Why do people have such a strong reaction to breastfeeding?

[Amanda]

In this day and age of feminism and woman liberation, it's hard to believe that public breast feeding is still considered somewhat of a "taboo". I'd like to think Americans are generally open minded and accepting, especially when it comes to a mother and her child. Although being that most of us have seen this part of the female anatomy, some would think of it as "vile" or "inappropriate". Perhaps if breast feeding were looked at on more of an objective level, as it was meant to be, breast feeding publicly would not be such an issue. While it is an intimate and bonding experience for both mother and child, it being a "private" moment is a crock of sh*t. Its not a "private" moment when a mother chooses to feed her child in public with a bottle. Bottle feeding is also an intimate and bonding experience for them as well. Why should I be looked down upon and ushered into a bathroom stall because I choose to use my breast as her bottle? People are blurring the lines between indecent, sexually oriented exposure and the necessity of exposing one's breasts for the sake of feeding a child. When my baby is hungry she is going to nurse NO MATTER WHAT! We as women are encouraged to to give our babies the most nutritionally complete food for their development - natural breast milk, straight from the breast. And yet we find ourselves struggling to find places that make it comfortable and socially acceptable to breast feed (like a public bathroom toilet seat).The most ironic part about this ongoing taboo, to me at least, is the minimal amount of exposure necessary to breast feed. Heck, many women will almost completely cover their breasts blanket to make themselves and others more comfortable. Which brings me to my favorite breastfeeding quote- If you don't like it feel free to put a blanket over YOUR head! It's about time we shake the taboos, and promote tolerance and acceptance for women breast feeding in public. Also, there are stories of women getting CHARGED with public indecency for nourishing their baby in public! Forty-four states have laws specifically allowing women to breastfeed in any public or private location. While only twenty-eight states, exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws. On another note,if you look at any other mammal on this earth, they ALL breast feed. Humans are mammals as well, but why is it "wrong" for us to do it? Because in today's society, for human breast all they are good for is to pleasure men, and to sell cars and beer. If you want to put pictures of you breast feeding your beautiful healthy babies on Facebook MORE POWER to you!! I completely support you. Don't be ashamed of breast feeding. If it offends someone that is THEIR problem not yours! Ive seen lots of pictures of babies being fed from bottles on Facebook. You should promote it and make people aware of what a beautiful thing it is. Be proud that you breast feed!