Alyssa Milano and Wendy Williams Clash Over Public Breastfeeding: ‘I Don’t Need to See That!’

Actually, from an evolutionary biology standpoint, the purpose of breasts is to attract a mate, and then to feed any offspring that results from that attraction, so Alyssa is incorrect about that. I guess I don’t understand why anyone would want pictures of themselves nursing their newborn splashed across the internet. I guess actors are exhibitionists by nature.

KBRN, and breast were designed to contain milk to feed offspring. In the US, they are extremely sexualized and in more mature countries and cultures, it’s not nearly as horrible when it comes to unwanted attention.

So, maybe rather than try to correct Alyssa, maybe recognize that there’s truth to her statements.

It’s not about exhibitionism. If you think it is, go to a restaurant, order a meal and take it into a toilet stall and eat. Then think about which is a better environment for feeding a human.

I’m so glad Alyssa Milano is standing up for breastfeeding moms. If you don’t want to see it don’t look.

So glad I live in a state, Michigan, where it is legal for women to breastfeed in public.

The purpose of breasts is not to attract a mate, it is however to feed offspring. I don’t see dogs, cats or cows checking the other’s nipples/udders out before they mate. So glad Alyssa is outspoken about breastfeeding!

I think breastfeeding is a very bonding time between a mom and baby! Some of us for medical reasons were not able to experience this joy! So while I am glad Alyssa Milano is able to feed her children and feels comfortable posting this time with the public! I as one who couldn’t do this be made to feel less of a mom! As for Wendy she is entitled to her mom opinion also!

Ms. S, Alyssa according to this article made the comparison to Miley.

I agree with Wendy!!

I fully support breastfeeding. The moment my daughter was born and we created that bond was amazing on so many levels. I’ve always loved Alyssa growing up and I support her meaning. But…I don’t know about the picture though…baby doesn’t appear to be “attached.”

I’m a mom and while I am all for breastfeeding, doing it with your breasts out for all to see is kind of strange. By all means, do it in the restaurant but put a sash or blanket over the exposed breast. You don’t have to go to the bathroom or car, but don’t whip out a tit either. I have a 13 year old son and while he knows breastfeeding is normal…he is still a 13 year old boy who is staring at a woman’s exposed breast…and that kind of makes me uncomfortable. Just be discreet and everyone wins!!

It is very special, and that’s why for me I don’t post pictures or feed in public. I felt more comfortable in private and felt that also respected my son. But that is just me. I fully support breastfeeding wherever.

” If you don’t want to see it don’t look.”

Fair enough. But what if someone does want to see it? Are they allowed to stare? Can they take a picture?

The problem with that attitude is the hypocrisy. Its our bodies and we should be able to do whatever we want in public, but if a stranger in notices then they get screamed at for seeing what you just displayed in public.

I do understand the “feeding a baby is natural” argument but it does seem like many people breastfeed in public just so they can make their “natural act” a spectacle that becomes more about the nourishing the mom than nourishing the baby.

“Almost 16 months of breastfeeding” sounds like a humblebrag to me. Literally she is saying LOOK at me. I am awesome. Breastfeeding is wonderful, no doubt about it. But I do not understand the need to post self congratulatory pictures. It is an incredible bond between mom and baby, not between mom, baby and social media. Breastfeed discreetly in public, show respect to the same people you want respect from.

Good for Alyssa Milano

Wendy Williams is an obnoxious, annoying woman with no class. She has no room to speak. Sit down and STFU, Wendy. The only reason you talk crap about other people is because you feel so low about yourself. I would suggest using your money and getting professional therapy!

I agree with most of you. Pro breastfeeding, pro doing it as needed, not pro bragging or showing the world. A simple blankie to cover up, nobody suffers, everyone wins. Baby gets what they need and are happy.

meme, you are incorrect in stating that there is no nutritional benefit to breastfeeding past 1 year of age. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age, and continuing breastfeeding while introducing solid foods u until the age of 2. Please see this web site: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs342/en/

I am with Wendy, and really for me, no reason at all except that I don’t want to see that intimate moment between mama and baby. If it were a bottle fine, but her breast, no, uncomfortable for me and a lot of people. Like watching someone do do. Normal bodily things but I don’t want to see it.

