In what is sure to cause some amount of controversy, Maggie Gyllenhaal breastfeeds in public.
And I’m posting this pic, just because I’m curious where you guys stand on the issue? I am totally pro-breastfeeding… but I’m also pro-blanket. If you’re going to breast feed in public - FINE, just cover your junk up. And that’s just my opinion.
I just read some of the comments - and apparently I’m not allowed to have my own opinion on this matter - unless it’s what YOU think. I said this was my opinion - this is what I would do as a breastfeeding mother. OMG you people need to lighten the frig up. I didn’t say it was ugly - or obscene - or disgusting.
What do you think?
May 7th, 2007 at 1:49 am
beautiful!
May 7th, 2007 at 1:55 am
I agree, just cover yourself up. I don’t have any children, but I know I’d never want to make other people feel uncomfortable (or myself because I wouldn’t like to be exposed that way), no matter how much I stood for being breastfeeding in public.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:57 am
^ That’s just it - it’s about making others comfortable.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:12 am
Photogs use cameras that take dozens of pictures in just a few seconds. I think it’s very likely that her cover blanket simply came loose/fell down or she hadn’t pulled it up yet, and the photog was able to catch that in just ONE of his frames. Also, she could have been re-adjusting, which would only take one or two frames to catch with a professional grade camera.
I think it’s best to give her the benefit of the doubt. I think it’s in bad taste that this website posted such a private shot. While she was in public, breastfeeding is still a very intimate thing and we don’t know exactly how this was captured. I doubt she was purposely exposing her nipple to the general public. This is not the same situation as Paris giving a purposeful crotch shot when exiting a car.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:15 am
I breastfed, and I used a blanket, but I remember getting stuck on a long layover in an airport with no blanket and no where to go except the womens bathroom stall. So I whipped it out in almost full view because I really didn’t have any acceptable options. So, my point is that not everyone has a blanket handy at all times. Secondly, if all these celebs can walk around and wear see through tops, flash their beavs to photogs, and countless others wear trashy summer shorts that lets half of their ass cheek hang out, what the hell is so offensive about a baby getting a meal from its mom?
May 7th, 2007 at 2:41 am
emma - i agree.
it´s so natural. damn prudery but it’s not gossip.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:54 am
How wonderful if you can breastfeed… more power to you!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:57 am
As long as Maggie is the Gyllenhaal doing the breastfeeding in public and not Jake, I’ve got no problem with that. But I really have a problem with Jake’s being chosen to play Captain Marvel on the big screen.
http://www.damnimcute.com/the-juicy/jake-gyllenhaal-as-captain-marvel/
May 7th, 2007 at 5:05 am
If she feels comfortable breastfeeding in public, sans blanket, good for her!!! If people feel uncomfortable about it, DON’T LOOK!!!!!!!!
May 7th, 2007 at 5:56 am
I see no problem with it! Some people say they are “uncomfortable” seeing a woman breastfeeding in public, but we forget that the primary purpose of breasts is to nourish a baby. There is nothing unnatural or disgusting about it. As for her not having a blanket…oh well. She is well aware that photographers follow her all the time, so perhaps she was okay with this picture being taken so she could be an example to other mothers. It always helps to see someone in the public eye participate in something that still has a stigma attached to it. I think this picture is beautiful, and captures perfectly the tenderness and love between a mother and her daughter.
May 7th, 2007 at 8:28 am
ITA with Amanda. This is so natural…Come on a mother has the right to breastfeed in public, if the baby is angry I don’t see why she should move somewhere else, and the baby won’t wait anyway.
I never understand people ill at ease with nudity, especially here where there is nothing shocking…That’s not porn!!And if people are uncomfortable they can still look away…
Another thing, she probably didn’t expect paps when she breastfeed at this moment…If there is someone to blame I think that’s not Maggie for showing a breast to FEED her baby, but the photographer who took the picture.
May 7th, 2007 at 10:25 am
If you didn’t want it to be controversial why post the picture on your blog. It’s people like you who want to instigate a controvery over something that is natural and shouldn’t offend people. On the other hand, Maggie knows that she is a public figure and that photographers follow her everywhere. So, if she complains about a lack of privacy she brought it on herself.
May 7th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Why should she cover? What exactly is obsene about bearing a female breast to feed a baby? It is only North American prudery that dictates there is something wrong with it. Why should the child be covered by a blanket? So she can breath in the carbon dioxide her lungs are expelling, only to get drowsy and not feed?
May 7th, 2007 at 11:07 am
A woman should be able to breastfeed wherever she wants. I would suggest she cover up a bit out of respect to people who are not as comfortable with it. Maggie doesn’t care. She has gotten nude for several movies so who hasn’t seen her bits by now?
May 7th, 2007 at 11:31 am
As a woman I have no problem with the act itself but not in public! It could be offensive on many different levels and hard to explain to young children having to watch. As natural as it is, it is something that needs to be done in private. If you need to feed a baby, pump and use a bottle!
May 7th, 2007 at 11:33 am
This whore just wants attention
May 7th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I’ve seen more tit at the VMAs - right?!?!?!?!
May 7th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Your kidding Nancy, you think she wants attention because she is feeding her baby and E. you think that she should be using a bottle. Did you know that lots of children refuse bottles? My child would not take a bottle and went straight to a sippy cut when BFing was done. Get over it people. She is nourishing her child and she hardly has her breasts out to the open. Her child’s head will be covering it most of the time he is feeding. How hard is it to explain to a child that mommies are made to feed their babies with mild from their bodies. TAke them to a farm and they will figure that one out!!! I think it is refreshing to see a celbrity actually breast feed. It seems most just leave the feeding to nannies so that their boobs don’t get saggy.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
I’m in the “why should she cover” party. I’m also quite sure that this photo was taken from some distance (hence the bad resolution). Nobody is forced to look at it but there is such a thing as people wearing the most skimpy clothes, movies with a lot of nude scenes, a porn industrie as big as the weapon-industrie (ok… this I don’t know!) and we should be shocked by a woman breastfeading?!?!?!?
If you feel uncomfortable with a mother feeding her child than you have issues (esp. with being a mom). Or a VERY dirty fantasy!
May 7th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
of course I meant: or you HAVE a very dirty fantasy (with the exposed breast of a feeding mum).
aehm.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Speaking as a mother who breastfed both of her children, there is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding in public. As far as young children possibly seeing a nursing mom, I, for one, would be more concerned with your child seeing a porn mag in the local convenience store or pretty much any mag in your grocery store. If your child doesn’t know about breastfeeding you should teach them. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, your children should know that the purpose of breasts is to feed babies.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
“As a woman I have no problem with the act itself but not in public! To E: “It could be offensive on many different levels and hard to explain to young children having to watch. As natural as it is, it is something that needs to be done in private. If you need to feed a baby, pump and use a bottle!”
Oh please! Offensive on so many levels? Your mindset is part of the problem in the US. Guess what? Breasts are for nursing babies! Get a clue.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I agree with Nancy. Bitch makes me sick no matter what she does.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I think it’s wonderful! More women should feel so free to nurse their babies in public. It might reduce the stigma attached to feeding your baby the way nature intended.
And for what it’s worth, my kids would never have nursed under a blanket. Would you want to eat your meal under a blanket that’s hot and stuffy?
May 7th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
No biggie one way or another. Besides, if it’s a nice breast, I’m all for looking at it even if a baby is attached to the end.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
If someone is uncomfortable seeing a boob in public, it’s their issue. Baby’s gotta eat.
