Should Military Moms Breastfeed in Uniform?
Photo: Brynja Sigurdardottir Photography via Facebook
When I was breastfeeding my son, you better believe I nursed in my work clothes, but for military moms it may not be as acceptable — the moms above are being criticized by some for having their pictures taken breastfeeding while in uniform.
The pictures were taken by Brynja Sigurdardottir Photography for the Mom2Mom Breastfeeding Support Group at the Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state to promote, educate and raise awareness to breastfeeding. The women pictured are Terran Echegoyen-McCabe and Christina Luna, members of the Air National Guard.
“There isn’t a policy saying we can or cannot breastfeed in uniform,” Echegoyen-McCabe said to Today. “I think it’s something that every military mom who is breastfeeding has done. … I think we do need to be able to breastfeed in uniform and be protected.”
But not everyone shares her beliefs. One commenter wrote on Breastfeeding In Combat Boots, the blog of Robyn Roche-Paull, IBCLC:
“I am a retired female military officer. The wearing of the uniform must gain the respect of others. I feel very strongly that respect for both the uniform and for women would be compromised should women breastfeed in uniform in public. Women have fought the battle for equal rights and must be cognizant of the fact that they are still in the stage of proving themselves as equals in society and should always remain professional while in uniform. Professional women do not breastfeed in public, and female soldiers, who are professionals, should not either.”
What do you think? Should military moms breastfeed in uniform?
Plus, more from The Bump:
Top 10 Breastfeeding Problems — Solved!
Back to Work Guide for New Moms
Tips for Breastfeeding In Public
The Knot Blog
The Nest Blog
Professional women don’t breastfeed in public?? Has she been living under a rock??? I say good for those military women who aren’t afraid to be seen, I stand up and salute you!!
I have no problem breastfeeding in public, as long as it’s not for show. These Moms are posing. In the Military, how in the world are they going to salute if a high ranking officer walks by. You have to salute, those are the rules! When a Women joins the Military, she knows what the rules and regulations are. Again, I do not oppose breastfeeding in public, but it seems as of late, it’s all posing for pictures and money. Most women are very discrete when breastfeeding in public as I was. I think now, everyone is doing it for show. Sorry, but it was never an issue 20 years ago, women were discrete and women 20 years ago, did breastfeed in public. Sorry!!
Idk if any of you ladies know the rules in the military. But I’m a future mom to be and in the Marine Corps I know for a fact that it states that we (military personnel) are not allowed to show affection in uniform. We are not allowed to degrade the uniform. I understand that these woman are promoting breastfeeding I’m all for that but not in uniform.
cpl meza-
My husband is military so I understand some of the regulations you are referring to. However, the military cannot tell you you can’t breastfeed your child while in uniform. From what my husband has explained to me, they are not supposed to display affection towards spouses/significant others, but they are encouraged to pick up and hug the kids. This is because adults are expected to be able to restrain themselves, but even the military does not have that kind of expectation for children. Even the military knows you cannot explain to an infant why they have to wait for a meal.
Providing the best nourishment for your child is considered affection? Feeding your baby from the breast is a biological function and is what the body was designed to do…and you are suggesting that it is degrading? Do you have to remove your uniform to urinate as well? Would that not also be considered degrading under your terms?
Why is it unprofessional to breastfeed in public? The quoted commenter doesn’t even explain why this *might* be true. Frankly I think it shows courage and just how amazing women are…both things that honor the uniform, not detract from it. People need to get over their hangups with the human body.
I agree. I mean there are people eating other people in the US right now. Isn’t that a little more of a pressing matter than feeding your kid? Why do people think we have breasts?
“Women have fought the battle for equal rights and must be cognizant of the fact that they are still in the stage of proving themselves as equals in society” <—Let's remember that "equal rights" does not mean we must make ourselves exactly like men. Who says they are the gold standard? Being a lactating mother does not make you any less of a of a human being and it certainly does not make you less than equal. I'm disturbed to see that kind of comment coming from an IBCLC, as if breastfeeding were somehow an indication of equality.
As for the breastfeeding in the military issue, I don't know much about the military. All I can say is breastfeeding is a normal and natural part of motherhood. There are alternatives to breastfeeding, but they are not the healthiest choice for babies. If these women put on a uniform and are willing to fight and die for our country, don't we deserve to give them and their babies the best? If you can be a mother in uniform, you should be able to breastfeed in uniform. If you cannot be a mother in uniform, then I guess it's another discussion, perhaps a very important one that might illuminate the need for change in military culture.
I agree wholeheartedly…but note that the quote was from a commenter on an IBCLC’s blog and not an IBCLC.
Agree 100%!!! How ridiculous that we even need to have this conversation, as if feeding one’s child somehow “degrades” the uniform?!
I agree with Tiffani. That’s a bunch of bull-crap. They are proud to serve our country and proud to be mothers. They couldn’t be doing anything better for their children. Why the hell shouldn’t they wear their uniforms to feed/nourish their children in public? Soldiers can be moms too. People are so freaking ridiculous.