I have one child and I breastfed for a few weeks until my nipples bled and my son was losing weight on my milk. With that said, I would never breastfeed in public AND I don’t prefer to see anyone else do it. Wish some women would not try to shove it in the people’s faces that do NOT want to see it. I don’t want to see it so try not to look at her pics or women doing that in public. Just my preference of not wanting to see it.

No Alyssa, contrary to the popular belief among of lactivists, biologically breasts are made for sexual purposes too. Human breasts are unique among primates, as they are the only ones to stay plump regardless of whether or not a female is breastfeeding. Scientists have shown the evolutionary purpose of human breasts is to signal and attract mates, and then feed the offspring they produce. Even if people refuse to believe that, at this point in time, without a doubt, breasts ARE now sexualized – men are biologically aroused by breasts. Yet many public breastfeeding moms expect men to completely constrain their natural attraction to breasts when faced with a pair of naked boobs. I don’t mean it’s ever okay for a man start getting off in the corner, or for anyone to run screaming out of the building clutching their pearls in shock at the display …BUT it’s also unrealistic and unfair to not expect some wandering eyes or stares. Or to expect everybody else to feel totally comfortable, just because the mom is. There is no need to feign outrage or take offence to people who prefer to quietly walk away/leave the room or shield their children from the view.

No Alyssa, contrary to the popular belief among of lactivists, biologically they are made for se/\ual purposes too. Humans b@@bs are unique among primates, as they are the only ones to stay plump regardless of whether or not a female is breastfeeding. Scientists have shown the evolutionary purpose of human b@@bs is to signal and attract mates, and then feed the offspring they produce. Even if people refuse to believe that, at this point in time, without a doubt, b@@bs ARE now se/\ualized – men are biologically aroused by breasts. Yet many public breastfeeding moms expect men to completely constrain their natural attraction to breasts when faced with a pair of naked b@@bs. I don’t mean it’s ever okay for a man start getting off in the corner, or for anyone to run screaming out of the building clutching their pearls in shock at the display …BUT it’s also unrealistic and unfair to not expect some wandering eyes or stares. Or to expect everybody else to feel totally comfortable, just because the mom is. There is no need to feign outrage or take offence to people who prefer to quietly walk away/leave the room or shield their children from the view

Wendy actually wasn’t joking when she said she breastfed her son for two weeks. It was difficult for them and causing her stress. She has spoken about it many times.

If it makes you uncomfortable, just subtly avert your eyes without any comment or exaggerated facial expression. I don’t want to look, but I understand it’s natural and don’t think there’s any obligation for the mother to cover up. She should get over it.

Miss S, Wendy did not compare breastfeeding to Miley Cyrus. Alyssa brought her up, because Wendy had shown a poo picture of her during the previous segment.

Amazing how people act as though they have a right to be offended by someone feeding their baby. The holier-than-thou attitude from other mothers who believe open breastfeeding is exhibitionism is absolutely deplorable. Breasts during breastfeeding are gross! To act as though anyone is using their child to purposely show off their swollen, veiny boobs clearly has a completely different inferiority issue towards other women to begin with.

That’s right, not everybody wants to see a woman breastfeeding her baby. I think this is too intimate, it’s a special moment between mother and baby, not to share it with all the world. If breasts are not biologically made for sexual things, as A.Milano says, why are little girls (as young as one year old) wearing one piece bathing suits or a bra when they are on the beach? Nowhere in Europe would you see children wearing them at that young an age.

The pic isn’t bad. I’m not a huge one for posting pictures of one breastfeeding or of completely bearing it all in public to feed, but I am for breastfeeding. Every woman has the right to feed her baby as she sees fit. Now, for bearing it all…to me its like eating with your fingers in a fancy restaurant. You wouldn’t do it. So you don’t need to show the entire world your entire chest to feed. Discretion goes a long way.

I agree with Wendy to a point. I believe women who nurse in public should cover their breast. IIt is a sexuall and a food source. As a food source, it has body fluids. I was an overproducer, there. Have been countless time when my breast spewed milk like sprinkler

It’s easy. If you don’t need to see that, don’t look. I’m fully pro- public breast feeding.

Let me just start by saying I was a breastfeeding mom. With that said I think every woman has a right to feed their baby whenever and wherever necessary but what is the problem with just covering up? I feel these woman who whip it out, for a lack of better words, have no consideration for anyone around them. Just another example of how self absorbed people are these days.

Breast feeding is a natural bonding experience. Mothers if there is not a designated area, should breast feed in public but cover up. It protects the babies privacy . Plus it takes away the need for unwanted intrusion. Next thing we’ll see is mom who wish to change diapers in public and tables at restaurants to make a point.

Breat feeding is the transfer of body fluids, and covering up provides meeting health guidelines while supporting moms who wish to feed. I am concerned for her need to post pictures on social media as well as not understanding why a 16 month old is still being breast feed. Does she permit her older child to still feed. How long did she permit her older child to feed. There has to respect and boundaries

Why not just put a light blanket or scarf over when breastfeeding. Why not just cover up…and chances are most people would even know!

I’m glad that she is outspoken and support about the right to do the breastfeeding in public, though not necessarily in social media.

I’m a breastfeeding mum. Sometimes, I have to do it in public, and while I am as discreet about it as possible, I can’t use a cover because my child pulls it off or if it’s one of those apron things she strangles me. Not everywhere has a dedicated parents room, and sometimes when there is one, it is so disgusting that I can’t sit there for the required time. For a lot of mums, feeding in public is not about being an exhibitionist, but simply feeding a hungry child. You may see me feeding, but you’ll only see my boob if you’re really looking for it.

I find it interesting that the actress divides mothers into two categories in the last paragraph: ‘breastfeeding moms’ and ‘moms everywhere’ which can be read as implying that one type is better; as if keeping your child healthy and alive were some sort of competition where a winner will be crowned. The other thing I find really odd about this article is the quote in the paragraph ‘. . .not feel like they’re getting the appreciation that comes along with being a breastfeeding mom . . .’. Since when is feeding your child something the general public, be they parents or not, must show appreciation for? Just get on with it.

I think Milano is losing the plot a little. Ok, we get it…you are a super mom and breastfeeding seems to be your biggest hobby.
But that doesn’t mean that pics have to be posted everywhere. It’s a bonding and special moment between a mother and her child. And yes, it can be done publicly, but do it discreetly. I breastfed all of my three kids, yet I didn’t do it on display and shovelling my breasts in everybody’s face. My kids are bigger now, and even though I don’t condone breastfeeding in public, I don’t want to see some saggy boobs while I am having coffee or eating my lunch. Cover them up ladies, it doesn’t hurt anybody!!!

Alyssa Milano couldn’t be more wrong. First of all, no one wants to see your boobs. Second of all, boobs ARE a sexual thing. How do you think women attract men? Jeez, she’s dumb!

Breastfeeding does not give you the right to flash your boobs everywhere you go. How many moms would just let their boob hang out for everyone to see if they weren’t breastfeeding??? I don’t think any would, so cover your boob and feed your kid.

As a currently breastfeeding mom I will say that stories like this give me pause. They make me feel more insecure. When I have to be out and about with my baby I tote along a bib shaped cover (which goes over her and covers my chest) and usually feed her in the car or in designated nursing mother lounges or private areas, but sometimes you just don’t have that option. There have been times where I need to simply feed her in a less than private space, and I always hope that nobody will be offended. I know that comments like Wendy’s make me even more nervous and insecure, and I would venture to guess that they could possibly dissuade mothers from continuing to nurse for fear of offending people like her. It is a shame that we need to feel so much insecurity about a natural biological function.

Going to the bathroom, is a natural act but I cant do that in the middle of Target. If breastfeeding is so important to you pump before you go out.

It would cause a lot less drama if woman would cover up while doing it. Breast feed if you want. Just do it with some class

This was simply a “Agree to Disagree” conversation. They were both pleasant and Wendy stated that she does not understand why she feels that way. Many individuals feel that breastfeeding is a intimate moment that should be shared between mother and child. Many also just do not care it’s breast and being an adult who is sexually active you will see a lot more than a mother feeding her child. Alyssa has a strong stand/passion on this topic and you could see that with her graceful argument.

America’s media took a professional conversation and flipped it for clicks, likes and additional chatter to cause division between these two lovely women. Great job Wendy and Alyssa for being professionals and coming to a common ground even if still divided by standpoints.

Grow Up media outlets that are spinning this story!!!

So glad Alyssa stands up about what she believe something is right to do, kudo to her.

Alyssa get over yourself already. So you breastfeed, you and thousands of other women. shut up already. Big freaking deal.

I understand that some people are not confortable with what they see. Then don’t look. As simple as that. No one is wiggling their nipple in your face where you actually have to look against your own will. All you see is a baby’s head on what seems to be a breast. It doesn’t bother you to see when animals do it. On the contrary, everyone would probably go Aaaawwww! And with the terrible things that happen in the world and ALWAYS the poor kids being the victims. Can you imagine a one year old child dying of hypothermia while crossing the sea with his Syrian parents fleeing war?? And you don’t want to see the back of a baby’s head on his mother’s chest area???? You guys are nuts. Most of you who say that don’t have kids. You have no sensibility what-so-ever. And most worrisome, double standards, and no common sense at all. That’s all. Good day.

I don’t think any nudity should be on tv.

While the person who wrote “from an evolutionary biology standpoint, the purpose of breasts is to attract a mate” may seem to have given an intelligent response, it’s incorrect. Males are attracted to fertile females. Breasts in some animal and primate groups are used for play, but a male will never select in infertile female as a partner. He will select a female in heat, whose breasts will be engorged…she will 1. be a healthy mother who can get pregnant and 2. be able to feed her baby!!! The bottom line is that too many women spend all of their time stuffing their hoo-hahs into random men’s mouths and forget that they are for feeding babies also. If you do things with your breasts and then feel nasty about it then that’s your hang-up. Sex in the bedroom has nothing to do with breastfeeding. How could you look at a baby eating and think a mother should cover up? The answer is that you are not truly comfortable with what you do in the bedroom…you cannot separate your bedroom acts from what you need to do as a mother. You got the message from someone, somewhere, that breasts are dirty…that’s why. Wendy Williams’ reaction was a clear indicator that she feels uncomfortable about the things she does and now only feels disgust when she sees breasts. Sad. Very sad. A baby suckling at it’s mother’s teet is not sexual. Seems Americans are more comfortable with breasts being used as sexual playthings rather than for nourishing a baby. This isn’t even an issue in most countries around the world. If you can’t get over it, go to therapy and deal with your ridiculous hang up.

Why is everyone getting so upset about this? Let a mother breastfeed her baby in whatever manner makes her and her baby comfortable – covered up, not covered up, out in public or in a car, etc., etc. And while I would encourage people to not stare, be aware that it may happen. Hopefully, one day, seeing breastfeeding in public won’t be a big deal seeing as though all babies need to eat and sometimes not in the most convenient or discreet of places.

Interesting comments, enjoyed reading them.

Shame on Wendy Williams, she thinks her feelings (immature feelings) are more important than a baby’s needs!

I breast fed 3 children for 15 months for a total of 45 months of breastfeeding. They are all grown now, but I sometimes had to feed them in public, but always fed them discretely. I think nursing a baby in public is ok if done discretely. It’s not difficult to be discreet. I feed my babies in the library in the malls and on the airplane in the 70’s and 80’s and most people didn’t realize they were nursing! Many people would ask to see my child and they were shocked when I would tell them they couldn’t right now because they were busy eating! They didn’t know the difference. I used a light blanket over my shoulder, but there are many new inventions now to help a new mother be able to feed their baby without anyone even noticing! Breasts don’t have to be exposed to the public. It’s not all that difficult to be discreet!

Why do new moms need this “appreciation”? The joy of motherhood is in being a mother, not in telling everyone about it and how you choose to raise your baby. Public is not necessarily an issue for me but when you’re in a restaurant or a public swimming pool, then that is where it is inappropriate. I believe their are health risks in certain locations and when someone who is uncomfortable can’t walk away or when someone looks they get berated by self righteous mothers who are doing “the natural and beautiful thing.” It’s natural for my husband and I to feel a strong attraction and desire to copulate while I’m ovulating, he doesn’t bend me over the booth at Applebee’s and perform a “natural act.”

