Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel's on breastfeeding in public

At a time when shaming breastfeeding in public has almost become a trend, Candice Swanepoel took to Instagram and showed what she really thought of it.

It takes spunk to stand up for what you really believe in… especially so if it’s a topic of debate for many! So when Candice Swanepoel, a South African supermodel, better known as a Victoria’s Secret model, took to Instagram and posted a picture of her baby being breastfed, the world took notice.

This picture of her garnered an almost equal number of haters and supporters, as expected. But what’s commendable is that the lady did what she thought was right and stood by it.

Many women today are shamed for breastfeeding in public, or even kicked out of public places for feeding their children. I have been made to feel the need to cover up and somewhat shy to feed my baby in public places but strangely feel nothing for the topless editorials I’ve done in the name of art..? The world has been desensitized to the sexualization of the breast and to violence on tv…why should it be different when it comes to breastfeeding? -Breastfeeding is not sexual it’s natural- Those who feel it is wrong to feed your child in public need to get educated on the benefits breastfeeding has on mother and child and intern on society as a whole. 💪🏼💙 👫👭 #mothernature
A photo posted by Candice Swanepoel (@angelcandices) on Dec 18, 2016 at 4:02pm PST

So what is it that makes us mothers nervous about feeding a hungry baby in a public place. It’s not like we deliberately step out just when the bub is hungry. For an act as natural as feeding one’s baby, it can be quite discomforting and annoying warding off rude stares and comments only because you decided to unbutton in public when your little one whimpered for his share of food.

It’s ironic that something that’s celebrated in movies, magazines, and billboards, get shamed when seen around a baby! While in certain countries, nursing in public is getting accepted, certain places still are bound by their culture and tradition. The benefits of breastfeeding for mum and baby are plenty. And that fact itself should encourage you to not feel ashamed about it. Luckily there are quite a few ways to feed your bub discreetly and comfortably. Here are some:

Try it at home. Practice arranging yourself and the baby comfortably for a feed, as you would in public. Imagine that you are in a coffee shop or some public place and try to feed as discreetly as possible.

Dress appropriately. And by this, all I mean is wear something that will be easier for you to unbutton, unhook, or just lift. Go for nursing tops with built-in bras, when stepping out.

Blankie for the mommy. Carry a nursing cover or a blanket which can be whipped out whenever your bub is in need of a feed.

Ignore the ‘attention’. If people stare at you, and people will, either ignore them or look back and smile! If it doesn’t confuse them, it will at least make them wary of how rude they are being.

Finally, just relax. Take a look at your baby and you will know there is nothing wrong with what you are doing. Of course, I say this with the authority of a person coming from a place where it’s not a cultural issue.

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[Image courtesy: Instagram]

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Written by

Divya Nair

Breastfeedingpublic breastfeedingnot-safe