voilates the Facebook terms of use. In some cases, people have been permenantly banned from Facebook for it!
Considering the amount of photos of girls with cleavage all over the place and looking generally skanky (not to mention the advertising banners!) how is breastfeeding worse than that! Not that I think breastfeeding is in any way bad, just that I'm trying to show the hypocricy.
Apart from that fact that breastfeeding is on of the most natural things in the world, what is sexual about it anyway?
Or does anyone on here agree with the ban?
Any opinions in general about how breastfeeding mothers are treated in public?
Facebook ban incurs 'lactivist' wrath
Apparently sharing photos of you breastfeeding your child voilates the Facebook terms of use. In some cases, people have been permenantly banned from Facebook for it!
Considering the amount of photos of girls with cleavage all over the place and looking generally skanky (not to mention the advertising banners!) how is breastfeeding worse than that! Not that I think breastfeeding is in any way bad, just that I'm trying to show the hypocricy.
Apart from that fact that breastfeeding is on of the most natural things in the world, what is sexual about it anyway?
Or does anyone on here agree with the ban?
Any opinions in general about how breastfeeding mothers are treated in public?
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
No comment on the subject but I don't ever think that "natural bodily functions" is an appropriate defense.
I can think of several things that are natural that I don't think are appropriate to show.
Written by: Rouge Dragon
breastfeeding is on of the most natural things in the world,
No comment on the subject but I don't ever think that "natural bodily functions" is an appropriate defense.
I can think of several things that are natural that I don't think are appropriate to show.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
BRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
I agree there but can you give reason as to why breastfeeding should be in the same "obscene" category then?
I agree there but can you give reason as to why breastfeeding should be in the same "obscene" category then?
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
I think breatfeeding in public is fine (and necessary).
I don't see though, why people would want to post pictures of themselves breastfeeding on facebook.
I'm not surprised that, if they did, those pictures would be removed.
I think breatfeeding in public is fine (and necessary).
I don't see though, why people would want to post pictures of themselves breastfeeding on facebook.
I'm not surprised that, if they did, those pictures would be removed.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
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"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
BRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
They post them because it's a part of sharing the development of the baby with their friends. If a friend of mine had a baby I'd be delighted to follow the baby's development!
I know my baby photo albums contain photos of mum breastfeeding me because it's a part of my development and a lot of other mums have done this too. It's just that now photo albums can now be found online.
They post them because it's a part of sharing the development of the baby with their friends. If a friend of mine had a baby I'd be delighted to follow the baby's development!
I know my baby photo albums contain photos of mum breastfeeding me because it's a part of my development and a lot of other mums have done this too. It's just that now photo albums can now be found online.
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
The Qld Anti-Discrimination Act (1991) names breastfeeding as one of the 16 defined 'grounds': it is unlawful here to treat someone less favourably (in providing them goods, services, accommodation, work etc) because they are breastfeeding.
In other words: if Facebook was based in Qld, they may well have just broken the law and would be required to compensate anyone they discriminated against.
They are not based in Qld of course, so it is most unlikely that will happen. But not a lot of people realise that, in this state at least, the law is so firmly on the side of breast feeding women (and baby)
Having said that, there definitely are fetishists who get off on pics of same.. so Facebook may be saying they are trying to 'protect' women and their members by discouraging perves. But then, there are fetishists who get off on pics of just about anything, so 'discouraging' them would certainly not be a defence. Anyone for carrots?
Written by: Rouge Dragon
Or does anyone on here agree with the ban?
Any opinions in general about how breastfeeding mothers are treated in public?
The Qld Anti-Discrimination Act (1991) names breastfeeding as one of the 16 defined 'grounds': it is unlawful here to treat someone less favourably (in providing them goods, services, accommodation, work etc) because they are breastfeeding.
In other words: if Facebook was based in Qld, they may well have just broken the law and would be required to compensate anyone they discriminated against.
They are not based in Qld of course, so it is most unlikely that will happen. But not a lot of people realise that, in this state at least, the law is so firmly on the side of breast feeding women (and baby)
Having said that, there definitely are fetishists who get off on pics of same.. so Facebook may be saying they are trying to 'protect' women and their members by discouraging perves. But then, there are fetishists who get off on pics of just about anything, so 'discouraging' them would certainly not be a defence. Anyone for carrots?
