Discreetly, and with Grace

I was reading through one of the breastfeeding muslim page on facebook and i thought i'd share what the admin has written here..  

Salaam dearest sisters! As the blessed celebration of Eid approach us, we would like to trigger a reflection / discussion on the issue of modesty and breastfeeding. 

Following our Big Latch On event in Aug 2012, there has been some intense discussions on breastfeeding in public by Muslim mothers, it's acceptability, and whether it violates the concept of haya' in Islam, loosely translated to English as modesty, shyness, humility, as Muslim women. 

In our admin team discussion, we shared our personal perspectives, which ranged from some of us choosing NOT to nurse our baby in the presence of non Mahram, no matter how modestly covered, to that of breastfeeding anywhere and everywhere. We also discussed the community's perception, including that of some of our own husbands, on whose views bear most significance. 

Our discussion brought us back to the original intent of why the need to breastfeed in public, and in doing so normalizing the act of Fitrah. The need is based on the need of our child, particularly the young infant whose need to nurse may know no time and place. Breastfeeding in public is not something we do just because, or out of pride or to make a statement, but because as mothers it is our responsibility to meet our child's needs. But how do we do so modestly, and discreetly with much care, such as to not only avoid fitnah on ourselves, but to also make sure that really, it does not compromise our haya' as a Muslimah? Or is breastfeeding, by virtue of it involving breasts, something that one should do only in private, so as not to attract attention? 

Our discussion concluded that based on our experience as breastfeeding mothers, putting a strict expectation on mothers to not bf outside her home or enclosed rooms basically denies the child his rights, and puts the mother in great difficulty in meeting the needs of her child, especially a very young infant. Breastfeeding in the public space is a necessity, but what is also necessary is discretion on our part, to ensure we use a nursing cover no matter how labuh our tudung may be. And to try, as far as possible, to latch our baby in a private space, so as not to attract undue attention to the act of latching, particularly when baby is fussy and crying. In the discussion among the admin team, we event "tegur" each other on "accidents" that we have witnessed, unknowing to ourselves. 

Such is the beauty of friendship, as the Prophet saw has said, the believers are mirrors to one another. So as your mirror too, with Eid around the corner, we urge mothers to bring your nursing covers along, and where possible, calm and latch our babies in a private space, meeting their right not only for milk but also for peace and comfort, amidst the festive and busy atmosphere of Eid. 

Nurse discreetly mommies, and with grace :)