A friend recently returned from a trip to Iceland and emailed me a few photos she’d taken in Reykjavik. Knowing my natural approach to child-raising, and possibly remembering the post I’d written on breastfeeding a few months back, she thought of me when she saw this unusual sight.
- A building in Reykjavik, Iceland
I couldn’t believe it when I opened the file and saw an entire exterior wall covered with big photos of breastfeeding women. What a change from the usual use of breasts for outdoor advertising, where they’re displayed provocatively and sexually on big billboards along roadways to sell products. I’m guessing these are usually aimed at male buyers, though I’ll reluctantly admit that women do tend to check out other women’s boobs, more out of competitive comparison than anything else!
What I liked about this picture is the background scenery. Though it does look as if the breastfeeding mamas were superimposed onto the gorgeous landscapes (thanks, photo editing), the message is clear: that women should feel comfortable nursing babies anywhere and anytime, not just within the confines and privacy of home.
From what I know about Scandinavian parenting styles, babies do spend a lot of time outdoors. In an article called “Forget Tiger Mom, here comes the Scandi Dad,” there was a description of numerous Danish babies sleeping in their strollers outside the local café while parents drank coffee and visited in the frigid winter weather. Babies were snug little bundles, warm under their mountains of quilts, and breathing fresh air, which is considered very beneficial. (A Danish mother was arrested for doing this in New York City.) I mention this because the outdoor nursing images are not all that farfetched, if Icelandic mothers believe in the importance of the being outside from a young age.
Although the so-called ‘mommy wars’ can get downright vicious, I believe that women, if choosing to breastfeed, must be allowed to do it wherever necessary. The expectation, of course, is that they’ll be discreet about it, not flaunt it. In a world where women are still asked to leave stores for nursing babies, there need to be more murals like this one in Reykjavik to normalize the perfectly healthy image of a mother breastfeeding her child.
I was once asked to nurse in a wash room stall (gross!) or leave the mall where I was shopping. My baby was fully covered with a blanket and I was sitting on a bench. I was furious! I don’t think anyone would like to eat a meal in a public bathroom stall! However, my reaction was complete agreement. I said I’d prefer not to shop at a place like that anyway and as soon as my baby was done eating I’d be gone. Her meal was not interrupted and I’ve not returned to that mall since. I’d love to see murals like this in Canada! Thanks for sharing!
Wow, that would make me furious, too. Good for telling them you’d never come back. The only time I ever nursed in a washroom stall was when I went to court to fight a traffic ticket and there were about 30 old men in the waiting room with me. I was the only woman and thought the old men would enjoy the nursing show more than they should, so I opted for the nasty bathroom! Never again, though… As for the mural, yes, it would be lovely to see that sort of thing in Ontario. But then we’re so hung up on not offending anyone that it probably would never fly 😦
Probably for the best that you nursed in the washroom that time, good call! And I agree, seems like in this area we go to great lengths to keep the majority happy & unoffended but maybe one day!
A woman was arrested for having her child bundled appropriately and enjoying a coffee in the winter? Whaaaa?
I breastfed my kid in the church, and during a wedding ceremony, infront of the Canadian Parliament (on the stairs of the front door while I was waiting for my husband to finish a tour inside) and everywhere I had been during his first two years of his life. I felt it as something so natural and ethical for my child. Most of the women in Greece breastfeed only for couple of months and then the doctors find a reason to convince the mothers to give formula.
I forgot to mention that my husband was very supportive for my breastfeeding and he never said to hide or do it privately. Very important not to feel ashame for your breasts and your child that is breastfeeding.
Hey Katherine. I thought you’d like this SciAm article in response to the big TIME article (behind a paywall): http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/primate-diaries/2012/05/15/out_of_the_mouth_of_babes/
Hey Jamie. Thanks for the link. I read it and found it very interesting. I’m definitely a supporter of breastfeeding, as you know already, but I must admit I can’t imagine nursing my almost-three-year-old son! That’s a very long time. I do need to read the TIME article since the cover photo was very intriguing and has certainly sparked some great controversy.
Do you know where this is? I’m going to be visiting Reykjavjk this fall and would love to see this!
I’ve messaged the friend who sent me the picture and hopefully she remembers! I’ll let you know if she does.