to wonder WHAT exactly it is about a breastfeeding mother that some find offensive?

[MistressDeeCee]

www.itv.com/news/london/2014-06-06/breastfeeding-mother-in-tears-over-barrage-of-verbal-abuse/

[Thurlow]

I'd say, simply put, that some people don't like the sight of a woman's bare breast in public. It's dirty, don't you know

[emotionsecho]

Sorry, can't answer that OP because I have absolutely no idea what people could possibly find offensive about breastfeeding. There are many things in this world to find offensive a breastfeeding mother is not one of them.

[cantbelievethisishppening]

Boobs out in public

[Squidstirfry]

Ha! Bare breasts are fine so long as its sexual thrill for men, but as life-giving source of nutrition and sustenance? - Abhorrent!

Never understood the breasfeeding in public furore. I also think it's a British thing?

[lljkk]

Also the bodily function part. It's okay to eat in public (bodily function, everyone does that).

It's okay for a baby to fill a stinky nappy (guess they can't help it). And presumably we all know babies are filling nappies with wee all the time.

Breathing is okay, coughing or sneezing within limits.

Even burping can be laughed off on occasion.

I don't see why expressing milk should be so different, but in many people's minds it is. Unfamiliarity I suppose.

[ZuluinJozi]

The hanging in public of what is reserved for men's eyes only

[glenthebattleostrich]

Don't you know boobz is for the menz to perv at and any other use is just wrong. I mean you can feed your kid formula and be like normal.

Pisses me off that a woman can't feed her baby anyway she chooses in public. As I said to one woman who complained and told me I was a dirty disgusting bitch if she found me feeding my child the way my body was designed to then she could stay at home.

[beccajoh]

Because breasts are meant to be sexual playthings for men, ergo, using them to feed a baby is akin to paedophilia doncha know.

Flippancy aside, I don't know why it bothers people so much. Adults and other children are allowed to eat in public, but babies aren't allowed. Baffling.

[TheBogQueen]

I think it's to do with a woman getting her dirty pillows put to feed her baby and thus making a show of herself.

[MistressDeeCee]

I suppose its the fact that a woman took part in the abuse that shocked me the most. Im not saying of course that it would be better if a man did it, but Id expect a woman - even if not a mother herself - would be more understanding, or at least censure him. Not that I would ever be with a man who would do that kind of thing but if it were the case he'd be sitting on his arse alone in Costas & it would be me calling the police.

[LarrytheCucumber]

It would be offensive to some ethnic groups who believe women should be covered up.Otherwise no idea.I did have a wrap to cover up in public, but DS is 19 now. Seems things haven't moved on much.I like seeing mothers feed their babies but it makes me jealous as I shan't have the cha ce to do it again.

[Sparklingbrook]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/2099598-They-shouldnt-have-had-to-but-well-done-to-Costa-Coffee-for-standing-up-to-these-idiots?

Thread from earlier.

[RoseberryTopping]

God knows! I understand not every woman wants to do it and there's nout wrong with FF, but I don't get why people are so squeamish about breast feeding. It probably is to do with the way boobs are marketed, they're only meant to be used sexually and seeing an innocent baby suckling on them probably feels very wrong to some. Still weird though.

[mrsmopps]

I think it's because the breasts are seen as a sex organ rather than feeding vessels
add to that that they are being sucked in public and I think that's where some people's problem lies.

[sonlypuppyfat]

I've feed all mine in public and never had anything said a few sniggers and pointing but nothing else, I think these poor women just run into nutters.

[sonlypuppyfat]

Fed not feed ffs.

[parentalunit]

I think it's about expectations. Every time I breastfeed near my Dad, he freaks out as it's just not something he's used to seeing. Now I use a nursing cover, and he's more ok with it as he knows what's coming :) It seems to be increasingly common, so here's hoping attitudes will change!

[DinoSnores]

"It would be offensive to some ethnic groups who believe women should be covered up."

This is a rather uneducated view. If you are talking about some Muslims, then BFing is strongly encouraged until the age of 2 in Islam and BFing in public just happens as part of that.

[ThinkIveBeenHacked]

Apparently they called her a slut

Not that she should ever ever made to feel shameful about BFig but it wasnt even "uh dont do that" but slut?!?

[mollypup]

Although I have no problem with breastfeeding, I do believe there is a time and a place much like anything! Feed your baby in a restaurant/shopping centre/swimming pool by all means but not everybody wants to see your boobs. What I am trying to say is some women really seem to enjoy going out of their way to feed in blatant view when it isn't necessary, just use a cover up!

[Oakmaiden]

It would be offensive to some ethnic groups who believe women should be covered up

And yet it is my understanding that in many Muslim countries (using Muslim as an example as they are the culture I am most aware of which prefers women to dress modestly and cover up) breastfeeding in public is an expected norm.

[mrsmopps]

I've never seen a bare breast/nipple whenever I've seen someone breastfeeding. only the baby's head.

[Subtext]

Because the English are squeamish about bodily functions and prudish about nudity. Unless it's sexual nudity, which is fine, because it's a naughty thrill for the menz.

But actual real un-airbrushed bodies, doing natural bodily functions? Bleeuuurrrrggggghhhh.

[ThinkIveBeenHacked]

But surely most bfing mums dont wap a boob out in full view and exhibit it before latching the baby on - they adjust a top, attach a baby and pray it doesnt pull off and spray milk anywhere.

Minimal boobage.

I tell you, the sight of a bfing mother is a damn sight more pleasant than a grown man swanning around in this heat with his top off and his hairy armpits glustening with sweat

[mollypup]

For example, not that long ago I was at a party. A group of us were sat in the lounge when I friend of the host's mum decided to join us. All well and good until she decided to start feeding in front of everyone, breast entirely on show. It was awkward to say the least, considering only one of us knew who she was!