Strollerderby

As someone who is still breastfeeding her 17 month old, I see that picture as beautiful and natural. Good for her, her baby was hungry and she felt comfortable enough to nurse in public. I'm happy that we are seeing celebrities nursing in public, hopefully it'll help get the word out that it's perfectly natural and okay to do so.

I think breastfeeding in public is just fine as long as it is done modestly. Just hanging your boob out of your clothing for all to see is a bit tacky. Isn't that why they make such cute covers now so moms can nurse in public stylishly?

You go, Maggie!

Of course, in Hollywood, "hanging your boob out of your clothing for all to see" is just fine, as long as there is no baby to feed.  You see more boob at the Oscars than when most mothers breastfeed.

As for cute covers, screw that.  Neither of my baby's would eat with a blanket on their heads.

Dear Babble: if you want to make the world safer for nursing moms, don't fuel the "OMG A NIP" hysteria by posting items like this.

Guess I'm a jerk, cuz it's gross. It's not the nudeness, it's the smelly body fluid of someone else I don't want to see. Why doesn't she just change her rag in public too, after all that's part of that natural process that produced her little bundle of joy, right?

And I breast fed my kid for a year, but I didn't force it one those who didn't want to be part of it. I've had women whip it out next to me in restaurants and I nearly vomited on them. I don't want their kid puking up body fluids next to me while I'm eating. Keep it at home or go somewhere private.

KC, you are just... sad.

Maggie, you rule! Your little girl was hungry, and you fed her, all the while STILL showing WAY less boob than Jennifer Lopez  did in her infamous green dress at the Oscars a few years back.

KC, you are just... sad.

Maggie, you rule! Your little girl was hungry, and you fed her, all the while STILL showing WAY less boob than Jennifer Lopez  did in her infamous green dress at the Oscars a few years back.

KC -

Changing your tampon/pad in public is equivalent to breast feeding in public?

Really?  What kind of sick twisted demented deranged and fucked universe do you live on?

- A concerned person

KC that is unjust!  Breast feeding is not unnatural or disgusting.  It is a convient way that women were made to feed children.

I am sorry but the rag gag was way out of line.  You need to rethink your position on women's bodies.

If you breastfed your kid fopr a year and refer to breastmilk as "a smelly bodily fluid," you must've had a nasty infection that I hope you sought medical attention for.  Then again, no.  Let it fester, like your rotten attitude.

I agree with Sarah - if you breastfed for a year and you think it smells vile and the sight of it makes you want to vomit, something was really wrong. What a sad perspective.

So, by your rationale, if she needs to self-express in public because the child is full that's okay too? Look, I'm not saying it's unnatural, if fact, it's important kids get breastfed on multiple levels. It's just impolite and inconsiderate to force other people to see it, especially in a food establishment. And yes, other people's (at least those with whom you are not romantically linked) body juices are smelly. Period.

All it takes is a blanket. It's not hard, it's not inconvenient, but it is taking others into consideration. Kind of like why we have doors on bathrooms...I don't care if it comes out your mouth, your tit or your bum, i don't want to see it coming out.

Of course, in today's world, other people don't matter -- it's all about me, me, me and what I want, and what need, and what I believe - to the exclusion of every and anyone else. The American mantra for the 21st century: Fuck everyone else, fuck their beliefs no matter what they are, fuck their feelings and sensitivies. I can't be bothered with a blanket, so fuck off.

You can express your milk and feed your baby with a bottle in public [I did this for 14months], you can bring a bottle of formula, you can use a blanket, you can time your outings better, you do not need to flash your breasts for everyone to see, it's unecessary and definitely rude and impolite.

Exhibit A, from the "EEEEEEEK! A BOOBIE" files: The commenters at Babble.com, which posted a photo of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal using her breasts for their intended purpose--IN PUBLIC!--prompting the floodgates of assholery to open and spew forth: I think

KC, what world do you live in?  When *you* eat, you make body fluids, so can I say please don't eat near me because you might get saliva on me?

Breastfeeding is one way to feed babies, and is conveniently the way our bodies were designed to do so.  Making other choices in feeding is totally okay and up to each individual, but let's not confuse a normal, natural process (eating) with sex or anything that people feel "shouldn't" be performed in public.  I am not going to go into a skanky bathroom to feed my child, and I'm not going to cover up with a suffocating blanket.  I AM going to nurse my child, and did this for several years (so throw more stones at me now -- I nursed a preschooler!) easily and without people even noticing.  It's all in the energy you put into it.  If you think it's a big deal, it will be.  If you don't like it, look away!  

I think this is a lovely photo, but feel sad that Maggie and Ramona were followed by paparazzi, who took unauthorized pix of them nursing.  

As for KC - "taking others into consideration" means not acting like a complete asshole when they nurse their babies.  i don't like looking at feet - does that mean everyone should throw out their flip flops and stop "forcing" me to look at their toes?  you and megan are ridiculous.  

take your messed up body issues somewhere else.

I'm with the poster who says that making an issue of this is pretty silly.

I'd be much, much more offended watching someone, say, smoking while carrying their baby than by a someone nursing.  

And there's no blankets necessary. Could be Maggie hasn't learned that pulling the shirt up from the bottom is more discreet; could be she doesn't care.  Either way, I think it's great that she's not letting the paparazzi dictate her moves.

Did you hear Maggie Gyllenhaal got her titty out in public? What a dirty slut! Who does she think she is, being all indecent in public like that?! I’m so tired of these stars who just flounce around half-naked all...

i can't believe people still can't accept this.  I am a mother that has breastfed two babies and experienced all kinds of this in my own life.  It is just sad.

Moms already know this but, to those who think the blanket is the solution:  babies pull thing like covers and blankets right off.  Even the tiniest infant can grasp the fabric and expose you.  

Here's something I don't get: Why women who are paid millions of dollars per project, many of whom have

"Of course, in today's world, other people don't matter -- it's all about me, me, me and what I want, and what need, and what I believe - to the exclusion of every and anyone else. The American mantra for the 21st century: Fuck everyone else, fuck their beliefs no matter what they are"

By insisting that someone cover their baby while it eats, aren't you focused all on you you you and what you need and what you believe?  Sorry, nature and science are on the side of the breastfeeding mother.  Feeding your child always trumps protecting someone else's precious sensitivities...always.

"You can express your milk and feed your baby with a bottle in public [I did this for 14months], you can bring a bottle of formula, you can use a blanket, you can time your outings better, you do not need to flash your breasts for everyone to see, it's unecessary and definitely rude and impolite."

OR, you can feed your baby from your breast like nature intended, and not worry what other people think, as they have the very simple option of looking away.

"Of course, in today's world, other people don't matter -- it's all about me, me, me and what I want, and what need, and what I believe - to the exclusion of every and anyone else."

Exactly, KC! Oh yeah, except for the fact that YOU are the one being self-centered here.  What's important is that the baby's needs are met when she needs them met... not in stifling heat, and not in a dirty bathroom. Get over yourself: the baby comes first in this scenario, not you.

Jeez, KC, I suppose you support breastfeeding moms taking it to the bathroom to nurse?! Get over it! When the baby is latched on the milk is going to the baby. If everyone else in a restaurant is eating, why can't the baby?

