The discussion about whether mothers should breastfeed their children in public is an ongoing one. It’s a conversation that has sparked debate for quite some time. Recently, a young mother decided to make her stance known, stirring up quite a reaction in the process.
Nursing moms understand all too well that babies don’t care about where they are or what time it is when hunger strikes. Some mothers may feel a tad awkward feeding in public, but this young lady felt differently. She aimed to make a strong case for breastfeeding openly in public spaces.
Meet Trinati, who proudly feeds her 17-month-old daughter whenever and wherever needed. Her resolve often means feeding her child amidst the public gaze.
Trinati is unbothered by public feeding, even if those around her may not always share her comfort. She’s been on the receiving end of curious stares and, occasionally, well-meaning but misguided suggestions from store employees who suggest she breastfeed in a more secluded spot, like a broom closet.
However, Trinati believes broom closets are unsuitable for baby feeding, prompting her to take drastic action. She had her son photograph her while breastfeeding his baby sister in a Costco store. In a subsequent interview, she expressed, “I never shy away from providing my children with what they may need from me based on our surroundings.”
Questions about how long she plans on breastfeeding often arise from friends and family, who humorously suggest her daughter might still be breastfeeding in kindergarten! To which she confidently replies, “As long as she needs me to!”
Trinati is exhausted with the sexualization of breastfeeding and the judgments that come with it. In an interview, she joked, “Really? Have you SEEN breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are very far from looking like something someone may fantasize about! Ha!”
She humorously describes them as “udders,” adding, “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.”
Her mission is simple yet powerful: to highlight breastfeeding as a nurturing act for the child rather than a sexual one.
Trinati explained, “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 admitted to receiving “strange glances and awkward giggles” when people witnessed her toddler stand while breast-feeding, sometimes even on one leg!
She was motivated to capture the moment of feedings in public, posting them to emphasize her enduring commitment to caring for her kids.
“I had my son take that photo of us in Costco because I never want to forget (and [I want to] show my daughter in the future) the lengths we, as mothers, will go to when ensuring our kids are well looked after no matter the situation,” Trinati shared.
She captioned her Instagram post, “My baby’s needs come waaaaaay before anyone else’s attempts to make me feel inappropriate for this sometimes-public act of nourishing and/or comforting my children.”
Trinati emphasizes to her children that they will always be her topmost priority, surpassing any societal judgment or discomfort of others.
“Trust is a fundamental tool for developing healthy relationships, starting with the care we receive in childhood,” she mentioned. “For me, breastfeeding demonstrates this to my children, and for this reason, I will never feel shame for allowing a baby of mine to do this with me in any environment.”
While there are different opinions on every side of the breastfeeding debate, Trinati’s story offers plenty to think about. What do you make of breastfeeding in public? Feel free to join the conversation in the comments.
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