A Nice Article About Breastfeeding in Public

From the Manila Bulletin

Double Exposure
Breastfeeding is the greatest gift you can give your baby. So why be embarrassed?

By RUTH MANIMTIM-FLORESCA
August 28, 2009, 1:57pm


It has been more than a decade since I last breastfed a baby. My youngest child is turning 11 in a couple of months but I can still remember how difficult it was to try and breastfeed a child when we were out in public places.

These days, I’m glad to see a lot of doctors and moms, who strongly advocate breastfeeding. Some have even come up with breastfeeding-friendly clothes and accessories that help moms breastfeed unobtrusively despite being surrounded by a lot of people.

Still, there are mothers who would rather “starve” their babies until they find a “good” feeding spot than be caught exposing their breasts in public.

Mary Allyn B. Tan of Davao City, a LATCH (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) breastfeeding counselor, acknowledges that Filipino women are largely brought up to be modest. “There is considerable unease at the thought of possibly exposing ourselves in the presence of other people in the course of breastfeeding our baby,” she explains. “We also care a lot about how others might perceive us and worry about possibly embarrassing not just ourselves, but also our husbands and families. Added to this, I think, is that Filipinos have this innate desire not to bring discomfort to [other] people.”

Overcoming concerns

Lyn says one of the best ways a mother can address her fears and misgivings about breastfeeding in public is to analyze them and to try to separate the facts from the perceived reactions of other

people. “In my experience as a nursing mom, I’ve never received so much as an outright frown, much less a verbal admonition,” she shares. “Although most people still seem surprised and curious, they nevertheless comment on how ‘ideal’ it is that I’m nursing my child.”

When people try to continue the conversation, Lyn happily reports that she gets to answer questions about breastfeeding and address common myths and misconceptions. “So I also get to be a ‘model mom’ for breastfeeding at the same time!”

She further advises that moms should ease their apprehensions by simply adjusting their perception about breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding is one of the unique and special gifts we have as mothers. It’s wholly ours to own and, really, we should feel proud about giving our babies the perfect food,” she points out.

Finding the right accessories

One of the most exciting developments for pregnant and nursing moms in the past six to 10 years is the growing number of establishments that have become more sensitive to the special needs of mommies and their children. “Gone are the days when being pregnant meant having to go around in a tent for a certain period of your life,” describes Lyn. “These days, pregnant mommies can be as fashionable as they want to be!” One example of a store is Havin' a Baby and the brand Mommy Matters, which you can find on the Internet. There are also a lot items in Multiply.

However, she concedes that less well known is the fact that there are now accessories too for breastfeeding moms. “There’s the nursing bib, which covers the chest area and the nursing baby while breastfeeding and nursing blouses and dresses with special panels and cut-outs that allow access to the breast without mom having to expose more than she has to,” illustrates Lyn. “These allow for more discreet nursing.”

One of her favorite accessories is the nursing belly band. “It turns any regular shirt or blouse into nursing wear!” she exclaims. “It addresses one of the biggest concerns of mommies when breastfeeding; that of leaving your belly, sides, and sometimes part of your back, exposed.”

According to Lyn, most of the nursing wear being sold today are designed and produced by real moms.

“And it feels good to know you’re helping their business when you buy them,” she expresses. “Although a creative mom can also use existing items in her closet to create solutions like converting a tube top into a nursing belly band.”

“I know how daunting it can be to imagine breastfeeding in public. I’ve been there,” admits Lyn. “The anxiety I felt in doing it for the first time resembled the one I always felt when going to the dentist as a child.”

She encourages moms that the first time is always the biggest hurdle. “With the proper attitude and the right kinds of nursing mom aids, you can start to enjoy the benefits of a breastfeeding lifestyle and be rewarded with a healthy, glowing and highly portable child!”

Inspiring others

These days, with the law providing for the needs of nursing mothers, there are already malls and other big buildings that have established nursing stations. “One way we can be more proactive and encourage others to follow their lead is to patronize and support these establishments,” urges Lyn.

She adds that sometimes, all it takes to truly appreciate something is allowing a shift in our perspective. “A little change in direction and, suddenly, we see … not the discomfort and embarrassment of possible exposure, but the comfort and security felt by a nourished and beloved baby, the tenderness and sacrifice of a doting mother … the beauty and miracle of life.”