I'm 41 and a first time mum of a beautiful 6 month old miracle girl, I live in Australia where laws protect us there are still people who are against public breastfeeding, you are amazing and I thank you for writing this :)
Wow. I had my children in NZ and never worried about feeding in public. It was only my visiting Dad who one day asked "wouldn't you be more comfortable over there" - pointing to the gloomy end of a café. I said 'No' and plonked down in the bright middle in the sunshine! Stay out of the shadows or folk'll just keep pushing us in there. Awesome.
LOVE IT!!! I proudly nursed my daughter in public everywhere - coffee shops, restaurants, airports, trains, busses, airplanes, the zoo, botanical gardens, etc. No one should ever feel ashamed to feed their child the best milk.
My friend just got complained about by her neighbors because she had the audacity to sit on her apartment's balcony while breastfeeding. It drives me insane that we live in a world that tells women that they should feel ashamed if they don't have kids, and then tells them that they should feel ashamed if they don't keep every aspect of pregnancy and breastfeeding hidden from the world.
I just love this poem, even though it brings back horrible memories. I was just turned 20 when I had my first daughter and spent many hours sat feeding her in those stinking toilet cubicles. On the odd occasion when I was feeling brave enough to feed her in a cafe I would always get disapproving looks, and muttered comments, and the sad thing is they would nearly always come from other, older, women. The worst experience was in BHS cafe when a very smartly dressed older lady stormed up to me and proceeded to tell me how disgusting I was and that I was an example of what was going wrong in our country. I was devastated. I rushed home and spent the rest of the day in tears. Even in my own home I was made to feel embarrassed. Whenever my in laws visited I was made to go upstairs (at their request) when breastfeeding so I didn't upset or embarrass my father in law. I'm now 41 but I still get angry for my 20 year old self. Thank you for writing this. It speaks volumes.
You've got it in a nutshell! I've always been embarrassed feeding in public, even though I know it's not me that's wrong. I've even been asked by some women whether I should go upstairs to feed my daughter in my own house! You're an inspiration. x x
Good for you, this is poetically fantastic and highlights just how we are having our bodies stolen from us in the name of money. Your daughter is very lucky to have such a smart mother.
I'm a first time mom. A few weeks away from the birth of my daughter. And I've been getting more and more nervous about how I will breastfeed her if she is hungry in public. So thank you. Truly thank you so much for this. It brought tears to my eyes. But also gave me confidence.
Iheartamy O I hope your feeding her with pride and shame free. She is your bubba, never worry about others thoughts. You have a right to feed her wherever you are. :)
Beautifully, poignantly expressed. Powerful good. Your piece makes me feel so blessed that as a woman, a mother and a manager, I was able to bring my wee 6 month old son into a management meeting, one-on-one with the company owner, & lift up my shirt without pause and put my baby on for a snack all whilst still discussing business and all without pause.
Hollie, this is an amazing commentary - thank you. I had my babies in the late 70's and early 80's and breastfed them both - in public when necessary. When I travelled from Canada to Ireland with my 2 1/2 month old infant I fed her when she was hungry. I was as discrete as I could be but would NOT be put off by looks or comments. I am sad that there is still such negativity around breastfeeing while at the same time agreement that, when possible, it is preferred to breastfeed (and I know it is not always possible)
This is amazing and so powerful. I was crying before the end of it. With my first son I sat in so many dirty toilet cubicles to feed and hated it but grew more confident over time. With my second son who is currently 4 months old I breastfeed anywhere and everywhere, wherever he decides he is hungry and I do it with pride and not an ounce of embarrassment or shame anymore. I hold my head up this time, knowing I'm giving my children the best I can :)
Thank you. It's so important to feel comfortable nursing your baby wherever you happen to be when they get hungry. Especially those first few months when all you want to do is leave the house and sit at a cafe, or take a walk. I was lucky enough to have supportive family, friends, and a great community; I never needed or wanted to use formula - and with my first I had an oversupply so I donated a freezer full. Thank you Hollie, from California, USA.
Fantastic!! I fed all my babies in public and refused to ever feed them in a toilet, how many people would eat in a loo?? Breasts are there for more than pleasure and as for formula it makes the babies poop stink and is so unnatural and lacking in all the essential ingredients that breast milk provides!! So provide more support for mums to help those that struggle to breastfeed and as for the embarrassed and opinionated go eat your lunch in a loo and see how you like it!! Bravo for speaking out and getting the topic into the public eye even though it should never be an issue, Some people need to grow up and start putting babies needs first!!
The only time I ever pump is when I have to leave for a few hours, other than that I see nothing wrong with breastfeeding my child. There is nothing disgusting or sexual about feeding your baby. Do you wanna know what IS gross?? Feeding your baby cows milk because you're too ashamed to feed them your own. - thus doesn't apply to those who can't breastfeed.
You made me cry... I suffer from the same embarrassment and verbal harassment on my channel every day and your words express exactly how I feel. On top of that it's so beautifully written and recited. Thank you Hollie, for bringing some sense into this world. BREASTFEED ON LADIES!!!!!!