Careful not to scratch your itches in public b/c your skin flakes might land on someone and reak havoc!

I wholeheartedly breastfed in public and I was discreet without using a blanket or any other covering. I would never condemn a mom for nourishing her child where ever she felt she was comfortable.

What's impolite and rude are the gawkers!

How anyone can think that this picture is anything other than an invasion of privacy by money hungry paparazzi is beyond me.  No mother should have to decide whether her kid should eat based on the possibility of photographers using zoom lenses.  Any debate about her right to breast feed in public is ridiculous.  One look at that photo and it is clear that the camera was at least 250 feet away.  This is such a waste of energy on the part of moms!!!  

Get a life, all of you.

"(L)et's not confuse a normal, natural process (eating) with sex or anything that people feel 'shouldn't' be performed in public."  Huh?  I'm pretty sure that defecating, sex, and vomiting are all natural, normal processes.  Scratching one's crotch is also normal, but not acceptable in public.  I also find farting unappetizing, but maybe we should change our opinions about public flatulence, too?  

It used to be that when one became a mother, she gave up a certain lifestyle, but not any more.   But is it OK to breastfeed in bars because it's everyone's right to have a fun night out AND also breastfeed wherever they want?  Ick.  Ick for so many reasons.  I'm all for breastfeeding, but it's not a necessity to take one's very young children out in public and breastfeed.  It's not as if it happens by accident or as if one can't plan for it.    

As for taking the photo--well, she doesn't strike me as particularly dumb, so she knew it would happen.  If she knew it would happen and didn't make an effort to be discreet, she basically sanctioned it.  It's tacky, but not just on the part of the photog.

You go, Maggie.  We're allowed to snack in public- why not our infants?  I nursed my first two children until they were 2 and 1/2 years old.  Am happily nursing my third for (hopefully) just as long.  I've never hesitated to nurse in public and have never, ever had an uncomfortable experience.  No dirty looks, no rolling of the eyes.  I don't use blankets (I wouldn't want to eat under one-) and I don't spend tons money on ugly nursing clothes.  It's food people.  And it's healthy.  And it's one of the most delightful experiences a mother will have.  

I am disgusted by the attitude of some of the people on here. If seeing a mother nurse offends you, DON'T LOOK. No one is forcing you to look, put your eyes back in your head and look the other direction. I am still nursing my 13 month old. Now that he is older, nursing in public is much more a rarity, but when he was yonger it coudn't be helped. For the people that state it is not a necessity to take your children out and breastfeed in public...I would like to see you sit home for an entire year with a 1 year old and not go stir crazy (not to mention mothers have to run a household, which requires them to leave the house to run errands).

Get over yourselves. It woudn't surprise me if those of you that are complaining about women nursing the pubic, are the very same women I see wearing skirts that barely cover your ass and shirts that plunge so low nothing is left to the imagination. How about you quit whining about a mother that is trying to nourish her growing child and do something about the women that are intentionally being sexually provactive in very public places.

When I saw this picture, I just melted.  The way she is looking at her baby is so sweet.  This is absolutely beautiful.  I see nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public.  I think if I saw someone do this I might be a bit surprised at first, but not offended by any means.  After about 2 seconds I would start thinking, "Ooooh, a baby!  How cute!  I can't wait to breastfeed..."  

I plan on using a cover for when I need to breastfeed in public, but that's just me.  If she feels comfortable like that, then more power to her.  Certainly, when in public we have to take the feelings of others into consideration, but I think there is something very irrational about a society that sees nothing wrong with women (and even young girls!) who walk around with shorts that show their butt cheeks, but is shocked by a women who dares to show a little of her breast while feeding her child.

As for the comparisons between breast milk and other body fluids or products such as menstrual blood, vomit, mucus, saliva, feces, and flatulence, I simply do not see any relation.  Breast milk is a life-giving fluid.  Menstrual blood, on the other hand, is dead matter that is being flushed from the body.  Vomit is the result of the body purging itself of something that is unhealthy for or irritating to it.  Excess mucus is produced when we are sick or to keep irritants from entering into our body.  Saliva contains large quantities of harmful bacteria, and when we spit in public it's usually to get something unsavory out of our mouths.  Feces is the unusable and impure matter that is left over from the food we eat.  Finally, flatulence is basically the gaseous version of our fecal matter, and excess amounts of it are associated with a number of medical problems.  Just because all are natural doesn't mean they are categorically the same.  A dead, maggot-infested deer carcass and a carrot are both natural, but I bet I can guess which one everyone would prefer to eat.

And as for relating public sex with breastfeeding, that is just so ridiculous that it's not even worth debating.  Let's just suffice it to say that no child (or adult, for that matter) was ever emotionally or mentally scarred by contact with breastfeeding.  The same cannot be said about inappropriate sex.

If you want to argue that exposing one's breast in public is inappropriate, then that is fine, but there is no need to rely on vulgar comparisons.  I know for a fact that there are many more convincing arguments that do not degrade the act of breastfeeding or seek to deny its inherent beauty.

PingBack from http://bethblogs.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/back-with-a-boob/

'I'm all for breastfeeding, but it's not a necessity to take one's very young children out in public and breastfeed.  It's not as if it happens by accident or as if one can't plan for it'

Ummm...are you serious?  Do you even know *anything* about babies?

Both my babies nursed every two hours during the day until they were 3 months old.  Should I have stayed locked in my house until then?  Never gone anywhere where I might be gone more than two hours?    Give me a break.  That's not fair to me, or to my toddler, who didn't need to stay cooped up either.

I have never used a blanket, and never ever exposed myself.

This country needs to get over its obsession with breasts.  It's a *baby* having *lunch.*  It's not gross, smelly, lewd or offensive.  Sheesh.

[laughing] I find it hilarious that there are women who find breastfeeding offensive and/or gross.  Men, I can understand, but women?  After what our bodies do to us, you can still find something about it gross?  What, do you gag every month when your period comes?  Grow up!

Breastfeeding is great.  Everyone who is able to should do it, but if you don't or can't, that's fine too.  

Nursing in public is pretty much unavoidable if you ever want to leave the house, ever, during the first six months of the baby's life (at the very least).  My kid nursed every two hours (sometimes even more often) for almost six months.  I fed her anywhere - the mall, the diner, a triathlon, playgroup, on the train, whatever.  After the first couple of weeks I could do it without flashing a boob, too.

Would it have been okay if Maggie G had just been flashing her tits around instead of using them for their actual purpose?  I'm sure there wouldn't be as many comments on this post if that were the case.

Grow up or shut up, seriously.

All I can say to the people who are offended by this beautiful and natural picture is your views DO NOT matter.  California (as well as many other states) law states that women have every right to breastfeed in public. If that bothers you then look away or walk away!  

a. I hate hippies who bf until the kid can drive; and

b. If nobody made a big deal out of this type of thing nobody would give a crap.

KC, are you SURE you've had sex??

I mean, there are FLUIDS involved.