That is the most ignorant state I have every heard : “Professional women don’t breastfeed in public.” Really??? Are you kidding me? I was a professional before we decided I would stay home full time. I breastfed in public, and never thought twice about. Did I do it on the clock? Yep, I sure did when I had too. My DD went to work with me from 6wks to about 9mos. I was in an office by myself, and did what I had to do. Yes, I covered myself up. But seriously? I don’t know many other professional women who have that opportunity, so I’m sure that realistically, no they don’t breastfeed in public during work hours, because their kids are in daycare or with a sitter. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean that when they do have their children with them that they don’t feed in public. Get real people. We are supposed to honor our soldiers for they work they do for us, and we all know that a great majority of this are women, AND moms. Good thing that soldier retired, it just shows what’s really holding women back
You are ALWAYS a mother, no matter your dress. BFing is the fulfillment of a child’s most basic need… and it should be done anytime that need is present.
A mother is ALWAYS a mother, no matter her dress. BF’ing is simply fulfilling a child’s most basic need, and it should be done anytime the need is present…
its not that simple, understand that men arent allowed to sit around shirtless while in uniform, there fore saying that the gold standard is men is incorrect. the rules are the same for both. there air force instructions (AFI 36-2903 specifically) out there that denote the proper wear of the uniform and to try and “read between the lines” and say that it does not specifically state that you cant breast feed in uniform is bull. all it takes is a little common sense to see that these mothers are not wearing there uniform correctly.
yes breastfeeding is a normal part of life, but so it sex, death, etc. common sense says im not gonna have sex in public half in uniform? correct?
also there is an AFI (i can find it out if you want specifics) that states that one cannot use the uniform of the air force to promote a group or persons. the group being moms2moms.
Comparing breatsfeeding in uniform to having sex in uniform is ridiculous. I’m active duty Air Force and no, I would not have sex in public, half-dressed in my uniform. You know why? Because having sex in public is a crime.
To compare sex to breast feeding is quite a stretch. A hungry child should not be compared to a horny adult…
That being said it is interesting that you bring up death as a part of life because that is a tangible reality for these women who are serving our country. If they are being asked to possibly die In these uniforms than who the hell are we to say they shouldn’t be able to breast feed in them. Your comment is irrational, illogical, and quite frankly pathetic.
Chris, you’re spot on. I’m in the British military and pregnant. There is specific direction on how to wear the uniform, e.g. head dress must be worn outside, only the top shirt button is to be undone etc, which is applicable for all. I would never expect to be able to breast feed in uniform in public and wouldn’t do it either even if I could. Standards have to be maintained for men and women – those that wear the uniform should adhere to regulation. Equality is fine – however, women (certainly in the military) have come a long way – I fear, sometimes pushing such issues might make things worst. It was only a few decades ago when pregnant women had to give up their careers and leave the British forces – we do not want to go back there.
I’m a professional woman (director of IT supporting a family of two children and a stay at home dad) and I breastfeed in public. I breastfed my first and I’m currently breastfeeding my second and never did I feel it was unacceptable. I don’t stop being a mom when I’m working. I’m also in a male dominated field and everyone is very supportive and I think these women deserve the same support.
This is outrage. Please let these women be a mother. Seeing at what they are/have given to our country. people/judgers should focus on more serious issues. Gheesh there are plenty out there and this aint one of’em!!
I am a pregnant female in the military and I have been in for 12 years and have served overseas. There are regulations on the wear of the uniform in all branches of the military, for both genders. Wearing half of a uniform or partial uniform is unprofessional according to military standards and can have consequences. I have nothing against breastfeeding and/or breastfeeding in public, but the women I see that do always cover up as to not expose themselves and to give the baby more comfort/privacy. Another thing, if you are in the military and you wear your uniform, you represent the military as a whole not just your specific branch. If you are a female in the military, there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding, but it should be done out of the public eye. Military women are not allowed to bring young children to work just because they are breastfeeding, so you shouldn’t be doing it in your work place anyway. If you go back to work and are breastfeeding, then get a breast pump and do it in the restroom. Contrary to whether women are fighting for equal rights or proving their equality within the ranks, seeing any woman breastfeeding can make some men very uncomfortable. If women are screaming to be treated as equals in the military, then why is it okay to make your coworkers uncomfortable while you breastfeed in uniform? The regulations for the wear of any uniform are there for a reason and are black and white. There is no grey area just because a woman is breastfeeding her child. When wearing the uniform, it is supposed to be worn properly at all times, for both genders. You represent the United States while in that uniform, you are property of the United States and you must abide by the rules and regulations of the uniform at all times. Nursing or not.
thank you i agree with you 110% everything i want to say was said here in this one post.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Finally some common sense! I applaud you
Seriously “pump in the bathroom”. How about you eat your lunch where others poop!
Totally agree with you Kerri.
I don’t have a problem with military women breastfeeding in uniform, in public. I do have a problem with Time Magazine’s recent cover, showing a 3-year old mini-soldier (in fatigues) sucking on his mama’s breast.
I agree with Kerri above. I’m active duty Navy for ten years and I have absolutely nothing against breast feeding, I plan on doing so myself. With that said, there is no “grey” area in military uniform regulations about proper wear of uniform when it comes to breast feeding, in fact it is quite clear. Service members are to wear their uniforms in the proper manner at all times and to maintain a professional appearance. While most of us agree that breast feeding is not unprofessional, due to perception issues and clear regulations guiding the proper wear of a uniform, breast feeding should be kept in the restroom, locker room, or private areas. These women signed on the line to provide a service to the country, they are property of the united states. If there was room for argument in the regs, they should have taken it up with their direct chain of command, not post pictures of themselves in direct violation of these regs and in support of a non-military affiliated group, another direct violation. They have more things to worry about being Punished for than breast feeding that’s for sure.