It makes me so angry, this stupid bloody attitude against women breastfeeding in public. I was in a café once and two women (!) were muttering that it was putting them off their meal. Told them THEY were putting me off mine. And the points she makes against companies selling powdered milk in countries with bad water (Hello Nestle!) are spot on.
I've watched this four times now. It's absolutely amazing. It gives me goosebumps because it's SO TRUE and people just won't see it. Thank you for speaking out. You have awesome talent.
Hollie, you are a hero, a mum, a powerful women. You choose to do what is best for your child and your daughter is so lucky to have you stand up for your rights and hers. I nursed my son one time in a public toilet and vowed to him to never do it again, I felt ashamed of myself that I bowed to my anxiety caused by my impression of what other people thought. I don't care what other people think of me nursing my son in public, he needs to nurse when he needs to and that is all there is to it. Tha
I didn't think this was an issue in the UK. I've seen it myself plenty of times and nobody was bothered. Quite the opposite, anyone giving the mother hassle would be told to jog on.
***** The law doesn't protect us from rude people. It gives us the right to breastfeed in public but does not spare us nasty looks and uneducated people from making stupid comments.
I work in a pub where women breast feed often. There's only ever been one occasion when someone complained. This horrible woman arguing that her elderly father shouldn't have to look at 'that'… I was horrified and we basically told her that if she didn't like it she could leave the pub, because we certainly weren't telling the breast feeding mother.
Women's bodies are so sexualised that people don't seem to be able to separate breasts from sex in this very natural and nonsexual context. Then they blame it on the tits and the owner of the tits rather than their own perception of those things. If people recognised their own conditioned state here they'd be able to get over it perhaps, and then we could get over it collectively all the sooner. Lovely words Hollie. .
This is so wonderful! I wish this was widely accepted. It breaks my heart to think of women suffering like this! I came across you by chance and I don't think I could hit subscribe quickly enough! Speak it sister and don't ever be embarrassed or ashamed. No mother should question whether or not they are in the wrong for feeding their baby!
this was posted in 2013... but its words carry such worth. I remember being stuck in bathrooms with my first baby, every 2hours. I would cry because after months of spending half of my babies life hiding I felt trapped. I literally was losing my mind. it's like punishment for breastfeeding
When logic and clear thoughts, spoken with such a passion come together in a amazing poem - this is so powerful and wonderful. I can not thank you enough for this encouraging video. With my deepest respect!
I totally agree with you Hun! Well said. I felt the same with my first child. With my second I fed her in public with no problems and at home without even covering her, no matter who was there. I did ask first, and no one had any problems, thank goodness! It's so natural and beautiful. If people have an issue they should go and soak their heads!
I not only cry EVERY time I watch this, but I've shared it on my facebook page and so have my new mom friends. I had my son July 3rd 2013 and this poem helped me get the confidence to bust out breastfeeding in public and dare anyone to say something. So moving, thank you!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABY! Your poem moved me to tears. Please, be strong and keep up the right, the natural right, you and your baby have to do what is natural and healthy!
Thank you. So well said. Not only do you need to be respected for who you are, feel comfortable in who you are and made to feel like your body is yours and not owned by this system, but so does your kid. They need to be respected and shown that the dont need to feel embarassed for their own actions.
This is truly the best poem I have ever heard. I'm sorry that you were treated that way all because you put your child's needs above your own. I know one day she will read/view this poem and will be proud that you stood up for what is natural.
This had me in tears, you completely explain what I go through. Not to mention how hard it is to feed on a toilet. I have yet to feed in public let alone in front of my own family because of the fear that they've put into me. I'm proud to have breastfed my daughter for 2 years almost and I wish I had more support from the people who matter to me.
Thank you so much for all you comments and shares and everything, I can't tell you how shocked I am by this and how much I appreciate you taking the time x
I've just seen that you are speaking at the baby friendly conference this year. I'm so excited to see you there! Thank you so much for this. I have shared it so so many times 😊. It really strikes a chord with me. Very moving.
Thank you for sharing this. It is inspired and inspiring. You have a beautifully melodic and rhythmic quality to your voice and your poetry. I love what you have to say and how you say it. Thank you from every mom who's ever nursed her child, and her supporters.
You are amazing! Thank you for speaking out. I think I would have gone all mama bear on anyone who tried to make me feel inappropriate about breastfeeding my boys (3+ years each - at home & in public). I believe it is one of the things that saved them from being severely autistic. At 11 & 15, they are now very high-functioning but still struggling. Nothing can replace the closeness and nutrition of breastfeeding. We should not ever have to be ashamed of giving our kids the best start possible.
This is simply amazing - you're spot on. My heart aches for you and your baby feeling you had to feed in toilets - I proudly (and very discreetly) feed my 5 month old baby and have been very lucky not to have had any comments (yet?). I formula fed my first child when I thought it was better for him and easier for me. I now realise I was conned, like so many women are, by corrupt corporations into paying for something second rate (and, no, I'm not bashing formula feeding mums - it's just fact) instead of using this incredible thing we have for free. Our bodies have now been completely taken away from us. And even apart from the message, your poetry is bloody good!!
I just keep coming back and back to this. It's so simple yet so absolutely profound. The only response is Thank You. You breech all culture, and circumstance. I Love You!! :)
Thank you. This is a beautiful poem that everybody should see. I nursed my son for 14 months, and for the first few weeks - yes, it was awkward breastfeeding in public (Texas, USA). I think because I'm Dutch, and nursing is so common and not frowned upon in the Netherlands/my family/friends - I eventually embraced it. And I'm so glad I did. Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. It's just about time the rest of the world catches up to this.
Preach it mama, this is powerful. I've watched it three times in a row and am still tearing. Proud breastfeeding Mama of a 16 month old baby...Thank you for this
I saw this as I was breastfeeding my daughter in my bedroom, I haven't gone out in 12 weeks because I'm scared of what people will say if she gets hungry. Thank you for saying this, it really means a lot to know that there is support for women who breastfeed.
42 years after I stopped nursing my son (at age 2) this insanity is still ongoing. Hollie you are light shinning in a dark world that seriously needs help in understanding women and children. Standing ovation for you, beautiful girl. Your daughter is so lucky.
Amazing! In tears because you're so right!! I have breastfed both my babies. My daughter until she weaned herself at 16months. I was very lucky and never got made to feel bad for doing so in public (but mainly through sheer bloody mindedness) Even so I have fed both of mine in toilets once or twice before thinking f**k this! This is an amazing piece of writing. Good for you!
This is so beautiful. This is just what I needed to hear. Thank you so much. I think I have found my confidence again and I really appreciate this. I will always remember it. Thank you.
As a mom who nursed 2 boys for 3+ years each (now 11 & 15 yrs old), I am loving this conversation! They are now very high functioning autistic, but could have been severely autistic without the contact, nutrition and reassurance that breastfeeding provided them. Of course, I did not know this then, I was just following my gut and information for neuro-typical babies. A mother's instinct should always be listened to. Also, my hubby is supportive and generally awesome.
I am so glad you did this ! I've done it too fed my daughter in toilets,tried hard to minimise her cry on trains all so someone doesn't feel offended, all i can say is never again.
This is really extraordinary. You are an incredibly talented young woman, and you've stated beautifully, melodically and creatively what so many women struggle with around the world. I wish you the best!
just listened to this after seeing article about you in Cambridge News ~ powerful message, powerfully delivered, and has made me look at this subject in a new way
Thanks for this message too - I didn't think it was a bad comment, just that it made the issue look like a smaller thing that's all. I do hate the faddy thing but reckon this is something many will stick to cos it's so personal. I have fed my kid for a year now (I mean breastfed, I have fed her!) and it's still stuck to me. But yeah, definitely there are so many issues and it's good to talk about them too for sure
Thank you. My now 13 year old nursed for 3 1/2 years. I wish I'd had this then, to pass around. It's beautiful and hard hitting and shocking. You are seriously awesome.
Amazing....profound......I'm crying. .....my daughter is 3 and I heard these comments from my own mother and it still hurts. ......Well put Hollie McNish!!!!!!
Hollie McNish, you are one talented poet. I'm so impressed by your cleverness of your craft and the elegance of your passion. I can hear women everywhere shouting, "Yeah!" in unison. Or-not quite in unison since they're yelling in thousands of languages, but it's the energy that matters. ~ An admiring 69-yr-old American woman
Wow, this was powerful. I was one of those people that thought that breast feeding in public was a shameful thing and that mothers should just go to the restroom. I now realize that I should be the one ashamed for my ignorance and undue bias on the subject. Thank you for sharing this poem that helped alter my perspective.
THANK YOU.. this is so powerful and moving. I have shared it and hope everyone will see it! I felt the very same way...but i swear i will be stronger for my next one! no more sweaty babies under a blanket! ...or in a bathroom!
Hollie, you are wonderful with words. I began breastfeeding my firstborn in hiding, and fortunately had a sweet waitress seek me out in the restroom and there I stood, balancing my baby with difficulty, as I wouldn't go into the toilet stall. The lady told me not to be ashamed or shy, and to return to my table and husband, and feel proud to feed my baby just as we were feeding ourselves. I never looked back, draped myself when it seems wise and loved every moment of nursing all three children!
I was nervous with my first one, expressed it, should she need a feed when out but after that...nah. I was only ever challenged once, in McDonalds with a shawl covering me and baby so NOTHING was on show. Was told "but we know what you're doing"...I pointed out that they would still know if I went into toilet with little one.
