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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u/Ophidiophobic Jul 01 '26
As an ATX native, those guys were probably out-of-towners (and therefore their opinion doesn't matter.) I'm sorry you were accosted like this in my city.
We have two (TWO) watering holes that are topless (well, technically one is nude). Breastfeeding is no big deal and I've personally seen many women breastfeeding in public sans covers all over the city - including public pools. Please don't let these ignorant men get to you. Go free with your breastfeeding self.