I completely agree that it’s not okay that people have issues with breastfeeding vs. cleavage, etc… however, I do have some issues with cleavage, and so on, and happen to know several guys who’ve talked about how hot nursing is. So, in that situation, I opt for the cover-up idea, not for “offended” people, but for people that are trying to not be attracted to other women. I asked a few guy friends in college if boobs were inately hot, or if it was just the fact that they were “forbidden” in our culture that made them interesting. Topless tribes of Africa and all that. After some debate, it was decided that it was both.The point is, natural or not, breasts are more than nutritional. But people get WAY too up in arms about the whole thing, I don’t know a single breastfeeding mother who’d be comfortable with the idea of walking down the street totally topless. If people see ANYTHING (let’s be honest, they usually don’t, they’re disturbed by the idea, which is nonsense) it’s a little bit of the top of a breast, above the baby’s head. Not a big deal. At all. And, the more common it was, the less of a big deal it would be. So, in case you can’t tell, it’s a bit of a soap box for me, too. I’m totally a nurse anywhere person, and I don’t necessarily bother with a cover once they get older and better at it, but the one thing I wish was that I felt comfortable not leaving Relief Society or Sunday School to nurse. I’m just not ready to be “that” wardmember, you know? But I hate having to choose which part of the block I’ll miss. Madeline, I’m loving your blog, by the way (I’m guessing you can tell since I comment constantly. Sorry. :-D)

Very well said, dearie.

As children benefit society, what benefits children benefits society as a whole. And that definitely includes breastfeeding, wherever it happens to happen.

I certainly think the stigmas that surround feeding babies need to be done away with. If you’re doing your best to feed your little one — breast or bottle — you should be commended, not condemned.

The first thing that I noticed upon “The Bozeman Chronicle” webpage was the pink ribbon at the top of the page. Its a shame that during this month of “Breast Cancer Awareness” you don’t hear people talking about how nursing reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Ok, that seems off-topic. But, those breast ribbons are everywhere. And you’d be hard-pressed to find people who think that finding a cure for breast cancer is not a noble cause. On the other hand, you won’t have any problem finding people criticizing mothers, like myself, nursing a child in a public place.