Who’s to say these women are breastfeeding without being covered up in public??? This was for a photo shoot, a treasured memory for these mother’s. (I would much rather see this picture then the picture on the cover of time magazine, that’s for sure!) I highly doubt that these women are walking around in uniform breastfeeding without a cover, I breastfed my son and nursed in public and always covered up. I also have pictures of me nursing my son without a cover on and love those photos, it was a special time and as all Mom’s know those times fly by.
To say “Professional women do not breastfeed in public” is an ignorant comment. Whether you are a Mother in the professional world or a stay at home Mom you are still a Mother. Not only can women be professionals but they can also be breastfeeding Mom’s and all at the same time. It doesn’t make you any less of a professional to be breastfeeding in public. I have had to pump on the job (I wish I had the option to breastfeed my child at work), I would never pump in a bathroom. I would never ask anyone to eat their lunch in the bathroom (who wants to eat around a nasty toilet?) so I would expect that no one would ask me to put my child’s food in a bathroom.
To compare breastfeeding to sex is asinine. There is nothing sexual about breastfeeding, people need to do some serious research about breastfeeding before making such an ignorant comment.
Breastfeeding is a choice you make for your child. It is a lot of work and huge commitment and should be celebrated not looked down upon. It is an amazing experience for both Mother and Child and the benefits are astronomical. I am a proud American and have nothing but the highest respect for those serving our country. I am proud of these women, not only are they serving our country and putting their lives in danger everyday for me and my family but they are Mom’s as well, the hardest job of all.
I was active duty military and according to the uniform regulation 36-2903 I wasn’t allowed to hug my husband in uniform, but these women think it’s okay to breastfeed in uniform. I have no problem with breast feeding and I plan to do it myself, but this is a cleay violation of the uniform code. By untucking and unbuttoning there shirts they are not maintaining a professional appearance which is part of the foundation of the US military.
If showing affection while in uniform is forbidden, then I am correct in assuming that every returning member of the military who hugs and kisses (sometimes quite deeply and showily) their lovers, children, or spouses in front of cameras as the walk off a boat or airplane will be officially repremanded as well, yes?
The ‘showing of affection in pubic’ means walking around the base holding hands, or snogging in the dinning hall, or affectionately touching your partner in the work place etc. Common sense is required – affectionately greeting your love one after returning home from Afghanistan after 6mth tour is a slightly different senario. Would you stop them?
I don’t think these women took these pics as a “treasured memory” or we wouldn’t be looking at them right here. Stuff like that should be kept private whether you are in the military or not. There is nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public, there is something wrong with popping your boobs out for everyone to see, no matter what the purpose. Wear a wrap. It’s not that difficult to cover up. I plan to breast feed and I in no way plan to force others to watch me.
The person that said you don’t have sex in public is right. That statement didn’t mean that they thought breast feeding was sexual. It meant that it was just as natural as breast feeding (that’s how we got to this point in the first place, right?). On the same level, you don’t just go poop in front of people either. That’s pretty natural too.
Furthermore, we teach our children not to show their privates in public right? So now when I take my toddler to the park I have to explain about lactation because some woman thinks that just because she’s a mom it’s okay to show young children her breasts?
I am sorry, but these arguements hold no water. Having sex and defecating in public are illegal, breast-feeding is not. Adults should be able to control themselves; an adult is expected to be able to make it to somewhere private to take care of these functions. When baby’s hungry you feed them, regardless of where you are.
If a mother in the park is nursing her infant, she is not showing her breasts to your hypothetical child. It is your responsibility to explain to your child the difference between a woman sitting with her boobs out and a mother providing her child with the best nourishment available.
I don’t see how these women nursing in uniform is seen as weakness. All the feminist comments about this picture are stupid. How is being a mother anything short of a superpower? Why should these women be unable to nurse in their work clothes when so many other women do it every day? Do police officers and firefighters only nurse their children “off the clock”? Being a woman in uniform and nursing an infant shows anything but a backslide in equality between men and women. It shows that women are able to both be a mother and defend our country. What man can say that?
For those of you worried about whether your young child will see this and think it’s inappropriate, I’m sorry, get a real problem. These women aren’t making babies in public, just feeding them. Children aren’t as ignorant as many adults seem to think they are. They know the difference between right and wrong. They know that a two year old naked in a pool isn’t the same as an adult woman walking around topless. If you personally are uncomfortable with it, then don’t go to places like the park, church, schools, social meetings, family events, the grocery store or anywhere else that a mother may have a hungry infant who doesn’t understand why he can’t be fed immediately. However, don’t make some big production about how you’re worried about your kids.
I just want to clarify then. Would these women be allowed to give their baby a bottle in uniform? If the answer is yes then it is discrimination to say they can’t nurse their baby in a uniform (are they supposed to go change just to feed their baby?). If the answer is no, according to the uniform rules, then I’d say it’s fair to say women shouldn’t nurse in uniform. Not that I would agree with it, but I’m not in the military and not subject to that strict code.
Also, nursing or pumping in a restroom is gross just for the record. Think about all the germs and disgusting things lurking in a bathroom.
Lastly, women should not have to cover up (talking about all women, not women in uniform) when nursing. It is a natural, biological function and babies need to eat. Not all babies will tolerate a cover, so keep that in mind when you judge. Instead of being horrified at having to explain these things to your child maybe be glad for an opportunity to educate someone from a young age that there is nothing shameful about breastfeeding.
