Breastfeeding in Military uniform.

rayofsunshine99 · May 2012

So apparently this is causing controversy. It sucks that the method in which a mother chooses to feed her baby (which everyone knows that breast is the best) can cause such an uproar. If these moms were bottle feeding their babies while in uniform no one would so much as think twice. But since they're feeding their babies the natural, nature intended way, people are getting upset?

Here is the link (clicky)

Thoughts?

Reyka9 · May 2012

People get their panties in a twist about everything regarding breastfeeding. The fact that these pictures were done in a military uniform just makes it an easier target this time.

Allycat11 · May 2012

Even after reading the article, I can not think of a legit reason why breastfeeding in uniform is an issue. People are just bothered by breastfeeding in public for whatever reason.

laurapacheco · May 2012

Yeah I don't get what all the fuss is about... how a mother chooses to feed her baby is her business.

brianabrad · May 2012

Allycat11:
Even after reading the article, I can not think of a legit reason why breastfeeding in uniform is an issue. People are just bothered by breastfeeding in public for whatever reason.

Well said. I think it has more to do with breastfeeding in public than it really does about the uniform. The uniform just makes it an easy target.

sbevmc09 · May 2012

Yeah, I really don't get why things like this are controversial. I just don't. I think people's opinions about NIP are ridiculous and shouldn't be given any credit. I mean, I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, but others don't actually have to care about it. And I also reserve the right to assume you're ignorant if you see NIP as a problem. Annnnd I'm not even going to read through the comments on that article because I'm sure it would only make me angry

januarymama · May 2012

I'll start off by saying I think it's completley the mother's choice whether she breastfeeds or if the baby is formula fed. Either way, I don't think a mother should be looked down upon by the choice they made. With my DD some things went on where I was compltely stressed and just dried up. It killed me that I couldn't breastfeed for as long as I wanted. Formula is not BAD by any means either. If there was something "wrong" with it... it would never be out on the markets.

I think a lot of this grief they are catching is just from being in their uniform. My ex was a military man and I know how strict their rules are while in uniform. However, I don't feel some know how important it is to some mothers to exclusively breast feed. I have friends who did not want to pump until children were much older. Like I've stated it is the mother's decision and sometimes I feel society needs to wake up and realize breast is best and stop giving so much grief for breastfeeding. I know some get offended by others breastfeeding in public. Many women use covers anyways...the baby has gotta eat people!

Just a side story a long the lines of breastfeeding. I was in a grocery store and an old lady told me my daughter was "too skinny" and that I needed to give that kid some formula and lay off the boobie. I didn't say much and the lady kept rambling... finally I told her my daughter has been formula fed for the last x months. Her eyes got huge she was speechless and apologized. Why people chose to voice opinions on this topic... I will never understand.

Kay1029 · May 2012

I have no problem with breast feeding in public. I intend to do it myself. I will say, however, that I do plan to at least cover my breasts when I feed. It's an intimate moment and I don't need the whole world staring at my baby while they eat. I think that the uproar of the mothers feeding in their uniform is absolutely ridiculous. Woman should be able to feed their child as they wish without the whole world coming down on them. I fully support these woman!

kenna_4 · May 2012

This really just shows how far away from nature society has gone. Hello people THAT IS HOW YOU FEED A BABY!

I think it would be sad if the article said that she wasn't able to BF because she had to work too much (which happens so much), I don't find the pictures bad, you can't see any nipple, there is way more skin showing in most magazine ads these days.

kllrbnny · May 2012

I don't understand the fuss about NIP or people comparing it to going out in public naked or having sex in public. It is ridiculous. That said, I would think that at the very least these airmen would get a slap on the wrist for the uniform aspect of it. Not b/c they are BF but b/c they are being photographed in public in their uniforms in a state of undress. I didn't even think they were real airmen at first b/c they were outside and not wearing hats. Its an incongrous sight for me, I grew up surrounded by men & women in uniform.

