Indecent exposure?

Yesterday in the park, my friend was struggling to feed her baby by bottle, even though it would have been much easier to breastfeed and he would have eaten as much as he needed.

But she was worried about breastfeeding in public — a sentiment I understand, but one that also infuriates me. While I was breastfeeding, I had no problem whipping the ladies out for a feeding because my baby needed to eat RIGHT NOW, and to be honest, I’m not terribly private anyway.

But I know so many women that are terrified of breastfeeding in public because of what other people will think. Come on — it’s one of the most natural parts of being a human being and we’re embarrassed about it?

Now, I’m not advocating that nursing moms go all National Geographic and just abandon modesty altogether, but no mom should be embarrassed about breastfeeding in public. Even if you’re not one of those moms that can ride a horse bareback while juggling fire torches and breastfeeding, it’s OK. I say don’t be afraid of a little nip-slip now and then — that man at the next table acting embarrassed and judgmental will get over it.

What do you think — is it OK to breastfeed in public, and if so, what are the standards of modesty while nursing?