Video: Brighton breastfeeding flash mob creates media frenzy (From The Argus)

After i voted (NO 85%) the result showed a vote of No at 15% which i thought was extremely high.
I mean what is offensive about a mother feeding her baby in public???

Please give me answers, i'm confused!?

I thought the whole point is that the originator of the story does NOT want to be "fully harnessed" in public, Bladesboy!

Agreed it is a shame that it seems more focussed on the plugging of the website about mums this 'victim of discrimination' just so happened to own. Cheap shot for promo & not the right way to go about publicising your business.

This was about mums sticking up for other mums plain and simple.

TraceyI wrote:
This was about mums sticking up for other mums plain and simple.

This was about publicity

TraceyI wrote:
This was about mums sticking up for other mums plain and simple.

If that was the case (and I wish it was) then why the need to plug the brightonmums website? Ironically enough i think this article will do the site more harm than good.

Bladesboy Returns wrote:

TraceyI wrote:
This was about mums sticking up for other mums plain and simple.

This was about publicity

yes your right, to make the public aware that this kind of attitude is not acceptable in this day and age.
We have the right to feed our babies without being hassled in public.

TraceyI wrote:

Bladesboy Returns wrote:

TraceyI wrote:
This was about mums sticking up for other mums plain and simple.

This was about publicity

yes your right, to make the public aware that this kind of attitude is not acceptable in this day and age.
We have the right to feed our babies without being hassled in public.

But you weren't hassled. A few comments were made, to I suspect your business partner.

People express comments about all manner of things many times a day. Some we may agree with, some we may not.

It all adds to the richness and diversity of life and doesn't require a maximum publicity for the business stunt every time it happens. I agree with Evasivo that this publicity program has been ill judged and will damage your business for a number of reasons.

On a personal level I fully support women breast feeding in public, however also appreciate that others may not and would not wish to force my views on them.

Bladesboy Returns wrote:

TraceyI wrote:

Bladesboy Returns wrote:

TraceyI wrote:
This was about mums sticking up for other mums plain and simple.

This was about publicity

yes your right, to make the public aware that this kind of attitude is not acceptable in this day and age.
We have the right to feed our babies without being hassled in public.

But you weren't hassled. A few comments were made, to I suspect your business partner.

People express comments about all manner of things many times a day. Some we may agree with, some we may not.

It all adds to the richness and diversity of life and doesn't require a maximum publicity for the business stunt every time it happens. I agree with Evasivo that this publicity program has been ill judged and will damage your business for a number of reasons.

On a personal level I fully support women breast feeding in public, however also appreciate that others may not and would not wish to force my views on them.

Bladesboy
Actually I am not related to the website but I found myself in a situation in the summer when at a local pool I was told it was indecent and asked to move.
I was with both my children. Which is why I supported the actions today, For all the mums that find them-self facing this kind of negative attitude.

Obviously all the other Mums were brought to the flashmob to protest against a valid right which i too believe in.

However with Claire Jones-Hughes being the co-founder of BrightonMums.com, social media freelancer and writer, i think she knew exactly what she was doing here.

I wouldn't like if I was in a cafe and restaurant and this started happening.

BladesBoy - You misunderstand I may not be related to the sit but I do fully support the site for arranging this event... addressing issues faced by Brighton Mums, Of which I am one.
Its good to see a mums blog taking action rather than just writing about the discrimination women still face despite protection in law.

Yet again the Argus trolls miss the point by 100,000 miles.

The link to the website was introduced by the JOURNALIST.

The POINT is that a Mum who is not Social Media savvy could be abused by these dinosaurs for simply feeding their child. I applaud the organiser for using her know how to highlight something that is far more likely to knock the confidence of a young, socially disadvantaged mother than a bullish middle class 30-something.

I think men are most offended by women other than their own partner breastfeeding, because they think they have some sort of claim over all womens breasts, forgetting that as well as fun bags, they're actually built for feeding baby.

Just do it discreetly and stop this puerile desire to be an attention-seeking exhibionist.

Tens of thousands of mothers have managed to breast feed their children before you without seeking the public attention you crave.

Have just a little concern for the sensibility of others; you are not the only mother in the world & at your age you should know better.

I as a mother have no problem with breast feeding in public as it is a natural thing to do BUT The women that has just represented this crowd on Daybreak was recently in an eatery where I was with family members and I felt that the way she goes about breast feeding her lovely daughter was not neccessary, she did not discreatly lift her top and feed she pulled her WHOLE BREAST out from the neckline of her top so that all and sundry got an eyefull, there is a difference! be a little more discreat and the public will not notice! Merry Christmas

PATHETIC ATTENTION SEEKERS.


