A troubled mother recently shared her experience about being criticized by her family for breastfeeding her baby in public. The incident occurred during a family picnic, where she attended with her 11-month-old daughter and several relatives.

During the picnic, the mother decided to nurse her baby by unzipping her nursing top, as her daughter was hungry. This act, however, did not sit well with her aunt, who questioned if she needed to cover up and commented on her apparent lack of modesty when the mother opted not to use a cover.

“She joked about me having no shame,” the mother recounted, explaining that she brushed off the comment, “She suggested that while I am comfortable feeding without a cover, the rest of the family might not be.”

The mother remained steadfast in her decision, responding, “I told her that my priority was my daughter’s comfort for the brief duration she needed to eat and that she could move if it bothered her.”

This exchange did not deter the aunt, who showed her displeasure with an odd expression and retreated into her phone, thereby ending their discussion. Feeling unsupported, the mother soon overheard her cousins also criticizing her decision, accusing her of being too comfortable “flashing” her family.

Turning to Reddit for clarification, the mother found overwhelming support from those who argue that breastfeeding should be permitted in any setting, without undue criticism or judgment.

“If individuals are uncomfortable with the nature of breastfeeding, they have the option to avert their gaze,” one commentator stated, affirming that breastfeeding is a natural process.

Another noted, “Your aunt should have respected your choice to nurse openly. You handled her remarks gracefully by politely suggesting she relocate if she felt uneasy.”

Another supporter noted, “If your aunt finds the sight of breastfeeding unsettling solely because it involves a breast, then it’s her challenge to overcome. If it’s too much, perhaps she should adopt an alternative perspective or revisit the past when such norms were strictly upheld.”

How do you feel about this situation? Share your opinions below, and be sure to spread this story among your family and friends.