One of the aspects of life in the 30s and 40s and before is that breastfeeding was so natural that countless moms breastfed in the midst of families, friends and, yes, even strangers. Look at this mom who breastfed even in full view of a photographer, a veritable stranger, who was hired by the government to take photographs of American life.
This is a coal miner’s wife and child while discussing conditions of house, lack of steady work for husband. Bertha Hill, West Virginia 1938 Sept.
© 2009 Mothering Magazine
He looks like he’s doing that oh-so-wonderful HEY WHAT IS THAT look while still latched onto his mama!
I know. I loved when my daughters did that! Thanks for leaving a comment.
I LOVE the pictures! They speak so many words.
Hi, This is really an American thing of the disgrace of breastfeeding in public.
In Greece, where I live, I have breastfed everywhere imaginable – on the beach – on the bus – in a posh restaurant and I have never had any comments.
By the way, beautiful blog.
You’re right, Maria. Negative attitudes about breastfeeding in public is a problem some American mothers have to deal with. That’s why I look for pictures that show that there was a time when breastfeeding in public was normal and not something that should potentially be shunned or ridiculed.
Thank you for reading and thank you foe leaving a comment.