And what does it say when The Argus doesn't even report a proper story on the removal of the 'Occupy Brighton' camp, yet acts like this is of vital importance...?!! WTF? Shows how messed up things are.

whereisthe...? wrote:
PATHETIC ATTENTION SEEKERS. And what does it say when The Argus doesn't even report a proper story on the removal of the 'Occupy Brighton' camp, yet acts like this is of vital importance...?!! WTF? Shows how messed up things are.

Front page and page three of yesterday's edition, plus video on the website.

jagiwatch wrote:
I as a mother have no problem with breast feeding in public as it is a natural thing to do BUT The women that has just represented this crowd on Daybreak was recently in an eatery where I was with family members and I felt that the way she goes about breast feeding her lovely daughter was not neccessary, she did not discreatly lift her top and feed she pulled her WHOLE BREAST out from the neckline of her top so that all and sundry got an eyefull, there is a difference! be a little more discreat and the public will not notice! Merry Christmas

I would like to know when this was exactly? I can recall a few times where I had the wrong top on but still covered with a muslin. Anyway. It's not the point, we're not obliged to cover up at all.

You are a bunch of lovely people! I love how you all know so much about my website and my goals. I'm not the sort of person you will want to know most likely. The media chose to reference the website. I set it up for mums in the community. I take no salary, make no money out of it. I published content in my spare time on issues that I'm passionate about. Read into that what you will.

Well personally i dont like the idea of a woman "whipping" her breast out while I'm having toast and a cup of tea. You ladys say it is natural, well so is being naked (we are born that way) but to sit naked in a cafe i am sure would offend some people.. There's a time and a place for everything.

Not the biggest issue, but well worth the coverage. If it helps a few new mums feel more comfortable about feeding when they need to then it's all good.

Breasts are meant for feeding babies..

Its a shame that these days whenever you see a breast its generally being used to get you to buy something.

Well done to these ladies for standing up together for their children.

I think it's disgusting!

linnig wrote:
Well personally i dont like the idea of a woman "whipping" her breast out while I'm having toast and a cup of tea. You ladys say it is natural, well so is being naked (we are born that way) but to sit naked in a cafe i am sure would offend some people.. There's a time and a place for everything.

Well said!

Well done to all who took part.

Poccypoc wrote:
I think it's disgusting!

then you are an idiot! the most natural thing in the world. why do people think feeding a baby the natural way is wrong? i have yet to see a woman being indiscreet about it.

I just wanted to say that this was a fantastic event, well organised that was of great benefit to breastfeeding mums in our community as well as nationally too. I know what Claire has done has highlighted a really important issue to mums in the UK.

Brighton Mums is a non profit community site where mothers can go and read about things that are relevant to them, things we have come across and there to support parents around the city.

Regardless of whether this event is linked to the site (which was the journalists decision to write up) or not it was an important one to highlight.

If you don't like it don't look.

How would you feel if a breastfeeding mum gave up the most natural thing in the world because of you making a comment you made.

"If you don't like it don't look". Well, yes, but if I am in a cafe or restaurant, having a meal, I don't particularly want to be faced by this action, immediately in front of me. I am not against women breastfeeding in public, if they cannot wait until they get home, but I do like to have the choice in whether or not I want this confrontation - close up. On the other hand, if she looked like Marilyn Monroe..............
........

chellemcc wrote:
I just wanted to say that this was a fantastic event, well organised that was of great benefit to breastfeeding mums in our community as well as nationally too. I know what Claire has done has highlighted a really important issue to mums in the UK.

Brighton Mums is a non profit community site where mothers can go and read about things that are relevant to them, things we have come across and there to support parents around the city.

Regardless of whether this event is linked to the site (which was the journalists decision to write up) or not it was an important one to highlight.

If you don't like it don't look.

How would you feel if a breastfeeding mum gave up the most natural thing in the world because of you making a comment you made.

Most breast feeding mums don't have the disposable income to enjoy the opportunity to flaunt their wares in the various cafes etc that this bunch seems to have access to.

How can a breast upset anybody, most men will like them & most women will have seen hundreds in sports changing areas etc etc without moaning... if anybody objected & I was in the same cafe they would & should get an earful, why wait to respond?

The issue here is respect, or lack of!

ShorehamBeachcomber wrote:
How can a breast upset anybody, most men will like them & most women will have seen hundreds in sports changing areas etc etc without moaning... if anybody objected & I was in the same cafe they would & should get an earful, why wait to respond?

