Why do people feel ashamed when encounter a breastfeeding mother? A curious mother of two seeking the answer defended her right to publicly breastfeed at Disneyland after she was criticized by women at the park and by others on social media.
The woman, Brittni Medina, is a regular visitor at Disneyland. She often goes there with her husband and two sons. One of her son is 10 months old and still in the mother’s arms. During a recent trip, Medina started nursing, which, she alleged, upset a few of the park visitors.
“I was standing in a very long line to get our picture taken, my son got hungry and I wasn’t going to wait in another line again. So I took off my first top and nursed,” Medina writes in a Facebook post shared in the Breastfeeding Mama Talk group.
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“These women were making snarky comments, so I moved from my spot to catch a picture with these characters. Not for attention for me but attention to the fact NO WOMEN SHOULD BE SHAMED FOR FEEDING THEIR BABY UNCOVERED.”
While even California law allows mothers to breastfeed, covered or uncovered, in public or private, why does the sight of a breastfeeding mom bother the public? Women more so than men?
“I never expected the picture to go viral,” she says, “obviously it’s not the best one of me but I love it because again not all mom moments are .”
It was celebration of a woman nurturing her baby as any mother would do, regardless of place and time. Medina’s post garnered almost 2,000 comments. She responded to their comments, explaining that she wasn’t doing anything wrong.
“Yes not everyone agrees. For one I don’t need your approval! Disney policy and the law fully support me,” Medina writes. “Boobs are not sexual! If you can’t inform your kids a baby is eating that’s not my issue. Am I normally this ‘exposed’ when I feed my son? No! But not all moments as a mother are glamorous! In this moment he is a big boy and is pulling on my nursing shirt!”
Even today, breastfeeding is considered unacceptable in public spaces. While many mothers have been shamed and criticized for this natural act, some call out the severity.
We are proud of you, Brittni!
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Feature Image Credit: People
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