bare breasts

[Hugh Spencer]

This problem must be sorted out. Two young ladies uncovered their breasts for the benefit of the CCTV camera. Was any complaint made by a member of the public? No! If they had been on the beach wearing only a miniscule g-string no action would have been taken. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that " A person commits an offence if he (does this apply to she?) intentionally exposes his genitals and intends that someone will see them and be caused alarm and distress."
I really don't know what our police are up to. An officer replied to this subject in Answer Bank months ago and he admitted they just don't know how to react sometimes. The public deserve to know what they can and cannot do in this matter. I hope somebody or some authority takes this matter in hand.

[B00]

Afraid we're going to have to disagree then 4get, as I really don't see anything wrong with breastfeeding in public no matter where it is. Why shouldn't you feed a baby in a restaurant? You're eating, so's everyone else, why shouldn't a baby? Why should you feel ashamed enough to shut yourself away in a toilet, because lets face it that's what a baby changing unit is, a toilet with a mat in it, to do the most natural thing in the world which is feed your child?

[4getmenot]

yes if the baby needs feeding then it shouldnt matter where you feed it as long as its a healthy clean place. But people have to know that some people feel uncomfortable if you get all your boob out, the nipple is all the baby needs. I'm not saying I do. I've seen plenty of boobs from my feeding friends but they do always ask me if I mind first which is nice.

[Pippa68]

I managed to breastfeed all 4 of my kids (not all at once, you understand ;o) without exposing my boobies.

It was no mean feat considering the size of them but I found a strategically placed muslin square adequate to cover the boob. There are some militant breastfeeders who will practically strip off topless in order to make a point..but this is rare, I think!

[claireybear]

Previous to a trip to Madrid this summer, I think I had seen all of 2 women breastfeeding in public my whole life. (I'm 28). But in Madrid they must have a very different culture and there seemed to be women everywhere breast-feeding their babies while having a coffee and chatting to friends.

I must admit I thought it was wonderful, and I was pleased they were able to do it without being told to go to the toilets!

[4getmenot]

eaxctly pippa, some woman on this breast feeding programme were trying to prove a point about it but getting whole boobs out and practically sticking them in peoples faces. It doesnt need to be done that way.

[4getmenot]

and clairey if you think about England compared to african mothers who dont even have tops on what a difference, I guess its just our society.

[LoftyLottie]

I am with 4get here. I think it is only polite to consider other people's feelings when breastfeeding in public. It is a very natural thing to do but I think it should be done inconspicuously and that facilities should be available, ie public places such as restaurants etc should have comfortable areas for breastfeeding mothers (not in the loo areas).

A lady in the packed doctors waiting room I was in this week suddenly undid her top and started breast feeding and I could see how uncomfortable it made quite a few of the people waiting feel.

As for those brazen females who take great delight in flashing their boobs to all and sundry in the street, well they just make themselves look totally stupid and brainless and I wouldn't think males would find it provocative(?) - but I can't see it being a police matter.

[jno]

Three cheers for girlygirl's response. Honestly, don't the police have child murders to investigate or anything? Some people will find anything offensive - the BBC got complaints when Emily Maitlis showed her legs.

http://www.tvscoop.tv/2007/08/bbc_newsreader.h tml

But society doesn't have to be run for their benefit. And Pippa shouldn't have to be messing around with muslin squares.

[4getmenot]

loftylottie do you yourself find it offensive though. As I dont but people have to understand we arent yet in a community where it is excepted and if its not needed then dont do it. Flashing or lobbing your boobs out for anything. Its kind of if I dod this will I get in trouble. If you dont know dont do it.

[4getmenot]

no she shouldnt jno but she still did as she can see how some miseable complaining gits might take it

[LoftyLottie]

No I don't find it offensive, but I am aware that others might and that it might embarrass them. However, if I am honest, if I were in a mixed sex group of people in a restaurant and a female member started breast feeding, then I would find it quite uncomfortable.

[LoftyLottie]

Actually, I find it far more acceptable for women to breastfeed in public places than I do for men to sit in restaurants and cafes (or even walk through shops and town centres, etc) bare chested, yuk!!!! Totally different subject though.

[4getmenot]

see the thing is I woulnt myself, not because I think its wrong but because I know the mentality of some men nowadays that wont see it as feeding but a chance to get a glance of my tats

[LoftyLottie]

I think a lot of guys get embarrassed because they don't know where to look and are frightened people might accuse them of ogling when they are not - especially older guys.

I just believe in being aware of other people's sensibilities generally.

Some of the people I have seen on TV advocating breast feeding in public seem to just do it to upset other people - there's no need to be so 'in your face' about it. They just want to draw attention to themselves. A bit like the old 'women's libbers'. Most normal mums are very discrete like Pippa.

[Hugh Spencer]

Yes, I can see where my original query has ended up - breastfeeding in public but I don't want my query sidetracked. I am still hoping some person who might be able to explain why, in this instance and in my view, those two young ladies should have to go through this. According to the latest amendment no law was broken and no crime committed. Let's get to the bottom of this - forgive the innuendo.

[4getmenot]

yer sorry about that I didnt answer question though. They shouldnt have done it in first place

[Whickerman]

personally I think this should be encouraged.

[samsong7]

It appears that the arguments for and against the 2 women flashing their bits at the camera is divided. It also seems like most men don't find it offensive, whist the women do. As a man, I don't find it offensive, just rather childish. Equally, if a bloke was to pull his shorts down and flash his backside to the camera I suppose the operator (if it was a woman) would find that offensive too.
I don't think there is any comparison between breastfeeding (where most woman are discreet ) and actually lifting their tops to deliberately flash their boobs at people.

[Hugh Spencer]

Hi 4getmenot,
The current trend is for females to be allowed to be topless on a beach and I don't think any of them would be prosecuted if they were. Anybody must be prepared to see this on our beaches and if you can't position yourself into a place where you won't see them, don't go there. There are a number of things which to me are unsightly so I go elsewhere or avert my gaze.

[netibiza]

I don't object to public breastfeeding, but think it should be done discreetly. Last summer we were in a restaurant with the tables very close together and a woman got out her booby to breastfeed right in front of my husband, who although he doesn't object, he didn't really want it flopping in his paella. I think a draped shawl is acceptable. Some women make a "statement" about it, and this type of woman never looks particurly clean.