People have no problem seeing exposed breasts in public until there’s a baby hanging from it. If you don’t like it, look away.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I think it is wonderful. Not everyone can use a blanket either. My son wouldn’t allow anything over his head after about 3 months. Besides, you need to be able to see to latch the baby on. They may have snapped the pic just before she put something over herself. Either way, she is to be commended for not only giving her baby the best but doing it without shame.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I think it’s pathetic that people freak out about this, but women in Hollywood show more breast than this at every red carpet premiere.
The only reason it makes people uncomfortable is because in our society breasts are seen only as objects of lust or sex. It’s hard for people to make the leap from “sex” to “functional”, so they look on it as sick or lewd in some way.
For the record, I breastfeed, and I cover up when I do it in public. But I also don’t let my boobs hang out of my shirts when I’m out on the town either.
Some of you people really need to grow up. Do you make these same comments when some actress wears a very low-cut gown? Not likely.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Beautiful!
How many of you that say ‘cover that up’ have actually breastfed a baby? I am curious because most babies do NOT want to stay under a blanket. Especially in the hot California sun.. Try putting a blanket over your head in warm weather. I bet you it’s not fun.
ITA with Coexxi and Anonymous!
May 7th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Bottles and formula are offensive to me. Especially if it’s Nestle in that bottle. Cover it up and keep it at home.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Completely beautiful. I agree with you that say if you feel uncomfy don’t look! Look at your uptight American attitude for a while and wonder why you are so ashamed of your body instead of being proud of it. Women’s boobs are meant for breastfeeding. People that find this uncomfortable and can’t handle it are just plain WEIRD.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
And holy crap! If I don’t have a blanket to cover up with, I am not going to STARVE my CHILD just so other people aren’t uncomfortable. That’s absolutely silly.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Sad that if she had a beer in her hand instad of a baby, no one would call it contraversial.
Maggie nursing her child- contraversial,
Brit and Lindsay’s cooches for all to see - not contraversial?
Really?
May 7th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
if her shirt had of shown that much of her breast no one would have said anything, so whats wrong with her showing it to breastfeed? i think its wonderful, and more women should do it! if you dont like it, dont look, its that simple.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I breastfed both my kids but I used a blanket. And these days they have awesome inventions that are made just to make it easy on the mom & baby, blankets can slip. I’m all for breast feeding - but I’m also for not showing my goods in public.
I get that Maggie G is all about the body is beautiful & this is natural crap……but a boob is a boob. It doesn’t matter if it’s feeding a child, a person should cover up.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I know that when I go to a restaurant, I bring a blanket with me. This way I can throw it over my head while I eat. I mean, who wants to see me eating, right? I wish more people would cover their faces while eating.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I think it’s beautiful. I still don’t get what’s so controversial about it. I see in Hollywood what is almost at times a competition to expose as much of thier breasts as possible. Yet you put a baby there, and people are yelling for a cover up.
Breasts have a purpose far greater than amusing the public and being sexy.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
ITA with Kelly…in warm weather my son wanted nothing to do with a blanket over his head. and as far as what to tell children, all the kids in our family thought it was hysterical when i told them i was like a cow and mooed. it is what you make of it. but for people to be offended by our bodies doing what they are meant to do is just pathetic. stupid formula industry trying to convince moms not to breastfeed. ugh!!!
i make milk…what’s your superpower?
May 7th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
It’s the MOST BEAUTIFUL and NATURAL thing in the world….
May 7th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Is it just me or is it in relaly bad taste to post this? I think that a picture of a woman breast-feeding does not belong on your website. It’s easy to say that she should cover-up but maybe she had to get configured before she could. I mean this is a private thing, it doesn’t need to be seen by everyone. It’s not her fault that she had to do it in public-you can’t just expect her to stay indoors until ber baby is old enough not to be breast-fed. Giver her a break! I can’t believe you posted this.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
if you don’t like it, look away–i wouldn’t want someone putting a blanket over my head while i eat!!! and i wouldn’t want to have to stay hungry until i got home or go hide in some nasty, germ-filled public bathroom every time i want to eat either, just because some perv wants to have a sexual fantasy about my sandwich or because some prudey woman is afraid her man is going to have a sexual fantasy about my food!
if you don’t like it, wear a blanket over *your* head while *you* eat, or go eat your sandwich off the toilet seat of the bathroom at your local gas station and then *maybe* you have a right to even say anything, although if you do any of those things, you are probably gross and weird and your opinion still wouldn’t count for much anyway.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I breastfed. I remember one time when I was living down South… we were at the mall and my son was hungry. There were no family friendly bathrooms at the time beyond having a diaper changing station if you were lucky. I stood in the corner of the ladies bathroom holding my son at my breast, and everything was covered… and I was STILL given dirty looks by the pinch-faced biddies who came in.
This is a mother feeding her child and giving him nourishment from her own body. As natural as can be. Who can argue with that, really?
O.G.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
nursed all three of my sons, in public if need be, when you can cover, you do, but if it’s not possible..you dont. it’s really sad that so many other women are so judgemental when it comes to breastfeeding..are you really that insecure that you cannot handle a mother doing what comes naturally to feed her child? this is only a heated subject here in the US..we are a very repressed country..makes me sad.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Good for her! I like her more now. I didnt use a blanket either but my children nursed from under my shirt..the shirt covering what you can see in her photo. I rarely wore button up but anyway, good for her and her baby. I think a blanket draped over two bodies makes BF in public even more obvious to people.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
makes me happy that (most of) the comments aren’t insane! i’m in the “if you’re offended, don’t look and f*** off” category.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I see exposed boobs in South Beach every day, breastfeeding is beautiful, whoever tells you is gross, offensive or a private matter is a sick person. Some people have no problems watching topless girls at the beach but get all worked up when a woman bares a breast to feed a baby, be consistent people.
Do I need to feed my baby in a nasty, stinky bathroom because some people may be offended or young kids may be curious? how about explaining our kids about the NATURAL act of breasfeeding a baby. Kids learn what we teach them.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
DON’T HATE…LACTATE!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
For the most part, it doesn’t bother me. I am breast feeding as I read this at home. TMI?
May 7th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
awesome picture. Go Maggie!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
DON’T HATE…LACTATE!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Ditto Amara!!!! You should be ashamed of yourself for even trying to make such a big deal about this. Rediculous.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
If you don’t like it then dont look! Some babies dont like a hot blanket over their head when they are trying to eat! Mine doesn’t! Breastfeeding is FAR better then fake milk or “formula”, this woman should be commended for giving her baby the best!!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
WHAT A GREAT MOTHER!=GIVING HER BABY THE BEST!!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Cover your own junk up while YOU eat. Shame on anyone who finds this obscene. Get over yourselves.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
What is wrong with Americans and breasts? Us Europeans get them out all the time and just for no reason other than to sunbathe. There’s good reason when you child is hungry!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
“I know that when I go to a restaurant, I bring a blanket with me. This way I can throw it over my head while I eat. I mean, who wants to see me eating, right? I wish more people would cover their faces while eating.”
LOLOL!!! There is nothing remotely offensive about this picture or about the fact that Maggie Gyllenhaal is breastfeeding in public. She should not have to use a blanket, either. If you don’t like it don’t look.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Awesome but a little cover up. Not that its gross but a little discretion might be nice. nothing sweeter than a mother breastfeeding her baby.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
How can anyone find this offensive? Do we ask bottle fed babies to keep their heads covered with blankets? Do we ask adults to put blankets over their heads when eating in restaurants? Breastfeeding is so natural -human milk for a human baby- yet this makes people uncomfortable? Sounds like some people are way too uptight, and maybe they should be the ones to keep a blanket over their own heads when they are out in public. Personally, I’m always happy when I see Moms breastfeeding in public, I’m glad they are willing to fight against the stigma, which should never exist in the first place.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I’m so tired of hearing about this like it’s news-worthy.
