In a world where breasts are a common sight, it’s surprising how much discomfort surrounds public breastfeeding. Hollie McNish, a British poet and spoken-word artist, sheds light on this irony in her viral short film “Embarrassed.” In just over three minutes, she eloquently questions why feeding an infant in public remains such a contentious issue.
“While I was out with my 6-month-old, I found myself feeding her in a public restroom,” McNish shared on her YouTube channel. “A stranger told me I should just stay at home.” It’s baffling—new mothers are expected to keep their babies fed, yet society often suggests they should remain homebound instead.
McNish admits that for six months, she resorted to nursing in restrooms, feeling pressured and self-conscious without the support of friends or family. She reflects on the lack of representation of breastfeeding in media—why don’t we see it depicted in shows or advertisements? It’s peculiar that we can watch graphic scenes of horror, yet the sight of a mother nursing is deemed inappropriate.
Consider popular shows like The Walking Dead, where viewers might see intense violence, yet the simple act of breastfeeding is shunned. It’s a stark contradiction that highlights society’s discomfort with a natural, biological process.
I remember nursing my first child discreetly, even at the expense of comfort. Armed with wraps and covers, I created a mini sweat lodge for my baby, all due to the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public. This is why it’s crucial to keep the conversation going about the absurdity of the societal views on this topic.
Kudos to everyone involved in McNish’s project for tackling this important issue in such a relatable way. We have many challenges in the world today, but breastfeeding certainly isn’t one of them.
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In summary, the discomfort surrounding public breastfeeding is a strange contradiction in a culture that is both fascinated by and offended by breasts. Hollie McNish’s poem resonates with many, sparking necessary conversations about normalizing this natural act.