It has been an endless debate: should moms nurse in public? This shouldn’t be an issue at all, and for various reasons.
Would you have lunch inside a public toilet? Would you cover your head while eating? Your answer would probably be a resounding no. If babies could only talk, they would probably scream no, too.
For some reason, though, many of us find the natural act of a mother nursing her child still so awkward. Let us make it easier for you. If you don’t know how to react when your relative, friend, or someone near you is breastfeeding, here are the things you should remember:
1. Don’t stare.
It’s rude to stare, much more if what you’re staring at involves breasts. The mother is simply nursing her child. When you stare, it makes breastfeeding look malicious. Not only does that make you look like a pervert, you’re also making the mom self-conscious.
2. Offer a seat or an extra hand.
While breastfeeding can be done standing up, it is much more comfortable done seated. Offer a chair or any comfortable spot to the mother. Offer to help the mother with the nursing cover, if she’s using one, or help her with her food or drink. Be her extra hand.
3. Protect her rights.
Administrators of restaurants, malls, offices and other establishments: listen up! Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 mandates that “all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions shall establish lactation stations” and that these stations “shall not be located in the toilet.” Truth be told, this law is not widely implemented in the country.
There have been instances when breastfeeding moms have been asked to leave a restaurant and a church.
4. Remember that breastfeeding is normal.
Breastfeeding spans across many generations and different cultures. It is as normal and natural as eating. Treat breastfeeding mothers with the same respect and as you would treat a mother bottle-feeding her baby.
Those who do breastfeed in public risk being at the receiving end of reactions varying from awkward stares from strangers to being called “indecent.” That has got to stop.
Help turn the breastfeeding backlash into support by simply offering breastfeeding moms a smile as if saying, “You’re doing a great job!”