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Carpal \'Tunnel
7,193 posts
Location: in the trees
7,193 posts
Location: in the trees
Posted:
in this world of freaks and peadophiles a photo of a baby breast feeding........................need i say more? it's not about being prudish it's about trying to combat matterial for nonces to share
in this world of freaks and peadophiles a photo of a baby breast feeding........................need i say more? it's not about being prudish it's about trying to combat matterial for nonces to share
BRONZE Member
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Living it up
363 posts
Location: Brisbane/Berlin, Australia
Posted:
Lol, Good to see your new job has you reading up Gabe...
Written by: newgabe
The Qld Anti-Discrimination Act (1991) names breastfeeding as one of the 16 defined 'grounds': it is unlawful here to treat someone less favourably (in providing them goods, services, accommodation, work etc) because they are breastfeeding.
Lol, Good to see your new job has you reading up Gabe...
Contact without dance is like sex without wiggling.
A) it does feel as good
B) it does not look as good on film
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
Once the nipple isnt covered by a baby is it still a breast feeding pic? If the other breast is mostly uncovered is it still a breastfeeding pic? I have no problem with the shot shown on that website, but some of the others I have seen from the pro feeding pic site I dont think should be public domain.
I am probreastfeeding and feeding in public but I also think it needs to be discreet. As do public photos.
Ive been in situations where people have gone to stroke my breast while feeding as well as having been verbally abused for feeding in Target. Ironically in a display " mother and baby rocking chair".
Rouge I love seeing"disceet" breast feeding shots but can see the point where the baby is no longer asttached. I dont particularly like those "skanky" pics either but dont mind cleavage shots.
So I agree with some breast feeding shots and not others I guess. Fence sitter am I.
Once the nipple isnt covered by a baby is it still a breast feeding pic? If the other breast is mostly uncovered is it still a breastfeeding pic? I have no problem with the shot shown on that website, but some of the others I have seen from the pro feeding pic site I dont think should be public domain.
I am probreastfeeding and feeding in public but I also think it needs to be discreet. As do public photos.
Ive been in situations where people have gone to stroke my breast while feeding as well as having been verbally abused for feeding in Target. Ironically in a display " mother and baby rocking chair".
Rouge I love seeing"disceet" breast feeding shots but can see the point where the baby is no longer asttached. I dont particularly like those "skanky" pics either but dont mind cleavage shots.
So I agree with some breast feeding shots and not others I guess. Fence sitter am I.
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
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SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
You are joking arent you?
Written by: Ravehead
in this world of freaks and peadophiles a photo of a baby breast feeding........................need i say more? it's not about being prudish it's about trying to combat matterial for nonces to share
You are joking arent you?
SILVER Member
.:*distracted by shiny things*:.
3,777 posts
Location: brizvegas, Australia
.:*distracted by shiny things*:.
3,777 posts
Location: brizvegas, Australia
Posted:
i'm with onewheeldave...why would you want to post a photo of yourself breast feeding?? i am totally for breastfeeding & freedom of expression & all that...but seriously...aren't there so many other photos you could put on your facebook!? 
i'm with onewheeldave...why would you want to post a photo of yourself breast feeding??
i am totally for breastfeeding & freedom of expression & all that...but seriously...aren't there so many other photos you could put on your facebook!? do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good to eat!
if at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished!
smile! :grin: it confuses people!
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
Indeed. don't think it's awful or wrong to show photos of breastfeeding, but personally I would find photos of things that are not automatic physical functions more interesting/meaningful. I mean, you can conceive, give birth and lactate whilst being in a coma so unlike many people I don't find all that particularly 'creative', clever or interesting parts of life. I've had 2 kids so this is not sour grapes. I just found it all rather underwhelming as a creative personal activity. Once they are out of the semi trance state they get into whilst on the boob and you actually have to relate to the little blighters, it gets more interesting, creative, for sure!
But unlike me, many women get really impressed/even obsessed with their pregnancy/birth/lactation scenarios. They find it very mystical, creative, attractive etc. So I guess they are trying to show that they can do something they think is interesting? *Me as Primal Life Force.*
*Me as someone someone else needs*
Indeed. don't think it's awful or wrong to show photos of breastfeeding, but personally I would find photos of things that are not automatic physical functions more interesting/meaningful. I mean, you can conceive, give birth and lactate whilst being in a coma so unlike many people I don't find all that particularly 'creative', clever or interesting parts of life. I've had 2 kids so this is not sour grapes. I just found it all rather underwhelming as a creative personal activity. Once they are out of the semi trance state they get into whilst on the boob and you actually have to relate to the little blighters, it gets more interesting, creative, for sure!
