Breast feeding in public... gross or okay?

[DizBelle]

Disagree. The law specifically says " a mother's breastfeeding of her baby"--they clearly defined what action did not constitute a violation, and it is limited to the act of nursing the child. Stripping naked is a separate issue.

Now if they had said "a breastfeeding mother"--THEN anything mom did would be allowed. It says

And my answer is okay. Unless done in a gross way. Same as anyone else that's eating

Right, so the act of breastfeeding makes being naked ok (in the eyes of the law).

Like I said, I don't think this is what was intended by those that wrote the law. But that is what the law says.

"A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section." A mother is breastfeeding, the circumstance is naked. Therefore, not a violation of the section.

 

[MelanieC]

Totally ok!!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Right, so the act of breastfeeding makes being naked ok (in the eyes of the law).

Like I said, I don't think this is what was intended by those that wrote the law. But that is what the law says.

"A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section." A mother is breastfeeding, the circumstance is naked. Therefore, not a violation of the section.

I disagree with your interpretation of the law as well. Body parts that aren't used in "a mother's breastfeeding of her baby" wouldn't fall under the exception made for the act of breastfeeding.

But even if your interpretation is correct, so what? Do you really expect someone to strip naked to breastfeed? If so, she wouldn't be doing it because she's breastfeeding, she'd be doing it because she's an exhibitionist.

I suppose if the OP had read, "Exhibitionists using breastfeeding as an excuse to get nekkid in public -- gross or OK?", the responses would have been different.

 

[DizBelle]

I disagree with your interpretation of the law as well. Body parts that aren't used in "a mother's breastfeeding of her baby" wouldn't fall under the exception made for the act of breastfeeding.

But even if your interpretation is correct, so what? Do you really expect someone to strip naked to breastfeed? If so, she wouldn't be doing it because she's breastfeeding, she'd be doing it because she's an exhibitionist.

I suppose if the OP had read, "Exhibitionists using breastfeeding as an excuse to get nekkid in public -- gross or OK?", the responses would have been different.

But it doesn't say it is limited to body parts used in breastfeeding. It says that a mother breastfeeding under any circumstance is not a violation.

Any: every; all
Circumstance: the existing conditions or state of affairs surrounding and affecting an agent

Mom being naked would be "any circumstance"

I certainly don't expect it. But if it did happen, it wouldn't be breaking the (Florida) law.

Again, I doubt this is what the writer of the law intended but it is how it is written.

It does not say that exposure of only the bits involved in breastfeeding would not be a violation. It says ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

If you think it means that it only applies to the parts involved in breastfeeding, then you are inferring something that isn't there based on what you think it should be. But not what it is.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

If someone wanted to whip it out in full view, what do I care, it is a natural, healthy, beautiful part of human life. What is wrong with us. If someone is offended, then turn away. I do agree tho if they are stripping down to do it then that may be an issue. It is an interesting thought tho. If I saw a woman take off her top completely to breastfeed, I would personally find it very strange, but I don't think I would do anything, I don't believe I would report it, say anything to her, etc.

 

[squirrlygirl]

Right, so the act of breastfeeding makes being naked ok (in the eyes of the law).

Like I said, I don't think this is what was intended by those that wrote the law. But that is what the law says.

"A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section." A mother is breastfeeding, the circumstance is naked. Therefore, not a violation of the section.

what do you mean right? You then went on to totally misunderstand. Being naked is NOT a circumstance of breastfeeding. It has no relation and does not affect the breastfeeding. Removing her top? That would be related. Her pants? Just can't picture the judge that would rule it was a circumstance

 

[Mrs.Toad]

But it doesn't say it is limited to body parts used in breastfeeding. It says that a mother breastfeeding under any circumstance is not a violation.

Any: every; all
Circumstance: the existing conditions or state of affairs surrounding and affecting an agent

::snip::

If you think it means that it only applies to the parts involved in breastfeeding, then you are inferring something that isn't there based on what you think it should be. But not what it is.

I think you are the one inferring something that isn't there. Based on your own definition of circumstance, "surrounding and affecting an agent". A mother's exposure of her lower half does not affect her act of breastfeeding.

Do you also believe that a child molester could get away with molestation in Florida by relying on this statute?

800.04 Lewd, lascivious, or indecent assault or act upon or in presence
of child. ---
A person who:
(1) Handles, fondles, or assaults any child under the age of 16 years
in a lewd, lascivious, or indecent manner;
(2) Commits actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual
intercourse, sexual bestiality, ************, sadomasochistic abuse,
actual lewd exhibition of the genitals, or any act or conduct which
simulates that sexual battery is being or will be committed upon any
child under the age of 16 years or forces or entices the child to commit
any such act;
(3) Commits an act defined as sexual battery under s. 794.011(1)(h)
upon any child under the age of 16 years; or
(4) Knowingly commits any lewd or lascivious act in the presence of
any child under the age of 16 years, without committing the crime of
sexual battery, commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as
provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Neither the victim's
lack of chastity nor the victim's consent is a defense to the crime
proscribed by this section. A mother's breast feeding of her baby does
not under any circumstance violate this section.

