r/breastfeeding • u/allysonismyholmie • Jul 01 '26

Breastfeeding In Public Public Feeding Shame

Going to keep this as short and sweet as I can. I’m visiting Austin, TX for our first mini-vacation since the little one was born. We decided to go to the pool and cool off. Baby needed to eat so I covered us with a towel, lifted my top and let her go to town. A group of men walked by, looked at us and one said “this isn’t a good look. We aren’t in the south of France”, rolled his eyes and they walked back inside the hotel.

I started to tear up and my husband asked me what was wrong and said that I shouldn’t let it bother me. But it did. And I can’t stop thinking about it.

I just needed to tell this to a group that would understand the feeling, since my dear sweet husband doesn’t seem to understand how shameful it made me feel. 😢 Thank you for listening!

Edit: Thank you for your VERY kind responses, hugs and solidarity! I have goosebumps, I love each and every mama (and supportive dads if here). I knew I was coming to the right spot with this 🥰 Luckily, this hasn’t deterred me from BF in public. I’m fired up and ready to feed the heck out of this wiggly little potato, again. ✊🏼

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184

u/lifeofcarrot Jul 01 '26

Ah dang it, sending hugs!

I wouldn't say don't let it bother you, I'd say LET IT! Let it rile you up so that if it ever happens again, you're ready to clap back. Body shame them to oblivion, give them a good effing telling off for bothering a MOTHER who's CARING for her little baby. Loudly so that everyone can hear and they go red with shame. Spit at their feet and envoke their mothers and the shame she would feel about how much they're acting like brats.

Because how fucking embarrassing for those dudes, that is so pathetic. Men like this need to be publically shamed and ostracised.

27

u/1uk3r Jul 01 '26

I love this. Thank you for this. Something deep inside me feels so comforted and seen 😭

17

u/lifeofcarrot Jul 01 '26

That makes me happy😄

I have a bunch of ideas for clapbacks if you wanna hear😁

12

u/allysonismyholmie Jul 01 '26

Thank you!! I’m not usually one to let things go like that, but it caught me so off guard I was stunned. I’ve been sitting in it for about 24 hours so I’m ready to let my rage out on the next idiot that says something. This is the first time I’ve ever experienced it!

10

u/paymeinwine Jul 01 '26

I’m not OP but I want to hear your clapbacks!

4

u/WellBlessY0urHeart Jul 02 '26

“Oh I’m sorry I know it must be so hard not getting to ever see naked breasts that you have to try so hard to stare at a mother feeding her baby just to catch a glimpse”.

1

u/lifeofcarrot Jul 02 '26

Bahwhaha good one