Offensive website

[Stargirl]

Hi everyone,

I just visited a website called ecofabulous dot com. On the kids section is an ad for a hooter hider. Check out this write-up:

DON'T BE A SUCKER, THAT'S HER JOB
There’s a lot of things you want to share when you’re a new mom – like the 1,001 pictures you’ve posted of baby on the little one’s dedicated blog. And then there are other things you’d like to keep, ahem, private.
For the modern mom on the go, there’s The Undercover Baby. With an entire line of nursing covers made from 100% certified organic cotton, you’ll be able to lunch and linger in style and privacy, without the stares and glares. Far easier and cuter than an awkward blanket. And you’ll look even smarter now, because everything is 20% off until the end of January, making the covers less than $35.
So now you don’t have to hang at home until feeding hours are finished, because let’s face it, for the first few months it is never over!

I submitted the following comment:

Super Offended!
Date: January 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
First let me say, that I think the product is ok. I believe in supporting mother’s efforts to feel comfortable breastfeeding her baby in public. What I find objectionable is the title and product description. Stating that breastfeeding needs to be a private act completely undermines a mother’s right to breastfeed wherever, whenever. You are propagating the anti-breastfeeding messages that are so pervasive in our culture and that force women to feel that they need to cover up in the first place. My first experience with your website was completely un-ecofabulous and I will be sure to let others know.

If you are also offended, please submit a comment too!

[Sarah W]

Not a fan of the name, but isn't the purpose of the product to allow women to nurse whenever, wherever? It's for women who NIP but also want to cover up. Some women do prefer to cover up and it's because THEY prefer to keep things private. I don't think it's anti-BFing at all.

[2lilsweetfoxes]

I think they have their place. If it is the difference between a child being weaned or mama continuing to breastfeed, then I'm all for it. Though I think they look ridiculous and cumbersome and hot.

Of course, I wonder that if someone got that for me, if my DH would expect me to always use it when out and about. I prefer my sling, since baby is already pretty much always in that, and if not, who cares--I don't flash anything. A couple kids ago, he tried telling me to take a bottle of EBM or formula for when we went out. Um, no. I explained if I did that, I'd still have to pump the missed feeding(s) to keep up my supply. He realized what a waste of time that would be and after a couple excursions out realized what a waste of time it was for me to "go hide" and BF.

[woodchick]

I'm gussing that the OP's objection lies less with the product itself, she does say she doesn't have anything against it, but rather with the implication that those who choose to nurse without a cover are "suckers" and are inappropriate.

I agree that the add is kind of snarky- especially with the "ahem, private" part.

[kriket]

I wouldn't get too bunched up over it. There are a lot of women that really want to BF but they don't want everyone and their son to see their breasts. I can understand that. Plus, sometimes its just plain cold outside. It was silly but I don't think it was offencive.

And I think the baby is the "sucker" not moms who nurse without it. Thats how it hit me.

I'm pretty sure I read that 'hooter hider' changed their name recently too. I'm not at all a fan of the word 'hooter' its just dumb.

[woodchick]

Originally Posted by kriket

And I think the baby is the "sucker" not moms who nurse without it. Thats how it hit me.

I'm pretty sure I read that 'hooter hider' changed their name recently too. I'm not at all a fan of the word 'hooter' its just dumb.

Yes- they are saying that the baby is the sucker- but "don't be a sucker" implies that if you don't cover, or wrestle with a blanket, then MOM is the sucker for not using their product.

and Hooter Hiders did change their name to Baby au Lait (or something close) so that they could appeal to a 'higher end' client.

[jecombs]

I think what got me was the line about "stares and glares" basically implying that others will have a problem with BFing, so you better cover-up, or get ready to have a bunch of strangers mad at you. When I read that I started picturing NIPing with all these people staring and whispering about me (and not in a nice way). New Moms have enough to be anxious about and this would just increase my anxiety and decrease the liklihood I would NIP. Not a good ad.

[GardenStream]

I totally agree that the "stares and glares" line irritates me. I don't find it offensive, but I hate what it implies. As a new mother you really don't know what to expect and I think the ad is feeding into that fear and uncertainty. I don't like seeing an ad that uses a new mother's insecurity against her.

[Stargirl]

Exactly re stares and glares! I think the product is certainly useful to many moms. I found the propagation of the "better cover up because we don't want to see bf'ing in public" attitude deplorable when the product is to enable women to bf in public. Calling someone a sucker is offensive language in my opinion; I wouldn't let my kids use it. Thanks for your input.

[claddaghmom]

I lerrrv my hooter hider! Here's the way I see it: I want to help change the culture. I'm not uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. But, informing minds and changing hearts works when the other person is ready and open.

So, I will NIP at an open place, such as a mall or park. If someone is bent out of shape, they can walk away.

For places without a lot of autonomy, I use my hooter hider. So, if I am at church for example...it's hooter hider time! I mean, those people are trying to concentrate. They can't get up and leave. They can't choose who to sit next to.

I'm new to the game here... I went from nearly Bs to the 8th continent, collectively. I can't do anything without showing off my hooters. And DD is so wriggly and impatient, lol, she pulls up my shirt and squirms.

[woodchick]

Originally Posted by Stargirl

First let me say, that I think the product is ok. I believe in supporting mother’s efforts to feel comfortable breastfeeding her baby in public.

OP has said that she doesn't have anything against the product itself. She is offended by the wording of the ad.