Interesting.

I’m very pleased to see her stands up and outspoken about the right of women breastfeeding in public, breastfeeding is the nature thing, nothing to shame about it!

She looks great in that picture.

I have read some articles about women and breast feeding. Some women have orgasms while breastfeeding,http://sexuality.about.com/od/anatomyresponse/a/orgasm_breastfe.htm. So, in my opinion, breast feeding should be a personal, intimate experience with your child that I don’t think the public should be privy too. I recently had some words with my sons daycare at my gym about letting a woman breastfeed in front of my son. This led to some uncomfortable discussions with my son. If you are going to breast feed in public, don’t do it in front of children whose parents aren’t there to tell them not to look.

I don’t mind breastfeeding in public as long as it is tasteful. In other words cover up and don’t bear all. What I find a bit disturbing is the fact she is still breast feeding at 16 months!? It’s just my opinion but I find it wrong to breastfeed after the child has teeth and can eat solid food. In the Western world it has no merit. I mean the child can eat solid food and food is plentiful. No reason to continue to breastfeed when they can get all their nutrients from a proper diet. In poor countries I understand because that really is the best food for the child. IDK, like I said kind of creeps me out when the child is that old. But nobody has the right to say she can’t, or take away her milk if that’s what she has decided to do.

Great job Alyssa! Why does everyone feel the need to bash one way or another? Calling names or making fun of, aren’t we supposed to be against bullying? I am pro breastfeeding in public, people argue that women “expose all” when doing so, but I have never once seen anymore than I would with a woman wearing a low cut shirt. So what is the big deal? I am not for one posting pictures of myself breastfeeding on social media, but maybe I would be if I had the kind of platform to go off of such as Alyssa, she is encouraging other women not to be ashamed of breastfeeding, plain and simple. And it IS something to celebrate, it IS an accomplishment. Many women aren’t as fortunate to be able to breastfeed as they and their infants had trouble getting the knack, it is not so easy as everyone makes it out to be, sure some catch on no problem while others really have to work at it. If you have such an issue with women breastfeeding in public then you should also have an issue with women wearing low cut shirts/bikinis. And yes, men are attracted to breasts, but my husband would never oogle a breastfeeding mother, or a woman wearing a low cut shirt, he has respect for women. And people worried about the children? Shouldn’t we be bringing them up to know about breastfeeding, to teach them that breasts have a purpose other than to be looked at? I don’t hide breastfeeding my 5 month old from my 5 year old, he knows it nourishes baby and will grow up to be respectful towards women just like his daddy, as we teach him that women are not “objects” and not to be looked at in a sexual manner whenever men see fit.

Awe you got your feeling hurt because someone doesn’t agree with your breastfeeding views ? Public means public so you should respect that not everyone wants to see your breastfeeding. Just as a misbehaved child in a public restaurant should be temporarily taken away from the area , so that others can continue to enjoy their meal, so should a mother excuse herself long enough to feed her child. Better yet , prepare a bottle in advance with your breast milk for your child. Or is that to much effort ? Or just stay home and have your beautiful moments to yourself. Discretion goes a long way . Maybe it is a generational thing , but whatever, it’s rude to impose on people in a public area, period. But I bet you are a person that has issues with authority and respect anyway.you’re going to do what you want no matter what because that is who you are. You are the only enlightened person and no one who disagrees with you matters.

I know I am a little late posting on this subject but western culture is the only one that finds breastfeeding past 6 months to a year is unheard of. Most culrure breastfeed until the child is 4 to 6 years of age. I am an educator and working on a nursing degree so I am knowledgable on the subject. It is recommended that a mother breastfeed at least until the age of 2. Then the mother should let the child decide when they no longer want to partake in breatsfeeding whether it be at age 2 or 4. Wendy Williams you judge people harshly. I once was a fan, but after watching you bash people while not fully considering both sides to the story has made me rethink your morals.