Glad breastfeeding has become trendy, it makes it easier for the rest of us to justify it  (though we shouldn't have to)

For those that argue one can just take a bottle, you must be very lucky that you are able pump so well.  I have never been able to pump enough, despite daily pumping with an expensive pump.  So, if my son is hungry (in public or not), he's getting it straight from the tap!

KC- umm... who says "rag" anymore? fool.

This is such a non-issue. I'm an merican writing from France where I had my first baby last year and breat fed her often in public.  This would be a NON-issue in France. Its natural, its normal, its healthy.  Let me guess: I bet the same people who get their panties up in a bunch over a little breast exposure are the same ones who will also respond to this post with some "freedom fries" response, but maybe we can take a lesson from the french on this one.

holy shit, people. i posted earlier but i feel compelled to repeat myself: if we want breastfeeding to become more socially acceptable, how about we don't make such a big hairy deal of it every time someone breastfeeds in public? though i understand that it's relevant to the material on this website, i'm disappointed in babble for participating in what feels like grade-school level leering over this photo and this story.

my daughter was fed breast milk exclusively until age one and continues to breastfeed morning and night. i managed to get out of the house with her, feed her in public, AND not mortally offend anyone else's delicate sensibilities, thanks to the use of a BREAST PUMP, and a BOTTLE. oh, and a little (very little) advance planning for the use of both. on the rare occasion i was caught without bottled milk, i fed in public and found that a little discretion and ingenuity went a long way, and that the backseat of my car is surprisingly comfortable. at no point did i feel unjustly persecuted by squeamish nouveau-puritans; in fact, i was surprised at how easy the whole endeavor was.

my point is: can we all get over this, please? stop leering, giggling, pointing, whispering, and for god's sake stop taking/posting photos of mothers who nurse in public. you're not in fourth grade anymore. when you act like it's natural, it will become natural.

I breastfed my son whenever he was hungry for almost 2 years. Only once did I ever get any hassel for it. In the woods for, goodness sakes, when I was on a nature walk, by a woman who was in her 60's.

Those of you who would have me and my child stay locked in my house until he was old enough to not need to eat every 2 hours or to feed him less healthy formula out of a completely unatural bottle all I can say to you is stay the heck out of my and other women's child rearing choices.

Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies and for mothers who can do it. Ms. Gyllenhaal's choice to breastfeed and to do it in public is awesome. I think it will help give more women who could be cowed by the likes of KC the courage to go right ahead and do it.

Statistics show that kids that breastfeed have fewer allergies, lower chances of getting asthma, have healthier immune systems, and learn earlier and quicker than babies that are bottle fed. But instead we stigmatize the breast and make it difficult for mothers to feed their children when they need to eat. In the name of morality.   Is it really moral to encourage less healthy children and more expense for parents? Is it really moral to tell women they should be ashamed and hide their natural abilities to parent?

This debate enrages and disgusts me because it seems to be one way to either force women to stay out of sight or to force them to be consumers. All I can do is cheer women who continue to unabashedly and openly feed their children in public and refuse to bow to the pressures of a society with its priorities out of whack.

Seriously? We're going to fight about this again???

Fuck your blankets and fuck your bottles.

Go Maggie. The rest of you can suck my tits. I'm so not in the mood to have this discussion for the 1000th time.

Get the fuck over it. It's just a boob.

I agree with Hambutt.

I didn't know until today how much I've always wanted to say that.

I am so proud of her for nursing in public.  That is wonderful to see.  People need to see more of that which will hopefully cause society to be more ok with the idea, it is natural and is what's best for babies.  Gone are the days were breastfeeding Mommies should have to home!

Wow.  We flunked breastfeeding (we went to 4 consultants, etc etc etc.... it was a simple matter of a tiny mouth not fitting on a big nipple), but I pumped & bottle fed for 5 months, but the first few weeks, when still trying, some anthropologist friends visited. I wasn't even thinking about it, and whipped it out.

Todd was like, "Dude, I just spent 9 months in Mali. I'm kinda used to boobs."

People get so emotional about this. Sheesh. Glad my mom brought me up to have little body shame.

Way to go, Maggie. You prudes who would have her cover up are like a century out of step with the rest of us.

Beautiful picture. I am glad the paparrazzi took a pic of something nice for a change.

Awwww, some fo these people make me want to go whip out my boob and nurse my 19 month old just anywhere and everywhere.

It's natural, it's good for our kids and it's LEGAL!!! GET OVER IT AND TURN YOUR FREAKIN' HEADS IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT!!!!!!!

I think Maggie was making a statement, in addition to nursing her baby. She's said in many interviews that the paparazzi have been stalking her since her pregnancy was announced, so she had to at least suspect that someone might be watching. If she cared, she could have put a blanket or burp cloth over her shoulder to minimize the amount of skin showing, but she didn't. So while I do think it wasn't right that the paparazzi photographed her, I doubt that she cared that much.

kudos to people who think about a child's well being despite outdated decency issues.

it is the mother and child who's comfort should be preserved at all costs.

mothering and nursing can be difficult...shouldn't we protect our mothers and encourage their participation in our communities?

the more restrictions our world puts on a bf mother, the more likely she will cease nursing her child.

I couldn't breastfeed because of problem w/ my daughter digestive system, but I never understood the American obsession over breasts.  I'm from El Salvador and we just think it's a natural way of feeding a hungry baby.  

I've seen more skin being exposed in advertisements for perfume!!  If you think it's so offensive, then stop looking at it.  It just upsets me that everyone throws a fit when a mom is breastfeeding, but where are these people when half naked women are exposed on huge billboards for an ad! Just let us be mothers and nurtures, let us be!!

I think it's great but she could be a bit more discreet. It's hard for some people to just "not look" unfortunately and it can make many people uncomfortable. I think people just have to consider the setting and other people as well as themselves.

PingBack from http://sarahandthegoonsquad.com/2007/05/08/randomness-part-75/

It is because of KC and Megan that I have decided to TANDEM  nurse in Public  .. my 2 and 1/2 year old toddler and my 10 month baby ..

How about That !

(I usually do it one at the time)

Thanks for the inspiration you guys !

Watch out 'cause if I see you ... I might squirt on you !

i just threw up a little in my mouth - tandem nursing in public, whatever. but you're still nursing a 2 1/2 year old? you must get NO sex. good for you cow.

I didn't even know Maggie Gyllenhaal had a baby. Where've I been?

Wow, why all the fuss?

I'm most amazed that this is even an issue...the pic/posture wasn't even vaguely vulgar, and it's not like it's the fifties and no one has ever seen a booby in public before...regardless of what you think of breastfeeding, this seems like a non-issue to me.  We've come a long way, baby?  Um, no.  Especially with us moms downing each other the way we tend to do over every little difference.  You feel comfy with whipping the nekkid boob out in public?  Cool.  You don't?  No problem.

For what it's worth, I breastfed for 9 good months, in the South, in public places with and without a suitable cover (when my kid screamed bloody murder, sometimes, I just wasn't so concerned with modesty) and no one ever even looked at me crossways.  Or maybe I just never noticed because I didn't give a shit.

Seriously, though- there are starving babies all around the world.  Can't we get all riled up about that instead of where or how we're fortunate enough to feed ours here in the States?

