Sensitive Midwifery - Issue 44 - October 2019

Breast assurance wellbeing of these women and their families as a whole), or they quit breastfeeding altogether. As the author of a UK study confirms, ‘Breastfeeding in public relates to duration rates, since … the decision to continue to breastfeed over time is bound up with women’s ability to integrate this activity with their preferred ways of engaging with the world post-birth.’ If consuming breast milk (from its ‘natural containers’) were as tolerable in public as drinking water, mothers’ lives would be a great deal more comfortable; babies may end up breastfeeding for longer; and a positive cycle would be established as future mothers would become habituated to women nursing wherever they go – increasing the probability of them following suit. It is therefore imperative to address the social taboo around breastfeeding in communal spaces. Why is public breastfeeding ‘problematic’ for some? In short, breastfeeding entails the undressing of sexualised body parts. Let’s quickly go to the beach: a public space where relative nudity is quite normal. When visiting the seaside on a sunny day, most women – even the ones who feel comfortable with showing lots of skin – will wear bikinis that cover at least their nipples. That is because it is considered quite scandalous (by Western standards) to ‘bare one’s breasts’ openly. No wonder breastfeeding outside of private spaces is often perceived as indecent. And it therefore makes sense that nursing mothers may experience societal embarrassment and social isolation, which research has sadly found to be two major barriers to breastfeeding. In South Africa, support for breastfeeding is wonderful on policy level, but attitudes towards breastfeeding in public are often still problematic. Chantell Witten from the South African Civil Society for Women's, Adolescents' and Children's Health calls this our ‘last hurdle’. Other hindrances to breastfeeding in public in some circumstances include more practical issues: women need an appropriate, comfortable and clean place to sit and feed, which is sometimes not available in free spaces. The role of professionals in ‘breasting’ the status quo Midwives and postnatal nurses are significant leaders in the drive to normalise public breastfeeding. Firstly, these professionals could o ff er new mothers proper information about the advantages of breastfeeding for mom and baby. If women are adequately motivated, they will be more likely to overcome any breastfeeding challenges – be it blocked ducts, returning to work, or getting weird looks in public. Equally important is help with getting breastfeeding o ff to a good start. If a mother can correctly latch her baby and knows which positions are most comfortable, she can more boldly replicate this outside of the home. Conversely, if she is already struggling, the additional stress of being in public may prevent her from even trying. Specifically motivating women to nurse while out and about is another important role of healthcare professionals. They should assure women that the law is on their side, and they could even prepare new mothers for possible negative reactions from strangers by helping them to rehearse staying calm and giving a polite but stern reply. Encouraging women not to feel ashamed while engaging in one of the most natural maternal practices is vital, but remaining sensitive to women’s reservations about public nursing is also necessary. Perhaps a better response than, ‘Get over it; it's natural!’ is to teach women how to breastfeed while showing the bare minimum. There are many techniques, clothing options, undergarments, feeding covers and other accessories which allow for discreet feeding if that is what a mother prefers. Midwives and nurses would be wise to know the ‘tricks of the trade’ and stay abreast of new trends. Lastly, postnatal workers should be careful not to villainise the general public in mothers’ minds. Rather, teach them to ask for help when needed (e.g. asking a shop assistant for a chair). In my own and many interviewed women’s experiences, many people are kind and helpful towards nursing women – particularly when specifically asked for assistance. Continued on page 54 53 eSensitive Midwifery Magazine Issue 44