THERE IS NOTHING SHAMEFUL OR CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT FEEDING YOUR BABY!
So, her method is the one nature intended? If she had a bottle stuffed into her baby’s mouth instead, this wouldn’t even be discussed.
Do you eat your meals with your head under a blanket? Do you eat them in the privacy of the bathroom? But a baby should?! Pffft!
I’m also offended by those of you who think this is an “act for attention” since all that attitude does is encourage the media-driven consensus that breasts are only a subject of sexual desire, when in fact, breasts are for *GASP* breastfeeding.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I am so THRILLED to see her breastfeeding in public AND to see how supportive everyone is about breastfeeding in public. We see more boobs on these sites from celebs just walking around town yet nobody has a problem with that. I think nursing is a beautiful thing, blanket or no blanket!
May 7th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
in norway this is common. noone would react.
May 7th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Imagine, people using body parts as nature intended. What’s next, a post about Jessica Alba using her mouth to eat a sandwich? Jennifer Love Hewitt using her heart to circulate blood? Matthew McConaughey using his feet to walk around?
May 7th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Breasts are for breastfeeding. Plain and simple. Do you eat your meals with a blanket over your head? I didn’t think so. Good for Maggie G., it’s terrible that doing something so normal becomes a photo op.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I think the picture is absolutely beautiful! I love the way that Maggie is looking at her child - such an expression of love on her face.
I am glad that she’s feeding her child when her child is hungry rather than letting her child cry or get upset. I’m glad that she is able to breastfeed and feels comfortable breastfeeding in public. And I’m glad she feels comfortable nursing without those hot and uncomfortable blankets.
Besides my daughter getting uncomfortable under a blanket, I didn’t like sitting under a blanket to feed her either. If a mother wants to use a blanket for her own personal comfort level, that’s great. But a mother should never feel she is required to cover up for strangers who would be shooting her evil glares if the baby was crying out of hunger too.
I guess I don’t understand why you should bother trying to please people who wouldn’t like whatever you did.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
beautiful,,,,funny how a woman feeding her baby is newsworth..?
hey for those who are uncomfortable seeing it, start carrying around a blanket to put over your own damn head!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Good for her!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Get a hooter hider - they’re GREAT!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I love seeing women BF, the more it it seen in public the less people will use formula. Breast is best. Maggie and her baby are absolutely beautiful.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I make milk.
What’s YOUR superpower?
May 7th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
This is so natural and anyone that has tried to breastfeed a baby in public knows that the baby hates to be under a blanket. It is also very difficult to breastfeed with the baby under a blanket because you can’t see if the baby is on the boob or not.
In most states it is illegal to prevent a woman from breastfeeding in public.
Anyone that feels uncomfortable with this needs to get over themselves. Breastfeeding is not about them or you, it is about feeding a growing baby.
And as for that person that said go and pump and breastfeed in private, that sort of defeats the purpose now doesn’t it. One of the best things about breastfeeding your child is that you have the best food source right there ready to go for the baby on demand. Not to mention all of the benefits the child gets from breast feeding contact (not bottle contact). Breastfeeding is proven to help prevent obesity, asthma, allergies and a number of problems that could effect a child later in his or her life. Why deprive a new born baby of nature’s perfect food source?
Go Maggie!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
You just made me not want to ever come back to this website again,
This blogger has got to be a man. Get over it dickhead, its a natural process.
Goodbye
May 7th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
GROSS I DONT WANT TO SEE HER SAGGY TEET
May 7th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
some of you are fucking lame!
A blanket??? Are you kidding? From a site that will jump at the chance to show some celebrities tits as often as possible, you think she should use a blanket??
Get the fuck outta here.
Or better yet, put a fucking blanket on your head when you eat a meal.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
I think it is fabulous! I wish more would do it in public, and hopefully young children WOULD see! It is a normal, wonderful act- it is the SOLE REASON WE HAVE BREASTS!!! Media and society is the reason they (breasts) have been sexualized- many of you are so backwards it’s sick.
Quite frankly, the only people that should be ashamed are the ones that think that breastfeeding is gross, and think that formula is even near comparable. Or my absolute favorite- the ones that know breastfeeding is the way to go, but don’t want to do it because it might ruin their breasts…. WTF?!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Sam, you are a moron. She’s got great breasts! You must like them filled and fake.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
every time one you offended prudes sees a mother ACTUALLY MOTHERING via bf, it changes your perception of normal a bit…whether you know it or not. i think it’s great that some here are uncomfortable–that’s a sign that your absurd, misogynistic, anti-child and anti-mothering paradigm is being challenged.
offense is taken, not given–please practice portion control. and if you just can’t do that, try keeping your mouth closed. or put a blanket over it.
for anyone who thinks children shouldn’t be exposed to a bf mama…major reality check coming you way so you may want to sit down–breasts make milk. that’s their purpose. i wonder if you are as vigilant about exposing your child to the unnatural breasts being used to sell beer and whiskey and sex?
like it or not, things are changing. more mothers are bf now and that’s not going to change. we actually are starting to make good, in this country, on our “child-friendly values”. if it makes you uncomfortable, get used to it, or look away.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I breastfed and remember trying to cover my daughter with a lightweight “breathable” coverup if it was necessary to feed in public.
She hated it and it kept slipping. I got over it. I used to see breastfeeding moms in public and think, ewww gross, then I became a breastfeeding mom and realized, this is what breasts are designed for. People can look away if it bothers them. Eventually I learned to wear shirts that I could just raise up more discretely instead of unbuttoning my blouse in public. Made things a LOT easier.
Now if I am at the zoo or park and see a mom breastfeeding a little one, I think it is beautiful.
The health & emotional benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and child far outweigh the social stigma that still exists. As more mothers do this, society will get more comfortable with it and the old uptight people with their formula-feeding mentality will be outnumbered by the women who breastfeed.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I’d like to see some of the people who complain about nursing babies in public eat their food with a blanket over their head.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
I find it absolutely ridiculous that people find feeding a baby in the way it was intended, to be disgusting, something that should be covered up or hidden away. Maggie is doing exactly what her body was designed to do, and doing it beautifully. Good for her. And shame on anybody who tries to make ANY breastfeeding mom feel bad about it.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
People! Not everything in this world is about sex!
“Cover up”? “Offensive act”? “Attention seeking”?
A person is eating for heavens sake and we already have 50+ comments about it. Hard to believe…
May 7th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
People! Not everything in this world is about sex!
“Cover up”? “Offensive act”? “Attention seeking”?
A person is eating for heavens sake and we already have 50+ comments about it. Hard to believe…
May 7th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I think so many ppl forget that they don’t hide when they eat. WHy should a mother hide her baby when he/she eats.
God made breast for one thing, giving a baby nourishment, men however turned ‘them’ into a sexual object, which is OK, but don’t forget the MAIN reason they are there for!(and btw, you don’t see a man ask a topless dancer to COVER them up)!
May 7th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Why is it about “making others comfortable”? When I’m hungry, I eat something. I don’t think about whether or not my choice of food is making others comfortable or not. If I want chicken, I’ll eat chicken. If I want an apple, I’ll have an apple, whether or not the people around me like apples or not. I don’t care if I’m in my own home or in a public place. There’s nothing shameful about providing nourishment to your body, and there is absolutely no reason why others should be uncomfortable. If you can handle watching someone eat a hot dog, you should be able to watch an infant nursing. It’s the same thing.