Mamaricaislame:  

No, women who breastfeed children into toddlerhood are not sex-starved. They are trying to do what is best for their children. World Health Organization and others recommend breastfeeding children until *at least* age 2.

yaknow, i've gotten fussed at by my grandmother and a (hindu) priest b/c I was giving the baby a bottle in front of them ...

This being b/c we had the bottle for the carride and figured we needed to use it before it went bad ...

My father, who is from a culture where he still can't bring himself to touch my wife (6 years married, 5 years dating), and feels the need to leave the house when she's nursing (slowly breaking him of THAT habit since it's a 30-minute drive, and he eats every 2 hours, average ... that's a short visit!) ... my dad STILL feels that it's natural and OK for her to be doing it.  he's not offended, that he leaves, it's just cultural that he's not supposed to see his daughter-in-law's face (his culture) and breasts are supposed to be taboo (american culture) so he wants to give her privacy.

Come on folks.  yeeesh

beentheredonethat:

The World Heath organization recommends breastfeeding children for AT LEAST 6 MONTHS - not 2 years. you are ridiculous.

Dear idiots-

It's at least 2 years for the entire world. In prude filled American the gov. says 6 months to a year because of asshats like you.

Suck it.

http://queenofspainblog.com

OMG how bad is the queen of spain blog.

PingBack from http://queenofspainblog.com/2007/05/09/maggie-gyllenhaal-is-my-hero/

It's called the WORLD Health Organization

The human neck allows the head to turn 180 degrees. Feel free to pick one of the other 179 of them and look away if it bothers your sensibilities so much. Bottles and blankets be damned, my boys wouldn't have either of them, and staying home was NOT an option.

I agree with Erin, can't we please just get over this?  Oh, and by the way, the person who commented as "eww"? You forgot a question mark at the end of your sentence but I'll answer it anyway-if her blog isn't your cup of tea, you know what you can do? Read any of the other 70 MILLION blogs out there, that's right, million. If you don't like someone's blog, move on. Don't deliberately try to stir up trouble.

Secondly, , what that first photo is is a picture of SOMEONE EATING. They are EATING, not having a SEXUAL EXPERIENCE! And if it’s easier for Maggie G. to feed her baby without having a giant blanket draped over her body, then so what?

Why is it okay for the flabbiest, grossest looking men to have no shirt on at the beach, but not for a woman to briefly show the SIDE of her breast while she is in the act of FEEDING her baby?? Aaaaauuuuggghhh!

KC -- NO ONE forced you to LOOK!  What kind of sick person are you that you can't look away from a mother trying to feed her baby in a restaurant?

Mothers have no right to eat, too?

Are you insane?  

I think you've got a body image problem, honey.  You need to deal with that.

And since when do women take babies to bars?  Why would anyone need to nurse in a bar?  What are you people?  Insane?

I pity the people who have such a problem with this.  You need help.

PingBack from http://www.suburbanoblivion.com/2007/05/09/a-boob-in-public-oh-the-humanity/

we're whipping them out in support of Maggie

Join us

http://queenofspainblog.com

I think this is a lovely picture.  I honestly feel a little sorry for people who can't see what a beautiful and natural act nursing is.  I say way to go Maggie!

I personally think there is nothing wrong with a mother breast-feeding her child in public.  Mother's milk is the most natural nutrient source for an infant.  We, human, are mammals and we drink secreted milk from our mothers.  There is nothing disgusting or taboo about it.  That is part of life.

However, the act of someone sneaking around to photograph a mother nursing, that is sick.  I know it is not to be except to have piracy in public, but have some common courtesy, Mr./Ms. Shutterbug.  How would you like it if your life is being captured through someone else's lens?

Thank you.

Tian

http://www.tian.cc/

http://www.hanzismatter.com/

This was from the WHO site.  Whoever said it was 6 months didnt read it all.

"A recent review of evidence has shown that,  on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.'

So beentheredonethatbitch you obviously don't care enough to read so just stop posting why don't you?

I seriously have to bite my tongue over some of the immature and uninformed comments on here.  There are very few places that see beautiful bonding and nourishing moments like this as obscene.  This country is one of those unfortunate places.  

For those that are offended...

Would you be comfortable with a blanket over your head?  Would you rather see a baby squirming, and therefore most likely exposing more breast because they are uncomfortable and squirming?  Some babies don't mind, some do.  It's not up to you to decide.

Second of all. Maggie is in a very public place. Other than a port-a-potty, there is probably no place private to go.  Would you prefer the baby scream insatiably in your ears than see the mother feed him/her?  Oh wait, no, you'd probaby whine about that too, because you believe that your own comfort comes before everyone elses.  

I would much rather see a picture like this, than a picture of Britney Spears with flowers over her breasts (which exposed WAY more), but I just look away. Try it sometime.

PingBack from http://www.troll-baby.com/2007/05/09/africa-update-now-with-tits/

PingBack from http://thezeroboss.com/2007/05/09/blogger-tits-alert/

Can anyone hook me up with Maggie G?

I would love to photograph her for my upcoming exhibition <a href="http://www.virb.com/754291858315233">Mother Culture</a>

Crap!

link once again....

<a href="http://www.virb.com/754291858315233">lMother Culture</a>

Screw it!

I breastfeed all three of my kids. My youngest one is turning two next month, and he's still going strong. Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing. I'm thankful that I can easily breastfeed them. Not all women can. I think when certain people state that breastfeeding is gross and comparie it to passing gas or having bowel movements, it's not about breastfeeding. It's totally about body image and how that person feels about themselves. Breastfeeding is not smelly, sorry KC, go to a doctor and get your breast checked. Why did you breastfeed anyway? Beacuse you know that it's natural and better than formula anyday. I'm not pumping in a bottle. Why should I go and breastfeed my baby in the backseat of a car? You're a fool to do it. The sloppiest eater that you can find in public don't do it. It's okay for a woman to show off her "new" breasts at the Oscars, but can't breastfeed in public. There is nothing wrong with Maggie G. breastfeeding her baby in public. I do it. Turn your damn head and get some therapy.

I guess I am shocked that this is still such a huge issue.  If you don't like it don't look.  I can not believe the attittude people take when it comes to feeding a child.  That is all it is, feeding a child!!  

Breast milk is FOOD!

Breast milk is FOOD!

Breast milk is FOOD!

That's what everybody needs to remember. But I don't know why I"m bothering. People with KC's attitude can't be taught much.

Good for Maggie Gyllenhaal! It has to be awful having assholes with cameras following you around all the time. There is no way I could even eat lunch in public with that kind of pressure. She must be very secure. Her kids will know that she has a badass mom. More power to her!

KC, you must be miserable.

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I am pretty curious as to how many paparazzi shots are indeed out there of celebrities breast feeding their babies?

I can not think of any other than that of maggie...

Naturally, I'm with Maggie.  I'm a new Mom & recently went out for lunch with my Mother; while out, baby got hungry & cannot STAND to have anything covering her head, so I ducked into a stall in the restroom in order to feed my child.  I stood in a BATHROOM STALL WITH PATRONS COMING & GOING TO THE RESTROOM TO PISS & SHIT ON EITHER SIDE OF ME WHILE I FED MY BABY.  

It won't happen again.  I will sit at that table & nurse my hungry baby just like you sit at your table & eat your food when you're hungry.  GOD FORBID WOMEN USE THEIR BREASTS FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSE.  

I get no complaints when I'm letting them hang out of a sexy blouse, but as soon as I have a kid on the end instead of, say a pastey, then everyone is all up in arms.  

Thanks for all of the supporters out there & for the rest of you, I have hereby stopped caring about your feelings.  I'm sorry, but it is not about you & it is not about me, it is about my baby's need to feed & what is best for her & that is what comes first.  

Thank you Maggie for looking all "unprofessional" - you've encouraged me to step up to the plate to help turn the views of the boob around.  Once you have a baby, boobs are no longer sexual objects - they are alive with nourishment & become an entity of their own.

If you find nursing to be disgusting or rude, perhaps you should seek psychological help, because you've got it all backward and something is really *off* up inside your head.

Better yet, for all of you who are squeemish with me nursing in public, feel free to come up & let me now the next time you see us in a restaurant or just out & about; I'll gladly cover your head with a baby blanket until my baby is finished eating.

Suck it, haters! In response to the "that's gross!" and "cover up!" shit-talkers who swarmed StrollerDerby

I think it is awesome that she is feeding her daughter. Do you people really expect her to starve her child. If you have never breastfed then you wouldn't know that some breastfed babies HATE bottles and will not take them. My daughter was this way until she was 10 months old and started to use a sippy cup.

I think it is great that she is risking the backlash to be a good mom. She could be like many celebrities the elet to have c-sections and formula feed to save their bodies.

I'm getting the impression from these comments that some may feel this is an attack on mother's, children, feeding or breast-feeding.

No one is saying that a baby shouldn't eat or that a woman shouldn't breastfeed. In fact, I'm not even going to say that a woman can't breastfeed in public. All many of us are asking for is for a mother to cover her exposed breast during the process. (Yes, I am a woman)

You can't tell someone that seeing a breast out in the open isn't offensive - that is a personal opinion and one that is not uncommon. Having a child attached to it doesn't suddenly make it acceptable for many of us. It is still considered by many to be a personal moment. And comparing it to a celebrity who wears skimpy clothing is something we may also find inappropriate in normal settings for normal people. (Many would look with surprise at a woman walking in the mall wearing J-Lo's Oscar dress.)

There are a lot of products out there that are a simple piece of fabric with a stiff string of plastic sewn into the top - you tie the top of the fabric around the back of your neck and the plastic curves out and leaves it open at the top so you can look down on your infant, and he or she gets good air flow and is barely covered, but people around you don't see your breast. There are aplenty of possible solutions that mothers use that solve the problems mentioned in other posts.

There are a lot of behaviors that many people would prefer not to have happen in public, and for the most part, we as a society cooperate with those norms. I'm talking about everything from masturbation, to scratching your private parts, to even a make-out session. (All "natural acts" involving part of the body, so to speak.)

Whether or not it is is "natural" is not the issue. The issue is respecting other people's comfort levels and having consideration for their sensitivites to this issue.

"You can express your milk and feed your baby with a bottle in public [I did this for 14months], you can bring a bottle of formula, you can use a blanket, you can time your outings better, you do not need to flash your breasts for everyone to see, it's unecessary and definitely rude and impolite."

Really? I can do what ever I want? WOW! What fabulous options. I think I could think of some more...like I could just nurse my kid and your can just mind your own beeswax.

I don't get it when people equate nursing your child, whatever age, with being polite or impolite. I can think of a million things that people are consistently impolite over and you know  what? They can do whatever the hell they want because that is the glorious (sorry..puking from sarcasm just a wee bit. a-ahem) COUNTRY we live in. You can be rude and thoughtless when ever the hell you.

A list of some things I think are rude but people do anyway:

1. Spank their tiny toddler in public for peeing themselves

2. Give soda to a baby in a bottle

3. Speed up when they see people in the cross walk because they want to make the light

4. People who wear thongs on the beach whose asses are unattractive and hairy

5. When people TRY TO TELL ME that my body is disgusting and the food in my body, conviently and perfectly made for my baby is gross and disgusting.

I don't get it. Really and truly. It is a boob. And some food. That is really all. No hidden meaning. No special agenda. It is just  a boob. Half the people on the planet have them. Why should I be ashamed of the miraculous qualties of my body ( and I am an atheist) just because you are?

Puritans unite! Maggie Gyllenhaal has boobs . And you're not going to believe this -- are you ready? She uses them to feed. her. children. Next she'll want to push a kid out of her lady business, or perform some other wholly unnatural act. Crazy Hollywood

JEEZZZZ...... you pro-breastfeeding typs are NASTY bunch. aren't you?  Somebody disagrees with your "let's all hang out tits out in public" and the bunch of you go off like a pack of wild dogs.  Look, I'm a mother of 3 and a grandmother to boot.  I didn't breastfeed my kids because A) I didn't want my tits hanging to my knees by the time I hit 24, and B) because I had neither the time, energy, nor inclination to stick a tit in my poor kid's mouth and make them suck on it.

I have 2 grown daughters.  One breastfed both of her babies, and they have had more infections, allergies, etc, than any of my bottle-fed children had.  The other daughter is about to have her first child in July.... she wouldn't DREAM of breastfeeding, and none of us give her any crap about it.  My eldest daughter now admits that the crap she was fed by the "Lactation Nurse" at the hospital was just that..... a load of crap.  She did NOT lose weight faster.  It did NOT allieve post-partum depression, the babies did NOT escape allergies, infections, or other children's illnesses.  She has come to believe, like I do and like you bunch of crazed lunatics here have demonstrated, that the breast feeding gimmick does not make a healthier child or a happier mother.

Having said that, do I dislike mothers who breastfeed?  Of course not.... to each her own.  Do I want to SEE her kid slobbering mom's bodily fluids all over the place? HELL NO!!!  Keep your tit covered for cripe's sake.  If you don't respect YOURSELF enough to keep it out of site, would you PLEASE respect the rest of us?  It dosen't take a wool blanket over your babies head..... a light shawl or even a summer-weight recieving blanket will do.  You don't have to smother your child to remain dignified in public.  Furthermore, is Maggie just an idiot?  Surely she knows her child's feeding schedule!  She knew that baby would be hungry while she was out and about.  She should have planned for it.

Oh, and as for whatever the hell goes on in "Hollyweird".... no matter WHAT you may have read, the rest of the country does not go the way of Hollywood OR New York!!!

"a. I hate hippies who bf until the kid can drive;"

Amen

Yay for Maggie!

It grosses me out to see babies formula fed in public.  I don't understand why it's okay for breasts to hang out of shirts as long as a baby isn't attached to it? Why when I get my haircut, grocery shop or anything else I see more boob than when I breastfeed my children. I will not put a blanket over my baby, try eating with a blanket over your head. Why would we want to pump and bottle feed in public? for someone elses comfort? Don't look!! Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a baby. Leave breastfeeding mothers alone and mind your own business.

Breastfeeding rocks! Healthy babies, Healthy moms!

