I read them and don't know quite how to feel or respond.
(And I realize those of you who do not (try to) live by the teaching of the Bible and are passionate about breastfeeding will likely HATE reading this, but these are just my thoughts that I wanted to share because I'm so tired of reading the same controversial stories about someone nursing in public and then someone else being outraged about it and saying something to the person and then someone else being outraged that the person said something to the mother. Enough already.)
Yes, breasts were designed to feed babies which is a natural and beautiful thing. And yes, absolutely, it seems WEIRD for people to be disgusted when they see women publicly breastfeeding.
AND YET
I think it's naive to pretend that just because the intentions of this body part are pure, that we are not a fallen people.
Genesis 2:25 describes how Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed. Then over in chapter 3, Eve falls into temptation (verses 6 and 7.)
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.Ok, so that's where I am. I'm not a theologian. Please don't rip me a new one. I'm just trying to balance the two sides in my head.
I wish we could pretend that we've not oversexualized everything and that breast were purely a milk supply. You've seen the commercial that blurs out chicken breasts, right? Maybe people would better handle the whole situation if we weren't constantly bombarded with these kinds of things!?
So I'll leave you with this...because I KNOW this is one of those topics that can NEVER EVER be resolved peacefully, but wanted to share my two cents worth:
I understand that it is NOT my RESPONSIBILITY to guard others against temptation. But it is my choice to be kind and considerate to others and be discreet with breast exposure. A milk suppler to you is still a breast to everyone else. Consider the people who struggle with pornography--it might be impossible for them to see your breast as just a way to feed your child. Please take into consideration that I don't want my husband seeing your boobs (in a skimpy bikini or any other way) and that I don't want your husband seeing mine. In my humble opinion, it would be awesome if Christian mamas would stop ignoring the fact that boobs are sexual when it comes time to feed their babies.
And seriously, I'm still conflicted on this even as I type it...because I understand completely that boobs are ALSO very much intended to feed babies AND that some babies love to fling off covers and that in some environments it's unrealistic to wear a cover because of it being too hot (although, every cover I've seen is a light breathable cotton, that is generally serving a dual purpose of helping keep the sun out of baby's eyes, too.)
So just think about it before you get all heated about it. Think about all the sides of the situation.
...I know I'm STILL thinking about it.