Way to go Maggie! Keep on feeding your baby the way nature intended. If people don’t like it, they don’t have to look.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
It’s a boob - big #$8!in deal
May 7th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Why would it be difficult to explain to children? It’s a mother feeding her baby. All of my children as well as my nieces and nephews see it often and know what it is and don’t think twice about it. It’s nothing scarring or anything. It’s just a natural part of life. Nobody worries about children seen puppies or kittens nursing. We also have mammary glands. We are mammals too. What a great moment to teach your child something.
May 7th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
You go, Maggie!! This is the first time I’ve ever been impressed with her!
May 7th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
her, here, krissy! why should we have to cover up just to make other people comfortable? they don’t have to look. it is so funny that people take offense to something so natural as a woman nursing her child. shame on you. you are irresponsible with that statement. i suppose pictures of nip slips, skirt up-shots, and images of the war and its casualties are fine with you.
hypocrite.
May 7th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I applaud her for nursing in public! I nurse freely in public without a blanket myself! Hopefully in this pop culture world that we live in this photo will help other moms know that breastfeeding in public IS ok and that nursing your baby is a beautiful natural act! If other people feel uncomfortable then shame on their mother’s for not instilling the proper values in them!
May 7th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Congrats to Maggie on feeding her baby like nature intended.
May 7th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
This reminds me of the time I was asked to leave the mall because I was breastfeeding. I laughed then and it’s funnier now because I was sitting in front of a giant window-sized poster of boobs spilling out over the top of a thong-wearing Victoria’s Secret model. Yeah, the 19 year old security guard got an earfull that day.
May 7th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
She’s showing a lot less than almost EVERY magazine cover or Red carpet dress photo I’ve seen in the past few years… Seriously, they are just breasts- never seen ‘em before? Meeting her baby’s need to eat shouldn’t require a blanket.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with celebrities (and lesser mortals)breastfeeding in public. However I would like to ask that it be done with better lighting so as to produce a truly memorable photographic record.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
What I find the most puzzling is that this is the first famous person I can recall seeing breastfeed… I think that it is more odd that we see most Hollywood mothers bottle feeding. These woman have tons of money and resources to research and find out what is best for their children, and they can afford almost anything. Kudos to a Hollywood mom for breastfeeding and setting a GOOD EXAMPLE for the public.
BTW there is less breast shown here than on most prime TV, just because a baby is attached isn’t a reason to cover up.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
So why is it okay for a woman to wear a black bra with a see thru shirt to a nightclub, or a string bikini thong to a pool or even a see thru shirt that shows her nips but not okay for a woman to show a bit of flesh while she breastfeeds. I think it is lovely.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
why should she cover up? how about all the women that go out in plunging necklines with the only reason to flash her goods cover up?
she is feeding a baby. period. if that offends you - you have a serious problem. what do you think breasts are for anyway?
May 7th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
I wasn’t able to breast feed, so I never had to worry about it. I simply don’t understand the big deal. They’re breasts. It’s a baby eating. How in the world is that hard to explain to a kid? All you have to say is that mommies have boobies so they can feed babies. And you’re done. A baby’s gotta eat, even in public! Why should she cover up? Why can’t you just turn your head if it makes you uncomfortable? And if it does make you uncomfortable, maybe you need some therapy.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
If it makes you uncomfortable, LOOK AWAY! Her boob is in her baby’s mouth - it’s not like she’s offering it up to strangers! You can’t even see the nip or areola bc it’s in the baby’s mouth.
I don’t breastfeed without a special garment because it makes ME uncomfortable. I couldn’t give a shit less what other people think!!!
Go Maggie! I didn’t used to care for her too much, but now that I’ve seen this I respect her for taking great care of her daughter!
May 7th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
One more thing- formula is scientifically comparable to breast milk. I wrote my masters thesis on the myth that says babies bond better when breast fed. Babies bond through eye contact, and being held close. It doesn’t make one bit of difference if you’re feeding with a bottle or a breast. Also, new studies have shown that breast milk does NOT prevent obesity, nor does it improve cognitive function. I just did a thesis on this, and I plan on using a similar topic for my dissertation in a few years.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Beautiful!!!! Go Maggie!
(and yeahthat to what Jolene said!)
May 7th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
It’s not about other’s comfort. It’s about a baby’s nutritional needs. Frankly, I see adults chewing with a gaping mouth and find it far less appetizing. I sure wish THEY’D eat under a blanket, but I can only imagine what would go down if I even suggested as much. I think anyone who has the nerve to sexualize feeding a baby to the point that it need be hidden is the one crossing the line!
May 7th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I think all of you Puritanical morons needs to ease.
a blanket. look away-
May 7th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I think its beautiful.
May 7th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
mandi, formula is NOT comparable to breastmilk. You obviously didn’t do very much research, don’t state opinion as fact, it usually just makes you look stupid. I’m wondering if most of your research consisted of propaganda from Ross Laboratories or Mead Johnson perhaps.
Good for Maggie for breastfeeding in public. Like most people have said, if you don’t like it look away.
May 7th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Nice to see breasts on a celebrity being used for what they’re meant to be used for! I never used a blanket when bfing my baby unless it was cold. I would not want to eat under a blanket! If you don’t want to see boobs, don’t look!
May 7th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Mandi: Where did you get your information from, that formula is “scientifically comparable” to breastmilk? And why on the formula cans does it say “second to mother’s milk” or something similar? It’s not the same. An acceptable substitute, yes, but not the same.
May 7th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Good for Maggie! She has chosen to feed her child in the BEST way possible, and she is among millions of moms who refuse to be relegated to a bathroom, a car, or underneath a blanket simply because they are feeding their child. NO ONE would even suggest that she hide her child under a blanket to bottlefeed.
This is a beautiful pic of a sweet moment between mother and child. If it bugs you that much, look elsewhere.
May 7th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
For anyone suggesting the use of a blanket I’d guess that you have never fed a squirmy 7 month old that won’t nurse with a blanket and just thinks it’s a game to tear it off. We have boobs for the function of feeding a baby. I never “got” this until I myself nursed. Our culture has made boobs a sexual object. Sorry but if my baby has to eat I am much more concerned about that than somebody else’s “comfort”. I nursed my baby today on a park bench along the beach. She was hungry and screaming. Thankfully she let me use a blanket today but if she didn’t I wasn’t going to let her starve. My child will always come first. Most likely I’m preaching to the choir here as anyone bothering to post in such a place is already interested in the issue.
May 7th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Mandi, you must be a genius! You are the only person in the world who had done the research to PROVE the formula really is just as good as breast milk. Way to go, you deserve a Pulitzer. Seriously.
/sarcasm
May 7th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Great job Maggie!!
May 7th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Women can’t walk around topless unless deemed so by law. So, poof, have a kid and you can let it all hang out? Hummm…. You know, the make blankets and pumps for a reason.
May 7th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I think the people who say they should try and hide it are normally the people who don’t have kids. I’ve never had kids, and I know that I would try and cover up, but if I found myself in a situation where I had no blanket, I wouldn’t think twice. Should the baby just not be fed in order to keep everyone happy?
May 7th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
That is a beautiful picture! What a sweet moment - I miss that. I hope she continues to have a wonderful nursing relationship with her baby and just ignores any of the ignorant people out there who think it’s anything other than what it is - the right, natural thing.
May 7th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
MEL:
you are ignorant.
that is all.
