'Pinagsisigawan Ako,' Moms Share Worst Experiences While Breastfeeding In Public

I became a breastfeeding mom in 2018, but it wasn't an easy journey. I went through challenges like clogged ducts, sore and wounded nipples, and improper latch. 

I remember being unable to breastfeed in public even though I sold nursing clothes because I wasn't confident about it. I also didn't know how to handle other people's comments and reactions. 

When I breastfed for the first time in church, I had to seclude myself in a room, missing out on the talks. The second time, I wore nursing clothes and covers, but my baby and I weren't comfortable with it.

Moms could understand why breastfeeding is 99% determination and 1% milk production. It takes practice to be successful in proper latch and increasing milk supply, and it takes confidence to nurse in public. 

RELATED: 8 Solutions to Top Breastfeeding Problems Like Milk Supply, Latching, and Pain

Moms share worst experiences breastfeeding in public

Breastfeeding is a demanding process, and nursing in public adds another layer of complexity. Moms at the Smart Parenting Village shared their experiences and challenges in breastfeeding in public.

Moms feel uncomfortable

Mommy Angel Dizon received negative remarks about nursing in public, with people commenting on her saggy breasts. "May mga tingin na bawal daw po magpadede, lalo na sa public," she shared.

Meanwhile, my sister, Liagi Mateo, who breastfed in 2015, had to do mixed feeding in public due to the lack of nursing clothes at the time. 

People staring at moms who breastfeed make it awkward

Mommy Karen Borja shared her experience of nursing in public: “Nakakailang lang na may tao pa ring nakatitig, tinatakpan ko na lang ng lampin.” 

Breastfeeding moms cannot control how people react, but they confident to continue by doing it responsibly, "Iniirapan ko na lang po at ine-ensure na wala silang makikita," Mommy Cecile Balais said.

"People will react differently, but you must steel yourself, knowing you are doing this for your child. Nothing else matters," Mommy Genette Apostol Buclatin added.

Comparisons and lack of consideration

While we respect every mother's decision to choose the way they feed their child, especially when it's advised by their pediatrician, breastfeeding babies often receive feedback that they are thinner and appear less healthy than formula-fed ones.

Comparing breastfed and formula-fed babies based solely on their weight or appearance can be misleading and unfair. 

Moms also receive feedback that nursing is the "easier way," overlooking the efforts and sacrifices of breastfeeding moms.

Inconsiderate behavior towards breastfeeding moms

After Mommy Angel's maternity leave, she experienced a lot of hardships as a working breastfeeding mom. “Nung bumalik ako mula sa maternity leave, hindi ko magamit ang additional 40 minutes ko na for pumping.”

One of her colleagues, who is also a mom, suggested switching to formula so she can advance her career. Since she didn't receive support from her workplace, she left her job, and continued breastfeeding. She is proud to say that she was able to nurse her son for over three years.

"It is very important to normalize breastfeeding in public. The more comfortable moms are, the more our babies can feed comfortably." --Karen Borja

One mom shared her worst experience of pumping in the bathroom of a restaurant. "Someone kicked the door because I took so long (10 minutes). Pinagsisigawan ako when I opened the door. It was a rare break from the baby, and I informed the restaurant I needed 10 minutes to pump so they could advise people to use the bathroom outside."

READ ALSO: What Is the 'Milk Code' and What It Means for Your Baby

Why breastfeeding in public should be normalized

Despite social stigma, the World Health Organization and Republic Act No. 7600 promote breastfeeding and nursing in public. RA 7600 states, "The State shall promote and encourage breastfeeding and provide the specific measures that would present opportunities for mothers to continue expressing their milk and/or breastfeeding their infant or young child." 

Normalize breastfeeding in public like eating in public

“As a breastfeeding mom, I feed my baby on demand pero may times din na hindi ko mapadede ang baby ko kapag nag-aabang kami ng sasakyan, or nag-co-commute," Mommy Cecile Balais shared.

Despite breastfeeding challenges, Mommy Cecile believes moms should feel comfortable doing it like we are comfortable eating at restaurants. 

Promote open conversations and challenge societal attitudes that view it as inappropriate or indecent 

By encouraging dialogue and sharing positive stories about breastfeeding in public, we can work towards creating a culture that fully embraces and supports nursing mothers.

Mommy Karen Borja, a mom of four children, who is still breastfeeding her two-year-old, said, "I think it is very important to normalize breastfeeding in public so we can freely breastfeed without feeling any awkwardness, even without a cover. The more comfortable we are, the more our babies can be fed comfortably."

If people see more mothers doing it, there will be social acceptance

Encouraging a positive and accepting attitude towards breastfeeding in public is crucial. When society embraces breastfeeding as a natural part of life, it becomes easier for mothers to breastfeed confidently.

Although there's a long way to go to normalize breastfeeding, there are now more innovative products and supportive communities that help moms nurse comfortably wherever they are. Many Filipino moms, including celebrities, swear that these products help them in their journey:

Breastfeeding essentials for first-time moms

Sew Childhood Poncho Nursing Cover (Php 750)

Celebrity mom Miriam Quiambao, first-time mom influencer Ayu Alano, and other moms love this poncho nursing cover by Sew Childhood.

It is not just an ordinary cover but is also available in eyelet and stylish textured fabric. It is also multi-functional and can be used as a nursing cover, blanket, car seat cover, hands-free pump cover, highchair cover, or grocery cart cover. Buy it on Shopee or on Lazada

Valianne's Trends Aurora Nursing Dress (Php 650)

The Aurora Nursing Dress won the 2022 Smart Parenting Awards - Products We Love For Moms as the Best Nursing Dress. Valianne's Trends is a homegrown brand designed by yours truly for moms; we launched this style for moms with a contemporary and feminine taste for clothes. It is so discreet and comfortable that you wouldn't notice it is a nursing dress! Buy it on Shopee or on Lazada

Dula Nursing Maternity Sleeping Breastfeeding Seamless Bra (Php 300)

This nursing bra has easy drop-down nursing clips with a side sling, making breastfeeding more accessible. During breastfeeding, a woman's breasts can become more prominent, sensitive, and heavier. Nursing bras provide proper support and comfort. Buy it on Shopee or on Lazada

Nursing Top (Php 189)

More and more mompreneurs launch new nursing clothing lines as they all aim to promote breastfeeding. You can start with a simple tee that has discreet nursing access. Buy it on Shopee

BELOVE Women Nursing Maternity Breastfeeding Bra (Php 99)

This is another variation of a nursing bra with middle button access. This is a comfortable wire-free, seam-free, and supportive nursing bra for the nursing mom. Buy it on Shopee

Noah's Ark PH Curved Burp Cloth (Php 100)

This burp cloth is conveniently designed to be placed on the shoulders while burping the little one. It can also double as a breastfeeding cover for babies who don't like to be covered while feeding. Buy it on Shopee

By working together to support breastfeeding, we can create a supportive environment for mothers, remove social stigmas, and ensure that they have the resources and information they need to breastfeed successfully.

Watch this video of a lactation expert debunking myths about breastfeeding:

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