hansonam446 · May 2012

I can see both sides of the issue. I don't have a problem with public breast feeding and there is a discreet way to go about it. The one woman has it all hanging out! Now I get that it's a photo shoot so it's going to be exaggerated a little but at the same time there are different rules you have to follow while in uniform. My husband is in the army so for example; while he's in uniform he cannot walk and talk on his cell phone, his hat has to be worn a certain way. It's the code of conduct. If these women want to breastfeed in uniform and don't want to pump maybe they can go to a private room and/or bathroom? Like I said, I know it's natural but, again, there are certain rules to adhere to while in uniform so perhaps something needs to be established about this.

Reyka9 · May 2012

hansonam446:
I can see both sides of the issue. I don't have a problem with public breast feeding and there is a discreet way to go about it. The one woman has it all hanging out! Now I get that it's a photo shoot so it's going to be exaggerated a little but at the same time there are different rules you have to follow while in uniform. My husband is in the army so for example; while he's in uniform he cannot walk and talk on his cell phone, his hat has to be worn a certain way. It's the code of conduct. If these women want to breastfeed in uniform and don't want to pump maybe they can go to a private room and/or bathroom? Like I said, I know it's natural but, again, there are certain rules to adhere to while in uniform so perhaps something needs to be established about this.

If you can think of a more discreet way to nurse two babies at once than what she is doing in the photo, I'd like to see it ;-) It's VERY hard to keep even one baby under a nursing cover. She is just as covered in the photo as she would be if she was wearing a bikini top at the beach.

amh04 · May 2012

I personally plan on breastfeeding and I think it's a wonderful thing to do. What I don't agree with is when people slam others for their choices. If someone doesn't want to or can't breastfeed for various reasons she shouldn't have to constantly hear "Breast is Best". It's each persons decision - if they don't want to - they shouldnt be reemed a new butt hole for it. Vice versa.

Now - The issue with this arises because it's in military uniform. Our Naval hospital encourages breastfeeding and has set aside nice rooms (comfy chairs etc) for women to breastfeed - including military moms. The thing is - the uniform rules are extremely strict. The military uniform isn't like any other uniform, at all. There are rules and regulations on how and when it should be worn. Now I'm not 100% certain on the Army working uniform (the ones those women were in) rules - because they're a bit more lax. However, with a Navy working uniform you can't do anything outside of work in it. You may grab lunch/dinner etc - but it's for working purposes. You shouldn't be having a photographer take pictures of you in it. These women hired a photographer to take this picture. They also are not wearing the uniform properly while breastfeeding - their blouse is unbuttoned and their undershirt is rolled up.

There was a Marine mom in the article who stated everything perfectly and that's basically my thoughts on it.

amh04 · May 2012

kllrbnny:
I don't understand the fuss about NIP or people comparing it to going out in public naked or having sex in public. It is ridiculous. That said, I would think that at the very least these airmen would get a slap on the wrist for the uniform aspect of it. Not b/c they are BF but b/c they are being photographed in public in their uniforms in a state of undress. I didn't even think they were real airmen at first b/c they were outside and not wearing hats. Its an incongrous sight for me, I grew up surrounded by men & women in uniform.

Exactly - the were not wearing their uniforms correctly at all. Which is against rules & regs. I'm sure their command isn't happy about this - nor I'm sure PR isn't either.

It's disrespectful to the uniform to wear it improperly.

eatmorecupcakes · May 2012

I'm going to play a little devil's advocate here. On one hand I kind of get it. There are so many rules of what one can and cannot due while wearing a military uniform. However, the military has to pick a side. In the article it states that women are encouraged to pump and bottle feed. Welllllllllllllllllll......no. You have to make a choice. Women can either feed their babies while in uniform or cannot feed their babies while in uniform. You don't get to choose how those babies are fed.