KUDOS to you Michelle! You said what I was thinking when I read that BS! THANK YOU!
Kerri said it great. I am all for BF but cover up. I did. I don’t want to see other women’s breast hanging out. It’s not just about men feeling uncomfortable. I am not comfortable with it. And I BF! Is it that hard to cover up. And think about teenage boys. They won’t be watching it thinking how great it is that mother is providing for their child they will be watching and saying BREAST!!! I’M SEEING BREAST! It’s not that big of a deal to cover up. Would you allow your breast to hang out for the public to look at any other time?
Oh and the military is held to a different standard that sometimes I think only those in the military or family of understand. The uniform is to be worn in a specific way at all times. The army can’t even roll up there sleeves on a hot day.
I am in the Army. I still breastfeed my almost 11 month old child. If we are at an appointment for him or if I happen to be in uniform while grocery shopping, I will feed my child if he is hungry. How dare some person complain about me feeding my child!? It’s natural. Techincally breastfeeding should be performed until the child is at least a year anyway. And professional? As long as you’re not showing any breast (I know the womanon the left has hers showing- but she cannot control when her twins eat) I feel like it’s fine. I’m not sure why people have a problem with it. I feel like these women did a great job taking these photos. I would have done the same thing. I hate hearing people complain about this. If it bothers you, DON”T WATCH!!!! How hard is that. Folks need to get over their insecurities and carry on.
Women have breasts to feed their babies, not for sexual gratification. End of story. Somewhere along the lines we turned them into sexual objects but that is not their function. I really don’t understand why we, as a society must continue to have this battle over breastfeeding in public. If you are uncomfortable with it, it’s your issue. Babies have to eat and it shouldn’t matter what you’re wearing or where you are. We all should be able to feed our babies without scrutiny and everyone needs to really get over it!
I honestly couldn’t believe what I read when I saw the title “Should Military Moms Brestfeed in Uniform?”. My first thought was “Are they serious?!!!?” These are women that stand up for our country and fight for the “non uniform” wearing mommies to have the rights we do, such as brestfeeding in public. I salute the moms pictured above who were not afraid to show that they are capable of being professional women as well as moms. Keep fighting for all that you believe in ladies!
I don’t see the probelm with this. I breastfed my kids it is a natural thing. So becuase these ladies decided to protect their country they are not allowed to breastfeed their children? They need to hide in a car or bathroom? I say it is a beautiful thing and a natural thing for all of you that think it is wrong to do in their uniform you need to crawl back under the rock that you came out of. I salute you all, people can be so ignorant.
“The wearing of the uniform must gain the respect of others”… i have more respect for them knowing they are able and willing to feed their babies!
Some of this I believe have to do with the introduction of formula because before this there was no alternative it doesn’t matter where you breastfeed a lot of people seem to be somewhat uncomfortable about it. Like when I go to my son’s doctor’s office other moms have sometime had things to say at the office he goes to now they have a room that I can feed in but I’ve had people ask why I don’t just pump the milk out in advance so I can bottle feed him but those are obviously people who don’t breastfeed. But still the debate goes on whether or not breastfeeding in public is right
I respect a woman in uniform, what our society needs to learn is to respect breastfeeding Moms and realize that this is about a child’s right to be fed the most nutritious food possible. This is a free country and it sounds an aweful lot like some people would like to regulate how, when, and where Mothers feed and babies eat. Now perhaps you think breastfeeding should be private, but that’s your opinion and shouldn’t be forced on others. This photo makes an important point. Now my husband is in the Army so I understand about uniform regulations, but why should that take precedent over a hungry child? Any Mother knows your child doesn’t just stop being hungry so you can change, it doesn’t work that way. I applaud women such as these for bringing this topic to light when a woman’s right to breastfeed in public is being challenged so frequently.
I think Kaylee S says it really well. Breastfeeding does not show weakness, nor a reason to think less of someone.
Equality between the sexes does not mean that we have to act like men or that men should act like women. It means that we should respect each other as we are. And all this crap about the standards of the military is just that, crap. I see photos of soldiers hugging and kissing, or with their sleeves rolled up all the time. I even know a few members of the military and have seen them do these things personally. If everyone is going to freak out about soldiers breastfeeding in public, then stop showing all the returning soldiers let dogs jump all over them, or kissing their wives or hugging their children in a classroom. If breastfeeding isn’t ok, neither is that.
What a beautiful picture! The picture is a great way to show support and advocate for all breastfeeding moms of every profession out there. I am a professional women and I breastfeed my son in public. If I can do it, so can these professional women. There is no law against what the soliders are doing. They deserve RESPECT!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW! So it is better for a military PROFESSIONAL to shove a GD bottle in their baby’s mouth than to show the world that she cares enough to give her own child the best she can? Yeah she could bottle the breast milk but for what?? B/c some ignorant jackasses might get offended by her nursing her child?? WTFever!! I am STILL trying to understand why in BLEEP breastfeeding in public has become an issue in the first GD place. And now it’s an issue if you’re in your military uniform?? ARE YOU EFFING KIDDING ME?? I’m sorry but I am a hell of a lot MORE offended by some mother throwing a formula bottle down her kid’s throat. Nothing against you mom’s that CAN’T breastfeed but for those that CHOOSE to bottle feed that crap…..BY ALL MEANS, BE OFFENDED! B/c you offend the living hell out of me! It does not matter what you wear. You should have the right to feed your child without worrying that some jackass is going to flip S#$% b/c they are jealous or whatever. Just my opinion. And yeah…it’s a strong one!