May 7th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Look, I’m all for breastfeeding. It’s good for the baby and it’s much better than formula. But I don’t care who you are, I don’t want to see you whipping your tit out in public. I’m not a prude, not by any stretch of the imagination, but when I’m at the mall, or in a store or in a restaurant and I see some lady undo her shirt and whip her boob out, it’s kinda odd. I mean, I know why she’s doing it, but still. I personally wouldn’t breastfeed in public because I’m not comfortable whipping my breasts out for all and sundry to see. I could care less about what you think that makes me, but my dislike of doing it public will not keep me from making sure my child is fed. If I was going out, I would use a pump and put the milk in a bottle so that my child was still getting the same nourishment, just in a more public-friendly way. This way everyone is happy. I’m happy, baby’s happy, people sitting around me in the food court are happy. For those that don’t agree with this method, well….that’s how you view it. It doesn’t make me wrong and you right or vice versa. No one person holds the patent on what is appropriate or not appropriate for any given situation. Don’t tell me I’m wrong, don’t tell me I’m stupid, don’t tell me I’m prudish, don’t tell me I’m anti-baby, don’t tell me I’m anti-breastfeeding….because if you do, not only would you be insulting me, you’d be wrong.
May 7th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
The only problem I have with women breastfeeding uncovered is when there are children around. I breastfed my son but I always used a blanket to cover up. You usually have a blanket handy anyway. My son is 10 now and I don’t want to have him looking at some woman breastfeeding. There is a tasteful way of doing it. It doesn’t always have to be about “womens rights” it’s about having a little tact. Just put it this way………….the women that are screaming that it is natural and it’s a womans right………would you want a big hairy man in a short shorts with his balls hanging out sitting next to you? Well some would say that is natural too!! That doesn’t mean everyone else has to look at it.
May 7th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Is a beautiful picture, is normal and sweet.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Ummm…..Justme, a baby doesn’t have much use for hairy balls on a man. Poor analogy.
As for kids seeing, it might actually help women be less objectified if more kids learned that breasts have an important function and are not just salacious objects of desire.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:10 am
Good luck with that Electrophile. A lot of women don’t respond to pumps. They can’t pump more then a few drops. A lot of babies also refuse bottles. You obviously don’t have any kids or you would know these things.
justme: Balls are for making sperm. They are sexual. Breasts are for making milk. Try a different analogy because that one just doesn’t hack it.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:15 am
Breasts bodily function are TO FEED CHILDREN. Why, in a time when we understand this, do we see this image as even remotely controversial? Our society has sexualized breasts to the point that their purpose has been forgotten. As far as covering up, sometimes you just don’t have a blanket. Those of us who did or do breastfeed know that sometimes you can’t predict when an infant will want to nurse. Let’s all realize that this is a picture of a baby eating, not Maggie Gyllenhall flashing the paparazzi.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:21 am
It’s great she’s breastfeeding!!
May 8th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I don’t care about someone breast-feeding in public like Maggie is doing….not like i’m going to stare.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:38 am
Good for her. And we should lighten the frig up? Yes dear you’re entitled to your opinion. We are just as entilited to form an opinion of your opinion. Breastfeeding is as natural for a child as an adult using a fork and knife. Also see Babycakes comment for further clarification, if you still don’t get it.
Side note: Last time I was in biology I’m pretty sure that the proper term would be breasts, not junk. Kinda hints at you might have some body issues all your own going on there. You probably still refer to your vagina as a whoo-ha don’t you?
May 8th, 2007 at 12:39 am
Umm, Justme…. big hairy man in short shorts with his noogs hanging out is not feeding a sweet baby with said noogs!! And if they were hanging out, I don’t think I would look. If I or anyone else wants to nurse in public, no one else has to look either!! You have that choice!
May 8th, 2007 at 12:49 am
oh my f-in god. a baby is eating. if you don’t like it or it makes you uncomfortable, DON’T LOOK AT IT. all these people are talking about it making them uncomfortable. i’m sure they would be much more uncomfortable with a screaming, hungry infant nearby. a woman shouldn’t have to worry about “oh, i need a blanket EVERYWHERE i go, just in case my baby gets hungry”. they already have to carry diapers, binkies, toys, wipes, a change of baby clothes, baby powder, diaper rash cream, and their purse. maybe maggie left the blanket in the car by accident. or maybe she doesn’t give a f*** of what other people think. i know that i care about my baby’s needs more than some uncomfortable strangers’. so, stop staring and move on. stare at the juggy twelve-year-old who is wearing a tube top and boy shorts in winter. oh, i’m sorry. is that your daughter? my bad.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:52 am
I did not say that formula is the same as breast-milk, I said that it is comparable. There’s a big difference there. And if any of you could actually READ research reports you could then have something to say to me. The fact is, credible research reports can not be found on google. Also, it takes comprehensive knowledge of statistics to be able to read it. Most of what you all see is exactly what you have accused me of seeing. Propaganda. Actual research has found that the biggest benefit of breast feeding is the boost of antibodies that helps develop the babies immune system. Most of these antibodies are actually found in colostrum, the liquid that comes in before breast milk. Don’t mock me when you can’t look up the report and realize that while something can show a ’significant difference’ statistically, that difference can in fact be as little as 1%. That is huge in a statistical analysis, but not when it comes to real world operations.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:04 am
Good for her. Maybe she’s trying to lead by example.
I don’t understand the big deal. What do you think breasts are for? You think they just make milk for fun. Sorry, but no.
A baby’s need to eat is far more important than worrying about other adult’s personal hang-ups. I see more boob than that on Fox primetime.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:17 am
Looks to me like everything that would be censored out or otherwise covered if it was shown on our tvs is covered. In my opinion, women who breastfeed in public have to have reached a level of comfort with their bodies and a sense of priorities the rest of us could stand to reach ourselves, if we’re bothered by it. I’ve seen women in bikinis show more than she is.
I’ve had times in my breastfeeding life I was more comfortable, for myself, with a blanket tossed over, so I can relate to that. But by kid three, six years now breastfeeding between the three of them, I’m pretty good at keeping everything important tastefully covered, and sometimes, it’s just too freaking hot. And personally, I don’t look at another mother breastfeeding and judge her for what is showing, instead, I think “Right on! Yay for another mom opting for breast instead of bottle.”
May 8th, 2007 at 1:18 am
Mandi,
You didn’t address a few things and I’d like your opinion on them.
First, how can you prove that there is no significant difference when we don’t even know the exact composition or all of the properties of breast milk yet?
Second, how can you say that there is no significant difference when breast milk is always changing- different day to day based on diet and the babies needs?
Third, how can there be no significant difference when one is manufactured and much more subject to human error than the other?
Since I’m currently studying the area, I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of the journals and articles that you used for your research? I’d be really interested in seeing them, and am willing to be open minded while reading them.
I haven’t seen any research that claims what you are, and am really curious to read the research and the conditions of the experiments. Thanks in advance!
May 8th, 2007 at 1:18 am
There’s less boobage there than you get on the red carpet at the Oscars.
You can’t be completely pro-breastfeeding if you are completely pro-blanket. I think your blog needs a blanket. I find it offensive.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:18 am
Cover up WHAT junk? Hell, Arnold shows more at the beach these days in the breast department. Maggie’s not showing any nipple and less skin that she shows at most award shows. Breast is best and Maggie knows best. I commend you, Maggie. YOU GO GIRL!! :clap:
May 8th, 2007 at 1:24 am
Mandi,
I have one more “for curiosities sake” question for you.
What field are you going into, that your thesis and your dissertation are both on the differences between formula and breast milk?