Awesome. See that's the point. At one side we have extremists who hate women for breastfeeding the innocent little children, and then at the opposite we have women who would expose too much in the name of 'rights to breastfeed'. A proper shawl to cover should suffice. That's the moderate way. People forget that the breastfeeding is a sacred right of the CHILD who is being fed, So you are your child's mother, but you are not the mother of other men around. You are an attractive opposite gender for them, so better cover your bosom and feed your child, but you don't have to go to a dirty place like toilette to feed your cute little koochie koo. :D
Excellent as always Hollie. It's weird how this society seems to have gone backward in this respect. 40 years ago I was breastfeeding discreetly wherever I happened to be and never noticed any hostile reaction. A hungry baby cries. Ignorant people complain. You feed it. Ignorant people complain. I wonder, why do those complainers have a problem with normal, healthy behaviour and do they complain about the murderous perversity of Nestle and the likes?
So awesome! I have three kids and with each one got more and more comfortable nursing in public. I realized my kids are more important than anyone else
this is literally perfect I'm not even religious or any of that but this whole message is amazing I don't understand why the world is the way it is today but people like you are all we got left
As a mother of three daughters, all breastfed and having gone through that embarrassment myself, I loved this. I am now pregnant with my fourth after remarrying (it's been 10 years since my youngest), I am fully expecting people to still give me shifty looks and unpleasantness with my little boy, but I think I will point them in the direction of this youtube video. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
YES!!! As a breastfeeding mother of a 2 year old boy this made me very emotional! You are so awesome girl, thank you for writing this!! I have had my own family tell me public breastfeeding is obscene! Thank you again
This made me cry. Its so sad how much people are not accepting of something so natural. I have never ran into this problem but Most of the time I was feeding my 3 in the car. Also where I'm at there are a lot of places that even have nursing rooms. These are all valid points. There are so many benefits to breast feeding your child. Even the formula companies say that Breast is Best
I have watched this so many times and it's just fantastic. Sadly I had to battle feed my child because my body wouldn't cooperate but I would encourage every new mother to at least try. Breastfeeding is beautiful and natural and it's so sad how people are offended by a baby feeding but not disgusted by the stream of filth on our tvs, computers and shops.
This poem is just phenomenal! I wish I hadn't sat on lids with me lil Finn, but the one on the way will most certainly not be experiencing that, especially after hearing this. Thank you Holly :) xxx
Wow.. wowwww! I am so grateful for this. What an incredible and intelligent articulation of many of my own thoughts. I am a breastfeeding mother that waited weeks to leave the house as well. I have a list of things I planned to say if anyone has a problem but thankfully I haven't had any rude comments yet. Or.. maybe I just haven't heard them. Keep changing the world, Hollie!
Hollie you verbalized something so important! I breastfed for 18 months, and did it all over town, experiencing countless embarrassing moments and dirty looks. I'm lucky to be like you and after first sequestering myself in bathrooms, even being sent there by strangers, said, no more! You're a beautiful artist, and you have an important message I will be sharing! Carry on! XOXO
This video had me crying my eyes out; it's brilliant. I've never gone into a loo to breastfeed my son, but I still (he's almost 6 months old) feel a little bit anxious that someone is going to say something unpleasant.
Hollie. Fantastic. Every sentiment you've expressed here I wholeheartedly agree with and you've expressed them with such flair. I get extremely angry with people's intolerance towards breastfeeding mothers. Their attitude is utterly perverse, I feel like slapping them silly. Well done for taking your own indignation and resentment and channeling it into something so creative and informing.
Thank you so os much for all your comments. Hopefully one day people will hear this and think 'what the hell is she talking about!' xx
I'm 41 and a first time mum of a beautiful 6 month old miracle girl, I live in Australia where laws protect us there are still people who are against public breastfeeding, you are amazing and I thank you for writing this :)
Beautiful poem.
Q
Just amazing. I have no words, only tears as I nurse my daughter. Thank you for sharing Hollie.
Wow. I had my children in NZ and never worried about feeding in public. It was only my visiting Dad who one day asked "wouldn't you be more comfortable over there" - pointing to the gloomy end of a café. I said 'No' and plonked down in the bright middle in the sunshine! Stay out of the shadows or folk'll just keep pushing us in there. Awesome.
LOVE IT!!! I proudly nursed my daughter in public everywhere - coffee shops, restaurants, airports, trains, busses, airplanes, the zoo, botanical gardens, etc. No one should ever feel ashamed to feed their child the best milk.
My friend just got complained about by her neighbors because she had the audacity to sit on her apartment's balcony while breastfeeding. It drives me insane that we live in a world that tells women that they should feel ashamed if they don't have kids, and then tells them that they should feel ashamed if they don't keep every aspect of pregnancy and breastfeeding hidden from the world.
I just love this poem, even though it brings back horrible memories. I was just turned 20 when I had my first daughter and spent many hours sat feeding her in those stinking toilet cubicles. On the odd occasion when I was feeling brave enough to feed her in a cafe I would always get disapproving looks, and muttered comments, and the sad thing is they would nearly always come from other, older, women. The worst experience was in BHS cafe when a very smartly dressed older lady stormed up to me and proceeded to tell me how disgusting I was and that I was an example of what was going wrong in our country. I was devastated. I rushed home and spent the rest of the day in tears. Even in my own home I was made to feel embarrassed. Whenever my in laws visited I was made to go upstairs (at their request) when breastfeeding so I didn't upset or embarrass my father in law.
I'm now 41 but I still get angry for my 20 year old self. Thank you for writing this. It speaks volumes.
You've got it in a nutshell! I've always been embarrassed feeding in public, even though I know it's not me that's wrong. I've even been asked by some women whether I should go upstairs to feed my daughter in my own house! You're an inspiration. x x
Good for you, this is poetically fantastic and highlights just how we are having our bodies stolen from us in the name of money.
Your daughter is very lucky to have such a smart mother.
This poem is so amazingly powerful. I'm so lucky that my amazing wife breastfed all my three boys. Thank you
I'm a first time mom. A few weeks away from the birth of my daughter. And I've been getting more and more nervous about how I will breastfeed her if she is hungry in public. So thank you. Truly thank you so much for this. It brought tears to my eyes. But also gave me confidence.
Iheartamy O I hope your feeding her with pride and shame free. She is your bubba, never worry about others thoughts. You have a right to feed her wherever you are. :)
+Iheartamy O I hope your journey is going well, don't let the nay-sayers bring you down. Your choice to breastfeed is a beautiful thing.
+Iheartamy O I hope your journey is going well. I hope that you have plenty of support around you to do what you want to do for your child.
Beautifully, poignantly expressed. Powerful good. Your piece makes me feel so blessed that as a woman, a mother and a manager, I was able to bring my wee 6 month old son into a management meeting, one-on-one with the company owner, & lift up my shirt without pause and put my baby on for a snack all whilst still discussing business and all without pause.
Hollie, this is an amazing commentary - thank you. I had my babies in the late 70's and early 80's and breastfed them both - in public when necessary. When I travelled from Canada to Ireland with my 2 1/2 month old infant I fed her when she was hungry. I was as discrete as I could be but would NOT be put off by looks or comments. I am sad that there is still such negativity around breastfeeing while at the same time agreement that, when possible, it is preferred to breastfeed (and I know it is not always possible)
What a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing this with us.
This is amazing and so powerful. I was crying before the end of it. With my first son I sat in so many dirty toilet cubicles to feed and hated it but grew more confident over time. With my second son who is currently 4 months old I breastfeed anywhere and everywhere, wherever he decides he is hungry and I do it with pride and not an ounce of embarrassment or shame anymore. I hold my head up this time, knowing I'm giving my children the best I can :)
Thank you. It's so important to feel comfortable nursing your baby wherever you happen to be when they get hungry. Especially those first few months when all you want to do is leave the house and sit at a cafe, or take a walk. I was lucky enough to have supportive family, friends, and a great community; I never needed or wanted to use formula - and with my first I had an oversupply so I donated a freezer full. Thank you Hollie, from California, USA.
I seriously don't get why people are against breast feeding in public. When a baby is hungry they need to be fed, simple as that.
Fantastic!! I fed all my babies in public and refused to ever feed them in a toilet, how many people would eat in a loo?? Breasts are there for more than pleasure and as for formula it makes the babies poop stink and is so unnatural and lacking in all the essential ingredients that breast milk provides!! So provide more support for mums to help those that struggle to breastfeed and as for the embarrassed and opinionated go eat your lunch in a loo and see how you like it!! Bravo for speaking out and getting the topic into the public eye even though it should never be an issue, Some people need to grow up and start putting babies needs first!!
The only time I ever pump is when I have to leave for a few hours, other than that I see nothing wrong with breastfeeding my child. There is nothing disgusting or sexual about feeding your baby. Do you wanna know what IS gross?? Feeding your baby cows milk because you're too ashamed to feed them your own. - thus doesn't apply to those who can't breastfeed.
You made me cry... I suffer from the same embarrassment and verbal harassment on my channel every day and your words express exactly how I feel. On top of that it's so beautifully written and recited. Thank you Hollie, for bringing some sense into this world. BREASTFEED ON LADIES!!!!!!
This brought tears to my eyes - you are a lyrical genius. Thank you for creating this and sharing it with the world.
*slow clap*
*slow clap*
*slow clap*
I bow in deep appreciation for you.
This is probably my favourite TH-cam ever :) I mention it in my youtube review of your amazing new book!! xx
It makes me so angry, this stupid bloody attitude against women breastfeeding in public. I was in a café once and two women (!) were muttering that it was putting them off their meal. Told them THEY were putting me off mine. And the points she makes against companies selling powdered milk in countries with bad water (Hello Nestle!) are spot on.
I've watched this four times now. It's absolutely amazing. It gives me goosebumps because it's SO TRUE and people just won't see it.
Thank you for speaking out. You have awesome talent.
Hollie, you are a hero, a mum, a powerful women. You choose to do what is best for your child and your daughter is so lucky to have you stand up for your rights and hers.
I nursed my son one time in a public toilet and vowed to him to never do it again, I felt ashamed of myself that I bowed to my anxiety caused by my impression of what other people thought.
