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I stumbled upon the news reported by the media regarding Emma Maembong, a celebrity and a first-time mum who decided to close her IG comment after her photo walking with breast pump went viral. I have mixed feelings about the report. I can empathise with the new mum wanting to give the best for her baby. Yet, I can also understand why the netizens are making vulgar remarks that made Emma closed her IG comment for the public. Credit: Emma Maembong's Official Instagram Breastfeeding has always been the best nutrients for infants. It is encouraged for every mum to breastfeed for the benefits of both mummy and child. From my personal experience, I knew for instance that I would want to breastfeed my babies exclusively, at least for the first year. But, I also knew that the struggles are real. Breastfeeding is okay, yet, everyone is still hesitant in accepting breastfeeding in public, even it is 2021. What Deters Mummies To Breastfeed In Public? To think of it, Emma only posted a photo of her walking freely with a sight of breast pump tubings sticking out from her shirt and it went viral. The reactions from the public varied, some did support and encourage her while some threw negative remarks to her. Credit: The Straits Although many efforts made by government bodies and NGOs in educating the public about breastfeeding, the awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding in public is still low. There are some parts of our community that think breastfeeding in public is a big NO! The reasons vary. The major reasons that deter mummies from nursing in the public, which consequently, stop breastfeeding are because: #1 Breast as a sexual object Credit: Medela.com Generally, our culture perceives that it has always been a woman’s private part and a taboo thing to talk about it. This is the main reason why most people started to get uncomfortable seeing a mum ‘flaunting’ her asset in public. Although mummies have been very discreet when breastfeeding in public, and with the case of Emma (who wasn’t breastfeeding but just ‘hinting’ that she is breastfeeding), it is still considered as a form of sexual and part of nudity. To some extent, mummies were being shamed for nursing babies in public. Insane? Betcha! #2 Feeling awkward and being judged Perhaps it is just a ‘feeling’, but this is another reason why some mummies decided not to breastfeed when they go out and about. Feeling anxious and getting the awkward look as if the mum who is nursing her baby in public is making a big sin, deters some mums to breastfeed in public. Some of my friends did share with me that the reason for them to stop breastfeeding when they start working is the remarks they are getting from their employer and fellow colleagues. It feels like they are being judged every time they need to excuse themselves to express their milk. #3 Insufficient and inappropriate facilities Although many malls and public places have allocated and designated area for breastfeeding mums to nurse or express their milk when they are out in the public, sadly, it is still insufficient. Even there are nursing rooms, most of the time, it is located inappropriately such as next to the toilet and the space is too small to cater for the demand. This has definitely give discomfort to mummies. It didn’t come as a surprise when I found out that from the data published by the Ministry of Health that 44.7% of working mothers decided to stop breastfeeding due to difficulties in finding a place to breastfeed or express breast milk. On the other hand, I always believe that if there’s a will, there will always be a way. Mummies should be stronger and firmer in holding up their intentions to breastfeed for the benefit of the children. The public needs to be educated on how to react and accept the idea of breastfeeding in public. Credit: FMT Everyone should be made aware that babies are hungry all the time and need to be fed anywhere when they are hungry. The body of mummies who breastfeed will keep on lactating and there’s a need for them to express it out even when they are outside the house. More upgraded facilities are needed. Mummies should acknowledge that breastfeeding is good for both the mummies and children and should try to nurse their babies exclusively at least for the first six months. Again, the body will not produce much milk if mummies don't nurse or express their milk often. Most importantly, everyone is responsible to accept that mummies need to go out. Giving them ‘the look’ and vulgar remarks make mummies feeling uncomfortable. That is very uncivilized and needs to stop. There's nothing wrong with breastfeeding, but it's us that make it difficult.

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