For the record I my 10 month old is BF and I plan to continue BFing as far into this pregnancy as I can. (In public or not!)

nycitygirl1 · May 2012

I don't think anyone had an issue with breastfeeding in general, but with the fact that the women aren't covering themselves up while breastfeeding in public with their uniforms on. I realize I am in the minority here, but I don't think the entire world needs to see your boobs while you are breastfeeding--especially if you are representing the military. Like PPs have said, the military has extremely strict rules about conduct and dress when you are in uniform (and therefore representing that organization).

How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.

If you think about it, if you breastfeed at work (or pump) you wouldn't just lift your shirt up in an office - would you? No, you'd go to a private office where the door shuts or use the bathroom in private. Well, the folks in uniform are "on the job" when they have their uniforms on.

I don't think it's that big of a deal for them to ask mothers to do this in private or cover up while in uniform.

sbevmc09 · May 2012

nycitygirl1:
How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.

Well first, wouldn't using a cover in a uniform still be in violation of these rules that are being discussed?

And second, speaking in general terms, the whole point of the NIP debate is that women should be able to do whatever THEY'RE comfortable with in order to get the job done. For some people, finding BF'ing support is hard enough, they shouldn't feel additional pressure from society to be ashamed of needing to feed their child or have to worry about what other people around them are thinking about it.

There are plenty of kids who won't nurse under a cover and that mom shouldn't be relegated to some back room or bathroom (which is not a place for anyone to eat) because their kid doesn't want to be under a cover or because they don't want to use one. You're more than welcome to think it's tacky and therefore not engage in the practice yourself, but no one else should have to conform to your opinion about the proper way to feed their child.

I'm not trying to knock you personally, I just think that some of society really needs a paradigm shift about NIP. There's nothing tacky/gross/indecent/taboo/sexual about the process of feeding a baby regardless of how that's accomplished and women should feel supported and encouraged to BF their child however they/their child are most comfortable. For some people that's under a cover or in private, for some that's feeding their child as is, where they are. There's no right or wrong here.

hansonam446 · May 2012

sbevmc09:
nycitygirl1:
How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.
Well first, wouldn't using a cover in a uniform still be in violation of these rules that are being discussed?
And second, speaking in general terms, the whole point of the NIP debate is that women should be able to do whatever THEY'RE comfortable with in order to get the job done. For some people, finding BF'ing support is hard enough, they shouldn't feel additional pressure from society to be ashamed of needing to feed their child or have to worry about what other people around them are thinking about it.
There are plenty of kids who won't nurse under a cover and that mom shouldn't be relegated to some back room or bathroom (which is not a place for anyone to eat) because their kid doesn't want to be under a cover or because they don't want to use one. You're more than welcome to think it's tacky and therefore not engage in the practice yourself, but no one else should have to conform to your opinion about the proper way to feed their child.
I'm not trying to knock you personally, I just think that some of society really needs a paradigm shift about NIP. There's nothing tacky/gross/indecent/taboo/sexual about the process of feeding a baby regardless of how that's accomplished and women should feel supported and encouraged to BF their child however they/their child are most comfortable. For some people that's under a cover or in private, for some that's feeding their child as is, where they are. There's no right or wrong here.

Ah yes, but unfortunately in the military you aren't allowed to do whatever makes you comfortable. You have to follow rules while in uniform; that's the whole debate here. I think PP was just trying to find a happy medium, like I suggested. Even having private rooms set aside for this purpose may but needed but the military needs to update their code so this is covered and there isn't a debate about it. A civilian is very different from a soldier/airman/marine/sailor.

rayofsunshine99 · May 2012

nycitygirl1:
I don't think anyone had an issue with breastfeeding in general, but with the fact that the women aren't covering themselves up while breastfeeding in public with their uniforms on. I realize I am in the minority here, but I don't think the entire world needs to see your boobs while you are breastfeeding--especially if you are representing the military. Like PPs have said, the military has extremely strict rules about conduct and dress when you are in uniform (and therefore representing that organization).
How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.
If you think about it, if you breastfeed at work (or pump) you wouldn't just lift your shirt up in an office - would you? No, you'd go to a private office where the door shuts or use the bathroom in private. Well, the folks in uniform are "on the job" when they have their uniforms on.
I don't think it's that big of a deal for them to ask mothers to do this in private or cover up while in uniform.

