In a world filled with breasts, it’s baffling that public breastfeeding raises eyebrows. Seriously, we see boobs everywhere—so why is it that they’re only deemed “offensive” when they’re being used to nourish a baby? The societal judgment surrounding breastfeeding is palpable, leaving many mothers feeling self-conscious, even in their own skin. Judgement isn’t just external; even fellow moms can contribute to the anxiety. The relentless stories of women facing shame for feeding in public only amplify this discomfort.
Enter British poet and spoken-word artist Tara Rivers, who brilliantly addresses this conundrum in her short film “Embarrassed.” In just over three minutes, she encapsulates the awkwardness that many mothers experience while breastfeeding in public. “I penned this poem in a public restroom after my baby dozed off,” Rivers shared on her YouTube channel. “The first time I fed her, someone suggested I should just stay home.” Really? Babies need feeding every couple of hours, but sure, let’s just keep new moms as hermits.
“I felt embarrassed and resorted to taking her into toilets for six months whenever I was out alone,” she confesses. “I regret that, but nerves and exhaustion got the best of me.” Rivers points out the glaring absence of breastfeeding in our media—TV shows, cartoons, you name it. It’s strange that we’re so terrified of something so natural.
Why is it that we can watch gruesome scenes on shows like The Walking Dead—with zombies munching on brains—but recoil at the sight of a woman breastfeeding? It’s ridiculous: a woman nourishing her child is deemed vulgar while undead creatures feasting on human flesh are perfectly acceptable.
It’s absurd how we push the idea of breastfeeding on mothers during pregnancy, only to shame them when they decide to breastfeed. I was so discreet when feeding my first child that it bordered on uncomfortable. Sure, I didn’t shy away from nursing in public, but I was armed with cover-ups that turned feeding into a sauna for my baby. The societal stigma is real, and that’s why we need to keep talking about it.
Kudos to everyone involved in this powerful video for their stellar work. We have enough issues in the world without adding the stigma of breastfeeding to the mix. And if you’re looking for more on the subject, check out our other post on home insemination at intracervicalinsemination.com/home-3. For authoritative information, visit Make a Mom and also consider NHS for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Tara Rivers’ poignant poem shines a light on the ridiculousness of public breastfeeding stigma, reminding us that nurturing a child should never be a source of shame.