I think it’s absolutely acceptable for women to breast feed in uniform. I think that this whole controversy thing is absolutely deplorable and extremely aggravating. There is nothing wrong with breast feeding period! It’s a part of human nature and life!
We should respect all women who are brave enough to breastfeed, and especially the ones brave enough to do it in public! There is nothing disgusting about it and it certainly shouldn’t compromise the respect of the uniform or any woman who breastfeeds while wearing it. They should be applauded for their courage to be true to themselves and their children! People with power complexes, who may or may not be sexist (but probably) are always trying to shame those who breastfeed. It’s time for MORE women to start breastfeeding in public, in or out of uniform. There’s never been a need for it and there certainly isn’t a need now for shaming women.
Also, being able to have children and breastfeed them is an inherent part of being a woman. That’s something that should be respected, not destroyed. How can someone believe that to be equal to a man you should give up integral parts of your sex? That’s something no man will ever have and it gives women their own power. No two women are the same and obviously there are many who don’t want children; however, they should still respect their ability too, not look at it as a defect that makes them a lesser being.
As a small business owner, breast feeding mama, and veteran’s spouse, I truly fail to see the uniform as the issue here. That anybody would still be promoting the idea that feeding or pumping in a public toilet is an acceptable alternative is thoroughly disgusting and completely ridiculous. It’s barely comprehensible to text from the toilet and people honestly believe that it’s a proper place to eat? Yeah, right. If an adult, with a fully developed and intact immune system, would never even entertain the possibility of eating a sandwich in a bathroom stall for fear of common contaminants like e-coli and a colorful assortment of parasites… What on Earth makes it okay to expose an infant unnecessarily? To protect overly sensitive, prudish, intolerant people from themselves? I think not. If someone has a problem with you, that’s their problem, not yours. It’s mind boggling that cowards are so often only brave enough to insult people who
have their hands full…
I am a breastfeeding mother and I am in the Marine Corps so I have a little bit of experience on the subject you might say. I pump in private, and I only nurse in uniform in private. I do agree that this retired officer is wrong and she has offended me, I struggle for equal rights but I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I know I am a good Marine and I know I do my job well, I shouldn’t have to go out of my way to prove to my sexist male counterparts that I deserve to wear this uniform. I do work harder than they do but that is just the way I am. As for breatfeeding in uniform there is no order against it specifically. I myself would never do it just because I am not allowed to kiss my husband or even hold his hand in uniform so I don’t believe breast feeding would be allowed as well in uniform in public, but then again my child isn’t with me when I am in uniform. I myself BF discreetly in public when necassary so I have nothing against it, if your child is hungry they need to be fed, end if story.
&dami, shame on you too!!! How dare you criticize how a mother feeds her baby!!! You’re no better then the dumbass that wrote this article!! How about we all mind our own business how a mother feeds her baby b/c no one other then that mom knows her circumstances. People should be able to feed their babies however they can/want and everyone can mind their own business!
“The wearing of the uniform must gain the respect of others. I feel very strongly that respect for both the uniform and for women would be compromised should women breastfeed in uniform in public. Women have fought the battle for equal rights and must be cognizant of the fact that they are still in the stage of proving themselves as equals in society and should always remain professional while in uniform. Professional women do not breastfeed in public, and female soldiers, who are professionals, should not either.”
First of all, no piece of clothing, no title added onto a name, nor any other object should command ‘respect’. You get respect by being respectful. I treat everyone the same, I don’t care if you are a CEO or homeless. THAT is the definition of equaliy.
Second – equality of the sexes DOES NOT, nor will it EVER exsist. Women and men are NOT the same. We have breasts, we carry and birth children, and unless you look like a linebacker, women are NOT built the same physically. My husbad is a firefighter. He is physically fit not only because his job may require him to save a civillian, but more importantly his co-workers depend on him. Women in the fire service, police, and military do not have the same testing standards as men. When my husband was hired by his current employer, he’d already had 10yrs experience from 2 different departments. He busted his ass to get that job – white middleclass male isn’t the preferred employee. It was made very clear to them the purpose of the class was to hire ‘minorities’. In fact, there were “minority” firefighters, already on the job, raming the streets handing out applicatons to other minorities, offering free study sessions and mock oral boards to give them a better chance at getting hired. No one did this for the ‘white guys’. The pick up line they used was “want a job that you only work 95 days a year and are guaranteed to never be fired?” The city he works for was not recieving as much federal grant money because they were lacking in certain genders and ethnicities. Of the 40 firefighters in his class – less than 10 are fully capable of performing the full scope of the job. You’re lucky if half of them show up for their shift. The 2 women who were chosen couldn’t lift their own body weight if their life depended on it. So nevermind carrrying one of their “peers” along with 70lbs of gear. Anyone going into a building with these women is as good as dead if things go wrong. During the testing process females are routinely required to perform at lower levels than their male couterparts — how is that equal??? If a man has to do 30 push-ups why is it ok to as a woman to do only 20? If they are to be performing the SAME JOB how can you have different standards?
Third, women ae the ones who bear children, not men. A man can work 30years straight with minimal time off provided he isn’t injured or ill. A woman requires time off to have a baby. Don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% pro-baby friendly work places. I belive that if the AAP recommends 6mos exclusive breastfeeding and highly suggests continues breastfeeding through the first year, that women should stay home a minimum of 6mos and it should be paid leave like other countries do. But, this fact alone makes it impossible to argue for equality! Oh I want to be equal to my male peers….but I want to have a baby and not work for 3 months, and then I need extra time to pump when I return. Stop all this nonsense about equality.
