Trinati, Mother of a 17-Month-Old Defends Public Breastfeeding After Facing Backlash
The debate over public breastfeeding continues as Trinati, a mother of a 17-month-old, shares her experience of nursing her child in public spaces. Despite the natural need to feed her child, she often encounters discomfort and judgment from those around her.
Trinati remains undeterred by the negative reactions. She recounts instances where store employees directed her to secluded areas, like broom closets, suggesting she would be more “comfortable” breastfeeding there. Rejecting such notions, she emphasizes her commitment to meeting her child’s needs regardless of the setting.
In a move to confront the stigma, Trinati had her son photograph her breastfeeding her daughter at a Costco store. She expressed her desire to capture the lengths mothers go to care for their children, stating, “I never shy away from providing my children with what they may need from me based on our surroundings.”
Beyond public scrutiny, Trinati also faces questions from friends and family about the duration of her breastfeeding. She responds with conviction, “As long as she needs me to!” She challenges the sexualization of breastfeeding, humorously noting, “Really? Have you SEEN breastfeeding breasts? My nipples are very far from looking like something someone may fantasize about!”
Trinati aims to shift perceptions, emphasizing that breastfeeding is a nurturing act, not a sexual one. She highlights the challenges mothers face, from physical discomfort to public scrutiny, and calls for greater understanding and acceptance.
Sharing the Costco photo on Instagram, Trinati underscores her commitment to her children, writing, “My baby’s needs come waaaaaay before anyone else’s attempts to make me feel inappropriate for this sometimes-public act of nourishing and/or comforting my children.” She believes that trust and healthy relationships begin with attentive care in childhood.