Will the controversy over breastfeeding in public never end? What's tacky isn't breastfeeding in public, it's publishing the picture and inviting comment. Whatever happened to respect and responsibility?

http://www.babygooroo.com/index.php/2007/05/14/mothers-know-best/

For all of the ignorant people who have never breastfed a baby, please be aware: NOT ALL BABIES WILL EVEN TAKE A BOTTLE! Mine has refused any bottles since she was 3 months old. Should I subject myself and my 3 year old to staying at home because of this? And, furthermore, some of us caring, nurturing mothers, feed our babies when they are hungry...not on a schedule. Obviously, we can't determine how much they eat during one nursing session, so how could we possibly know when they will be or should be hungry again. Do you eat on a schedule every day? Do you eat in a hot car, dirty bathroom, under a blanket? I do cover up, but I also recognize that when it is hot outside, my daughter must be miserable under there.

I have one formula fed and one breastfed baby. My perspective on public breastfeeding has changed dramatically now that I am a nursing mother for almost a year. At the end of the day, I just need to feed my child.

This is one of those moments...unless you walk in someone else's shoes, you truly do not understand.

I nursed my last for 2.5 years.  And in public!  Nursing is beautiful and natural.  But that doesn't mean she couldn't have lifted her shirt up from the bottom instead of unbuttoning down the top.  Seriously, she's a celeb and knows she's stalked and knew this could happen.

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Lol at Robyn. I think someone earlier said it best - You have the right to your opinions, but every state in this country protects our children's right to eat when they are hungry (not on your schedule) so if you have a problem with it, stay home or being a blanket to cover your head.

Personally, I love this picture of Maggie.

I can't get the comments about the smelly bodily fluids out of my mind. FREAKING COWS MILK COMES FROM A COWS TIT. Smelly? No. Smells like milk. Smells like the same milk you put in your coffee. Breastmilk from a human is cleaner than the crap you drink and eat every day because it didn't come from in inhabitant of a BARN.

Go Maggie!  Breastfeeding is the best thing for babies.  The baby was hungry so she fed her.  It's not her problem that breasts are over-sexualized in this country.  If someone has a problem with it that is their messed up issue!!  

Go Maggie.  You feed your baby when she is hungry.  

How would you like to walk around with a blanket over your head when it is 90+ degrees outside?

Ok give me a f------ break! what did mothers do back in the old days. Formula wasn't alway around you know! But obviously stupid people think it is rude and offensive, but you know I bet those are also the people who don't like kids and don't plan on having any and think their dog or cat is their world. Well here is some news for you losers sometimes you forget a blanket to cover up and when your baby is hungry and they have never had a bottle in their life you can't just say oh well i'm in public and forgot a blanket guess i had better buy a bottle and some formula and feed my child. sorry it doesn't work that way. And another thing if people think its so offensive why don't they fork out the money to make private rooms in every public place for nursing mothers to go, Good luck on that! and don't say oh go to the bathroom, doesn't work that way either. Most women I know aren't super women and able to hold there child with one arm and nurse. Plus maggie may have money but people don't realize how expensive formula is. Can you say 20 to 25 dollars a can that last maybe three or four days. If these certain people don't want mothers nursing in public that why don't they buy the formula. I'm so damn sick and tired of people giving nursing mothers so much damn shit. It pisses me off. If anyone ever gave me this much shit for nursing my children in public they would have a black eye. For those asses out there who think nursing is easy. all i have to say is screw off. mothers are giving there children the best gift they could ever give, not because its easier but they love their child enough to give them a good head start,for their health and so many other things. Before you knock it why don't you do some damn research and find out how good it is for the baby. Oh wait but thats right you don't give a shit about that, you are just pisses that a moms tit is hanging out for something other than for you own sexual pleasure!!!!!! And here is another thing if you don't like than don't look!!!

I don't get the big deal, most the laws in most the states say the mom has every right to nurse in public, but I guess people like KC and Robyn are above the law?

Oh and Robyn, I feel sorry for your children that your first concern was your body and your own conveince instead of what was best for them.  Too bad we don't have more parents who puts their children's needs over their own wants. And BTW- I am 25 and have breastfed 2 (still breastfeeding the 21 month old, the 3 year old just stopped) and gues what- my tits are just as perky as they were in highschool.  Doesn't that make you feel better to know you risked your children's health for nothing?  

There is SO much I want to comment on in response to the many replies here, but I am not going to go into details simply because I KNOW it would be futile. Some people would agree with me, some people would not; That's just the way it is. That's the way it will always be.

What I will say, is I am just shocked that so many people have come so far from their roots as human beings! Wether you believe we had evolved to produce milk for our young -- or that an almighty omnipotent being created our bodies to do so, the fact remains that the human race would not even exist if it weren't for breastfeeding... It's because of this, that it's impossible for me to wrap my head around why anybody even NOTICES a mother doing it!

" I'm all for breastfeeding, but it's not a necessity to take one's very young children out in public and breastfeed. "

Uh, OK.

So moms are just supposed to stay home until their kids are exclusively on solids?

I hate to break it to you, but very young babies need to eat often (say, every two to three HOURS), so you pretty much have to be prepared to feed them when you make a quick trip to the grocery and the pharmacy.

I have breastfed two children, and I have done it discreetly, in public more times than I can count. No Hooter Hiders, either-- my kids couldn't stand them and yanked them right off.

Sure, Maggie was showing a bit more than I usually do, but has anyone considered that maybe it was a new shirt and she realized after the fact that it wasn't convenient to pull it up to nurse, so she had to unbutton? (It's happened to me.) Or that sjhe's even had some challenges nursing her baby (it isn't always easy) and she needs a good view to make sure the latch is OK?

Come on, people. A little empathy and a whole lot of getting over your ridiculous prudishness is in order here. 16 year old girls at the mall in belly-baring tops and side boob are OK, but feeding your baby isn't?

"A) I didn't want my tits hanging to my knees by the time I hit 24, "

Oh, how delightful and selfish. . . and how untrue. It's weight gain and breast fluctuation during pregnancy that's more likely to change breast size, shape, and position most dramatically. Not breastfeeding, as most doctors will tell you.

I've had two and breastfed two (and I am in my thirties, when things ain't as elastic as they used to be). . . and guess what? I've still got a nice rack!

As for your other comments about your daughter's being told all sorts of untruths by the lactation consultants in the hospital. . . I'm sorry breastfeeding didn't work out for her, but is that reason to get all hostile? No one promises that breastfed babies will be perfect. The research shows that breastfeeding has a *protective effect.* A little different than "your baby will never get sick." Breastfeeding does 100% help with shrinking the uterus and reducing dangerous bleeding postpartum. It can help with PPD (but again, the operative word is "CAN."). It can help with weight loss, but that varies from woman to woman and metabolism to metabolism. . . and is more likely to be true in women who breastfeed for more than six months.

See, I actually like to have the FACTS, instead of bashing something because it might make my boobs a little droopy.

Well I finally thought about what I wanted to say...

#1 to the mom who chose to keep her "tits" as she reffered to them to herself all the power to you, however once you hit 40+ it doesn't matter what your "tits" look like when you had children b/c they are gonna be pretty sorry looking by then. Also so sorry your children weren't good enough to be fed the BEST that you had to offer so sure go ahead grab a can from the store shake up some tap water in it and go on your way. Whatever makes you feel better.