People need to wake up. Equality isn’t meant to fit the description we are trying to stick it to. Let’s talk fair, respect, responsible.
The military is the biggest crock of brainwashed crap out there. I’m all for uniting for a cause, but I’ll be damned if someone tells me I have to shit a certain way while wearing a special article of clothing just so that I ‘fit in’ to their model. So while I don’t necessarily support female troops in any sort of environment requring brute force (ie combat), if they want to do it and they can adhere to the same standards as the men, go for it. While you’re at it, I totally support breastfeeding in uniform.
Cpl Mezel, not allowed to display affection in uniform, really? What rock have you been living under? I have been in the navy for 9 years. Have you ever seen a ship return from a 6 month cruise? How about marines returning from IA? Did you catch the time two female sailors kissed upon ones return from a med-cruise? How about the Time magazine cover of the sailor kissing the nurse? Sailors, soldiers, marines and airman have been showing affection in public for years but you don’t think it is ok for a mother to feed her child in uniform? As far as saluting goes there are exceptions. Have you ever had to carry something with both hands and been unable to salute? I have, and I verbally greeted the officer like you are suppose to. You don’t drop the box and stop to salute. The same should apply if you are breastfeeding your CHILD. Did you know you are supposed to salute a car driving past you if there is an officer decal on it? How many times have you done that? We are not talking about drunk girls whipping their boobs out to entertain someone. We are talking about grown women supplying a need of their child. If they can change the rules to allow military to walk around in uniform and use their cellphones then women should be allowed to breastfeed in them. If this country can ask women to die in these uniforms then they should be able to breasfeed in them. My daughter will not take a bottle at daycare. So, during my lunch I go to her daycare to feed here. You bet your ass I do it in my uniform! Not only am I a proud sailor, I am also a proud mother!
I have also read about nursing in military uniforms being likened to urinating or defecating in uniform. Well, my husband is in the military and he assures me that no one changes their clothes to go to the bathroom.
You do what needs to be done and you don’t make a big deal about it.
Lindsay there is just one thing I don’t like about your post “The military is the biggest crock of brainwashed crap out there”. I’m assuming you don’t know anyone in the military on a personal level, so as an Army wife I would just like to share some of what my husband and I have experienced over his 13 year career. The members of our Armed Forces respect tradition and carry it on because they feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves and are proud of that fact. It may be just work clothes to us, but that uniform is one of the things that makes them brothers and sisters in arms, just like the flag may be just a piece of cloth to some, but for them it is a respected symbol of what they fight for and must never touch the ground. It’s not about just fitting into a model, even if some see it that way, it’s about being there for each other and leaving no one behind. Now I do agree that men and women are not the same, and there are some exceptions to uniform regulations, such as public displays of affection after separation, and I think breastfeeding in uniform should fit into those exceptions. I do agree with a woman’s right to serve in our Armed Forces if they wish to, because we may not be the same but we still deserve equal rights and women can serve their country just as well as men, I have seen examples of that in the women I’ve met in uniform over the years. I am glad to see so many posts on here supporting these women and their right to make this choice for their children. Best wishes to all.
No one said that sex, urination, etc were the same as breast feeding. The point was that it’s just as natural. People keep making the argument that because it’s natural it means that women should be able to show their breasts in public.
And no, Michelle, you are not going to tell me not to go to a park, church, school, etc because women are going to be showing their tatas to everyone. Churches usually have a room specifically for breastfeeding mothers or there is a nursery. My church even has a little speaker in there so you don’t have to miss any of the service. And SCHOOLS?? Are you kidding me? Do not take your breast out at a school, ladies. I assure you, you will have a problem. That’s just not okay in any circumstance. At a park, you can use a cover. If your child won’t let you, then YOU don’t go to the park. You will not say where I should and shouldn’t go fully clothed.
Also, Kaylee…I didn’t make a big production out of my concern for my children. I shared a thought. If you explain why it’s okay in one case then an intelligent child will question why it’s not okay in other cases. I in no way thought that my child or anyone else’s child wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between right and wrong. However, I would then have to answer other questions that a toddler may ask in that situation. It should be up to me as a parent to decide when to talk to my child about things of that nature. It should not be because the lady in the park doesn’t have the decency to cover her chest while feeding her child
Also, where did someone say that you should have to go into the restroom to feed your child? I missed that one as I was reading I suppose. That’s just gross. Just cover up. I don’t want my baby eating in a nasty bathroom either.
By the way, it’s a discussion. There is no reason to be ugly.
No one got ugly with you. As you pointed out it is a discussion; they disagreed with you and argued their points.
Your argument about women “showing their tatas to everyone” is completely ignorant. Take a look at the picture associated with this article. Unless you are tandem nursing twins, breastfeeding in public is going to look like the woman on the right. Tell me what you see there that is indecent!
Here is the most important point of all… if I want to go to the park and nurse my son without a cover the law protects my right to do so. And if you simply cannot avert your eyes you have no recourse but to leave the area.
I think its fine to breastfeed in public in uniform. You see women in fancy suits breaffeeding, a woman in her waitress uniform breastfeeding, why can’t a military woman in unifrom breastfeed? Its natural. You don’t say “Sorry babies, you’ll have to starve because I am unform!” Try explaining that to a 4 month hungry baby! Jeez. Breast were meant to feed babies long before they were to be men’s sex toys!