But unlike me, many women get really impressed/even obsessed with their pregnancy/birth/lactation scenarios. They find it very mystical, creative, attractive etc. So I guess they are trying to show that they can do something they think is interesting? *Me as Primal Life Force.*
*Me as someone someone else needs* .....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
GOLD Member
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
It's bloody ridiculous.
Women have had to fight for a long time to have people accept that their breasts are not just about sexual pleasure. Banning breastfeeding from anywhere, even if it is just facebook (which I know nothing about) is [censored].
I have several pictures of my friends breastfeeding, which were emailed to me. As Rouge said, it is part of a child's development that you share... for parents who take a lot of pictures, it is natural that some will be of breastfeeding... the kids also have an awesome and blissful expression, which parents try to capture. If this site is about sharing photos with friends, that is exactly the kind of expression I would want them to see
It's bloody ridiculous.
Women have had to fight for a long time to have people accept that their breasts are not just about sexual pleasure. Banning breastfeeding from anywhere, even if it is just facebook (which I know nothing about) is [censored].
I have several pictures of my friends breastfeeding, which were emailed to me. As Rouge said, it is part of a child's development that you share... for parents who take a lot of pictures, it is natural that some will be of breastfeeding... the kids also have an awesome and blissful expression, which parents try to capture. If this site is about sharing photos with friends, that is exactly the kind of expression I would want them to see
... simplify ...
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
Fair enough
*Me making baby happy*
Written by: Icarus
the kids also have an awesome and blissful expression, which parents try to capture.
Fair enough
*Me making baby happy*
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
GOLD Member
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
But the point isn't why they post them... it is the fact that they can be banned. I finished my post with a smile... actually this has got me cranky-pants... and I have never even been on facebook!
Its not about being sexual! Having said that, i guess neither are nudists or some men with no shirts (which I bet is not a problem -and before you say its not the same thing, I sometimes find a man's chest a very sexual thing, so do most men!)... its about the line being drawn.
But in my opinion, its the wrong bloody place to draw it.
Grrr... I feel myself slipping into rant mode... could be because I am writting an assignment about IWD. Maybe I should rant there instead!
to the women who are made to feel ashamed because they are breastfeeding a child... back to the bedroom with you!
But the point isn't why they post them... it is the fact that they can be banned. I finished my post with a smile... actually this has got me cranky-pants... and I have never even been on facebook!
Its not about being sexual! Having said that, i guess neither are nudists or some men with no shirts (which I bet is not a problem -and before you say its not the same thing, I sometimes find a man's chest a very sexual thing, so do most men!)... its about the line being drawn.
But in my opinion, its the wrong bloody place to draw it.
Grrr... I feel myself slipping into rant mode... could be because I am writting an assignment about IWD. Maybe I should rant there instead!
to the women who are made to feel ashamed because they are breastfeeding a child... back to the bedroom with you! ... simplify ...
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
What's IWD?
What's IWD?
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
GOLD Member
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
International Womens Day - sorry
International Womens Day - sorry
... simplify ...
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
There are two sides.
First, I'm a pediatrician. In my opinion, baby formula should be available by prescription only. Breastfeeding is completely natural, is great for babies, and is not a lewd act. There are a few good reasons not to breastfeed (maternal HIV, active TB in the mother, chemotherapy, HTLV3 infection) but most mothers should breastfeed and I support it wholeheartedly.
I have seen a rather disturbing trend among women who call themselves "pro-breastfeeding" but seem to be more interested in baring their breasts in public, using their babies as props and excuses for their behavior. I'm not quite sure of the motivation. Perhaps they are using their breasts as an attention-grabbing technique to promote breastfeeding awareness? Either way, there is a thin line and some women cross it. Breastfeeding is supposed to be about the baby, not the mom.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful, beautiful, and healthy thing. However, I believe that breastfeeding should be a private moment between mother and child, not a public spectacle for the world to see.
Should Facebook be banning all photos of breastfeeding? No, of course not. But when the photos start to become challenges (no longer a photo of a breastfeeding infant, but a photo of a pair of breasts that happen to have an infant on them) then maybe they aren't appropriate.
There are two sides.
First, I'm a pediatrician. In my opinion, baby formula should be available by prescription only. Breastfeeding is completely natural, is great for babies, and is not a lewd act. There are a few good reasons not to breastfeed (maternal HIV, active TB in the mother, chemotherapy, HTLV3 infection) but most mothers should breastfeed and I support it wholeheartedly.