I don't care what other people think of me nursing my son in public, he needs to nurse when he needs to and that is all there is to it.
Tha
I didn't think this was an issue in the UK. I've seen it myself plenty of times and nobody was bothered. Quite the opposite, anyone giving the mother hassle would be told to jog on.
I was asked once to move to the toilet. I politely asked them to eat their lunch in the loo..gobsmacked
That's great that you haven't been asked to move when breastfeeding.
All of the UK is protected by law, but not everyone knows that.
***** The law doesn't protect us from rude people. It gives us the right to breastfeed in public but does not spare us nasty looks and uneducated people from making stupid comments.
I work in a pub where women breast feed often. There's only ever been one occasion when someone complained. This horrible woman arguing that her elderly father shouldn't have to look at 'that'… I was horrified and we basically told her that if she didn't like it she could leave the pub, because we certainly weren't telling the breast feeding mother.
I am moved. Thank you.
Women's bodies are so sexualised that people don't seem to be able to separate breasts from sex in this very natural and nonsexual context. Then they blame it on the tits and the owner of the tits rather than their own perception of those things. If people recognised their own conditioned state here they'd be able to get over it perhaps, and then we could get over it collectively all the sooner. Lovely words Hollie.
.
This is so wonderful! I wish this was widely accepted. It breaks my heart to think of women suffering like this! I came across you by chance and I don't think I could hit subscribe quickly enough! Speak it sister and don't ever be embarrassed or ashamed. No mother should question whether or not they are in the wrong for feeding their baby!
this was posted in 2013... but its words carry such worth. I remember being stuck in bathrooms with my first baby, every 2hours. I would cry because after months of spending half of my babies life hiding I felt trapped. I literally was losing my mind. it's like punishment for breastfeeding
i came across this again today after watching it when it first came out and it STILL brings tears to my eyes! it is so powerful and moving!
When logic and clear thoughts, spoken with such a passion come together in a amazing poem - this is so powerful and wonderful. I can not thank you enough for this encouraging video.
With my deepest respect!
Only just come across this and i absolutely love it. Fantastic woman. No mother should feel ashamed of feeding her child in public. Very inspirational
I totally agree with you Hun! Well said. I felt the same with my first child. With my second I fed her in public with no problems and at home without even covering her, no matter who was there. I did ask first, and no one had any problems, thank goodness! It's so natural and beautiful. If people have an issue they should go and soak their heads!
Love this woman - she manages to say it all in a way I wish I could
I not only cry EVERY time I watch this, but I've shared it on my facebook page and so have my new mom friends. I had my son July 3rd 2013 and this poem helped me get the confidence to bust out breastfeeding in public and dare anyone to say something. So moving, thank you!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABY! Your poem moved me to tears. Please, be strong and keep up the right, the natural right, you and your baby have to do what is natural and healthy!
So true! Powerful words, well done speaking up for all of us mums who have experienced this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Perhaps the most compelling recitation of a poem I have heard in a dozen years or more.
Truly brilliant!!!
Thank you. So well said.
Not only do you need to be respected for who you are, feel comfortable in who you are and made to feel like your body is yours and not owned by this system, but so does your kid. They need to be respected and shown that the dont need to feel embarassed for their own actions.
This is truly the best poem I have ever heard. I'm sorry that you were treated that way all because you put your child's needs above your own. I know one day she will read/view this poem and will be proud that you stood up for what is natural.
I'm not really an emotional person but this has brought tears to my every time I've watched it. Beautiful and powerful words
This had me in tears, you completely explain what I go through. Not to mention how hard it is to feed on a toilet. I have yet to feed in public let alone in front of my own family because of the fear that they've put into me. I'm proud to have breastfed my daughter for 2 years almost and I wish I had more support from the people who matter to me.
Tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere!
Thank you so much for all you comments and shares and everything, I can't tell you how shocked I am by this and how much I appreciate you taking the time x
I've just seen that you are speaking at the baby friendly conference this year. I'm so excited to see you there!
Thank you so much for this. I have shared it so so many times 😊. It really strikes a chord with me. Very moving.
Thank you for sharing this. It is inspired and inspiring. You have a beautifully melodic and rhythmic quality to your voice and your poetry. I love what you have to say and how you say it. Thank you from every mom who's ever nursed her child, and her supporters.
Beautiful words Hollie! I hope this changes many people's lives and way of thinking. ♡
You are amazing! Thank you for speaking out. I think I would have gone all mama bear on anyone who tried to make me feel inappropriate about breastfeeding my boys (3+ years each - at home & in public). I believe it is one of the things that saved them from being severely autistic. At 11 & 15, they are now very high-functioning but still struggling. Nothing can replace the closeness and nutrition of breastfeeding. We should not ever have to be ashamed of giving our kids the best start possible.