#2 YES us pro breastfeeding women do get very upset when someone tells us that it is INAPPROPRIATE to nurse in public when the law says there is NOTHING wrong with it and we have every right.

I have breastfed my dd since birth, she is currently 20mths old. I am now pregnant and will also continue to nurse her AND the new babe as long as they please. WHY? Because my milk is a hell of alot better and healthier than cows milk or powder.

I see nothing wrong with what maggie is doing, she knew that her baby was hungry and why should a mother care about the paparazzi when her child is hungry.

Oh and by the way maggie also cloth diapers *GASP* bet that one is gonna scare the heck out of alot of you! What no paper diapers? Why not you can buy them at the same place you buy your food for your child, now isn't that convenient.

Also I adore the comment about hippies breastfeeding till their kids could drive, that actually made me giggle a little. I never really considered myself a hippie...and I never realized 3yo's could drive....very interesting perspective.

Wow.  That's about all I can say to some of you posters.  I cannot believe people still have issues  with breastfeeding.  Amazing.  

Way to go Maggie!  And I do want to add that I love the fact that you cloth diaper too!  I'm so sick of celebs that talk about being green but don't act on it.  I love the wool pants she have on her baby.

So, we are having cat fights over breastfeeding. How fun!

I exclusively breastfeed. I breastfed my oldest for seventeen months, and I am determined to breastfeed this one for longer. Off with her head! Haha! I get a laugh out of reading these things. It certainly weeds out the "ejicated" sort, now doesn't it?

My daughter, who I breastfed, is incredibly smart, and has only had one major cold in her entire life. She has had no ear infections, no other illnesses, and no allergies. Thank the Lord for the breasts He gave me to feed my babies with.

Oh, and Robyn?  the reason that your daughter regretted breastfeeding and had problems with PPD is that you and your "formula fed" family probably made her feel like crap everytime she tried to nurse. She probably said that to make you happy anyway, poor girl. Also, to lose weight while breastfeeding, you can't eat whatever you want. You still have to eat healthy. Perhaps you should ingest some knowledge on the subject before you start vomiting your "advice" or opinion all over the place. what are you, bulemic?

What a beautiful moment between mother and baby.

LOL!

Some of you boob-o-phobes are making me laff.  Seriously, you're hilarious in that sad kind of way.  Thanks for the giggle!

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That is a beautiful picture!!

For all of those that think she should "cover up"...find a 7 or 8 month old baby, put a blanket over their head, and see how they respond to it...SERIOUSLY.  I don't know any baby that's comfortable having a blanket shoved in their face while they eat.  

If it grosses you you then dont look :)  I can't believe the negative commentary on here coming from MOTHERS.  I truly feel bad for your children for not having the best possible shot at life because you think it's gross.

YEA!!  A proud mommy using her breast to feed her child rather than sell a car (or anything)!!!  She nursed her baby and still exposed less of her breast then most of the stars at the Oscars or other award shows!

To Robyn: " I didn't breastfeed my kids because A) I didn't want my tits hanging to my knees by the time I hit 24, and B) because I had neither the time, energy, nor inclination to stick a tit in my poor kid's mouth and make them suck on it."

Actually, it is a fallacy that your breasts will be more saggy due to breastfeeding.  The changes in breast composition happen during pregnancy, because we're designed to breastfeed our babies, they have to be ready to do so at the moment of our baby's birth.  Age itself also plays a part in sagginess as well, so I'm sorry to say it, but your breasts are as saggy right now as they would've been if you'd chosen to take the time, energy, and inclination to give them the best possible start available.

"I have 2 grown daughters.  One breastfed both of her babies, and they have had more infections, allergies, etc, than any of my bottle-fed children had. "  FYI, breastmilk isn't magic.  It's a wonderful perfect food for babies, but if children are genetically pre-disposed to getting allergies, then breastmilk will not change that fact.  Also, infections and such have MANY different causes including: daycare, living in the home of a smoker, and the fact that children's immune systems just aren't fully developed until they're several years old.  Your daughter breastfeeding her children was the best thing that she could've possibly done for them, and no doubt they would've been much sicker if they'd had the formula you seem to have wanted them to have.  Formula has no antibodies, breastmilk does, so I'm sure they were as healthy as they possibly could've been.

"The other daughter is about to have her first child in July.... she wouldn't DREAM of breastfeeding, and none of us give her any crap about it."  This is very sad that she won't even research and consider it...perhaps its because of your outlook on breastfeeding that she thinks its bad or wrong.

"My eldest daughter now admits that the crap she was fed by the "Lactation Nurse" at the hospital was just that..... a load of crap.  She did NOT lose weight faster.  It did NOT allieve post-partum depression, the babies did NOT escape allergies, infections, or other children's illnesses.  She has come to believe, like I do and like you bunch of crazed lunatics here have demonstrated, that the breast feeding gimmick does not make a healthier child or a happier mother."  This is such an ignorant statement....and completely false as well.  I feel sorry for your daughter, because she probably had to deal with you saying uninformed things like this the entire time she breastfed her children.  

And as for the rest of your comment, it doesn't even deserve to be quoted.  It was mean, and frankly, if I heard you saying things like this in a public place, I would walk away, because what you were saying is just trash, and was not an informed reasonable debate at all.

In a world of Britney's vagina, Viagra commercials on TV, songs meant for teens about blow jobs, Tara Reid's boob falling out of her dress, Hugh Hefner screwing 19 year olds... it is really humorous that by peering at a woman trying to feed her baby people get insulted by seeing the side of her breast.

How about not looking and leaving a mother and her innocent baby alone?

Amen Gertie!

What is wrong with you people?  The only shameful thing about this is the fact that some idiot with a camera was paid to exploit this young mother trying use her breasts for their intended purpose.  She wasn't putting herself on display.  Good for you Maggie.  

"Guess I'm a jerk, cuz it's gross. It's not the nudeness, it's the smelly body fluid of someone else I don't want to see. Why doesn't she just change her rag in public too, after all that's part of that natural process that produced her little bundle of joy, right?

And I breast fed my kid for a year, but I didn't force it one those who didn't want to be part of it. I've had women whip it out next to me in restaurants and I nearly vomited on them. I don't want their kid puking up body fluids next to me while I'm eating. Keep it at home or go somewhere private.

Monday, May 07, 2007 3:23 PM by KC "

First of all, breastmilk doesn't really smell.

2. breastfeeding in public is our right. do bottle-feeding parents have to resort to a specific area to feed their children? uh... no

3. also, ummmm..... you want us to go off somewhere private to breastfed? we're not in europe. the US isn't breastfeeding friendly. there aren't any places we could go to fed in private. oh yeah there are, they're called bathrooms. sorry. the days of feeding my son on a public toilet are over.

KC needs to get a clue. sorry, i don't believe from how you speak that you breastfed for a year... you do all breastfeeding mothers a disservice.

I breastfed two of my three children and I would have breastfed the other one if I could have, but due to medical issues with her, I couldn't.

