GMTV debate Should breastfeeding be "allowed" in public?

[lolalotta]

Grrrrrrrrr!

Tiktok I agree done to death.

I don't have a shawl, but I always wear a cardigan when I go out when breastfeeding. I can feed in public without anyone seeing any (breast or stomach) without the baby being covered. Without the cardigan can see some stomach but not really any breast. The cardigan is for covering ME up not the baby who def does not need covered up. Never saw the need for the shawl or apron thing.

The only time someone commented about feeding was when I was in my gran's house when DS1 was a baby. My aunt didn't want her teenage son (my cousin) to see me feeding. I fed anyway but was careful to be discreet.

Oh GMTV, you're so dull. This? Again?

I'm afraid I didn't watch it as I can't slip far enough down the evolutionary scale to understand the disgusting vitriol that pours bile-like from the mouths of your vacuous guests and presenters. But I'm guessing in a game of shit bingo somebody droned on about urinating and defecating being natural and we don't do that and of course the discreet card was played in your never-ending game of idiots' top trumps.

Here's a novel idea. You don't want to see other women's breasts, stop looking at them. Brace yourself, hold on, wait for it. It's not all about you.

Gah I can't find it to watch online!

That's a cute post, octopus - hope you sent it and I hope they read it

Oh FFS. I would say I was bored of it, but each time there is more objections, and more claims of "its only okay when..." - would you go and eat in a toilet? No? Well then, why do you think a baby should?

Bloody ridiculous.

i didn't see it,but it's just crazy that anyone could object.
did anyone see the news last night...it may hav been local(in which case it was north west tonight)wasn't paying attention.

anyway it seemed to be a survey of shoppers re bf in public,vox pop i think they call it?

this one guy,mid forties maybe said...

"err,i dont fink it shud be alowd like,coz erm,there's all that paedafidlia goin around like,and it might give people ideas!"

i like to think they included his 'opinion' to highlight what kind of cretin thinks bf is unacceptable in public!!!

A quick plug for the Breastfeeding Picnics which are happening nationally at lunchtime on Monday 19th July.

(Will come back later with a full list of locations)

Why on earth should it not be okay to breastfeed in public? Do you go into private to eat? Would you banish a toddler having a sandwich to another room in case it offended anyone?

No, of course not, that would be ridiculous.

So is objecting to people breastfeeding in public. Breastfeeding is the best start to a childs life, its difficult to establish, with numerous stresses and possible problems; why on earth do you need to make it more difficult for people who are trying to get going with it? It is the "normal" way for a human child to be fed - formula is better than it used to be, but it is still a substitute and nothing compared to breastmilk.

I have been breastfeeding my son for eight and a half months now. And when he is hungry, he gets fed. I've fed on buses, in parks, in cafes, on benches, walking up the street... And I shall continue to do so, for as long as he wants to have breastmilk.

The question should more be "Why to people think they have the right to object to breastfeeding in public?". Breasts are for feeding. That's why we have them.

Sorry - that's the "comment" I've just sent in...

oh well, its going to be illegal soon for anyone to stop women breastfeeding so GMTV can fuck off. Hurrah for the new equality laws making it explicit!

didn't see it. was it cackly Lorraine Kelly doing the segment? God she pisses me off when she gets all giggly.

As for 'allowed in public' what do they want us to do, stay at home all day with no interaction but the tv?

too tired I'm not sure it is actually going to be illegal.
It is in Scotland, but not elsewhere in the UK. Hence the campaign and the picnics to raise awareness:

Link Here

Actually, I should have been a bit clearer in my previous post.

In Scotland it is a criminal offence to stop someone feeding a hungry child in public. That goes for anyone, breast or bottle I believe. If you are feeding your child, and someone hassles you, you can call the police, they will come along, arrest the moron person and slap them with a fine.

Even with the new equality laws, the mother would have to stop feeding, leave the premises, then track down the owner and sue them at a later date through the civil courts at her own cost, for discrimination.

Sadly, our government is way behind Scotland on this one.

grrr! I wish it was better explained! Even the NCT think we are "already protected" we are, but not to a great enough extent!

Wish I lived in Scotland

Exactly, sirboobalot

They introduced their "Breastfeeding Act" five years ago!

see here

Can someone tell me more about these picnics? I'm not on Facebook and can't use the link.

I really cannot understand how anybody could find the sight of a baby being breastfed offensive, I just don't get it. I have seen hundreds of babies being breastfed and I have never seen a bare breast but even if someone isn't so discreet and you do glimpse a nipple does it really matter?

Yes yes Shiney!
Where are you in the UK?
There is a google map here showing all the locations.
They are pretty informal, just show up around lunch time with a picnic! The more the merrier, and you don't have to be a bfing mum to attend. Non-bfers, dads, friends, grannies, anyone will be welcome, we just need to spread the word!

Deja vu when I saw this thread - how long ago was the last time they did this ?

what is their obsession with negative bf debates? Most puzzling.

I also wear a cardigan or similar to cover up my sidey bits when feeding, but only for my own comfort as DS can get wriggly. I feed him wherever I need to though, glad it can't be challenged in Scotland.

Separate thread here, sorry for hijack!