May 8th, 2007 at 1:27 am
Why is it this society can accept that much cleavage in a beer ad or on a beach but people have a problem with a mother doing the most natural thing in the world…feeding her baby? Get over it folks it’s boob, human flesh, not some pornographic pic.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Mandi, formula is not comparable to breast milk, it is merely an acceptable substitute. Breast milk, in nearly all cases is the superior choice for feeding an infant.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Good for Maggie and her daughter! This is one of the most natural acts in the world, and nothing about which a woman should feel ashamed. I see more gratuitous partial nudity allowed on MySpace in the teenyboppers’ profiles (and where are their parents?!)! There’s nothing sexual about breastfeeding and breasts needn’t be sexualized.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:13 am
This is absolutely disgusting. The issue here is not whether breast milk is better than formula. The issue is that breast feeding in public is flat out disrespectful to others. I love it when mother’s get offended when someone says a curse word in public. Or when someone is wearing something that is ‘not appropriate’ for their children. Same thing here. HELLO! Whipping out a breast in public is equally as offensive. Cover yourself up!
May 8th, 2007 at 2:17 am
Where I come from breast-feeding without covering up is totally accepted. Innocent bystanders usually appreciate the natural look of that scene.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:51 am
You can’t even possibly imagine how difficult it is to breastfeed with the baby under a blanket- latching a young baby is not easy and they don’t stay constantly latched and it’s too tough to flip a blanket on and off
May 8th, 2007 at 4:42 am
For the people withe argument that all of us who are offended should eat with a blanket over our heads — take a debate class and learn what exactly is a counter-argument. The fact of the matter is that breasts are looked upon as sexual objects, and there is no changing that as of the moment. So, with this fact stated, adults should not eat with blankets over their heads as we are not, in fact, dining on a sexual object while in a restaurant. Fail. Over and over, you all fail.
Secondly, what is the point of posting what everyone before you already said, and said better? Get over yourselves.
May 8th, 2007 at 9:36 am
I would much rather see Maggie Gyllenhaal breastfeeding her child than Lindsay Lohen’s or Britney Spears’ crotch.
May 8th, 2007 at 9:41 am
doesnt bother me! I do extended breastfeeding with my almost 14mos old son and rarely use a blanket. I think people in general (the American society specifically) need to get over themselves and relise its not about sex, its about nutrician for our children. Give me a break people and grow up some!
May 8th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Great for her…really, what is the big deal?? She’s just feeding her child. People forget what breasts are intended for…they are naturally intended to feed a child. Those of you who don’t want your child seeing a woman feeding her child the “natural” way are missing out on an opportunity to educate your child. It’s because of people like you that it’s become “controversial” to breastFEED your child in public. If you find this offensive, you need psychological counseling to figure out where your insecurities about a mother feeding her child stem from.
Those who say “use a blanket” must have never breastfed an older baby!! Babies older than about 3 months are SO distractable…they’ll pull that blanket off so fast…plus it’s hot as hell. You have the option of looking the other way if you don’t want to see a woman breastfeeding in public.
I nurse my daughter whenever and wherever I feel like it…she just turned 1 year old…I did the same thing for my son when he was younger. I wish someone would say something negative to me about feeding my child in public…I’d sure give them an earfull!
May 8th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Lorena: A mom feeding her baby is disrespectful of others? Offensive? How? It’s a breast - made for O.M.G. *GASP* breastfeeding.
anonalso: breasts may be “looked upon as sexual objects,” but public displays of breastfeeding is exactly what is needed to help the (often ignorant) public see that this is not a breast’s only function. DUH!
May 8th, 2007 at 10:40 am
“Women can’t walk around topless unless deemed so by law. So, poof, have a kid and you can let it all hang out? Hummm…. You know, the make blankets and pumps for a reason.”
Actually, most states have laws that protect mothers nursing in public. Also, there is a federal law in place that protects moms nursing on federal propery.
May 8th, 2007 at 10:57 am
YES! Sunnie is RIGHT all but 3 states have that law.. I don’t know them all (sorry I forget.. — But I know North Dakota is one — I’m from there originally soo that’s why I know).
So 47 out of 50 states have a law to protect bf mamas. Gees, must be a horrifying sight!
DONT
LOOK
HELLLLLLLLLLLLO!
Same thing as if an “offensive” (notice the quotes.. means sarcasm) image comes on tv, change the channel, turn your heads.. COVER your child’s eyes if it BOTHERS you that DAMN much.. But honestly. I think you are just shielding yourself and children from something beautiful and natural. Yet, when Janet Jackson slips a nipple, we all TIVO it to get a closer look.
I am so annoyed with this right now.. I can’t even put it into WORDS. I bet TOM from Myspace is secretly this sites writer..
ICYDK.Com is even LOWER than perezhilton. He didn’t even post this.. Only reason I found it is because dlisted linked it.
May 8th, 2007 at 10:58 am
“For the people withe argument that all of us who are offended should eat with a blanket over our heads — take a debate class and learn what exactly is a counter-argument. The fact of the matter is that breasts are looked upon as sexual objects, and there is no changing that as of the moment. So, with this fact stated, adults should not eat with blankets over their heads as we are not, in fact, dining on a sexual object while in a restaurant. Fail. Over and over, you all fail.
Secondly, what is the point of posting what everyone before you already said, and said better? Get over yourselves.”
When was the last time you took a biology course? The sexual functions of a breast are secondary to it’s primary function, which is to feed babies. Humans are mammals. Mammals nurse their young. Scientific fact.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:01 am
I think that picture is beautiful. I wish more women would breastfeed in public. My 6 month old is 100% breastfed and I worry she might think bottle feeding is the norm someday.
Come on ladies! Whip out those baby feeders!
May 8th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Breasts as sexual objects. That is true, only because society has developed that image through various forms of media. Modern societies could use turning back of the clock on this issue. Seeing as in less civilized societies openly breastfeed not to mention display their breast as naturally as we expose our arms. What we as mothers as breastfeeding advocates are doing is taking back our body image from the hands of society and regaining our power over it. Breasts are for breastfeeding not for the oogling or twiddling of men when you actually focus on their intended function is for on the body.
We are not asking to walk around with our tops off, child dangling from our breasts. We simply want to openly feed our babies with out having to set up a make shift tent over ourselves. There is nothing controversial about feeding a child the way nature intended. You see more breasts in general public without so much as a peep than you do from a woman that is breastfeeding.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:09 am
I find it hilarious that there was an ad almost directly under this picture of Pam Anderson with the same amount of skin on both boobs showing! heeheeheeheehee Maybe we should be discussing that.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Breastfeeding is natural, and healthy, for the baby. You know what else is natural? Nudity. If women can expose themselves just for one thing, they should be able to do it for others. In fact, men too, should be able to be nude. It’s all natural, after all. No one should feel ashamed that they don’t like clothes, and get angry and nasty looks from the surrounding ‘clothes-wearers’.
Down with clothes!
May 8th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
TO whoever wrote this article, saying lighten the frig up? I think a lot of people are flaring up because it’s a sensitive subject for us moms, we are sick of being judged, looked down upon, and reproached for doing what is normal and natural and best for our baby.
It seems so absurd to have to defend ourselves regarding breastfeeding!!! Someone get an encyclopedia and look up mammals and you will see it’s what we are programmed to do!
Now for those who have the argument that we should pump and hide under blankets…Someone very cleverly pointed out that a lot of women can’t let down their milk to pumps and why should we make our kids hot and sweaty and deprive them of breathing fresh air in order to cover their heads up and protect the delicate sensibilities of moronic strangers? Please. I for one, prioritize my baby’s comfort over the fact that an adult who should know better would feel uncomfortable for a passing moment.
