Sara McGinnis
posted in CelebritiesMila Kunis is proud to count herself among the many who nurse in public, even if she's gotten a few disapproving looks.
The actress, who is currently expecting her second child with husband Ashton Kutcher, has opened up about her any-time, any-place policy for feeding 21-month-old daughter Wyatt.
"I support every woman’s choice in what she wants to do and whatever makes them happy, but for me, I did nurse my child and I literally breastfed everywhere," the actress told Vanity Fair at the New York premiere of Bad Moms on Monday evening.
"There were many times where I didn’t bring a cover with me, and so I just did it in a restaurant, in the subway, in the park, at airports, and in planes. Why did I do it in public? Because I had to feed my child. She’s hungry. I need to feed her whether it’s out of a bottle or out of my boob no matter where I was."
Mila Kunis went on to say that both she and Ashton have noticed strangers disapproving of her not covering up.
"It always made my husband and I feel a little weird," she explained. "It took us a little back because people actually looked at us in a shameful [way], and we were like, ‘Oh my God,’ because it’s so not a sexual act.
"It didn’t matter to me what other people thought. That’s what I chose to do, but I think it’s unfortunate that people are so hard on women who choose to do it and do it in public. In the States and in our culture, we sexualize the breast so much that there’s an aspect of it that people just don’t know how to wrap their head around the idea of showing your breast in public. But I respect the opinions on both sides. If it’s not for you, don’t look."
Seems to make sense to me -- and I only wish I'd been as strong in my stance when I was breastfeeding as Mila is. Back in the day though, I was self conscious about everything.
I worried about my body being exposed (the though of lifting my shirt and exposing my stomach to nurse was horrific), I worried about making a mess (my breasts, it turns out, are over-producers), and I also worried about looks from strangers. Ultimately, I'd end up sneaking off to the car to breastfeed, or pulling out a bottle when we were out.
Though it's too late for me to grow a backbone and feed my child the way they wanted it when they wanted it, I've grown to really love seeing you moms who are comfortable doing your thing. I promise you'll never catch me glaring -- and for the most part I simply try and avert my eyes anywhere else -- but there's a small chance you'll see a tiny smile in the corner of my mouth if we happen to cross paths.
Photo: Kristina Bumphrey/StarPix/REX/Shutterstock
20 breastfeeding tips from real moms:
In 5 years baby Harper has brought so much love into our family ... Such a special girl in so many different ways we are so lucky to spend each day with such a beautiful soul ... We adore you baby girl happy birthday love Daddy."
How do you personally feel about nursing your child openly in public?