Is this unreasonable re: SIL's BFing

twin_trip_mommy · Jun 12, 2010

I am a pretty modest woman and I am teaching my girls to have modesty also. But I am not someone that would ask a breast feeding Mom to put a blanket over her baby while feeding in my home. I would not want her to feel free enough to just hang out full breast showing while the baby was not feeding but I would not be offended if the child unlatched and I saw her full breast.

GandEmom said: ↑

I totally agree that it's not just an American thing. There are many countries where women feel the need to cover when breastfeeding. I think for example about many Arab counties where extended breastfeeding (up till age 2 or longer) is often the norm, but so is remaining covered while doing so.

IMO, I think what makes it odd about people being offended by breastfeeding in public in the US is that TV shows, trips to the grocery store, going swimming, etc often expose us to more exposed flesh than a mom breastfeeding does. I don't watch much TV, but all I have to do is stand in line at the grocery store and look over at the magazine covers and can see more flesh than if someone were breastfeeding.

I feel that as a nation we have such a double standard when it comes to modesty. And that's why I think it's so sad that breastfeeding is hidden from public view. It seems like in our society the only time breasts are hidden is during breastfeeding. lol.

I think you are right about the religious thing too. This is why many people feel the need to nurse in private.

Although there are many ways of looking at it from a religious perspective. For some people that means being covered or not allowing others to ever see breastfeeding. But there are deeply religious folks who don't feel their bodies can be devalued by others. I think that's an important thing to add because not all believers interpret modesty in the same way. In fact, some churches welcome breastfeeding in church services.

I too believe the body is wonderfully created. And for me how it is exposed is all about context. I would feel uncomfortable about flashing people or wearing overly revealing tops. But breastfeeding is something all together different then that. The context is about feeding a baby.

As for children, they are going to notice because that is what children do. They are curious beings. That is part of what makes them such amazing, loving, non-judgemental creatures.

I am not trying to argue with you here. I am just wanting to add that people who don't feel the need to nurse in private may in fact be very modest and religious people.
Click to expand...

I am curious about something and it follows in line with what GandEmom said above.

What if a woman was visiting your home and her clothing was not in line with your (general you) level of modesty. Would you ask her to place a blanket over her breasts?

What if a woman walked into a local restaurant, a department store or a coffee shop with a very revealing top on. Would the manager ask her to cover up?

If a friend of one of my daughters came over (I know none of my friends would dress in revealing clothing) with a revealing top on I would say something to her. I don't think I would send her home or ask her to leave but I would mention that the top is much to revealing and I did not appreciate that type of revealing clothing in my home. I'm sure it would make her uncomfortable but at least she would know I was not comfortable with her clothing choice.

Similar Threads	Forum	Date
This isn't unreasonable to ask, is it?	The Toddler Years(1-3)	Jan 14, 2010
Am I being unreasonable about our Thanksgiving travel plans?	The First Year	Nov 15, 2008
Unreasonable ?	Pregnancy Help	Sep 17, 2007
Am I being unreasonable?	Pregnancy Help	Jun 22, 2007
Visiting MIL - Am I being unreasonable?	The First Year	Dec 17, 2006

Log in or Sign up

Is this unreasonable re: SIL's BFing

twin_trip_mommy Well-Known Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Is this unreasonable re: SIL's BFing

twin_trip_mommy Well-Known Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches