Breastfeeding is a natural biological function, but is there a time and a place for it? Nearly 75 percent of American mothers breastfeed their babies, but the issue of nursing in public remains controversial, as it raises the difficult question of how much exposure is too much. Babies get hungry even in public places, so what's a mother to do?
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What to do when repulsed...
...........
No offense directly intended, but how the hell did you get the label "Expert"?
"move away and/or don't look".
Wow... I wish this worked for more things in reality...
The reality of this is that we don't need women being indiscreet about breastfeeding . There are a large number of things that are annoying or "offensive" in daily life that we can do without, there is no reason that others should have to observe a mother openly nursing her infant.
That said, there is no reason a mother SHOULDN'T be allowed to feed her infant in public so long as she uses at least a little discretion.
I've seen mothers nursing that use blankets or towels to cover up while feeding and I have absolutely NO problem with that as they try to take into consideration how others feel about seeing the process and I am actually a strong supporter of breastfeeding.
This gives me an unusual "stance" on breastfeeding in public, and is definitely outside of the realm of the "normal" public's divided opinion of "Yes, everyone must accept seeing it whether they like it or not" and "No, they can't let the baby nurse in public because 'I' don't wish to see it".
Now, I know my answer listed below is "No", however, I don't feel this is a "Yes" or "No" issue. My answer SHOULD be along the line of "Yes, if they are polite about it". I should warn you before you lash into me, that I've seen an overwhelming number who are not.
In the end, "Yes" or "No" just don't cut it for the majority of issues facing society and I have never liked OV's excessive use of a bi-answer poll. There is no need for extremes, extremists are a bad thing, for all sides. All things should be done/taken in moderation, this also includes moderation.
I forget who said that, but they knew more than you do madam Heskin.
There are no "easy" answers or solutions to the odd questions and problems in life and as a labeled "expert" I would expect you to know that.
Thanks for your time.
- wonka
April 23, 2009 12:50AM
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Side: No
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You've still not presented an argument
You can disregard the above reply to your comment where I asked that you be specific about the "should" aspect of the original topic. I'm glad you addressed that, because it's something I find unfortunate about most of OV's topics. The use of should is often far too arbitrary to discuss.
Your only argument is that people should not be subjected to certain behaviors from other people.
I don't like to be exposed to people who wrinkle their noses or roll their eyes at women who are breast-feeding publicly. Perhaps you should not be allowed in public places when women are openly exposing their breast to their child unless you can express your disgust in a discreet and tasteful manner. My argument is just as strong as yours, and it isn't very strong. You should be allowed to show your disgust without assaulting anyone, and women should be allowed to bare their breasts for the purpose of feeding their hungry child.
Present a better argument, build your case, and generate some validity.
- mike
June 25, 2009 3:15PM
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Side: Uncommitted
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Good Job.
Thanks for completely missing my point and misinterpreting to fit your own needs. I'll leave you to re-read my comment and continue to not get it.
- wonka
October 3, 2009 12:45PM
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Side: No
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