This is simply amazing - you're spot on. My heart aches for you and your baby feeling you had to feed in toilets - I proudly (and very discreetly) feed my 5 month old baby and have been very lucky not to have had any comments (yet?). I formula fed my first child when I thought it was better for him and easier for me. I now realise I was conned, like so many women are, by corrupt corporations into paying for something second rate (and, no, I'm not bashing formula feeding mums - it's just fact) instead of using this incredible thing we have for free. Our bodies have now been completely taken away from us. And even apart from the message, your poetry is bloody good!!
This is wonderful! Thank you so much for saying this, and saying it so well.
I just keep coming back and back to this. It's so simple yet so absolutely profound. The only response is Thank You. You breech all culture, and circumstance. I Love You!! :)
Got chills! My oldest is now 16, and I refused to sit in a loo to feed any of my children. So glad you shared this, Hollie.
Thank you. This is a beautiful poem that everybody should see. I nursed my son for 14 months, and for the first few weeks - yes, it was awkward breastfeeding in public (Texas, USA). I think because I'm Dutch, and nursing is so common and not frowned upon in the Netherlands/my family/friends - I eventually embraced it. And I'm so glad I did. Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. It's just about time the rest of the world catches up to this.
Preach it mama, this is powerful. I've watched it three times in a row and am still tearing. Proud breastfeeding Mama of a 16 month old baby...Thank you for this
Wow. So articulate. I just shared with my wife - currently breast feeding our 7 month old. She has experienced similar "looks".
I saw this as I was breastfeeding my daughter in my bedroom, I haven't gone out in 12 weeks because I'm scared of what people will say if she gets hungry. Thank you for saying this, it really means a lot to know that there is support for women who breastfeed.
42 years after I stopped nursing my son (at age 2) this insanity is still ongoing. Hollie you are light shinning in a dark world that seriously needs help in understanding women and children. Standing ovation for you, beautiful girl. Your daughter is so lucky.
Amazing! In tears because you're so right!! I have breastfed both my babies. My daughter until she weaned herself at 16months. I was very lucky and never got made to feel bad for doing so in public (but mainly through sheer bloody mindedness) Even so I have fed both of mine in toilets once or twice before thinking f**k this! This is an amazing piece of writing. Good for you!
i genuinely think this is the most beautiful poem i've ever heard in the modern world. thank you for sharing your words and our feelings.
This is so beautiful. This is just what I needed to hear. Thank you so much. I think I have found my confidence again and I really appreciate this. I will always remember it. Thank you.
damn girl. you say it the most. this was a powerful tribute to the sane, thoughtful people of the world. thank you.
As a mom who nursed 2 boys for 3+ years each (now 11 & 15 yrs old), I am loving this conversation! They are now very high functioning autistic, but could have been severely autistic without the contact, nutrition and reassurance that breastfeeding provided them. Of course, I did not know this then, I was just following my gut and information for neuro-typical babies. A mother's instinct should always be listened to. Also, my hubby is supportive and generally awesome.
You're a massive inspiration Holly - please keep using your talent to challenge taboos and encourage more discussion :) thank you!
I am so glad you did this ! I've done it too fed my daughter in toilets,tried hard to minimise her cry on trains all so someone doesn't feel offended, all i can say is never again.
i can't see any danger of it, but never stop, you are so right on, everyone I show your stuff has agreed, inspirational
This absolutely blew me away! Being raised with so much insight & wisdom I would love 2 c wat kind of a person ur daughter grows in2. X
This is really extraordinary. You are an incredibly talented young woman, and you've stated beautifully, melodically and creatively what so many women struggle with around the world. I wish you the best!
just listened to this after seeing article about you in Cambridge News ~ powerful message, powerfully delivered, and has made me look at this subject in a new way
Hollie, this is genius. I think of this video often. Thank you. It's so beautiful and powerful. I can feel the pain as a nursing mama.
Thanks for this message too - I didn't think it was a bad comment, just that it made the issue look like a smaller thing that's all. I do hate the faddy thing but reckon this is something many will stick to cos it's so personal. I have fed my kid for a year now (I mean breastfed, I have fed her!) and it's still stuck to me. But yeah, definitely there are so many issues and it's good to talk about them too for sure
Thank you.
My now 13 year old nursed for 3 1/2 years. I wish I'd had this then, to pass around.
It's beautiful and hard hitting and shocking.
You are seriously awesome.
Thank you so much! This touched me to tears! It's everything I've wanted to day about the way I've felt. Thank you!
Dear Hollie. very beautifully put, brought a tear of compassion and empathy to my eyes. Thank you. xxxxxxxxxx
Amazing....profound......I'm crying. .....my daughter is 3 and I heard these comments from my own mother and it still hurts. ......Well put Hollie McNish!!!!!!
Hollie McNish, you are one talented poet. I'm so impressed by your cleverness of your craft and the elegance of your passion. I can hear women everywhere shouting, "Yeah!" in unison. Or-not quite in unison since they're yelling in thousands of languages, but it's the energy that matters. ~ An admiring 69-yr-old American woman
Wow, this was powerful. I was one of those people that thought that breast feeding in public was a shameful thing and that mothers should just go to the restroom. I now realize that I should be the one ashamed for my ignorance and undue bias on the subject. Thank you for sharing this poem that helped alter my perspective.