Keeping abreast of things (sorry) no a breast is not an unpleasent site, however, being a mere mortal male, i cannot understand why feeding cannot take place in the privacy of your homes, before, after you go have and have your gossip down the caff! Again, time and place..men cant go topless in caffs...Sexism!!!!!.
....

contentedmummy wrote:

jagiwatch wrote:
I as a mother have no problem with breast feeding in public as it is a natural thing to do BUT The women that has just represented this crowd on Daybreak was recently in an eatery where I was with family members and I felt that the way she goes about breast feeding her lovely daughter was not neccessary, she did not discreatly lift her top and feed she pulled her WHOLE BREAST out from the neckline of her top so that all and sundry got an eyefull, there is a difference! be a little more discreat and the public will not notice! Merry Christmas

I would like to know when this was exactly? I can recall a few times where I had the wrong top on but still covered with a muslin. Anyway. It's not the point, we're not obliged to cover up at all.

Strikes me that there is an element of exhibitionism here.

Are there other Argus readers who have seen this well to do exhibitionist pursuing her exploits (appreciate most folk will be working when this is happening) and if so where and when?

Might make an interesting counter story as clearly this one day wonder has now run its course and will join the many similar stories from other parts of the world in the YouTube archives - from where i presume the idea was spawned.

Breasts are like train sets, they are there for the kids but its the dads that play with them the most.

linnig wrote:

ShorehamBeachcomber wrote:
How can a breast upset anybody, most men will like them & most women will have seen hundreds in sports changing areas etc etc without moaning... if anybody objected & I was in the same cafe they would & should get an earful, why wait to respond?

Keeping abreast of things (sorry) no a breast is not an unpleasent site, however, being a mere mortal male, i cannot understand why feeding cannot take place in the privacy of your homes, before, after you go have and have your gossip down the caff! Again, time and place..men cant go topless in caffs...Sexism!!!!!.

....

'Mere mortal male' quick lesson in bringing up a baby! Most breast fed babies are 'baby led' feeders this basically means rather than dictating a meal time you feed when your infant is hungry (a very natural thing to do) Whilst you can try your best to schedule outings between feeds, in reality it often doesn't quite work out like that. Trust me a discreet breast feed is FAR less disturbing than a hungry baby wailing in a cafe!
I'm not sure how the law stands south of the Border but in Scotland women are free to breastfeed in public, folk can be fined up to £2500 if they try to prevent a mother breastfeeding in a public space.

Sounds like this person might be scheduling outings to coincide with feeds

Really most babies don't fit into a schedule, as much as some books like you to think that you can be in control of when your baby eats, sleeps, poos etc they are, at the end of the day, their own little person and have as much right to have a snack when they feel hungry as the rest of us. We are the only creature in the animal kingdom that feels compelled to eat a regular meal at regular times and this is learned behaviour and something a baby is yet to pick up.

Bladesboy Returns wrote:

Scottishlassy wrote:
Really most babies don't fit into a schedule, as much as some books like you to think that you can be in control of when your baby eats, sleeps, poos etc they are, at the end of the day, their own little person and have as much right to have a snack when they feel hungry as the rest of us. We are the only creature in the animal kingdom that feels compelled to eat a regular meal at regular times and this is learned behaviour and something a baby is yet to pick up.

Bit of a coincidence that other people suggest they have seen this particular lady with 'one hanging out'

I don't know the lady in question and I don't know her reasons for breastfeeding in public (as a guess I'd say feeding her baby was more likely to be at the forefront of her mind than flashing her tits in public!).

What is of concern is the negative attitudes displayed here. Whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion, trying to discourage a nursing mother from feeding her child in public really doesn't help anyone. Breast milk has been medically proven to be head and shoulders above formula milk (I wont go into the technicalities here but if you ever want a wee read here's some of the facts http://www.unicef.or
g.uk/BabyFriendly/Ne
ws-and-Research/Rese
arch/Breastfeeding-r
esearch---An-overvie
w/ ) and breastfeeding of benefit to the mother as well as the infant. Whether a mother makes the decision to breastfeed or not we need to be removing obstacles not adding them. As a new breastfeeding mum it can be a terrifying experience breastfeeding in public for the first time (and sometimes many subsequent times after). The last thing these poor women need is someone voicing their own hangups about the matter. This lady had the confidence to take a stand, I'm sure there's many a mother who has been confined to the house or has given up breastfeeding entirely as a result of a strangers hostility.

Question is, how do you time it so all the babies need feeding at once?

Scottishlassy wrote:

Bladesboy Returns wrote:

Scottishlassy wrote:
Really most babies don't fit into a schedule, as much as some books like you to think that you can be in control of when your baby eats, sleeps, poos etc they are, at the end of the day, their own little person and have as much right to have a snack when they feel hungry as the rest of us. We are the only creature in the animal kingdom that feels compelled to eat a regular meal at regular times and this is learned behaviour and something a baby is yet to pick up.

Bit of a coincidence that other people suggest they have seen this particular lady with 'one hanging out'

I don't know the lady in question and I don't know her reasons for breastfeeding in public (as a guess I'd say feeding her baby was more likely to be at the forefront of her mind than flashing her tits in public!).

