Breastfeeding is a natural and important way to ensure a baby’s nourishment and has numerous benefits, including fostering a strong emotional bond between the baby and mother and promoting a healthy immune system. Despite its benefits, breastfeeding in public often stirs discomfort and controversy among some individuals. Trinati, an Instagram influencer with over 7,000 followers, shared a photo in 2017 of herself breastfeeding her 17-month-old daughter inside a Costco, which sparked mixed reactions.
Trinati is committed to feeding her child whenever necessary and does not shy away from breastfeeding in public places. She asked her son to take the photo to capture the moment, explaining, “I never want to forget or show my daughter in the future the lengths we, as mothers, will go to ensure our children are well cared for, no matter the situation.”
Addressing Criticism and Highlighting Benefits of Breastfeeding Trinati responded to the criticism she faces by emphasizing the endurance of mothers who breastfeed, stating, “I don’t expect all men or those who have never breastfed to understand the ways in which mothers have the endurance to deal with nipple-pinching or straight-up acrobatics while breastfeeding.” She has received strange glances and awkward giggles from people witnessing her 1.5-year-old daughter standing on her lap while breastfeeding, sometimes even on one leg.
Despite facing criticism and jokes from loved ones about breastfeeding her daughter until kindergarten, Trinati remains undeterred. She is committed to breastfeeding “for as long as her daughter needs,” aiming to combat the stigma surrounding public breastfeeding. Responding to arguments that public breastfeeding could be inappropriate because it sexualizes her, Trinati humorously pointed out, “Really? Have you SEEN breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are very far from looking like something someone may fantasize about! Ha!”
“These are basically udders right now. Get over yourself! I’m not trying to steal your man or lady with these bad girls! To me, they have become so far from feeling like a sexual part of my body. Right now, they belong to my child for nourishment, both physically and emotionally,” she continued. Trinati highlighted that her baby’s needs come before anyone else’s attempts to make her feel inappropriate for breastfeeding in public.
Breastfeeding Offers Numerous Benefits Breastfeeding provides both food and comfort for infants and toddlers if both the mother and child agree. According to the CDC, breastfeeding also offers health benefits for mothers, reducing the risk of certain illnesses like ovarian and breast cancer or type 2 diabetes. The controversy surrounding breastfeeding, particularly in public, has gained attention from celebrity moms who show solidarity with mothers like Trinati, including Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Munn, Ronda Rousey, and Vanessa Morgan.
The debate on breastfeeding, especially in public, leaves many mothers feeling exhausted and compelled to speak up for their right to feed their children as they see fit.
