Should mothers cover their breasts while breastfeeding?

Rappler.com

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Should mothers cover their breasts while breastfeeding?
Celebrity host KC Montero says in his radio show that mothers should cover their breasts while breastfeeding in public. Tell us what you think.

MANILA, Philippines – Celebrity host KC Montero earned the ire of many netizens on Thursday, September 11, after he said in his radio program that mothers should cover their breasts when breastfeeding in public.

“I’m taking a lot of heat for my opinion on public breastfeeding. Let’s make this clear. We (are) not against public breastfeeding but while I believe that it is every mother’s right to breastfeed wherever and whenever you want, I just feel that discretion is also necessary to not make other people around you feel awkward or uncomfortable, and to stop perverts from staring,” the actor said in a series of tweets.

Breastfeeding advocates saw Montero’s stance as “ironic” given his line of work.

“I find it ironic, if not hypocritical, that a person who works in an industry where boobs are exposed at the slightest of whims to sell everything from movies to paint, and whose ex-girlfriend showed breast skin, and then some, in titillating dance moves, believes that breastfeeding mothers should observe modesty…because they use their breasts as they were intended to be used?” advocate Sef Cagoco-Gaspar said in a Facebook post. (READ: What’s keeping the Philippines from exclusive breastfeeding?)




Other netizens called Montero’s comments mysogynistic.


Montero defended, however, that he was merely suggesting that it’s best to use a blanket or burqa so as to make both the public and the women comfortable. (READ: 8 ways breastfeeding can help achieve PH development)

“I know a lot of women who breastfeed and they don’t feel comfortable breastfeeding without a blanket. They would rather not have their exposed breast in full view of the public. Again, I am not against public breastfeeding,” he said.

Montero added: “Mothers have every right to breastfeed wherever and whenever they want. It’s their right. Just like I have the right to have an opinion.” (READ: Don’t judge working mothers who can’t breastfeed)

‘None of your business’

Netizens said whether mothers cover their breast or not is not other people’s business, pushing to “normalize breastfeeding.”

“It’s not your call. It’s no one’s call but a mom’s and her baby’s. There certainly are women who feel more comfortable covering up, and they are free to do that. But there also are women who aren’t comfortable about covering up, not to mention hordes of babies who hate it. Because how will you enjoy nursing under a blanket, in a tropical climate, where it’s dark, hot, and stuffy?” Cagoco-Gaspar added.




 

To this, Montero responded: “I think this is all hard for people to hear since I’m a male. But I’m sure there are mothers out there that cover up while breastfeeding. I wonder why they do that.” (READ: I am a ‘breastfeeding tatay’)


Some netizens supported Montero, saying covering breasts is a common courtesy.




“Nursing mothers don’t breastfeed in public for your pleasure. We couldn’t care less about you or your perverse sensibilities. Someone commented on Mr Montero’s Twitter that it’s common courtesy to cover up. You know what common courtesy is? Minding your own business and looking the hell away. What are you staring for in the first place?” Cagoco-Gaspar noted.

Do you think mothers should cover their breasts while breastfeeding? Let us know in the comments section below. – Rappler.com

 

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