Ban mums' bare boobs: young Swedes
Three out of four young Swedes think that breastfeeding mothers ought to keep their tops on in restaurants, bars and on public transport, according to a new survey.
”What we are hearing from mothers is that they feel that they have to choose between taking part in everyday life or breastfeeding their babies,” said Ingrid Rönn Hyttsten, of the breastfeeding support group Amningshjälpen, to newspaper Metro.
Sweden is often seen as a very tolerant country and 85 percent of Swedes think that breastfeeding is a good idea.
However, three out of four 18- to 22-year-olds think that there are some places where it is inappropriate for mothers to breastfeed, according to the study from baby product manufacturer Philips Avent.
According to the study, the least appropriate places to breastfeed is in a restaurant (20 percent), a bar (24 percent) or on the public transport system (18 percent).
Most feel that breastfeeding at private parties, at the beach and in the library is acceptable.
Paediatric coordinator at the Örebro county council, Maria Lind, fears what consequences the change in attitude will have on Swedish mothers' breastfeeding habits.
”Seeing as we are out and about in society to such an extent today, I fear that many will choose not to breast feed rather than stay indoors to feed their baby. That is the consequence when society signals it's not OK to breastfeed in public,” said Lind to Metro.
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”What we are hearing from mothers is that they feel that they have to choose between taking part in everyday life or breastfeeding their babies,” said Ingrid Rönn Hyttsten, of the breastfeeding support group Amningshjälpen, to newspaper Metro.
Sweden is often seen as a very tolerant country and 85 percent of Swedes think that breastfeeding is a good idea.
However, three out of four 18- to 22-year-olds think that there are some places where it is inappropriate for mothers to breastfeed, according to the study from baby product manufacturer Philips Avent.
According to the study, the least appropriate places to breastfeed is in a restaurant (20 percent), a bar (24 percent) or on the public transport system (18 percent).
Most feel that breastfeeding at private parties, at the beach and in the library is acceptable.
Paediatric coordinator at the Örebro county council, Maria Lind, fears what consequences the change in attitude will have on Swedish mothers' breastfeeding habits.
”Seeing as we are out and about in society to such an extent today, I fear that many will choose not to breast feed rather than stay indoors to feed their baby. That is the consequence when society signals it's not OK to breastfeed in public,” said Lind to Metro.
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