Controversy
is no stranger to our society. What works for some may not work for others, and
everyone seems to have an opinion on the "right way" to do things.
One topic that has stirred a variety of opinions is breastfeeding, particularly
in public. Recently, a woman shared a photo on this topic, sparking a flurry of
mixed feedback.
Breastfeeding
Goes Viral
Breastfeeding
plays a vital role in ensuring a baby's nourishment and well-being.
Additionally, it offers numerous benefits such as fostering a strong emotional
bond between mother and child and promoting a healthy immune system. Despite
these advantages, breastfeeding in public can make some individuals
uncomfortable and even provoke anger for various reasons. Trinati, an Instagram
user with over 7,000 followers, shared a photo in 2017 of herself breastfeeding
her daughter inside a Costco. She emphasized her commitment to feeding her
17-month-old daughter wherever they are, never hesitating to provide for her
children. Consequently, she often finds herself breastfeeding in public
settings.
She
asked her son to take the picture because “I never want to forget (show my
daughter in the future) the lengths we, as mothers, will go to when ensuring
our kids are well looked after no matter the situation,” Trinati explained.
“I
don’t expect all men or those who have never breastfed to understand the ways
in which mothers have the endurance to deal with nipple-pinching or straight-up
acrobatics while breastfeeding,” she continued. “I have received the strangest
glances and awkward giggles when people watch my 1.5-year-old standing on my
lap while suckling … sometimes on one leg!”
Commenting
on the Criticism
Despite
encountering criticism from the public, Trinati also faces teasing from her
loved ones, who jest about her potentially breastfeeding until her daughter is
in Kindergarten. Nonetheless, she remains undeterred because her priority is to
breastfeed "for as long as [her daughter] needs."
She
also shared that she wanted to make a point to the public, removing the
negativity around breastfeeding in public. Some have argued that it’s
inappropriate because it potentially sexualizes her out in public. In contrast,
Trinati exclaimed, “Really? Have you SEEN breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are
very far from looking like something someone may fantasize about! Ha!”
She
continued, “These are basically udders right now. Get over yourself! I’m not
trying to steal your man or lady with these bad girls! To me, they have become
so far from feeling like a sexual part of my body. Right now, they belong to my
child for nourishment, both physically and emotionally.” Moreover, other moms
have publicly spoken up or shared pictures of themselves also
breastfeeding. Trinati shed some light on that by explaining, “My baby’s needs
come waaaaaay before anyone else’s attempts to make me feel inappropriate for
this sometimes-public act of nourishing and/or comforting my children.”
Countless
Benefits are Provided
Breastfeeding
offers both nourishment and comfort for infants and even toddlers, provided
that both mother and child are in agreement. According to the CDC,
breastfeeding also confers health benefits to mothers, such as lowering the
risk of certain illnesses like ovarian and breast cancer, as well as type 2
diabetes. The subject has become so contentious that even celebrity mothers
have expressed support for mothers like Trinati. Some notable examples include
Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Munn, Ronda Rousey, and Vanessa Morgan.
The ongoing debate surrounding breastfeeding, particularly in public, has left mothers feeling weary. Consequently, many are speaking out in defense of their right to nourish their children as they see fit, and whenever they deem necessary.
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