As for that person who said that they’d be ok with it except that they don’t want their 10 yr old kid “seeing that”…what kind of perverse planet are you from? You shielding your child from such natural activities will probably produce some complexes in him in the long run.
Is breastfeeding dirty? It’s great to see our society has such a twisted vision of things.
I’d like to know. For the moms who can’t pump and don’t want to put blankets over their babies heads, should we have to stay indoors until the lactation period is over?
oh and lorena: in response to you:
If you think breastfeeding is absolutely disgusting then obviously you have some issues, and perhaps I shouldn’t even take seriously what you said.
However, I must say, I’m less concerned with the fact that people like you think it’s disrespectful to others to breastfeed in public, and more concerned that people like you are disrespecting mothers who are doing their best to take care of their babies.
And well, you have to be pretty stupid to put breastfeeding on the same level as cursing and dressing inappropriately.
I feel sorry for your children, and you should be ashamed of yourself.
—-
Good luck to all the breastfeeding moms out there, I hope you all have the strength not to have your minds warped by all the idiots out there who have the gall to make you feel ashamed of feeding your child.
“This is absolutely disgusting.” The issue here is not whether breast milk is better than formula. The issue is that breast feeding in public is flat out disrespectful to others. I love it when mother’s get offended when someone says a curse word in public. Or when someone is wearing something that is ‘not appropriate’ for their children. Same thing here. HELLO! Whipping out a breast in public is equally as offensive. Cover yourself up!
May 8th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
No blanket needed. Breasts are for feeding babies. That is their role. And plenty of babies get freaked when they are trying to nurse and someone puts a blanket on their head. Like my daughter, for instance.
I think it is pathetic that people are actually OFFENDED by this.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
so well said, Jessie. Thank you.
Lorena, you are a total boneheaded tool. And you are also a mammal. Just a guess.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Excellent Pic. For those of us who support Breastfeeding, this pic should be the flying banner.
However, when someone talks about their “junk,” I automatically think about the front apendage that men have and like to use to knock women up with. Personally, I feel that you have disgraced the beauty of this picture by using the word “junk” to describe the boobs.
Secondly, don’t argue with a batch of breastfeeding women cause you will never win. I know, I’m married to one.
I ask you this. Why is it okay for Spensor Gifts stores to sell explicitly sexual shirts, mugs, sex toys, and other stuff in an open environment where anyone, kids and adults, may walk in and view, but for a woman trying to nurse her child without sufficating or overheating them a disgraceful thing?
Where are our priorities?
May 8th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Britney’s cootch is plastered all over gossip sites, but THIS is disgusting?? Give me a break. This is beautiful. I love the message that she is sending - breastfeeding is beautiful!
Your attitude is what’s wrong w/ this country when it comes to Breastfeeding. Lighten up. If you don’t like it, don’t look…or feel free to cover your OWN head up with a blanket.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Paris Hilton smoking a joint is not offensive? The Olsen Twins dressed as crackwhores is not offensive? Shots of countless coochies are not offensive?
But Maggie Gylenhall feeding her baby is?
There’s something wrong here.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Crystal-
I am going into developmental psych.My thesis is actually on the bonding expereince. However, while I was doing my research I was gettign called a bad mother from complete strangers because I was not breast-feeding. I had some health problems after my son was born, and my milk never came in. Most of the studies that show breast feeding has nothing to do with bonding, also show that it does not prevent most of the health problems it is said to. Believe it or not, ladies, I was given hell by people I both know and had never seen before for not breast feeding. It seems no matter what we do as moms, people will judge you.
May 8th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
~Am I the voice of reason here?
~Breastfeeding in public is normal and natural. It is not shameful and blankets to hide under should not be necessary.
~That said - why did Maggie G choose to whip it out the TOP of her shirt when she easily could have lifted the shirt and nursed from underneath, discreetly hiding her breast from view? strange choice.
~Many women opt for frumpy nursing garments with special flaps. I did that. I also did not wear a dress except for a specially designed nursing dress, until I was done nursing. I can see why Hollywooders might sneer at that idea , but for pete’s sake, showing the whole breast is simply not a necessary part of nursing in public.
~That said, Maggie is shwing less boob than Jessica Simpson on a normal day.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
I think its fine. My daughter would never let me cover her up to breastfeed. Don’t see the big deal with people exposing a little.. i mean put her in a low cut dress and she’d be showing more.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I say let people do what they want where they want. If I don’t wanna see it, I can just look the other way. I wouldn’t do it in public though. I wouldn’t wanna offend anyone.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
“When was the last time you took a biology course? The sexual functions of a breast are secondary to it’s primary function, which is to feed babies. Humans are mammals. Mammals nurse their young. Scientific fact.” quoted from sunnie.
I never said that the sexual function was primary. At all. Read what I wrote closely next time and don’t jump to conclusions. I said that, unfortunately or not, breasts are viewed mainly as sexual objects. That is how they are viewed in this society (good or bad, I’m not the judge, but apparently all of you are) and it cannot be changed overnight.
And I love how you say “humans are mammals,” as if this is some new and recent development, and I am so far behind because I obviously didn’t know it by my comment (saracasm, for the orthographically challenged).
May 8th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Mandi-
I agree with you that bottle fed babies can and most often do bond just as well with their mothers as breastfed infants.
The reason that bonding is connected with breastfeeding so often is that you can’t just disconnect your breast, prop it up on a blanket and go about your business.
My contention is that we can’t prove formula is statistically less than 1% different, because we don’t know all of the components and properties of breast milk yet. It’s also impossible for formula to change feeding to feeding.
I don’t look down on mothers who can’t breastfeed, and I think it sad that other people do. I don’t think that mothers should be made to feel guilty for the choices they make unless those choices cause significant harm
I am still very interested to see the studies and research that you mentioned earlier about the differences in breast milk and formula.
I have access to most medical and scientific journals, so I should be able to find them if you can give me the name of the articles or the authors. 
May 8th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Just what exactly is inappropriate about it? I breastfeed my daughter and never use a blanket, and if I did she’d pull it right off anyways. It’s not exactly comfortable to eat with a blanket over your head. I’ve seen more boob from other celebs just from what they are wearing, or rather not wearing, than this.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
I think a mother has a right to feed her baby in the best way she can at that time–be it by breast, by bottle, or by cup. There were places I was comfortable BF uncovered, and places I covered (or went to a dressing room) and it all depended on the comfort of my son, me, and the people around me. Sometimes you have to decide what will bother people more–a screaming baby, or maybe seeing my nipple?
I like the mom who told the other kids she was like a cow and moo’ed. I usually tell my son that some babies get “nummies” right from their mommies, and some get “nummies” in a bottle.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
How wonderful for all of you mothers to support her, especially when speaking of infant rights to feed. Being a non-mother, I think I’ll pop of my T and bra for the day and go for a stroll downtown. If it’s alright for you all to expose yourself, it’s only NATURAL that I can go without my shirt for a bit, right?
May 8th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I love how his little hand is holding hers. So sweet!!!!
May 8th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
“How wonderful for all of you mothers to support her, especially when speaking of infant rights to feed. Being a non-mother, I think I’ll pop of my T and bra for the day and go for a stroll downtown. If it’s alright for you all to expose yourself, it’s only NATURAL that I can go without my shirt for a bit, right?”
In many areas of Europe, most people wouldn’t bat an eyelash at it. Americans as a whole, are very uptight about these things though. Rather sad.