Based on your statements, it appears you would say that Florida law allows a mother to molest her child as long as she is also breastfeeding while she is doing it.

I think it's quite clear in both circumstances, that the statutes are saying the act of breastfeeding does not constitute indecent exposure or molestation. Not that a woman can expose other body parts or molest a child merely because she happens to be breastfeeding at the same time.

But again, even if it did, so what? Why point out this supposed ambiguity in the first place?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

As a man my only question to women who breastfeed in public is, "Where am I supposed to look?"

Seriously, if an attractive woman has a **** out, no matter how hard I try, the eyes wander...

 

[threecrazykids]

If someone wanted to whip it out in full view, what do I care, it is a natural, healthy, beautiful part of human life. What is wrong with us. If someone is offended, then turn away. I do agree tho if they are stripping down to do it then that may be an issue. It is an interesting thought tho. If I saw a woman take off her top completely to breastfeed, I would personally find it very strange, but I don't think I would do anything, I don't believe I would report it, say anything to her, etc.

**NOTE** I'M JUST PLAYING DEVILS ADVOCATE HERE ON THIS RESPONSE

What is wrong with US? The breastfeeding mother apparently gets to decide what others CAN and CAN NOT find offensive based on the purpose of breastfeeding?
Why should I turn away from something I'm offended by? If I see someone do something "offensive" in public for any OTHER behavior I'm surely not going to turn my back to it.

Why can't I watch such a "beautiful, natural, etc. thing" such as breastfeeding if you're doing it in public?
If someone gawks at you when you're breastfeeding then they are a pervert but if I turn away because I'm "not suppose to gawk" it's because I've been told that is a "PRIVATE moment between a mother and her child"??? No one can win on this debate.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

If someone wanted to whip it out in full view, what do I care, it is a natural, healthy, beautiful part of human life. What is wrong with us. If someone is offended, then turn away. I do agree tho if they are stripping down to do it then that may be an issue. It is an interesting thought tho. If I saw a woman take off her top completely to breastfeed, I would personally find it very strange, but I don't think I would do anything, I don't believe I would report it, say anything to her, etc.

Seeing a mother breastfeeding is one of my awwww - isn't that beautiful moments.

My husband is usually oblivious. We were out for dinner where they had communal tables (where more than one group sits together). So we did not know the people we were sitting next to. The woman sitting next to my husband starts breastfeeding and he never even noticed.

I think if you look for accidental nudity you will find it.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Seeing a mother breastfeeding is one of my awwww - isn't that beautiful moments.

My husband is usually oblivious. We were out for dinner where they had communal tables (where more than one group sits together). So we did not know the people we were sitting next to. The woman sitting next to my husband starts breastfeeding and he never even noticed.

I think if you look for accidental nudity you will find it.

Sorry, unless she was very unattractive, not possible...

 

[Mouse House Mama]

As a man my only question to women who breastfeed in public is, "Where am I supposed to look?"

Seriously, if an attractive woman has a **** out, no matter how hard I try, the eyes wander...

Well then don't be shocked if someone squirts you in the eye.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

**NOTE** I'M JUST PLAYING DEVILS ADVOCATE HERE ON THIS RESPONSE

What is wrong with US? The breastfeeding mother apparently gets to decide what others CAN and CAN NOT find offensive based on the purpose of breastfeeding?
Why should I turn away from something I'm offended by? If I see someone do something "offensive" in public for any OTHER behavior I'm surely not going to turn my back to it.

Why can't I watch such a "beautiful, natural, etc. thing" such as breastfeeding if you're doing it in public?
If someone gawks at you when you're breastfeeding then they are a pervert but if I turn away because I'm "not suppose to gawk" it's because I've been told that is a "PRIVATE moment between a mother and her child"??? No one can win on this debate.

I know you're just playing devil's advocate, but I'll play along.

I think there are other things that we as a society say people can and cannot be offended by. Some are offended by the sight of a disfigured person, or an interracial couple. Should we tell these people to hide themselves because others might be offended? Or should we tell the offended that they are wrong?

As for "turning your back", that's just a suggestion to make the offended more comfortable. Generally, if something offends me, I'd rather not look at it and I turn away, rather than expect the offensive person to hide what they are doing, as long as they aren't actually harming anyone.

