by Hilary Peer

Created on: June 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 15, 2009

A definite YES! I don't understand why we are still talking about this, what is so offensive about a woman feeding her baby in the most natural way. The fact that this is still subject for debate just shocks me. Being a mum of two daughters I can talk from first hand experience that breast feeding is a truly special experience, the connection and emotions that you feel are indescribable. My youngest is seven months old and although is eating solids, still breast feeds in between meals. The way she looks up at me and touches my face whilst feeding is beautiful.

A vast amount of research shows that breast milk is the best nourishment for babies. Both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breast feeding. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect babies from infections. Women who breast feed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers. From a practical and convenient side worrying about carrying enough bottles and ensuring everything is sterilised properly is not a problem for mums who breast feed. The supply is always there. Let's be serious, a woman doesn't breast feed to show off her assets, she simply wants to feed her hungry baby. A baby can not be told to wait till they get home to eat, when they are hungry they need to eat.

A woman who chooses to breast feed, isn't going to hide away at home all day. Nor is she going to give her baby formula milk just so as not to offend any one.I am not suggesting that women should just expose their breasts and feed their baby any where, babies can be fed discreetly by using all kinds of blankets and nursing clothes. Living in a country where breast feeding is a common site and no one gives you a second glance; I think it's a shame that there are still those, including women that find breastfeeding in public, humiliating or embarrassing.

In our society it is totally acceptable to see large advertisements of half naked men and women, broadcast explicit TV programmes and films, as well as all the pornography that is available. What is the big problem here, no one complains when women sunbathe topless or walk around wearing the bare minimum, and how about men urinating in public, can't they hold!

If by chance a woman's breast is exposed when breastfeeding, people have all sorts of comments to make. The way I see it, the real issue isn't with seeing women's breasts but seeing them as something else other than sexual objects.

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