May 8th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Why should she have to use a blanket? Maybe we should start covering all the animals at the zoo while they nurse there offspring? God forbid we see a nipple or something. I see more boobs when I sign onto the internet or turn on my television than I have seeing mothers nurse in public. She is doing what her body is meant for and giving her child the best food possible. As one breastfeeding mother to another, I think what she is doing is beautiful and courageous. It takes a lot of guts for someone in the limelight of Hollywood to actually practice what they preach. Well I’m off to the zoo and to Victoria’s Secret so I can start throwing blankets over the animals and the bra models.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
For those of you that think formula is ‘better’.
**101 reasons WHY breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding**
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding
According to the AAP, “Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, human milk-fed premature infants receive significant benefits with respect to host protection and improved developmental outcomes compared with formula-fed premature infants… Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.”
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk Pediatrics Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005
(http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496)
The American Dietetic Association promotes breastfeeding
The ADA also believes that “the bonding that occurs during breastfeeding makes it a special choice.” The ADA actively promotes breastfeeding, stating that “It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that broad-based efforts are needed to break the barriers to breastfeeding initiation and duration. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 12 months is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. Increases in initiation and duration are needed to realize the health, nutritional, immunological, psychological, economical, and environmental benefits of breastfeeding.”
ADA Website: ADA Website: http://www.eatright.org/Public/NutritionInformation/92_8236.cfm
Breast milk is more digestible than formula
“In recent years nutritionists have voiced concern about overly high levels of protein in the American diet. Since cow’s milk contains about twice as much protein as human milk, formula-fed babies usually receive more protein than they need (much of it in the form of the less digestible casein). The stools of formula-fed babies are so bulky because the babies cannot absorb so much protein, and excrete the excess in their stool, whereas breast-fed babies absorb virtually 100% of the protein in human milk.”
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1999, Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Not breastfeeding increases mother’s risk of breast cancer
Many studies have shown that women who breastfeed have lower risks of developing breast cancer. Recently, data from 47 studies in 30 countries was re-examined. The study group concluded that the incidence of breast cancer in developed countries could be reduced by more than half if women had the number of births and lifetime duration of breastfeeding that have been common in developing countries until recently. According to the analysis, breastfeeding could account for almost two-thirds of this estimated reduction in breast cancer incidence.
Jernstorm, H et al “Breast-feeding and the risk of breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.” J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004;96:1094-1098
Lee, SY et al “Effect of lifetime lactation on breast cancer risk: a Korean women’s cohort study.” Int J Cancer. 2003;105:390-393
Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (2002). “Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50,302 women with breast cancer and 96,973 women without the disease.” Lancet 360: 187-95
Zheng et al, “Lactation Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Shandong Province, China” Am. J. Epidemiol. Dec. 2000, 152 (12): 1129
Newcomb PA, Storer BE, Longnecker MP, et al. “Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer.” N Engl J Med. 1994;330:81-87
Baby’s suckling helps shrink mother’s uterus after childbirth
The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged.
“Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size. ”
The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds, Copyright 1999, Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Formula feeding increases baby girls’ risk of developing breast cancer in later life
Women who were formula-fed as infants have higher rates of breast cancer as adults. For both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, women who were breastfed as children, even if only for a short time, had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who were bottle-fed as infants.
Freudenheim, J. et al. 1994 “Exposure to breast milk in infancy and the risk of breast cancer”. Epidemiology 5:324-331
Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
Human breast milk enhances brain development and improves cognitive development in ways that formula cannot. One study has found that the average I.Q. of 7 and 8 year old children who had been breastfed as babies was 10 points higher than their bottle fed peers. All of the children involved had been born prematurely and tube fed the human milk, indicating that the milk itself, not the act of breastfeeding, caused this difference in I.Q. level. Another study to support this statement was done in New Zealand. Here an 18 year longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that those who were breastfed as infants had both higher intelligence and greater academic achievement than children who were infant-formula fed.
HMortensen EL et al (2002). “The association between duration of breastfeeding and adult intelligence” JAMA 287: 2365-71
Anderson JW et al (1999) “Breastfeeding and cognitive development: a meta-analysis” Am J Clin Nutr 70: 525-35
Horwood and Fergusson, “Breastfeeding and Later Cognitive and Academic Outcomes” Jan 1998 Pediatrics Vol. 101, No. 1
Lucas A., “Breast Milk and Subsequent Intelligence Quotient in Children Born Preterm”. Lancet 1992;339:261-62
Wang YS, Wu SY. “The effect of exclusive breastfeeding on development and incidence of infection in infants.” J Hum Lactation. 1996; 12:27-30
Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula does
Need we say more?
Breast milk helps pass meconium
Babies are born with a sticky tar-like substance called meconium in their intestines. Colostrum, or early milk, is uniquely designed to help move this substance through the infant’s body.
Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby’s immune system.
Formula provides neither of these benefits. “Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers to the infant a mother’s antibodies to disease. About 80% of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Breastfed babies are protected in varying degrees from a number of illnesses including, pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles. Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to what ever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight diseases their babies are exposed to as well.”
Williams RD, “Breast-Feeding Best Bet for Babies”,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Statement: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html
Koutras, A.K., “Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Breast Milk vs. Formula Feeding in Early Infancy”. J. Ped Gastro Nutr 1989.
Breastfeeding satisfies baby’s emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby
All babies need to be held. There is no more comforting feeling for an infant of any age than being held close and cuddled while breastfeeding. In fact, studies have shown that premature babies are more likely to die if they are not held or stroked. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother’s body. “It is now well established that oxytocin, as well as stimulating uterine contractions and milk ejection, promotes the development of maternal behavior and also bonding between mother and offspring.”
Uvnas-Moberg, Eriksson: “Breastfeeding: physiological, endocrine and behavioral adaptations caused by oxytocin and local neurogenic activity in the nipple and mammary gland.” Acta Paediatrica, 1996 May, 85(5):525-30
Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition
“Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding and is species-specific; all substitute feeding options differ markedly from it. The breastfed infant is the reference or normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other short and long-term benefits.”
A.A.P. Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk (RE2729)
Not breastfeeding increases mother’s risk of developing ovarian cancer
Based on the research, breastfeeding for a total of 12 to 24 months can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by about one-third.
Hartage et al, “Rates and risks of ovarian cancer in subgroups of white women in the United States.” Obstet Gynecol 1994 Nov; 84(5): 760-764
Rosenblatt KA, Thomas DB, “Lactation and the risk of Epithelial ovarian cancer”. Int J Epidemiol. 1993;22:192-197
Gwinn ML, “Pregnancy, breastfeeding and oral contraceptives and the risk of Epithelial ovarian cancer.” J. Clin. Epidemiol. 1990; 43:559-568
Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born
Breastfeeding requires an average of 500 extra calories per day and breastfeeding mothers who eat a normal diet lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy faster than moms who choose to bottle feed. In one study, mothers who breastfed exclusively or partially had significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and were less above their pre-pregnancy weights at 1 month postpartum than mothers who fed formula exclusively.
Other studies have also shown that women who were overweight when they began their pregnancies can safely get closer to their ideal weight by breastfeeding in conjunction with a moderate exercise program.
DC.A. Lovelady et al “The effect of weight loss in overweight lactating women on the growth of their infants.” New Eng Journal of Med, 2000; 342: 449-453
Kramer, F., “Breastfeeding reduces maternal lower body fat.” J. Am Diet Assoc 1993; 93(4):429-33
Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommwen LA. “Maternal weight-loss patterns during prolonged lactation. “Am J Clin Nutr 1993;58:162-166
Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
“Milk produced by women who deliver pr