Has it All Gone Tits Up?
Excuse me for the pun- I simply couldn’t resist.
In a week where many British broadsheets gave front page and positive coverage to the issue of home births, there has been a disappointing downturn today with the comments from Nigel Farage, Leader of UKIP (the UK Independence Party). Commenting on the story of a woman being told to cover up with a napkin whilst feeding her baby in Claridge’s, he claimed that he himself was “not bothered” about the debate. However he went on to suggest that a woman should breastfeed discretely, perhaps in the corner of the room, as it can embarrass the ‘older generations’. Farage used the term ‘ostentatious breastfeeding’ which strikes up all manner of visual images of a mum with her breasts dressed up with feather boas or wearing Mr T style gold chains around her décolleté.
Breastfeeding is a normal act, and shouldn’t be embarrassing nor shameful. Frankly there’s more display of flesh on supposedly family shows like Strictly Come Dancing or in the tabloids. I don't know any woman who would choose to bring attention to herself- her focus is on her child's needs. The Equality Act 2010 states that ‘it is unlawful for a business to discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding a child.’
It’s time for breastfeeding women to feel welcomed and included, not banished away to a hidden place as if they are doing something immodest. The array of breastfeeding tops, muslins and contraptions surely allow even the most hesitant person to feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public.
I am glad to see that the Twittersphere is hotting up with the #OstentatiousBreastfeeding.
Do leave a comment for me and let me know your thoughts on the matter.