And as for breastfeeding in the restroom? Are you serious? So why don’t you eat your lunch where there is poop and pee? Germs across the floor? where do you expect me to sit when their is no extra in the germy bathroom? On a toilet? Gross! I dont ask you to feed yourself or your children in a bathroom, don’t force me to do with my infant!
How about we worry more about out teens with their jeans down to their ankles and girls who wear things barely covering their butt? How about you worry about your teens looking like pimps and hoes instead of my infant child eating in public?
I am a female active duty soldier who recently had a baby and breast feeds. Although I do feed and pump in uniform I do not do it in public. Though there are no rules against bf in uniform but there are standards of decent exposure. The military actually does support breast feeding! I have proudly fed my daughter in public both in and out of uniform but I use a cloth to cover my breast. The whole world doesn’t need to see them. To me, that’s the bottom line. Breast feeding is the best thing for me and my child, modesty is the best thing for my career and self-respect.
Brook, I love your comment ‘Breast feeding is the best thing for me and my child, modesty is the best thing for my career and self-respect.’ You’re so right.
so when baby is hungry is she supposed to run home, change, then feed and change back and go back to what she was doing? breastfeeding is supposed to be CONVENIENT!
Actually, calling someone ignorant is a very ugly way to voice your opinion. I am not ignorant. It’s not like I said that people shouldn’t breast feed in public. I very clearly said that I believe that anyone should be allowed to do that. I only said that I don’t think it’s appropriate to actually show your breast in public, therefore, use a cover. Ignorance is thinking that all others will view your breasts as nothing more than a source of nutrients for your child. Sadly that’s just now how it is. Brook got it right when she said that modesty is the best thing for her career and her self respect. That’s true for anyone. Not just military moms. Anyone (including military moms in uniform) should be able to feed their baby in public without a problem, but no one should be able to show their private areas (this includes breasts) in public. What is the big deal about using a wrap?
Ignorance is a lack of knowledge (that’s the definition, look it up); your comment belied your lack of knowledge on this issue. A woman nursing her baby is not “showing everyone her tatas”, she is not placing her breasts on display, even if she is doing it without a cover. To insinuate anything else is absolutely boorish. You still did not answer my question, what is indecent about the woman to the right of the picture? This is what you will commonly see if a woman is breastfeeding in public. In fact, there’s nothing indecent about the woman to the left either, you’re not seeing any more flesh there than you would at the beach or a magazine in the grocery store. There is nothing indecent about a woman nursing her baby.
There is nothing wrong with using a wrap, in fact I have always used a wrap in public. What I do have a problem with is the audacity of someone telling a woman that she should cover up or that she is not respecting herself. As someone pointed out before, some babies do not tolerate a cover. I am starting to have this issue with my son now as he gets more motor skills. Staying at home with him 24/7 is not feasible, so my options are to nurse discreetly without a cover or stop breastfeeding. If people such as yourself were making the decisions, I would be forced to stop providing my son with the best nutrition possible. Thankfully educated, enlightened people made the laws where I live and they protect my right to make that decision for myself (45 out of 50 states in this country protect a woman’s right to breastfeed in public), because I’ll be damned if I’ll let uptight, ignorant people make it for me.
There was a story I read a long time ago about a mother nursing in a mall and a lady, disgusted about it, told the mother she should go to the bathroom and do that. The nursing mother’s comment was:”Would you eat your lunch in the bathroom?” I am reminded of this story every time something like this comes up. It’s a natural, normal part of our humanness that is protected by law. I understand that the uniform should be respected. What I don’t see is how nursing a child is disrespectful of it. If anything I have much more respect for the military and the woman in that uniform when I see her nursing. I don’t feel that nursing a child takes away any “professionalism” from a woman. She’s just feeding a baby. Would a professional dad be looked down on by feeding his child? It’s just our cultural problem of looking at women’s breasts as sexual. That stigma has to end and one of the helpful ways is by nursing in public and not getting up in arms when someone freaks out over it. People need to see it more often & then it will just become the norm.
I believe it is more of a dis-service to women to insist they become like men to gain respect. A woman is not a man, and that is a good thing. A man is not a woman, and that is a good thing too. Respect includes looking at someone and valuing their differences as well as their similarities. If I must act like a man to have equal rights, I really don’t have equal rights in the first place.
If you’re a woman in the military you do need to behave a certain way – it is not about becoming more like a man – it is about meeting the standards expected.
Military
Word Origin & History
mid-15c., from M.Fr. militaire, from L. militaris “of soldiers or war,” from miles (gen. militis) “soldier,” perhaps ultimately from Etruscan, or else meaning “one who marches in a troop,” and thus connected to Skt. melah “assembly,” Gk. homilos “assembled crowd, throng.” The noun sense of “soldiers generally” is attested from 1757. Military-industrial complex coined 1961 in farewell speech of U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
By Origin the Military is composed of soldiers geared for war, etc. It does not say anything about professionalism, degrading the uniform, and is not specific gender based. As a soldier of a Military you are obligated to follow the traditions of that organization, whether it be acting a certain way when in and out of uniform or following gender biased rules.
As a female in uniform, guess what… you serve your country regardless.
Since when is serving your country gender biased?
Serving your country is not gender biased, get with reality.
Since when does equal opportunity mean “same as your male counterpart”?
