Earlier this week, a breastfeeding mom was confronted by a group of middle-aged adults in a restaurant, and told she was putting them off their food. The lady in question, Clare Jones-Hughes, had done all she could to ensure discretion but these small-minded people took offense and asked her to stop. So bravo to Clare, who, in response, set up a protest where 40 other mothers joined her to breastfeed their infants in one of Brighton’s busiest shopping streets. She has at least gained some publicity for the incident and I hope it will make more people realize that this is a completely natural thing for a mother to do. Breasts aren’t just for sex and sensuality. In fact, when you’re a new mum, they become totally de-sexualised, believe me!
No, I am not a member of the “breastapo”. I believe it’s up to each mother to decide how they wish to feed their baby, and if they choose to breastfeed, then that’s wonderful. But there is still a terrible stigma attached to breastfeeding in public, and I just don’t understand it. If a tiny baby needs feeding, what are you supposed to do, just let them scream?
I must confess, I felt really reticent about feeding in public with my son and only ever did it when I had no choice – like when I’d forgotten to pack a bottle. I always felt intimidated, that people were staring, tutting and disapproving. I wish I’d felt differently, really, but I was so, so conscious of how it seems to offend so many people. I know I shouldn’t have cared what others think, and I only wish I’d been a bit braver – a bit more like Clare Jones-Hughes.