Asking them to do it in private IS a big deal. Do you think a mother really wants to go sit on a toilet in a stall every time she needs to feed her baby? Bottle feeding mothers don't need to sit in the bathroom when they feed theirs so why should nursing moms? I do believe in nursing covers and TBH I am slightly uncomfortable when a mom's boob is exposed while she's nursing but that's MY issue, not hers and would never ever ask her to stop or go sit in isolation because I'm uncomfortable with her feeding her baby by me, simply because of the means she chooses to do it.

Also I remember having some friends over once and one of them was a new mom/nursing her child. Another friend there was uncomfortable with the "sucking noise" that babies make while they eat so the nursing mom removed herself from the social gathering and go sit in my bedroom while she fed her baby. And she WAS covered. I think that is crap that she felt that way and had to sit alone because society can't get over the natural purpose for our boobs. I wish she would have been able to feel comfortable enough to remain part of the group, that everyone could have been grown ups about it and she could have fed her baby while we carried on the conversation. If anyone ELSE felt so uncomfortable by it, they should have went and sat in the bedroom til she was done.

sbevmc09 · May 2012

hansonam446:
sbevmc09:
nycitygirl1:
How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.
Well first, wouldn't using a cover in a uniform still be in violation of these rules that are being discussed?
And second, speaking in general terms, the whole point of the NIP debate is that women should be able to do whatever THEY'RE comfortable with in order to get the job done. For some people, finding BF'ing support is hard enough, they shouldn't feel additional pressure from society to be ashamed of needing to feed their child or have to worry about what other people around them are thinking about it.
There are plenty of kids who won't nurse under a cover and that mom shouldn't be relegated to some back room or bathroom (which is not a place for anyone to eat) because their kid doesn't want to be under a cover or because they don't want to use one. You're more than welcome to think it's tacky and therefore not engage in the practice yourself, but no one else should have to conform to your opinion about the proper way to feed their child.
I'm not trying to knock you personally, I just think that some of society really needs a paradigm shift about NIP. There's nothing tacky/gross/indecent/taboo/sexual about the process of feeding a baby regardless of how that's accomplished and women should feel supported and encouraged to BF their child however they/their child are most comfortable. For some people that's under a cover or in private, for some that's feeding their child as is, where they are. There's no right or wrong here.

Ah yes, but unfortunately in the military you aren't allowed to do whatever makes you comfortable. You have to follow rules while in uniform; that's the whole debate here. I think PP was just trying to find a happy medium, like I suggested. Even having private rooms set aside for this purpose may but needed but the military needs to update their code so this is covered and there isn't a debate about it. A civilian is very different from a soldier/airman/marine/sailor.

I see this, and I guess I do kind of get the argument. But at the same time, I don't know... if we're going to have mothers in the military they have to be able to feed their children! I think requiring that they do it in private puts up a roadblock to nursing.

So, while I do see the argument here, I really do, I feel like maybe these are just special circumstances. I get that they're technically wearing the uniform wrong (because I would assume, even if they weren't feeding their children or "exposed" or whatever, it probably wouldn't be acceptable for them to have their top unbuttoned a bit to... let's say, make it more comfortable, right?), but they are doing something necessary so... maybe there needs to be consideration there :shrug:

kllrbnny · May 2012

nycitygirl1:

How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.

