If I could create a list of people who shouldn't enter the breastfeeding in public debate, Miami Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison would be high, indeed. Despite this, inexplicably, this baseball player took it upon himself not only to tweet that he didn't like seeing a woman breastfeeding in public, but to TAKE HER PHOTO and tweet it to his fans.
There really are no words for how invasive and wrong this is. As a mom who breastfed two children exclusively, I am well aware of the fact that when a baby needs to eat, he/she needs to eat.
I am also aware of the fact that baseball fields are full of advertisements that use sexy women to sell products. So it's OK then, but not OK when it's sustenance?
Here is what he said via Twitter:
Hey @Nordstrom nothing makes me want to spend $$ like seeing women breastfeeding in your store...
The tweet has since been deleted, largely because many people came down hard on him for his incredibly callous use of social media. "I have nothing against breastfeeding," he claims. But the damage is done.
What on Earth gives this man who has probably never breastfed an infant (OK, DEFINITELY not) the right to comment on a person who was just minding her own business? Even worse, he tweeted a photo of her. It wasn't bad enough that he expressed an ignorant opinion. He had to publicly scorn her as well? He has 118,000 followers!
Here are a few things Morrison needs to know:
- Babies get hungry.
- When babies get hungry, they need to eat.
- Breast milk is the healthiest, best nourishment for a child.
- Screaming children aren't popular in malls.
- Screaming babies who are hungry need to be fed.
- Not all moms can use cover-ups.
Do I need to go on? The fact is, Morrison has no idea what it's like to be a breastfeeding mom. When you have a new baby, the priority is getting that baby fed. It isn't possibly discomfiting a spoiled sports "star" at the mall. Boo-hoo Morrison. Look the other way.
My guess is if this boob had been attached to a Playboy centerfold, he would have had no problem happily staring. As it is, he looks like a voyeuristic freak. Who takes photos of breastfeeding moms? He is entitled to his opinion, sure. But using his position to bully a new mom is just unacceptable.
Stick to baseball, dude.
Does breastfeeding in public offend you?
Image via Yiie/Flickr
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Comments 83
I nursed all three kiddies for a year each and always found a way not to do it in a public setting..
So nursing mothers should just stay home all the time. Got it. Also, did you really just suggest that a mother feed her infant a bottle of FLAVORED WATER instead of the breastmilk that baby needs for his/her feeding? Wow........
jagamama, you're my hero. I love your attitude.
xD
I publicly and openly breastfed all ELEVEN of my children! I thought that those who think boobs are ONLY for men needed a lesson on the use of mammary glands. Of course I only fed the babies when they were hungry but I am sure I caused many an upset. I was spoken to and asked to cover up by my mother in law and by my church leader and by a woman in my church. I just smiled and said, "No thank you." So of course I see nothing wrong with breast feeding in public.
I agree with ethans_momma06 and PonyChaser.
If women want/need to breastfeed in public, fine. If they and their babies can use cover-ups, they should. If they can't, then the women should be aware that they may be stared at and/or make otehrs uncomfortable. You can't force anyone to feel comfortable with breastfeeding--and, if you breastfeed in public, you can't demand privacy.
That said, it is NOT okay for anyone to take pictures of others without getting permission. (And I'm not going to get into a debate about celebs and paparazzi--which is a whole 'nother issue). I don't care if I am breastfeeding or walking with my kids or eating a cheeseburger or buying a sweater. Do. Not. Snap. My. Pic. Unless I say it is okay. And, definitely, DO NOT POST PHOTOS OF ME OR MY KIDS ONLINE. Just because we have cameras/cell phones and can easily take pics to share with the world doesn't make it okay to do so.
What a stupid asshole! Further more... cover ups... COVER UPS?! Screw that, when this douche wears a hot towel over his head to eat then breastfeeding women will cover their babies heads too.
I know I'll get blasted, but I don't care. As a female, I really don't need to see another woman's boob, for any reason. My Mum is a retired OB-GYN nurse, so spare me lactures on breastfeeding, trust me - I've had more education on it than most. I still don't see why it can't a few seconds or even a whole minute to find a quiet spot away from the public. I didn't jump every time my infant screamed, and as a toddler he was taught that there were times he'd have to wait for things. He doesn't have the sense of entitlement that a TON of kids seem to have these days, and yes, I think it starts this young. Breastfeeding - good - by all means the best if you can do it. Whipping out the boob where ever instead of going to some place more private - not so good - take a few seconds to do it - I never want to have to explain to my young Autistic son why a woman has her boob out. Sex ed shouldn't started when someone else dictates it for my kid, that should be MY choice.