No matter how experienced of a breastfeeding mother that I am, I will always fear someone approaching me while nursing my almost eight month old in public. Sad isn’t it? Society has sexualized breasts and women so much that a woman nourishing her child is almost taboo. Here’s a fun fact for you – the breasts on a women were MADE to feed a child.

The ignorance of society when it comes to breastfeeding is almost obnoxious. Men oggling at mothers who are just trying to feed their infant, yet not even thinking twice of the scantily clad woman who’s wardrobe leaves nothing to the imagination. People even approaching nursing mothers, telling them to “Cover up!”. Do you know how hard it is to cover up a squirming eight month old who isn’t used to being covered while nursing?

If I’m nursing in public it’s because my baby is screaming and I’m tired of everyone looking at me like “Hey lady, any chance you’re gonna shut that kid up?”. Contrary to some people’s beliefs I’m nursing my child because she is hungry. I’m not doing it because I want to show everyone in the world my breasts. {Which by the way, after breastfeeding for a little more than a year and a half combined – are nothing to get excited about in the first place.} Honestly, I am more self-conscious about you seeing my gross stretch marked stomach than you possibly (but more than likely not) seeing a quick flash of my nipple. If you can see any of my nipple at all, you’re probably staring a little too hard to begin with.

In today’s society, a ceiling to floor length poster of a woman wearing nothing but a matching bra and panty set complete with seductive pose and pout is more acceptable than a fully clothed mother feeding her child. We live in a society where mothers are occasionally asked to feed their child in a BATHROOM STALL, perched on a toilet and hidden away like a leper.  Do YOU eat in the bathroom? Would you feel comfortable giving your child a bottle in the bathroom? 

49 of the 50 states along with the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands protect breastfeeding mothers and allow them to breastfeed in any location, private or public. 29 of those states also have a specific law which exemplifies breastfeeding mothers from public indecency laws. Know your rights as a nursing mother, explore them and learn more here.

To the friends and family members of nursing mothers: Be supportive, even if you didn’t nurse your children. Be ready to step in and come to the defense of that nursing mama if someone is bold enough to rudely approach her. Most importantly, if you see someone nursing in public, please, don’t make it awkward. Don’t stare at her as she’s getting ready to feed baby…it’s just a boob. All women have breasts, I even know some men who’ve grown a pair too.

To companies that support breastfeeding, whether they be “mom and pops” or large corporations like Target: Your support is so greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. To the photo editing app – PicsArt – I thank you. Because of your “tree of life” sticker and recent campaign to help end the stigmas associated with breastfeeding, you have encouraged so many nursing moms to share the beauty of their breastfeeding journey. “A picture is worth a thousand words” and you’ve shown the most perfect way to help breastfeeding mama’s like myself express that so beautifully and effortlessly.