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I've ready throught this entire thread (all the while avoiding work) with quite a bit of interest.
While I fully support a woman's right to breast feed, I have to side with those who believe a little bit of modesty is called for. If a woman believes she has the right (or un-right, as the argument has gone) to have consideration when breastfeeding in public then she should also understand that those of us around her have the right to not be blatently shown her breasts while eating, shopping, etc. I don't believe a breastfeeding woman should have to be confined to a bathroom or even a private room, however, as all the wonderful mothers posting here have shown, it's not that hard to be discreet with the appropriate clothing or a light blanket. Heck, even a small washcloth will cover up what doesn't need to be seen.
And yes, some women, even nurses and those who otherwise present themselves in a ladylike image, have been known to expose it all in public while breastfeeding. I watched a lactation consultant in town open her whole shirt and let it hang out while she tried to get her 3 year old (I think that's too old for bfing anyway) to settle down long enough to eat. I'm sorry, but that is public nudity and she was sitting in a crowded coffee shop.
In regards to the above quote, I believe some people have gone in the extreme opposite direction and condemn others who do not breastfeed before knowing the situation. That is just as wrong as telling a woman she should not breastfeed. I used to believe that everyone was wrong if they didn't breastfeed - until I had my daughter. No matter what I tried (and I spent a lot of time with nurses working on it) my daughter would not breastfeed. She was beginning to starve and screamed for days. The day I broke down and gave her a bottle of formula she became the happiest baby on earth. She's now 8, taller than most in her class and very intelligent, according to her teachers. I don't think formula hurt her one bit.
I have also heard of young mothers having so much pressure put on them to breast feed that their children have actually died from starvation. If you think it's not possible, try to remember being a struggling new mom for the first time, wanting to do everything right, a listen to some of the folks who are rabbid about breastfeeding. They convince these young moms that it's scareligious to feed their babies a bottle.
So, in summary, lets allow everyone to make their own choice, without forcing our personal views on them (and yes, with today's options, breastfeeding IS an opinion or choice). And please remember, that no matter what your choice, consideration for the others around you is what really does separate us from the animals.
