The debate over whether women should breastfeed in public is far from new, but it’s been reignited recently by a young mother who’s boldly sharing her perspective — and sparking a mix of reactions.
This mother, undeterred by the opinions of others, is passionate about normalizing public breastfeeding, even when it means facing disapproving stares or uncomfortable situations. For her, breastfeeding isn’t just a choice; it’s a statement.
Trinati breastfeeds her 17-month-old daughter whenever and wherever her child is hungry — even in public spaces. Though she’s confident in her decision, not everyone is on board. She’s received criticism and unwelcome comments, and on a few occasions, store employees have suggested she move to a broom closet for privacy. However, Trinati has little patience for such suggestions, as she feels broom closets are hardly an appropriate or comfortable space for nursing. In response, she had her son take a photo of her breastfeeding her daughter at Costco to highlight her point. “I never hesitate to provide my children with what they need, no matter where we are,” she explained in an interview.
Along with the judgment from strangers, Trinati also faces awkward questions from friends and family, like, “How long are you planning to do that?” Her reply? “As long as she needs me to!” Often followed by uncomfortable jokes about breastfeeding until her daughter starts kindergarten, Trinati’s response remains firm and unapologetic.
Fed up with people sexualizing her breastfeeding and passing judgment on it, she recently shared her frustration: “Seriously, have you ever actually seen breasts while breastfeeding? My nipples look nothing like what someone might fantasize about! Ha!” She went on to add, “Honestly, they feel more like udders now. Get over it! I’m not trying to attract anyone with these. They’ve completely lost their sexual appeal. Right now, they’re about nourishing my child — physically and emotionally.”
Trinati’s mission is clear: she wants to raise awareness that breastfeeding is a natural and necessary act, not a sexual one, and should be respected as such.
She shared, “I don’t expect all men or those who haven’t breastfed to understand what it’s like for mothers to endure everything from nipple pinching to awkward, acrobatic positions while nursing.” She reflected on the strange looks and giggles she often receives when people see her 1.5-year-old balancing on her lap while breastfeeding — sometimes even while she’s standing on one leg!
In an effort to normalize breastfeeding in public, Trinati decided to capture a candid moment of herself nursing her toddler and share it online. “I had my son take that picture at Costco because I want to remember this moment and show my daughter one day the lengths we go to as mothers to care for our children, no matter where we are,” she explained.
In her Instagram caption, she emphasized, “My baby’s needs will always come before anyone else’s discomfort when it comes to this sometimes-public act of nourishing and comforting my children.”
Her message is clear: she is determined to show her children that their well-being is her number one priority — far beyond the opinions or comfort of others. “Trust is the foundation of healthy relationships, and it starts with the care we receive in our early years,” she noted. “For me, breastfeeding is a way to communicate that trust, and I will never feel ashamed for nursing my baby, no matter the setting.”
There are valid points on both sides of the discussion. What do you think about breastfeeding in public? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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