I have seen a rather disturbing trend among women who call themselves "pro-breastfeeding" but seem to be more interested in baring their breasts in public, using their babies as props and excuses for their behavior. I'm not quite sure of the motivation. Perhaps they are using their breasts as an attention-grabbing technique to promote breastfeeding awareness? Either way, there is a thin line and some women cross it. Breastfeeding is supposed to be about the baby, not the mom.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful, beautiful, and healthy thing. However, I believe that breastfeeding should be a private moment between mother and child, not a public spectacle for the world to see.
Should Facebook be banning all photos of breastfeeding? No, of course not. But when the photos start to become challenges (no longer a photo of a breastfeeding infant, but a photo of a pair of breasts that happen to have an infant on them) then maybe they aren't appropriate.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
BRONZE Member
nut.
756 posts
Location: Bouncing off the walls., England (UK)
nut.
756 posts
Location: Bouncing off the walls., England (UK)
Posted:
Meh. Especially considering facebook photo albums aren't really even public- they're only viewable by people on your friends list, not everyone on the site- it's pretty stupid to go ban breastfeeding pics.
I know my mum has quite a few photos of me and my brother breastfeeding- not just to embarrass the hell out of us if we bring any boyfriends/girlfriends home.. It's the whole 'Madonna and Child' image, what's obscene about that?
Mind you, I personally believe that if guys can take their tops off in public, we should be able to as well.. a nipple's a nipple..
Meh. Especially considering facebook photo albums aren't really even public- they're only viewable by people on your friends list, not everyone on the site- it's pretty stupid to go ban breastfeeding pics.
I know my mum has quite a few photos of me and my brother breastfeeding- not just to embarrass the hell out of us if we bring any boyfriends/girlfriends home.. It's the whole 'Madonna and Child' image, what's obscene about that?
Mind you, I personally believe that if guys can take their tops off in public, we should be able to as well.. a nipple's a nipple..
THE MEEK WILL INHERIT THE EARTH!
If that's okay with you?
GOLD Member
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
member
165 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
Lighting, I have never found you offensive. Your post made me angry, although I know your intention was not to do so But I am not getting where you are coming from at all!
I have never seen a mother use breastfeeding as an excuse to bare her breasts. Perhaphs people are very different in NY?
Or perhaps she is comfortable with her breasts and feels life she is performing a natural act. Perhaps she hasn't even considered people will be focusing on her breast? The alternative would be to very carefuly expose just enough nipple, for just the right amount of time for the baby to grab on, then cover up with a towel or similar? Not easy to do with a) the typical item of clothing and b) a baby to juggle.
"However, I believe that breastfeeding should be a private moment between mother and child, not a public spectacle for the world to see."
I suppose she could excuse her self and go to a specialised room and do it in private? Where would you like women to go that is not public? Leave the restarant, the train, the plane? Maybe just be as discreet as possible so that the people around her are not disturbed by the thought of an uncovered breast close by?
Maybe you think it isn't actually the amount of flesh that is being bared, it's the look on her face? Perhaps she is proud of her child or is blissfuly enjoying the experience (which I have been told is quite special - the whole lifeforce thing, rather then the physical sensation).
Either way, after a few months of breastfeeding, I would amagine you hardly notice that your breast are showing, it would become quite the norm. Certainly I have friends who would usually be quite shy about their bodies, walking around the house with one boob out!
Sorry about the long post. I respect you, but rarely have I heard anything as ridiculous as women useing breastfeeding as an excuse to bare their breasts.
Lighting, I have never found you offensive. Your post made me angry, although I know your intention was not to do so
But I am not getting where you are coming from at all! I have never seen a mother use breastfeeding as an excuse to bare her breasts. Perhaphs people are very different in NY?
Or perhaps she is comfortable with her breasts and feels life she is performing a natural act. Perhaps she hasn't even considered people will be focusing on her breast? The alternative would be to very carefuly expose just enough nipple, for just the right amount of time for the baby to grab on, then cover up with a towel or similar? Not easy to do with a) the typical item of clothing and b) a baby to juggle.
"However, I believe that breastfeeding should be a private moment between mother and child, not a public spectacle for the world to see."
I suppose she could excuse her self and go to a specialised room and do it in private? Where would you like women to go that is not public? Leave the restarant, the train, the plane? Maybe just be as discreet as possible so that the people around her are not disturbed by the thought of an uncovered breast close by?
