Is breastfeeding in public acceptable or not? – Residents have their say

Breastfeeding makes for interesting conversation as there are many opinions around it, particularly breastfeeding in public.

POLOKWANE – World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 1-7 and aims to raise awareness and galvanise action on themes related to breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding makes for interesting conversation as there are many opinions around it, particularly breastfeeding in public.

You might also want to read: World Breastfeeding Week 2022: The benefits of breastfeeding

Deemed taboo to breastfeed in public, women feeding their children often garner disapproving looks.

Review spoke to women to find out what their take on breastfeeding in public is:

Pearl Chauke – I personally don’t see anything wrong with it. It’s actually interesting that people can stand to see people topless on a beach sunbathing, but not a mother breastfeeding, which doesn’t even expose the nipples.

Ntwanano Siwela – I think it’s acceptable when done appropriately. You can do it discreetly and cover yourself so as to accommodate everyone around you because in all honesty, not everyone is comfortable seeing breasts.

Nanai Siwela – I’m from a different generation and it’s actually an abomination that people feel offended by a breastfeeding mother. Even more so in Africa because it’s part of our culture and heritage. We don’t perceive breast feeding as nudity.