Can you breastfeed your child in public?

Breastfeeding in public is a controversial issue. This fundamental aspect of motherhood, laden with biological significance and emotional connection, has found itself at the centre of conversations about personal freedom, societal norms, and the rights of mothers and their infants. This prompted our question today. Below are some of the responses of our contributors.

Bakare Yetunde

You should just get yourself a flannel or napkin. There is no big deal about that. I did that on most occasions while I was still nursing my children.

Jimoh Tawakalit

It depends on the situation and structure. If my child is in dire need of milk in a public space and I do not have an extract, I could. Since I wear a long hijab and could conveniently cover both my baby and my body with it, no one would know I am breastfeeding. However, exposing my body in the name of breastfeeding would be a No − even if only the female folks are present − because some parts of the body are called ‘private parts’, meant for you and your spouse’s sights only.

Nwajiofor Queen

Yes, of course. That is why a nursing mother needs to wear a nursing bra because it only reveals the nipple while breastfeeding. Also, one needs to wear an accessible outfit.

Hannah Elegbede

I could breastfeed my child in public because my child is part of my life. But, there is a way I would go about this because modesty matters to me. Firstly, as a nursing mother, there are some clothes I would sew or buy that would conveniently aid in breastfeeding my baby in public. Secondly, I would prioritise my baby over me for that period. I would always take a small cloth/wrapper that could cover the upper part of my body when the need arises to breastfeed in public.

Oyesola Adams

I could breastfeed in public. I would cover myself and the baby with a shawl. I know I am supposed to feed my child before leaving the house and some people may feel uncomfortable seeing breasts. Feeding one’s young is natural. Nobody troubles animals when they are breastfeeding their young. So, why are humans harassing women for feeding their children? Why are we making it a thing of shame when it is just as natural as an adult eating in public? Women are already under enough stress from having a child. We need to re-evaluate what we think is shameful. We are losing focus on what is important.

Barakat Adejumo

I have learnt not to say “I can never do such a thing”. Some situations would leave us in a tight corner and you would be left with no other option. I have seen women breastfeed in public and question their decency. Most responses I got were “I need to comfort my child.” A woman once refused to breastfeed her son in public. It was in a market space, and the child kept crying, which warranted people to call the woman names for not breastfeeding the baby. I would not wish to breastfeed my child in public and would try my best to avoid it. However, if that is the last option, I would, and would ensure privacy while doing so.

Nimota Mohammed

I would, but with absolute consciousness as a Muslimah, covering my body with a piece of cloth. People have to understand that taking care of a child does not require shame − you would not even remember there is something called shame. Hence, your intention is purely to take care of your child and not to display your nudity for people to see. Some women, who are not Muslims, would conveniently bring out their breasts in public and feed their children without any form of coverage or consciousness. This is because their intentions are geared towards the caregiving of the child. But this should be cautioned.

Ojedokun Damilola

I just did some days back while my child was crying at a naming ceremony. What I did was cover my breast with a little flannel.

Ijeoma Ndukwe

I do and would still do a thousand times. I just make sure I wear comfortable blouses for easy breastfeeding, use a flannel, and we are good to go.

Rebecca James

I could, but my breast would not be out in the open for people to see. I have three children and I breastfed them in public. However, one thing I would not do is open my breast for people to see in public.

Omono Eghobamien

Yes, at any place in time. When my child is four months old, why would I not? There is no one looking at me.

Glory

For me, it is a must. I cannot starve my child to please anybody. But I would make sure I do it with decency – because, nowadays, people are looking for ways to be naked.

Our question for next week: ‘Can you be a second wife to a man you love and can take care of you?’

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