“Aussies not ready for public breastfeeding” - Herald Sun 31 Aug 09
I’ve just read an article published in the Herald Sun (31 Aug 09) about lack of support for breastfeeding mothers across the wider community.
The Lactation Consultants Association of Australia commissioned a study of 1000 men and women. Up to a third of participants in the study believe that mothers should not breastfeed their babies in public, and a baby should stop breastfeeding within 12 months. Only 29% strongly agreed that women should be encouraged to breastfeed in public.
As a strong supporter of women who choose to breastfeed, I find any anti-breastfeeding attitude quite appalling (and puzzling!). But is this view of breastfeeding really so prevalent in Australia? In my experience of breastfeeding our daughter, I never encountered any discrimination for breastfeeding in public places. Perhaps in the early days I felt a little self-conscious breastfeeding outside of our home, but once we both got the hang of it and I worked out how to nurse without completely undressing, I hardly gave it a second thought. In fact I recall several encouraging comments and friendly smiles, but no negativity.
But reading this article got me wondering whether I did encounter people who had a negative view of my public breastfeeding, and I just didn’t take notice. Do these people actively express this view to nursing mums? Are they out there tut-tutting, making peculiar negative remarks and throwing dirty looks in the direction of breastfeeding mother? Or is it more subtle?
Are Aussies really not ready for public breastfeeding?
