Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Nursing and Modesty

I am a lactivist.

One thing i feel strongly about is being able to nurse my baby wherever and whenever she needs.  
This includes church.

Being LDS (also known as "Mormons") a lot of emphasis is given on being "modest".  I've been told many times that when i breastfeed i *must* cover up and that it is improper of me to show any skin while nursing my baby.  I feel that i must feed my children in a way that is most convenient and works best for me and my children. I have a lot of other thoughts on this subject as well, but i discovered a blog post today that says pretty much everything i'd want to say, so i'll let it do the honors :)

And here is my sister's blog post on the topic:

And so, i will continue to nurse my daughter wherever *WE* feel most comfortable.  Yes, i have nursed in sacrament meeting and i will continue to do so.

What are your views about nursing and "modesty"?

3 comments:

Bean said...

Love this post! Love love LOVE tophat's link. She had a very insightful post.

Katie said...

I agree with you, Jillyn.

I think it is kind of funny that people don't want mothers nursing their children in front of them. Although if you ask someone what the best way to feed a baby is, most will readily reply "nursing." So why do you have a problem with it?

Some babies won't nurse when covered. Or like in your sister's case, it is hard for baby (due to RSV). Nursing is HEALTHY AND NATURAL and it isn't like nursing mothers are walking around with their boobs flopping all over the place all the time. They are feeding their children.

On a Christian note, why would God have created women with breasts to nurse their children if He didn't want us to do so? Nursing mothers are caring for their infants in the way God intended. (God does NOT make Similac!)

Jillyn said...

Bean: totally agree ;)

Katie: "why would God have created women with breasts to nurse their children if He didn't want us to do so? Nursing mothers are caring for their infants in the way God intended. (God does NOT make Similac!) "

I totally agree! I think what bugs me the most is most people don't give a second thought about a woman in a low cut shirt, but have a baby on a breast, even if you can't see a single thing, and everyone freaks out! I don't get it.

I really am trying to stand up for my rights more though. Last sunday i nursed in sacrament meeting without leaving (i've only done this a few times) and boy is it so much nicer then trying to leave with a screaming baby!