What is of concern is the negative attitudes displayed here. Whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion, trying to discourage a nursing mother from feeding her child in public really doesn't help anyone. Breast milk has been medically proven to be head and shoulders above formula milk (I wont go into the technicalities here but if you ever want a wee read here's some of the facts http://www.unicef.or

g.uk/BabyFriendly/Ne

ws-and-Research/Rese

arch/Breastfeeding-r

esearch---An-overvie

w/ ) and breastfeeding of benefit to the mother as well as the infant. Whether a mother makes the decision to breastfeed or not we need to be removing obstacles not adding them. As a new breastfeeding mum it can be a terrifying experience breastfeeding in public for the first time (and sometimes many subsequent times after). The last thing these poor women need is someone voicing their own hangups about the matter. This lady had the confidence to take a stand, I'm sure there's many a mother who has been confined to the house or has given up breastfeeding entirely as a result of a strangers hostility.

Errrrm.....Breast pumps....have a wee read about them here..and before you go on "its not the same thing" what about if mum isnt about and dad has to do the feeding...
http://www.amazon.co
.uk/Philips-SCF310-2
0-Manual-Breast/dp/B
004G8QGZK/ref=sr_1_1
?s=baby&ie=UTF8&qid=
1324158064&sr=1-1

I find many of the comments here rather shocking. It seems pertinent to note that several of those making sweeping judgements against breast feeding and the mothers that do it, have such a poor grasp of spelling and grammar.
I'm not a mother, but a new aunt and I see my sister's stress at embarking on breast feeding her baby and the lengthy discussions she has with other mothers about locating adequate facilities when we have been shopping. It is not as easy as it looks, especially with your first child. Most ladies would probably prefer that no random members of the public see their breasts, but in many cases it's whatever works to get the baby fed.
I can't say I ever wanted to see my sister's nipples and honestly I do feel slightly uncomfortable when seeing a mother nursing right across from me, but that is no reason for the mother to go elsewhere or change her routine. The issue arises from people's own prudish attitudes.
It is somewhat similar to times at the gym when someone is strutting around stark bollock naked. Another sight I'm not particularly keen on, but you don't have to look and who are you to tell others what they can or cannot do? We all have naked bodies underneath our clothes!
It's simply surprising to see that many are so close minded, judgemental and sensitive about something which is the most natural thing in the world. Do you reel back in horror when you see an animal suckling from its mother in a field or at a zoo? Gross! Quick, throw a towel over it before the world caves in on itself!!

Made up username wrote:
I find many of the comments here rather shocking. It seems pertinent to note that several of those making sweeping judgements against breast feeding and the mothers that do it, have such a poor grasp of spelling and grammar.
I'm not a mother, but a new aunt and I see my sister's stress at embarking on breast feeding her baby and the lengthy discussions she has with other mothers about locating adequate facilities when we have been shopping. It is not as easy as it looks, especially with your first child. Most ladies would probably prefer that no random members of the public see their breasts, but in many cases it's whatever works to get the baby fed.
I can't say I ever wanted to see my sister's nipples and honestly I do feel slightly uncomfortable when seeing a mother nursing right across from me, but that is no reason for the mother to go elsewhere or change her routine. The issue arises from people's own prudish attitudes.
It is somewhat similar to times at the gym when someone is strutting around stark bollock naked. Another sight I'm not particularly keen on, but you don't have to look and who are you to tell others what they can or cannot do? We all have naked bodies underneath our clothes!
It's simply surprising to see that many are so close minded, judgemental and sensitive about something which is the most natural thing in the world. Do you reel back in horror when you see an animal suckling from its mother in a field or at a zoo? Gross! Quick, throw a towel over it before the world caves in on itself!!

And your point is what precisely?

Did the terms for "urinating" and "passing gas" seriously have to get censored?

I'm 100% for breast feeding whenever/where-ever baby needs feeding. I used to breastfeed my baby in public 18yrs ago. No-one ever mentioned it. I was never asked to leave, stop or put them away, because I was always discreet. Crazily making the assumption that the people around me wouldn't want to be confronted by my rather massive milk-enhanced mammary with (or without) baby attached, I showed courtesy to these folk by being as discreet as possible. I had no trouble feeding my son anywhere. I do remember, however, seeing mothers who would wap them out and everyone around got a proper eyeful. I felt slightly uncomfortable despite doing the same activity myself at the time! Personally, I feel there's no need for it. By all means, feed your baby but without making a spectacle of yourself. I also felt my son deserved to be fed without being gawked at... because no matter where you are, if you wap out a bosom for any reason at all, someone is gonna gawk, out of curiosity if nothing else.

Why are 19% of voters offended by breastfeeding?? Weirdos. Hopefully most of those are just idiots that like to wind people up. I can't believe anyone except an extreme religious nutter or a complete fool would really be offended.