As far as gawking goes, why is it different when it's breastfeeding? Manners would require that accidental nudity (I like that phrase, thanks chicagodisneyfan) be ignored. If you were at a public pool, and a 2yo grabbed at his mom's swimsuit, exposing a breast for a second or two, would you gawk, or would you politely look away? Why would it be different if it's a second of two of breast exposure when a mother is getting a baby latched on to breastfeed?

As far as I'm concerned, the difference between gawking and watching a "beautiful, natural thing" lies within the watcher's intent. If I notice you watching me breastfeed, I can tell the difference. I don't mind someone watching me breastfeed if their intent is honorable, just like I don't mind someone watching me walk down the street appreciating the way I'm interacting with my child. But if they watch me walk down the street, staring at my hiney, I DO mind that. I shouldn't have to hide because some idiots can't take their eyes off my bum. Ditto for those who can't help but gawk at the inch of cleavage they might see when I'm breastfeeding.

Please note, I'm am talking about normal breastfeeding, the way it is done by 99% of breastfeeding mothers. Clothing, baby's head, and perhaps sling or blanket are covering most of the breast most of the time. I can't answer for those legendary women who take it all off and parade around topless for 15 minutes before getting their baby latched on.

 

[themilesfamily]

This thread makes me think of the episode where Michelle Duggar was breastfeeding on a float in a parade. There she was, going down Main Street, breastfeeding!

She was totally covered, though.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Well then don't be shocked if someone squirts you in the eye.

My sister in law was a public breast feeder who was very open about her methods. She is from Australia (not sure if that has anything to do with it), and she is very attractive.

Well, one day, when we were all in our early 30s, we are walking around St Augustine together and she sits on a bench to breastfeed. The rest of the family was touring the castle. No warning - she just sat down and pulled up one side of her shirt and took her time about getting her son to latch on. I think that she did it on purpose to get attention (her breasts were much larger than they were before and she enjoyed showing them off). It was only the three of us, so I couldn't very well walk away and leave her sitting there alone. I didn't know what to do, or where to look, or even how to put together a coherent sentence.

That was one of the most uncomfortable 15 minutes of my life. She still teases me about it...

Edited to add - if she thought it was sexy, she was wrong. It wasn't gross or sexy. It was just uncomfortable.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

My sister in law was a public breast feeder who was very open about her methods. She is from Australia (not sure if that has anything to do with it), and she is very attractive.

Being from Australia, where women are used to walking around with exposed breasts on the beach (and men are used to seeing them), probably does have something to do with it.

 

[MommyPoppins]

I don't have kids so I really don't know why some women expose themselves in public to breast feed their baby. Yesterday, I was at the grocery store and this woman was wearing one of those baby slings, one of those hammock type things. As she walked past me, I was shocked to see that she had her shirt open and the baby was having his/her supper. I'm okay with mothers breast feeding their kid with a blanket tent over the shoulder thing, but I've seen more cases of women breast feeding in full view with no cover ups. Is that the new norm now?

LOL! I was TOTALLY at the grocery store yesterday nursing my baby in a sling.

Seriously that's pretty freaking covered up. If you looked at a woman who was nursing in a sling and accidentally saw something, it's your bad.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

LOL! I was TOTALLY at the grocery store yesterday nursing my baby in a sling.

Seriously that's pretty freaking covered up. If you looked at a woman who was nursing in a sling and accidentally saw something, it's your bad.

I agree. You have to really peer at the baby to even see what is going on. Even if I wasn't nursing I would wonder why you were looking at me so oddly.

 

[threecrazykids]

As far as I'm concerned, the difference between gawking and watching a "beautiful, natural thing" lies within the watcher's intent. If I notice you watching me breastfeed, I can tell the difference.

Ditto for those who can't help but gawk at the inch of cleavage they might see when I'm breastfeeding.

QUOTE]

I think that's where maybe part of the issue is...that OUR society as a whole HAS made breasts about sex, appeal etc. and women USE their breasts for that intent when it works in their favor...but yet when you breastfeed they can't be looked at in a sexual manner or then you're a perv and "how dare you look at my breasts that way". In other countries where breasts are considered "beautiful for ALL their purposes" it's not a huge issue to see someone breastfeed OR walk down the beach with them out.

I don't know...like I said...I breastfed 2 of my 3 kids, but not always necessarily on the breast...I gave them breastmilk in a bottle when I went out to dinner etc. Either way...I don't think it's gross to see someone breastfeed. Doesn't mean it's for me.

 

[rparmfamily]

We really need a poll about these practically naked moms feeding their babies LMAO because I've never seen one! They just seem to be common in stories on internet forums LOL.