Any other women grossed out by breastfeeding?

[Nonameslefttochose]

As in subject, I’m wondering if any other women are absolutely grossed out by breastfeeding? I’m very maternal, I love children (mine and everyone else’s!) I value children and family as the most important “things” in life. Yet the idea of breastfeeding makes me cringe. A baby sucking on a breast like some kind of animal :) despite of this I did try with my first son and lasted 4 days. My second baby is due next week and I’m going to try again even for the first few days as of course I know it’s so beneficial etc. I’m just wondering if anyone else out there have similar feelings with regards to BF?

I think it’s because breasts have become sexualised and skewed people’s perceptions of what they’re for

I found it an amazing sensation when I bf’d my first but it didn’t work out. It was successful with my second dc but felt completely different and it wasn’t something that I enjoyed.

I’m just sharing that because the way you felt the first time might not be the same with another baby.

But you’re absolutely entitled to your feelings and shouldn’t feel pressure to conform to some ideal of motherhood. I’m sure you’re a brilliant mum.

@Mymapuddlington

I think it’s because breasts have become sexualised and skewed people’s perceptions of what they’re for

Strange how the animalistic nature of sex doesn't repulse people but the non-sexual use of breasts does.

The idea of it doesn’t bother me, I really wanted to do it, but the physical feeling of doing it felt awful and I hated it. I expressed with my second baby and I found that easier because I was atleast in control of it.

Even doing it for a day or two is a real bonus for your baby though so good on you for trying it again.

I was fascinated/horrified by breastfeeding when I was younger (Teens and very early 20s) then when I had DS I breastfed and it felt right for us so that was fine.
However my best mate (before either of us ever even wanted children) said how much she thought it was weird etc and I know her views haven't changed.
That said, she never, ever made negative comments about breastfeeding to me.
She was very much of the mindset that breastfeeding just wasn't for her but she wouldn't put her views onto others.

We've spoken about it quite recently and she says it still makes her feel weird and icky.

I wasn't grossed out but I was often completely touched out by the whole thing. I often felt huge relief when my DC had finished feeding and I could put them into their cot and lie down with no-one touching me.

Also, I'm quite a private person and, although no-one ever had any problems with me feeding in public, actually I had a problem with it and found it all very awkward and embarrassing (especially as my DC had problems latching in the early days and screamed their head off when hungry so everyone would look at me). I would never suggest that nursing mothers need to cover up but personally I found one of those cloth breastfeeding covers invaluable to maintain my privacy.

@Vodka1

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Elise 🙄

I breastfed for 1y+ but I know what you mean

When I was breastfeeding there was nothing weird about it at all, but now I don't anymore, it's a bit weird to me again.

I'm having another and planning to breastfeed. Maybe it's hormones, because I know when I start again in a few weeks it'll be the most natural thing again

Don't get why people are being arsey here. I don't feel shamed by the OP at all, I'm sure lots of people feel uncomfortable by breastfeeding or weirded out but won't say so publicly.

IMO it’s more ‘gross’ to feed your baby formula which is made from milk that is mechanically sucked out of an actual animal (a cow) and is designed for their calf, rather than your human baby.

I hope you're not going to push that baby out like some kind of animal OP. How disgusting.

Strange how the animalistic nature of sex doesn't repulse people but the non-sexual use of breasts does.

Seeing breasts as sexual is as natural as breastfeeding. People feel repulsed because they still see breasts in a sexual context even when used for their primary function, and even if they know it's irrational, those feelings persist.

Haha, reported my comments?
I stand by them.

You are ridiculous for posting this

I'm the opposite - I loved breastfeeding, didn't find it weird at all, but ever since I did it with my first I now feel quite squeamish / weird about breasts being seen as sexual. Although I know that's normal too and I expect that feeling will fade once all mine are out of the baby / toddler stage.

It must be a common view in this country as breastfeeding rates are so poor, specifically new mums who just don't want to try, dislike the idea (I'm not talking about situations of women who want to but don't manage to keep it up due to lack of support and various problems?

I didn't want to breastfeed, so I didn't.

If you don't want to then don't.

I didn’t feel this way no. But I reckon a lot more women feel like this than people realise - yet it’s never really discussed. I think it’s definitely worth opening a conversation about it.
My brutally honest opinion though - I think it’s sad to hear women feel this way and I can’t help but think ‘grow up a bit’. It’s sounds like a very immature attitude to have. It’s the type of thing you might expect from adolescent teens - not women who are actually old enough to have babies.

Yes, me
If there had too been another option I might not have had DC.
I can’t ever hear to watch anyone else doing it.
However, I know it’s natural etc etc and it’s my hang up.

It's a shame that you have internalised ideas about it being weird, OP. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to me, probably because it is natural. However, it's totally your choice in the end, and if you don't feel comfortable with it, there are alternative ways of feeding your baby.

I get a bigger ick from the idea of my stomach being sliced open whilst awake

@Rosesareyellow

I didn’t feel this way no. But I reckon a lot more women feel like this than people realise - yet it’s never really discussed. I think it’s definitely worth opening a conversation about it. My brutally honest opinion though - I think it’s sad to hear women feel this way and I can’t help but think ‘grow up a bit’. It’s sounds like a very immature attitude to have. It’s the type of thing you might expect from adolescent teens - not women who are actually old enough to have babies.

Maybe people don’t open conversations about it more often because they worry they will be told to ‘grow up’ and have it suggested to them that they are too young/stupid to have children… maybe breast feeding rates would be higher if women could open up about their feelings and concerns and get support from other women on the subject and explore other views rather than being put down.

Personally I'm
More grossed out by giving babies artificial milk and milk from another animals tit

Tbh the thought of it gives me the ick! I never wanted to breastfeed my son and didn’t, I know that’s the actual purpose of them but for me… I just don’t see my boobs in that way… eww 😬