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 find it uncomfortable that breasts have become so sexualised that people have forgotten their actual purpose.

I find it totally bizarre that people are grossed out by breast feeding their own off spring but will merrily feed it the boob juice of another species.

"Breast babies are very content little beings.Feeding them is like administering a sleeping potion."

Not if you have milk delay/low supply they're not. A baby who isn't getting enough milk is never content, never settles, cries if they're not being fed, desperately trying to up your supply round the clock. So, yes, that's what BFing is like for some women.

@RavenclawsRoar

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.

Here too. My experience of breastfeeding was a very good one, and I fed both my DCs until they were about a year old.

During that time I couldn't bear my DH touching my breasts. Sadly, that sensation never went away - DCs are 12 and 9 and I still can't bear to be touched. It's just too sensitive - but not in a good way. It's like their purpose is no longer sexual at all, even though my feeding days are well and truly over.

Eating is animalistic.
Sex is animalistic.
Defecating and urinating are animalistic.

Childbirth and breastfeeding are animalistic and you see it as gross. Do you also see menstruation as gross? In short, do you view the natural stuff that only women can do as 'gross' and 'animalistic'?

Just wondering...

@CeeceeBloomingdale

I find it uncomfortable that breasts have become so sexualised that people have forgotten their actual purpose.

I find it totally bizarre that people are grossed out by breast feeding their own off spring but will merrily feed it the boob juice of another species.

But it's not an issue with the milk itself. People are happy to jump in this thread to make nasty statements without any kind of understanding as to what op means

Very strange.
No, I do not find it 'gross'. That is what our bodies were made to do, and the child who is growing inside me is mine, and my husbands, so it won't gross me out. I'll just feel happy if it works for us, as I know not every baby can BF easily, but if not, it's not the end of the world.

No but breastfeeding my DC did ruin any kind of sexual attention on my breasts because frankly an adult man licking or sucking my breasts just seems wrong and makes me feel ick! It’s been years and that’s a mindset that I seem to be stuck with.

We don’t see women walking down the street feeding.

Couple of years ago I saw a mum, at a busy school pick up, toddler in one hand, holding a newborn in the other arm feeding at her breast, striding around the school site to pick up her school aged child, chin up, no fucks given. The vision is etched in my brain as one of the most powerful things I've seen.

@Okbutnotgreat

No but breastfeeding my DC did ruin any kind of sexual attention on my breasts because frankly an adult man licking or sucking my breasts just seems wrong and makes me feel ick! It’s been years and that’s a mindset that I seem to be stuck with.

tbh HAVING Dc ruined any sort of sexual feeling for me. I still feel a lumpy soggy mess with no body parts that have recovered!

I went to my GP a few years ago (she is notoriously useless though) about my complete lack of libido that was damaging my marriage and her suggestions was I drink a bottle of wine to relax. Which as she knew I was in AA at the time.........

But too many hcps fail to take anything about women's health seriously IMO. You just have to get on with it because that is how it is.

It;s funny though, as I said upthread I found bf totally gross for me and I hated it. But I rather like seeing other women BF in public. I feel very matenral towards them!

I think you’re getting a very unfair time here. I haven’t ever had a baby to breastfeed, so my opinion might well change, but I feel the same. There’s something about being ‘suckled from’ that I just don’t like the thought of, and I can’t help it. No matter how many times clever posters say something along the lines of “Well sex is animalistic too. Do you think that’s gross? etc etc etc”.

I do fully intend to try and breastfeed if I am fortunate enough to have a baby in the future. I just don’t like the thought of it.

Most natural thing to do, I don't get the issue. We are mammals

@spudjulia WOW! Phenomenal woman!

Yes I totally felt like this. I was planning to express to get round it but in the end up I didn’t express much and just gave up in the first week. After my milk had dried up I really regretted it for a while 😕 I think if I have another I’ll just try to not think about my weirded-outness and just feed them for a couple of weeks if I can

My family have similar views and were not shy about expressing them! However, I don’t really give a shiny shite about others opinions when I’m set on something, and as they are fairly unhealthy and (for those who were mothers) hated the newborn stage, whereas I love it (even while BF, shock horror) I generally let the negativity wash over me. Personally, I like the animal element of it, I loved feeding my baby mammals.
I did personally feel a bit ick about putting formula into my tiny babies, and worked very hard to get my eldest off formula after he had to have some in hospital. I had come across something about an oil incident in water being used by a formula manufacturer when I was pregnant, which put me off completely. I also do feel a bit icky about cows milk generally when I think too much about where it comes from, (metal machines sucking from a cows test) so I try not to think too hard about it!

Cows teat, not test obviously!

People can’t change how they feel about something.. people keep saying it’s odd etc because it’s the ‘most natural thing in the world’ but it doesn’t mean you can just turn your feelings off and suddenly love it

You might be experiencing some odd pregnancy hormones. It might feel natural to feed and comfort your baby when they are lying on your chest. It might be worth getting used to the idea of putting their needs first.
I wasn't exactly keen on the idea of sleep deprivation but it's one of those things.

This is bizarre. Are you really young OP? The only times I’ve come across this attitude is from very young mothers; 15,16,17.

I don’t think there’s anything to be ashamed about. It’s a sensation at the end of the day and you don’t like it. I don’t either. Just like I can’t comprehend how people don’t like having their scalp massaged!

I breastfed for about 3 minutes and it repulsed me. But I expressed, so my baby still had breast milk. Also, there’s nothing wrong with formula.

Look you don't have to agree with the op's sentiments but telling her she's wrong or odd or immature to think this isn't helpful.

People are so focused on women having control over their bodies at the moment but the second someone admits to feeling like this they are piled on.

Her body, her baby, her choice.

@RussianSpy101

This is bizarre. Are you really young OP? The only times I’ve come across this attitude is from very young mothers; 15,16,17.

This is so offensive and ignorant.

@RussianSpy101

This is bizarre. Are you really young OP? The only times I’ve come across this attitude is from very young mothers; 15,16,17.

37 and 39 when I had my Dcs.

@gailplattshairbrush

Look you don't have to agree with the op's sentiments but telling her she's wrong or odd or immature to think this isn't helpful.

People are so focused on women having control over their bodies at the moment but the second someone admits to feeling like this they are piled on.

Her body, her baby, her choice.

We don't have to agree, but people saying it's gross is also unhelpful

I'm the same OP I hated it. Did it for 6 weeks and then had to give up. But my revulsion was caused by sexual abuse ptsd and breastfeeding caused flashbacks for me. To this day I cant bear anyone touching them.