I breastfed in public with and without covering up and yes I received more than a few comments on it, but I continued to feed my babies. When I was asked to nurse my child in the ladies room or leave an establishment when I had a blanket over her head, I called the police who sided with me. The manager (a man) of the establishment was then subjected to a lecture about breastfeeding laws and that our state law specifically stated that I could not be asked to leave because I was nursing.

There is nothing indecent about nursing a baby- it is one of the most beautiful sights as far as I am concerned.

Have you ever tried to breastfeed a baby in public with a blanket over their head.  I know my daughter would go crazy having a blanket over her head.  I recall one day, visiting downtown Pittsburgh when my daughter got hungry.  She wouldn't take a bottle, or even a pacifier for that matter.  The only thing she ever took was my breast.  As I sat there trying to breastfeed, my daughter fought to remove the blanket from around her head, gatting mad, aggrivated, and eventually biting me (Let me insert a big ole OUCH!!!!) because she was hungry and didn't want that blanket over her head.  Later, as I began to think about the whole situation, I thought, how would I like eating blindfolded, with a blanket covering everything except my mouth.

So to everyone who seems to think that a "blanket" or "cover" is the answer, how about you try eating your dinner with a blindfold on, and a blanket going up your nose, etc....  

Thankfully, I had a loving husband who cared enough to hold the blanket far enough away so our daughter could eat, but close enough that my breast wasn't exposed to everyone walking past.  Someone had to make a real effort to see my exposed breast that day.  I recall seeing several individuals choosing a different path to walk down, and I recall one or two who walked by and didn't care that I was breastfeeding.  Talk about a headache though.      

Some of you r sick on here. I give total kudos to Maggie and every other mom who breastfeeds including myself. American culture is the only one i the world that makes BF a taboo. Happy Im in Canada where sickos dont stare or point or looked grossed out. PS- I am American and I hope when i go visit, i dont deal with people like you!

In an earlier comment, one reader stated "I see that picture as beautiful and natural." and they are still breast feeding their 17mo.  I do agree that breast feeding is a good thing and natural.  But for someone to still be doing this act for a 17 mo raises the question to me of, are you doing this for the child or for you?

Wow...this picture represents such a tender moment between mother and child.  

Really, would it be that different if she was wearing a low cut top and had a bottle in her hand, you really don't see all that much.  

I am 100% for breastfeeding and fully plan on breastfeeding.  I also know how hard it can be to detirmine a babies eating schedule ans that I will more than likely breast feed in public often - I will not take  my child into a bathroom to eat.  That being said I feel like a bit of a hippocrite as I was at lunch with one of my dearest friends the other day and she starting breast feeding at the table and for some reason it kinda icked me out.  I guess for me Ihave decided to breast feed but try as much as possible to be modest while doing so.

I find the comments on this discussion board rather interesting.  Let me just say that I am not a mother, not yet at least, and I am unsure whether or not I want to breastfeed my future children.  I decided to read everyone's comments to see if I would be swayed in one direction or the other.  (My husband was breastfead, I was bottle fed, and we are both healthy PhDs.)  I know that breastfeeding is best for the baby and good for me as well, but I probably won't know if it is "right" for me until it comes time for me to make that decision.  If I do decide to breastfeed, I would probably be one of the few who have posted comments that would try to do so with a little bit of modesty.  (Yes, I am a prude.)  I agree that breastfeeding is one of the most natural things that we can do as women.  What I find interesting here is the strong opinions that the breastfeeding mothers are expressing.  There is nothing wrong with attempting to keep covered (I understand that a baby is going to do what they want to do whether you are trying to stay covered or not), there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding, just as there is nothing wrong with bottle feeding.  Can't we all just support each other as women and accept what some people choose to do or not do?

I just wish ignorant people would stop expecting everyone else to accommodate their particular sensitivities.  Being near a woman who is breastfeeding will not hurt you -- but your pressure to stop women from breastfeeding on demand (which sometimes requires doing it in public because babies don't give a hoot about regular schedules) is a threat to the health of babies.  On balance, the squeamish folks' sensitivities are far less important than the health of babies.  

People are not allowed to spit, urinate or defecate in public because of the germs associated with such acts.  There are no germs or health threats to those exposed to breast milk or breast feeding.  Trust me, you'll live.

I'm just glad lawmakers are taking the lead in helping us all realize that breastfeeding is nothing to be ashamed about.  It requires no blanket, no trip to the bathroom and no lip from anyone too stupid to realize how irrelevant it is to the debate that their delicate sensibilities are being offended.  

Perhaps they should add a penalty for anyone who harasses a breastfeeding woman.

And btw in the Victorian Age, pregnant women were not allowed to show themselves in public because it was considered indecent.  So, yeah, we have come a long way, just not quickly enough.

I am totally shocked at some of the comments made by mothers that claimed to have nursed a child. Every woman I know that has nursed a child sees it as a wonderful, tender, loving time in their life. Myself included.

As to the comment to the mom nursing past 17-months. Obviously I don't know her, but I'd gather she's probably doing it both for herself and her child. Yes, mother's enjoy that connection, but ever major health organization recommends nursing until at least 2 years. Heck, formula companies now make extended formulas, so why should we stop providing momma's milk?

And Robyn, I am sorry your daughter had a rough time with BFing. My mother wasn't very supportive of my nursing either and doesn't buy into a lot of the pros of nursing either, but since the propganda for breastfeeding is provided by health officials and the propoganda for formula is provided by profit-oriented formula companies . . . I'm going to trust my doctors.

I do nurse discreetly when possible, but a meltdown at home depot without a blanket was handled quietly. After all, isn't a hooter hider just a big target anyway, with my shirt pulled up slightly, my son blocked my entire boob and stomach, it looked like I was holding a sleeping baby. No one noticed.

If you can nurse, why won't you? It is such a great thing. It makes me sad when I see how quickly moms turn to their free formula samples. Go Maggie! Perhaps in this celeb-obsessed country, you'll sway a few moms to make a very rewarding choice.

I whole-heartedly support breastfeeding in public and did it with both of my kids.  I think it was extremely disrespectful of the paparazzi to take pics of her nursing, though.  She has just as much right to nurse in public as anyone else without having to worry about people taking pics.  What would you think if it were YOUR pic that people were talking about?  Do you think that any Joe on the street has the right to take your pic while you're nursing?  But you do have the right to nurse in public and your baby has the right to nurse in a place other than a dirty bathroom stall.  

I like the t-shirt I saw on www.cafepress.com--it said "If you're afraid you might see something put a blanket over YOUR head."

With the way Maggie Gyllenhaal whips her breasts out all over town , you'd think doing it on purpose

Ooooh, did you catch Bill Maher&#39;s monologue about the Applebee&#39;s nurse-in and lactivists? I&#39;ve never been a huge Maher fan, cuz I like my political commentators hot like Jon Stewart, but this monologue was kind of especially dumb. He made

Well, here&#39;s encouraging news! 74% of U.S. moms are breastfeeding their babies! That&#39;s, like, more than ever before (well, if you&#39;re only counting since about 1950 , that is)! Except...oh, here&#39;s where we get all judgmental: most moms

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