Equal Opportunity means “having the opportunity”.
Woman/Man you have the opportunity to serve as a soldier of the armed forces, get with reality.
By society standards showing affection in public shows a sign of weakness. As military personnel you have to be on your “A game”. Which means everything that prevents you from doing that is shunned. And everything that helps you achieve your “A game” as part of the team is promoted. That’s why there are so many services provided for military personnel, such as Tricare, Life Consultants, Breast Feeding Consultants, etc.
Military life is not black and white. It’s based off of many gray areas. Why would I write that? Because “The Armed Forces” is composed of “People”.
People
Word Origin & History
c.1275, “humans, persons in general,” from Anglo-Fr. people, O.Fr. peupel, from L. populus “people,” of unknown origin, possibly from Etruscan. Replaced native folk. Meaning “body of persons comprising a community” first recorded 1292 in Anglo-Fr.; meaning “common people, masses”
(as distinguished from the nobility) first recorded 1306 in Anglo-Fr. The verb is c.1489 (intrans.), c.1500 (trans.). The word was adopted after c.1920 by Communist totalitarian states to give a spurious sense of populism to their governments. Legal phrase The People vs., in U.S. cases of prosecution under certain laws, dates from 1801. People of the Book “those whose religion entails adherence to a book of divine revelation (1834) translates Arabic Ahl al-Kitab.
As a person apart of the Armed Forces you are one in a team. A team that expands the nation geared for war but with vast amounts of services provided to accomplish the mission. A team can not accomplish the mission with members that can not be on their “A game”.
As a breast feeding mom how are you supposed to be on your “A game” when your mind is on your baby? The moment that baby was born, he/she became a part of the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces is not just composed of those who wear the uniform, it’s also composed of many civilian spouses, civilians, veterans, retires, dependents, etc.
Military today would mean you probably had your baby in a military facility and that baby took your social as a dependent. As a military dependent your baby is now part of your military family, apart of your military community, etc.
Guess what, to be leadership in the Military you are obligated to take care of the troops under you. What leadership would completely deny their troop to be on their “A game”? A leader who shouldn’t exist as part of the worlds biggest Armed Force, that’s who.
Most military women are discrete about breast feeding anyways. Regardless of what you think, the military is composed of many many many moms. Everyone who outranks me is a mom or a dad. Breast Feeding is part of life, get over yourself.
I agree with Kerri 100%. The picture represents mothers that are not breastfeeding for the wellness of the baby or the bonding that comes with the task, they’re almost showing off. They aren’t wearing cover ups nor even attempting to maintain the intimate privacy that comes with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding a baby, while yes is very beneficial, also is such a privilege that offers bonding time. If it’s turned into something where a mother just whips herself out in public and pops her child on it, she turns it into almost an obligation rather than a gift.
And as for the professional women breastfeeding in public, that seem like more a personal opinion that isn’t necessarily designated by one’s career. I currently hold a position at one the nation’s leading companies for banking, investments and insurance. Everything about my company represents professionalism. However, even if I worked at Burger King, I still would never be seen breastfeeding my child like the women depicted in the picture. I always pumped ahead being prepared for the day, and the few times when things went out of my control, I breastfed with a “hooter hider”. And even with my second little bundle of joy on the way, my method of breastfeeding will not be changing. I enjoy the privacy and intimacy between me and my little ones too much to share the moment with the general public.
I can’t believe that there is even an issue here. They are feeding their children!! To those of you who have a problem with military showing affection while in uniform then this should apply to all parents feeding all of their children in any manner and under all uniformed circumstances. It delights me when I feed all of my children ranging from five months to 13 years. Also, if this affection in uniform is such an issue for the military then why are they allowed to marry in their dress uniforms? I have been to a marines wedding and he was in uniform and there was a lot of affection addressed to his wife that day. And as for those who address not wearing the clothes properly I am sure you have seen at one time or another (if you have ever spent some time around the armed forces) men running or playing a sport with their shirts off. I for one support these women and their free right to breastfeed while in uniform. If our goverment puts it into writing that this is no longer allowed that will be just one more right that our “FREE” country no longer has. And then how much longer before BF is outlawed in the whole country? I think instead of arguing over something so trivial we could all spend a little extra time trying to feed those babies whos bellies have gone empty for far too long.
I am an Active Duty Army officer, I breastfed two babies for over a year each and I never once came across a situation in which I had to publicly expose my breasts in uniform to feed my baby. Breastfeeding is a wonderful wonderful thing and I loved every minute of it, but military bearing dictates that it is just not appropriate to expose yourself like this in uniform, especially not on display for a photographer to take pictures of. I had a cover made out of material that matched my uniform. If ever there was a time I could not find a private room and I had to have my baby with me I would use my cover… the baby was still fed and my breasts were not on display. There are many rules that you have to follow in the army that directly conflict with your duties as a mother- deploying away from your children, for example- but the breastfeeding issue does not have to be a cause for drama. Be discrete and modest, you can still show affection to your baby and you can still feed him.
I am also in the military (Navy) and plan to breastfeed. I agree that there is nothing wrong with a “professional” woman breast feeding in public. That being said, people seem to forget that being in the military, we adhere to a stricter set of rules and regulations than the general public, so it’s not really correct to compare us to a civilian professional. In our written regulations (at least for the Navy), we are allowed time and a clean space (IE–NOT a restroom) to pump during work hours and also a refrigerator in which to store the pumped milk.