Shocked - did anyone else see BBC Look East - breastfeeding........

[HRHQoQ]

story??? just found the story here .

Some of the commments from people about the story (which they apparently had at lunchtime too) were absolutely shocking - "it's disgusting" were among ones that stuck out at me. Not wanting to get into a huge breast/bottle/formula advertising debate about it (as I'm going to work tonight so won't be around to partcipate until tomorrow afternoon/evening.

But I'm sure it's attitudes like that which have a bigger impact on a woman's decision to breastfeed, than some formula advertising.

This amazed me when I saw it on my local news. I am from Norfolk, and I must say that I have never seen anyone breast feed in public (only at mum and baby group!)which is a big shame.
I dont breast feed but in a way I do wish that I had tried to (had traumatic birth and wasnt helped to even consider it)
I think if I had heard this news piece when I was pg then it would have given me doubts about breastfeeding. It is the most natural thing in the world.
why do people find it so offensive? I will never understand this.
I wonder if the women was bottle feeding - would she have recieved a complaint???!!!
This country is bananas.

maybe breastfeeding should be the subject of a public information film?

Good idea

The sooner this legislation is passed putting us in line with Scotland the better!

A friend of mine was asked to leave WH Smiths when she breastfed in there (not that it would be my first choice of feeding location, I must admit...but it's the principle, grr).

My friends step mum was asked to leave mcdonalds while breastfeeding - she was minding her own business eating with family. Apparently - customers didnt like it.

shots of women feeding in public places, with a voiceover describing the health benefits etc., concluding with 'Remember: She's not doing it to flaunt. She's not doing it to attract your attention. She's doing it because her baby's hungry and it's natural.' Closing caption: 'Breastfeeding. A public good not a public nuisance.'
Sure something more imaginative could be invented.

Fancy McDonalds not putting a child's health first, lol.

Goodness me, this is almost tempting me to have another baby just so I can go out and bf all over Cambridge. Or do you think I could re-lactate my 18 month old? That would give them something to get uptight about!

Like I said earlier, just confirms the bottlefeeding culture we live in.

Any woman who breastfeeds is obviously an exhibitionist with one aim - to flash her norks at every opportunity. Why she doesn't just get the baby on a bottle and show some decorum is beyond me.

wessex girl - McDonalds did offer a tasty and nutritious milk shake for baby instead

It's not a good week to be a woman is it, what with the public reactions to breastfeeding in public and the report about women's views on rape victims? Misogyny is rife in this country and I am so appalled by the intolerance of women by other women.

I wonder if anyone will ever notice me breastfeeding in public - I do it wherever and whenever necessary. And haven't had any comments at all (throughout DS's 9 month breastfeeding and DD's 9 weeks (and counting )

How seeing maybe a tiny glimpse of nipple is disgusting I have no idea. Now if it were my stretchmarked tummy...

Italy has just pulled loads of Nestle 'baby milk' off the shelves for fear of possible contamination.

EPIS, did it see a woman breastfeeding?

Sorry, couldn't resist. Probably should've done though.

Formula gets recalled relatively regularly, doesn't it?

shocking

i would have told him to arrest me

Bloody hell typical of this country IMO - narrow minded, short sighted, and nothing better to do than stick noses where they don't need to be.

PC should have handled it better, complainer should have had the complaint ignored and been told to move on!!

The PC should have told the busybody they were wasting police time.

contact Norfolk police here

Just sent them this:

'Following the press coverage about the lady who was approached by a police officer passing on a complaint on her breastfeeding in public, can I please suggest you take some urgent steps to put a policy in place about how your officers handle such complaints.

No doubt you are, by now, aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding and the fact that feeding in a public place is entirely legal and women have a right to do so, free from harassment and intervention. While the government is struggling to get young mothers to breastfeed, all of their efforts can be completely undermined by people getting the impression that it is somehow shameful or worse, illegal, to feed their baby in a public place.

I'm sure that was not the officer's intention. Had they been aware of the fact that the complainant not only had no leg to stand on, legally, but was complicit in a culture that directly undermines a healthy and natural practise, they might have taken a different course of action.

Your local branch of the NCT or La Leche league will, I'm sure, be very happy to help if you would like any assistance in drawing up a code of conduct for any officers facing this situation again.'

Doubt anyone will take any notice, mind, but G*d it makes me spitting mad!

Superb Gizmo

I think next time any of us happen upon someone reading Page 3 in a public place we should complain to the nearest Police Officer.

bravo gizmo

georginars, good on you! However, can I ask a question? I'm intrigued as to why you were BFing in a police car. C'mon, spill the beans!!!

this is the topic du jour on all radio stations it seems! Now Angie Greaves on LBC is discussing it. The only people who are complaining about 'waving breasts in my face' are complete morons, which is quite amusing. Making comparisons with smoking - yes very similar. And it's quite alright to sunbathe topless, but not get breasts out for all in sundry in a bar. Apparently. Cos that's where I went to feed my baby.
Encouragingly, quite a few men ringing in in support.