Comments on: Breastfeeding baby in Hijab

By: Kiarash

Kiarash — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 19:19:42 +0000

I’m from Iran… I’ve seen breastfeeding in public. Searched to make sure others have had the same experience, and asked a few other Iranians… breastfeeding in public is very common practice. Look it up.

By: Flower child

Flower child — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:50:21 +0000

I’m Muslim but living in New Zealand and here they are very breastfeeding friendly! We have a parents room in most public places that has private areas for women to sit on couches and breastfeed. They play relaxing music and have a kids area so that mom can breastfeed while her other children are close by and both are safe. They have nappy changing stations and toilets. This is always an option for other countries to follow.

By: Hannah Katsman

Hannah Katsman — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 17:05:31 +0000

Thanks very much for your comment, SHA!

By: SHA

SHA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:14:00 +0000

Hello,

I would like to comment on breastfeeding in public in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has clearly defined laws about exposure, however, when it comes to breastfeeding – they are quite tolerant. Women can breastfeed anywhere, and they are so good at being discrete you would never know. And because most public places have segregated family and women’s areas, a women can be found breastfeeding anywhere. Thanks for the information though!! good post.

By: anon

anon — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:38:45 +0000

thanks for the link, hannah. i hadn’t heard of the book; i’ll add it to my wishlist now.

By: Hannah @A Mother in Israel

Hannah @A Mother in Israel — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:35:21 +0000

anon,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you read Modja Batterjee’s book on breastfeeding in the Middle East? http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/09/breastfeeding-a-fading-art/

By: anon

anon — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:59:53 +0000

hi, i think you are equating public breastfeeding with showing skin. i was a bit confused at first because hijab is already a nursing cover. i wear a large voluminous one that goes down to my knees so i never had a problem popping a baby underneath to nurse.

i lived in jordan for 7 years and had 3 babies there. i moved to saudi arabia when my youngest was 3 months. my experience was very different from what you’ve written. i’ve never heard of a new mother staying in for a year (!) i couldn’t even make it a week before i was out. friends from turkish and pakistani cultures suggested that i stay in for 40 days. but 1 year? (also, islamic law does not require breastfeeding for 2 years. some schools of law allow it for up to 2 years, others for longer, but i don’t think it’s required at all.)

in saudi arabia i’ve pushed a grocery cart through the store while nursing my baby underneath my hijab, nursed at parks and the beach. but it’s generally more comfortable in saudi arabia because there are female masalas (prayer areas) in many places. usually lushly carpeted and very comfortable, they are places not only for prayer but also relaxation. women sit down and eat ice cream (which is a bit difficult while wearing niqab), nurse their babies, even lay down to take a nap. so it’s easier and more comfortable in saudi where private areas are provided. probably why it’s not seen outside as much.

encouraging breastfeeding is great. but breastfeeding does not have to be immodest and just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.