THANK YOU.. this is so powerful and moving. I have shared it and hope everyone will see it! I felt the very same way...but i swear i will be stronger for my next one! no more sweaty babies under a blanket! ...or in a bathroom!
it doesn't matter how many times I hear this, it still fills me with tears.
Hollie, you are wonderful with words. I began breastfeeding my firstborn in hiding, and fortunately had a sweet waitress seek me out in the restroom and there I stood, balancing my baby with difficulty, as I wouldn't go into the toilet stall. The lady told me not to be ashamed or shy, and to return to my table and husband, and feel proud to feed my baby just as we were feeding ourselves. I never looked back, draped myself when it seems wise and loved every moment of nursing all three children!
Keep coming back to this ❤️ years and years
I was nervous with my first one, expressed it, should she need a feed when out but after that...nah. I was only ever challenged once, in McDonalds with a shawl covering me and baby so NOTHING was on show. Was told "but we know what you're doing"...I pointed out that they would still know if I went into toilet with little one.
Awesome.
See that's the point. At one side we have extremists who hate women for breastfeeding the innocent little children, and then at the opposite we have women who would expose too much in the name of 'rights to breastfeed'. A proper shawl to cover should suffice. That's the moderate way.
People forget that the breastfeeding is a sacred right of the CHILD who is being fed, So you are your child's mother, but you are not the mother of other men around. You are an attractive opposite gender for them, so better cover your bosom and feed your child, but you don't have to go to a dirty place like toilette to feed your cute little koochie koo. :D
Excellent as always Hollie. It's weird how this society seems to have gone backward in this respect. 40 years ago I was breastfeeding discreetly wherever I happened to be and never noticed any hostile reaction. A hungry baby cries. Ignorant people complain. You feed it. Ignorant people complain. I wonder, why do those complainers have a problem with normal, healthy behaviour and do they complain about the murderous perversity of Nestle and the likes?
So awesome! I have three kids and with each one got more and more comfortable nursing in public. I realized my kids are more important than anyone else
this is literally perfect I'm not even religious or any of that but this whole message is amazing
I don't understand why the world is the way it is today but people like you are all we got left
As a mother of three daughters, all breastfed and having gone through that embarrassment myself, I loved this. I am now pregnant with my fourth after remarrying (it's been 10 years since my youngest), I am fully expecting people to still give me shifty looks and unpleasantness with my little boy, but I think I will point them in the direction of this youtube video. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Hollie, you summed up everything there was to say about breastfeeding in 3 and a half minutes. I have listened to it about 10 times so far.
YES!!! As a breastfeeding mother of a 2 year old boy this made me very emotional! You are so awesome girl, thank you for writing this!! I have had my own family tell me public breastfeeding is obscene! Thank you again
This made me cry. Its so sad how much people are not accepting of something so natural. I have never ran into this problem but Most of the time I was feeding my 3 in the car. Also where I'm at there are a lot of places that even have nursing rooms. These are all valid points. There are so many benefits to breast feeding your child. Even the formula companies say that Breast is Best
Truthfully, fantastically spoken!
So powerful. Thanks for sharing. All the best for your daughter! x
I have watched this so many times and it's just fantastic. Sadly I had to battle feed my child because my body wouldn't cooperate but I would encourage every new mother to at least try. Breastfeeding is beautiful and natural and it's so sad how people are offended by a baby feeding but not disgusted by the stream of filth on our tvs, computers and shops.
This poem is just phenomenal! I wish I hadn't sat on lids with me lil Finn, but the one on the way will most certainly not be experiencing that, especially after hearing this. Thank you Holly :) xxx
Wow.. wowwww! I am so grateful for this. What an incredible and intelligent articulation of many of my own thoughts. I am a breastfeeding mother that waited weeks to leave the house as well. I have a list of things I planned to say if anyone has a problem but thankfully I haven't had any rude comments yet. Or.. maybe I just haven't heard them. Keep changing the world, Hollie!
Hollie you verbalized something so important! I breastfed for 18 months, and did it all over town, experiencing countless embarrassing moments and dirty looks. I'm lucky to be like you and after first sequestering myself in bathrooms, even being sent there by strangers, said, no more! You're a beautiful artist, and you have an important message I will be sharing! Carry on! XOXO
As a midwife I make many women watch this and hope they feed with pride... You are an inspiration!!!
We shouldn't feel ashamed how or what we feed our baby. Thank you for this.
This video had me crying my eyes out; it's brilliant. I've never gone into a loo to breastfeed my son, but I still (he's almost 6 months old) feel a little bit anxious that someone is going to say something unpleasant.
Hollie. Fantastic. Every sentiment you've expressed here I wholeheartedly agree with and you've expressed them with such flair. I get extremely angry with people's intolerance towards breastfeeding mothers. Their attitude is utterly perverse, I feel like slapping them silly. Well done for taking your own indignation and resentment and channeling it into something so creative and informing.
You are truly an inspiration! Absolutely beautiful!