The debate over whether women should breastfeed their children in public is long-standing. Recently, another voice has joined the discussion. This young mother, determined to make her point, has stirred up quite a bit of controversy. Keep reading to learn more about her story.
Every nursing mother knows that when a baby is hungry, the location and time are irrelevant. While some mothers may feel uneasy about public breastfeeding, this young mother was resolute. She wanted to make a strong statement in support of public breastfeeding.
Trinati breastfeeds her 17-month-old daughter wherever they are. This often means nursing her toddler in public, and while she is unashamed, not everyone around her is comfortable with it. She frequently receives odd looks and has even been directed into broom closets by store employees who believe she would be more “comfortable” breastfeeding there.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
She continued, “These are basically udders right now. Get over yourself! I’m not trying to steal your man or lady with these bad girls! For me, they are far from being a sexual part of my body. Right now, they belong to my child for nourishment, both physically and emotionally.”
She aims to raise awareness that breastfeeding is about nourishing a child and is not a sexual act.
“I don’t expect all men or those who have never breastfed to understand the endurance mothers have to deal with nipple-pinching or acrobatics while breastfeeding,” she explained. “I’ve received the strangest glances and awkward giggles when people see my 1.5-year-old standing on my lap while nursing … sometimes on one leg!”
In an effort to normalize public breastfeeding, she had a picture taken of herself nursing her toddler to share and make a point.
“I had my son take that photo of us in Costco because I never want to forget (and I want to show my daughter in the future) the lengths we, as mothers, will go to ensure our kids are well cared for, no matter the situation,” she explained.
“My baby’s needs come far before anyone else’s attempts to make me feel inappropriate for this sometimes-public act of nourishing and comforting my children,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.
She wants her children to know they are always her top priority, far above the judgment and comfort of others.
“Trust is fundamental for developing healthy relationships, and it begins with the care we receive in childhood,” she said. “For me, breastfeeding exemplifies this to my children, and for this reason, I will never feel shame for allowing my baby to nurse in any environment.”
There are valid points on both sides of the debate. What are your thoughts on breastfeeding in public? Share your opinions in the comments!