A woman I work with (early 30s, reasonably well-educated, decent job) has just updated her status with:
Miss A thinks breastfeeding on a crowded train is gross, why would anyone think that was a good idea?
Various comments from her mates along similar lines and only one person saying "well, maybe the mum was desperate to calm down her starving baby." Miss A's response was "maybe, but it's still gross".
I'm not a rabid breastfeeder at all, I only did it for 6 months or so and even then combined with occasional formula, but I am so shocked at this woman for posting a comment that is at best insensitive and at worst downright ignorant and offensive that I want to send her an email, explaining that she might want to think before putting very contentious and potentially insulting comments on her wall.
I don't want to get into a big debate in public view on her status update, but I would like to let her know that I didn't appreciate her sharing her opinion, though of course she is entitled to it. Apart from me, I can think of at least 5 other colleagues of hers who have recently had babies and have breastfed - maybe it's just me getting indignant and best to leave it, but I'm quite stunned by her comment and continued justification without thinking how personally offensive she has been to breastfeeding women.
Would she have preferred listening to a screaming hungry baby on her crowded train? Does she think everyone should be banned from eating on crowded trains? So, what's the consensus - should I not bother and just hide her status updates from now on, or should I send a polite and well-considered email? I think I know the answer already, having written this all down!