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Mother posts picture of breastfeeding toddler in public, responds to backlash

Public breastfeeding continues to stir debate. While some advocate for mothers feeding their babies whenever they need, others consider it embarrassing when done in public. The latter often fail to understand that breastfeeding is a natural and essential act for both mother and child.

Many mothers feel uneasy nursing in public due to the stares and comments they receive, but not Trinati.

Trinati is a mother to a 17-month-old daughter, whom she breastfeeds whenever her little one is hungry. This practice has sometimes led to uncomfortable situations, such as being asked by store employees to nurse in broom closets.

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Believing that breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful process, Trinati decided to take a stand and raise awareness.

Once, while breastfeeding her daughter at Costco, she asked her son to take a photo, which she later shared on social media. “I never hesitate to provide my children with what they need, regardless of our surroundings,” she wrote.

Trinati faces not only stares and judgment from strangers but also questions from friends and family. When asked, “How long are you going to do ‘that’ for?” her consistent response is, “As long as she needs me to!” This often leads to jokes, with some suggesting she’ll continue until her daughter is in kindergarten.

Frustrated by people sexualizing and judging her breastfeeding, Trinati remarked in an interview, “Really? Have you seen breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are far from something anyone would fantasize about! Ha!”

She continued, “They’re basically udders now. Get over yourself! I’m not trying to steal your partner with these. To me, they’ve ceased to feel like a sexual part of my body. Right now, they belong to my child for nourishment, both physically and emotionally.”

Trinati emphasizes that breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish a child and should not be sexualized.

“I don’t expect all men or those who have never breastfed to understand the endurance it takes to deal with nipple-pinching or the acrobatics that sometimes come with breastfeeding,” she explained. “I’ve received strange looks and awkward giggles when people see my 1.5-year-old standing on my lap while nursing… sometimes on one leg!”

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“I had my son take that photo in Costco because I want to remember (and show my daughter in the future) the lengths we go to as mothers to ensure our kids are well cared for, regardless of the situation,” she said.

“My baby’s needs come far before anyone’s attempts to make me feel uncomfortable for this sometimes-public act of nourishment and comfort,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.

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Trinati wants her children to know that they will always be her priority, despite others’ judgments.

“Trust is essential for developing healthy relationships, and it begins with the care we receive in childhood,” she said. “For me, breastfeeding demonstrates this to my children, and for this reason, I will never feel ashamed of allowing my baby to nurse in any environment.”

What do you think?

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