Breastfeeding in public is a controversial subject and is often a topic of debate when brought up.

Breastfeeding in Public Social Experiments

In the recent months, social experiments have been conducted to test the public’s reaction. The first video was conducted in a London subway by the Youtube group, Trollstation. You can watch how the bystanders react and stand up for the woman who is being verbally attacked by the man in the video (both are actors). Near the end, a witness sits between the two actors who are now arguing in order to protect the woman.

The next video is quite similar, gauging the reactions of the public. You will notice more negative backlash.

In one exchange of dialogue you hear a man say “You can’t do that here.” The female who portrays the breastfeeding mother uses the reasoning “I’m sorry, he was really hungry.” The man walks away, disgusted. However, there are some positive responses, including a woman who encourages public breastfeeding.

 

The opinions on public breastfeeding vary widely. But there are many laws that protect nursing women because “breastfeeding is the best choice for the health of a mother and her baby.” In Canada, one’s “right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” Not only is it a right, but it promotes positive body image.

 

Sources:

WomensHealth

INFACT