Maybe you think it isn't actually the amount of flesh that is being bared, it's the look on her face? Perhaps she is proud of her child or is blissfuly enjoying the experience (which I have been told is quite special - the whole lifeforce thing, rather then the physical sensation).
Either way, after a few months of breastfeeding, I would amagine you hardly notice that your breast are showing, it would become quite the norm. Certainly I have friends who would usually be quite shy about their bodies, walking around the house with one boob out!
Sorry about the long post. I respect you, but rarely have I heard anything as ridiculous as women useing breastfeeding as an excuse to bare their breasts.
... simplify ...
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
Then why isn't this dicussion also about facebook's decision to ban photos of breasts?
Half the arguements above seem to challenge that as well.
Then why isn't this dicussion also about facebook's decision to ban photos of breasts?
Half the arguements above seem to challenge that as well.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
BRONZE Member
Pooh-Bah
1,872 posts
Location: Canada
Pooh-Bah
1,872 posts
Location: Canada
Posted:
I don't know about you guys but I've only ever seen a woman breastfeeding in public without covering herself with a blanket...once.
It's a matter of perspective really. Lactivists see breastfeeding as art whereas facebook sees it as pornography.
How would HoP feel if i posted a breastfeeding shot in here ? Would that make anyone uncomfortable ? I have lots, not of me of course, but of my wife and son.
I don't know about you guys but I've only ever seen a woman breastfeeding in public without covering herself with a blanket...once.
It's a matter of perspective really. Lactivists see breastfeeding as art whereas facebook sees it as pornography.
How would HoP feel if i posted a breastfeeding shot in here ? Would that make anyone uncomfortable ? I have lots, not of me of course, but of my wife and son.
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
On the contrary. I work with a primarily minority/immigrant population with very conservative social mores and they breastfeed in public all the time. I remember working with one young mother from Ghana whose newborn had been admitted for a possible infection. When I went to examine the baby and the infant started to cry, this 16yo mother of two, who was wearing a head-shawl and robes, whipped out a breast and popped it in the baby's mouth. No pacifiers in HER home, that's for sure!
Now this woman was no feminist. Quite the contrary. She had her first child at 14, as is customary in her culture, and will probably have 8-9 before she stops. She'll rarely leave the house, she'll cover her head in public, she will only speak to a man when absolutely necessary (usually on behalf of one of her children), and she will probably never learn English. In her world-view, her sole job is to be a mother and wife. But in her world-view, breastfeeding is a given.
The issue is that for these women it is about feeding the child. It isn't about a political stance. It's just a natural act. It's how you feed (or calm) a baby.
Then you haven't seen the sorts of behaviors I've seen, especially in New York. Now, it is perfectly legal for a woman in New York to go around topless. But there are women (usually white, college educated women) who will choose the most inopportune times and places to breastfeed (standing in the middle of Union Sq., for example). It almost seems to me as if they have a chip on their shoulder, like they're waiting for someone to challenge them. And, most importantly, when I see this behavior, the mom is *not paying attention to the baby.*
But if you look at the top photo in the link that was posted, please note the composition. It is a photo of two breasts. The baby is incidentally in the corner with his mouth in the general vicinity of a nipple. Photo of a baby breastfeeding? Perhaps. Someone trying to make a point? Struck me that way.
What ticks me off is that it smacks of overcompensation for feeling uncomfortable baring one's breasts in public. I wouldn't ban the photo, but I wonder at that woman's motivations. Is she truly acting purely in the best interests of her child?
NOBODY in this world could be more pro-breastfeeding than I am. For my neonatal visits, I generally spend a good third of the time discussing breastfeeding with mothers, observing them feeding, giving them support, advice, and anticipatory guidance. Our lactation specialist has told me that I give her far and away the most referrals of any of the pediatricians in our hospital. But breastfeeding is about the baby. It's not about the breasts.
In fact, I started a campaign to put signs up in my hospital: "This hospital encourages breastfeeding. You may breastfeed anywhere in this hospital. If you need a private room, please ask." The signs are also in Spanish and Albanian (the two most common languages spoken by our primarily immigrant population).
I did join this group because I believe strongly enough in breastfeeding that I'm willing to err on the side of militancy rather than complacency. But I sometimes wonder if behavior such as this doesn't turn some women off of breastfeeding, rather than attracting them to it.
Written by: Icarus
"However, I believe that breastfeeding should be a private moment between mother and child, not a public spectacle for the world to see."