This is the argument that I don't understand. Where is the logic in likening a baby eating to an adult urinating/defecating? The logical comparison would be to compare a baby eating in public to an adult eating in public. If the debate was whether babies diapers should be changed in public then we could bring up that adults use private bathrooms, however there is an entire industry devoted to enabling adults to eat in public. Adults who are (mostly) able to understand that sometimes it isn't ideal to eat right this second. Try explaining that to a hungry infant. Just b/c seeing a woman BF makes people squeamish does not mean that it should be relegated to hidden rooms.

nycitygirl, please don't think I'm lashing out at you here, I just truly can not wrap my head around that particular argument against NIP.

arishia · May 2012

nycitygirl1:
I don't think anyone had an issue with breastfeeding in general, but with the fact that the women aren't covering themselves up while breastfeeding in public with their uniforms on. I realize I am in the minority here, but I don't think the entire world needs to see your boobs while you are breastfeeding--especially if you are representing the military. Like PPs have said, the military has extremely strict rules about conduct and dress when you are in uniform (and therefore representing that organization).
How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.
If you think about it, if you breastfeed at work (or pump) you wouldn't just lift your shirt up in an office - would you? No, you'd go to a private office where the door shuts or use the bathroom in private. Well, the folks in uniform are "on the job" when they have their uniforms on.
I don't think it's that big of a deal for them to ask mothers to do this in private or cover up while in uniform.

Um, yeah, how about YOU eat your lunch under a blanket outside in 90 degree weather. How comfortable is that? I used a cover with DS maybe three times and it was unbearable. DS hated it and I couldn't see what I was doing. If you're at a park, you don't have a good place to feed your baby. And who wants to feed in a bathroom? Public bathrooms reek and the noises of the toilets flushing always freaked DS out. Would you eat your sandwich while hovering over a public toilet? That's just nasty.

I personally think the military needs to get over it. As long as they're not sitting there with their entire boob hanging out, nipple exposed, there's nothing wrong with it. They're feeding their babies - period.

hansonam446 · May 2012

arishia:
nycitygirl1:
I don't think anyone had an issue with breastfeeding in general, but with the fact that the women aren't covering themselves up while breastfeeding in public with their uniforms on. I realize I am in the minority here, but I don't think the entire world needs to see your boobs while you are breastfeeding--especially if you are representing the military. Like PPs have said, the military has extremely strict rules about conduct and dress when you are in uniform (and therefore representing that organization).
How hard would it be to use a cover? I think it's a little tacky to just jack your shirt up like that in a public place - use a cover or go to the restroom, but there's no need to expose yourself like that. I mean, going to the bathroom is a natural thing too...but we do that in private.
If you think about it, if you breastfeed at work (or pump) you wouldn't just lift your shirt up in an office - would you? No, you'd go to a private office where the door shuts or use the bathroom in private. Well, the folks in uniform are "on the job" when they have their uniforms on.
I don't think it's that big of a deal for them to ask mothers to do this in private or cover up while in uniform.
Um, yeah, how about YOU eat your lunch under a blanket outside in 90 degree weather. How comfortable is that? I used a cover with DS maybe three times and it was unbearable. DS hated it and I couldn't see what I was doing. If you're at a park, you don't have a good place to feed your baby. And who wants to feed in a bathroom? Public bathrooms reek and the noises of the toilets flushing always freaked DS out. Would you eat your sandwich while hovering over a public toilet? That's just nasty.
I personally think the military needs to get over it. As long as they're not sitting there with their entire boob hanging out, nipple exposed, there's nothing wrong with it. They're feeding their babies - period.

Unfortunately those in the military follow a different set of rules. They aren't civilians. They can regulate what you do in uniform even down to the placement of tattoos that you get. Should women in the military when in civilians be allowed to breastfeed in public? Sure. If she's in uniform it can be a different story because she's held to a different standard. I think the women in this picture knew that this was going to cause some controversy but I don't think it's all about breastfeeding in general. The PP who said the navy base had assigned lounges for women to breastfeed has the right idea, I believe. It would allow for a more private setting and therefor not violate any uniform rules; just like if the woman was at her home breastfeeding. Like I said, I understand that it is natural and I don't have a problem with it but I think that the military is that one exception because they can regulate what you do in uniform (such as talking on a cellphone and walking).

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