One in six mothers reveal they've received 'unwanted sexual attention' while breastfeeding - as women call out men on social media for making them feel 'indecent' and 'embarrassed'

  • 16% of women have received sexual attention while breastfeeding, survey shows
  • Mothers reported being 'eyed up' and receiving 'lewd comments' from strangers
  • Twitter users shared their shocking stories of being told it is 'indecent' 
  • Others slammed men for 'sexualising' breastfeeding, saying it is 'natural'

Women have slammed men for making them feel 'embarrassed' about breastfeeding in public. 

Women from around the world shared stories of how they were told it is 'indecent' to nurse their babies because breasts are designed 'for men's sexual pleasure'. 

It comes after research by UK-based firm Tommee Tippee found a staggering 16 per cent of mothers had received unwanted sexual attention while breastfeeding in public.

A sixth of the 1,000 women survey told how they had been 'eyed up by someone they didn't know'. Meanwhile 8 per cent reported receiving 'lewd comments'. 

Women from around the world shared stories of how they were told it is 'indecent' to nurse their babies because breasts are designed 'for men's sexual pleasure'. Stock image

Women from around the world shared stories of how they were told it is 'indecent' to nurse their babies because breasts are designed 'for men's sexual pleasure'. Stock image

Women took to Twitter stories of the criticism they had received for breastfeeding in public

Women took to Twitter stories of the criticism they had received for breastfeeding in public

Unwanted attention overall was a theme in respondents, with 62 per cent saying they had been 'stared at by strangers' and 25 per cent revealing they had received 'derisive comments'. 

The experience was reflected by social media users, who shared their own horror stories and criticised the sexualisation of the 'most natural thing in the world'. 

One tweeted: 'People who think a woman breastfeeding her baby is sexual seriously need professional help.'

Another posted: 'Breasts are not a sexual organ so if you have a problem with women breastfeeding their baby then it's you with the problem.' 

Women around the world untied to swap horror stories and call out people who are critical

Women around the world untied to swap horror stories and call out people who are critical

A third wrote sarcastically: 'How dare we ruin the sexual gaze with a baby in the way. How dare we act all mammal like? After breastfeeding three kiddos (one still going) I've heard all the nasty comments I think.'

The data was released to mark National Breastfeeding Week, which starts today.

Research reveals nursing mothers will change their plans in order to avoid breastfeeding in public because they are so worried about strangers' reaction.

More than a quarter said they had been tutted at, while 27 percent had been told by a stranger to go elsewhere to feed.  

Women pointed out breastfeeding is the 'most natural thing' and argued it is the critics who 'need help'

Women pointed out breastfeeding is the 'most natural thing' and argued it is the critics who 'need help'

One in 10 had been asked by restaurant or cafe staff to either cover up or leave the premises. 

It comes as separate research by breastfeeding product company Lansinoh found mothers were more nervous about nursing in public due to the coronavirus crisis.

Midwife and antenatal educator Marley Hall, who worked with the brand, said of the findings: 'Having a baby during the lockdown period has proven difficult for lots of women, especially when contact and support from family and friends has been limited. 

'With things slowly returning to normal, thinking about breastfeeding whilst out and about may feel worrisome for women and it's important that they are able to do so with ease, positivity and confidence.

'The World Health Organisation have made it clear that women should continue to feed their babies as normal as the benefits of doing so outweigh any risks associated with Covid-19.

'It's also good to remember that there are many breastfeeding mothers who may feel similar anxiety and more women are sharing a similar journey.'

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