I suppose she could excuse her self and go to a specialised room and do it in private? Where would you like women to go that is not public? Leave the restarant, the train, the plane? Maybe just be as discreet as possible so that the people around her are not disturbed by the thought of an uncovered breast close by?
On the contrary. I work with a primarily minority/immigrant population with very conservative social mores and they breastfeed in public all the time. I remember working with one young mother from Ghana whose newborn had been admitted for a possible infection. When I went to examine the baby and the infant started to cry, this 16yo mother of two, who was wearing a head-shawl and robes, whipped out a breast and popped it in the baby's mouth. No pacifiers in HER home, that's for sure!
Now this woman was no feminist. Quite the contrary. She had her first child at 14, as is customary in her culture, and will probably have 8-9 before she stops. She'll rarely leave the house, she'll cover her head in public, she will only speak to a man when absolutely necessary (usually on behalf of one of her children), and she will probably never learn English. In her world-view, her sole job is to be a mother and wife. But in her world-view, breastfeeding is a given.
The issue is that for these women it is about feeding the child. It isn't about a political stance. It's just a natural act. It's how you feed (or calm) a baby.
Written by:
Sorry about the long post. I respect you, but rarely have I heard anything as ridiculous as women useing breastfeeding as an excuse to bare their breasts.
Then you haven't seen the sorts of behaviors I've seen, especially in New York. Now, it is perfectly legal for a woman in New York to go around topless. But there are women (usually white, college educated women) who will choose the most inopportune times and places to breastfeed (standing in the middle of Union Sq., for example). It almost seems to me as if they have a chip on their shoulder, like they're waiting for someone to challenge them. And, most importantly, when I see this behavior, the mom is *not paying attention to the baby.*
But if you look at the top photo in the link that was posted, please note the composition. It is a photo of two breasts. The baby is incidentally in the corner with his mouth in the general vicinity of a nipple. Photo of a baby breastfeeding? Perhaps. Someone trying to make a point? Struck me that way.
What ticks me off is that it smacks of overcompensation for feeling uncomfortable baring one's breasts in public. I wouldn't ban the photo, but I wonder at that woman's motivations. Is she truly acting purely in the best interests of her child?
NOBODY in this world could be more pro-breastfeeding than I am. For my neonatal visits, I generally spend a good third of the time discussing breastfeeding with mothers, observing them feeding, giving them support, advice, and anticipatory guidance. Our lactation specialist has told me that I give her far and away the most referrals of any of the pediatricians in our hospital. But breastfeeding is about the baby. It's not about the breasts.
In fact, I started a campaign to put signs up in my hospital: "This hospital encourages breastfeeding. You may breastfeed anywhere in this hospital. If you need a private room, please ask." The signs are also in Spanish and Albanian (the two most common languages spoken by our primarily immigrant population).
I did join this group because I believe strongly enough in breastfeeding that I'm willing to err on the side of militancy rather than complacency. But I sometimes wonder if behavior such as this doesn't turn some women off of breastfeeding, rather than attracting them to it.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
addict
489 posts
Location: Perth
489 posts
Location: Perth
Posted:
Ok, first off, I agree with the doc above (unsurprising considering my career path).
And partially I also agree with the 'if men can show nipples, why can't women?'
I'm also very surprised that women can go around topless in NY?? SERIOUSLY??
Anyway, my comment is really towards those who say they should be allowed to post pictures on the internet of breastfeeding because it is a part of their development.
With this view in mind... Is it also ok to post pictures of the birth, since it was part of their development?
What about when they were conceived?
Where's the cut off?
Ok, first off, I agree with the doc above (unsurprising considering my career path).
And partially I also agree with the 'if men can show nipples, why can't women?'
I'm also very surprised that women can go around topless in NY?? SERIOUSLY??
Anyway, my comment is really towards those who say they should be allowed to post pictures on the internet of breastfeeding because it is a part of their development.
With this view in mind... Is it also ok to post pictures of the birth, since it was part of their development?
What about when they were conceived?
Where's the cut off?
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Yup. As they should be, IMO. Actually, my view is that if you want to walk around stark naked, you should be allowed to. As long as you aren't hurting anyone...
Written by: natasqi
I'm also very surprised that women can go around topless in NY?? SERIOUSLY??
Yup. As they should be, IMO. Actually, my view is that if you want to walk around stark naked, you should be allowed to. As long as you aren't hurting anyone...
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
I realize yet again I am such a prude. Also that I dont mind being like that to an extent
I realize yet again I am such a prude. Also that I dont mind being like that to an extent
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
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