Free Video: Shame and Sexualization of Public Breastfeeding
December 20, 2007 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding, breastfeeding videos, nutrition
In another segment of their free videos on breastfeeding in public, nurses and lactation consultants Corky Harvey and Wendy Haldeman address some fascinating questions:
~ Does seeing a woman breastfeed stimulate people sexually?
~ Is breastfeeding perceived as a sexual act?
~ Are breasts just good for sex?
~ Why do some people feel shame when they see a woman breastfeeding?
~ How can we change people’s minds about the sexualization of breastfeeding?
~ What should we think when we see a breastfeeding mother?
~ Should a mother use a blanket to cover up while breastfeeding?
~ Has shame driven more women to use formula when they’re in public?
~ Do you think covering up while breastfeeding encourages shame?
~ Are there people I should never breastfeed around?
VideoJug: Shame And Sexualization Of Public Breastfeeding
Anyone have any thoughts on this discussion? Did you all see that fact pop up: “For every 1,000 babies born in the United States, four will die from formula feeding”? Wow. Feel free to leave a comment.
A splendid empathetic discussion. However, I think we need more analysis of the cultural discourses around breasts. Why, for example, are nipples visually taboo on women only? What are the mechanisms by which shame is transmitted? What can women do to exercise their rights in breastfeeding and not compromise their beliefs? How much theoretical multiculturalism do we need to take heed of?