'I don't want my breasts out': Simple privacy screen invention divides the internet

This mum's genius side hustle has Kidspot fans divided about how private mothers need to be when breastfeeding. 

A recent clip has taken the parenting community by storm, garnering hundreds of comments and sparking a heated debate.

The video showcases an innovative creation by a resourceful mother who ingeniously used a magnet and a tarp to craft a portable changing room - an invention that could simplify life for parents, especially those frequently on the move.

While everyone could agree this was a game-changer for beach days and sports days, the suggestion that it could be used for breastfeeding ignited a fierce debate.

Some nay-sayers expressed concern over the potential public backlash and stigmatisation of breastfeeding. Critics argued that such a device might inadvertently promote the idea that breastfeeding should be done in private, potentially reinforcing negative societal attitudes towards public breastfeeding.

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Mum's genius invention divides the internet. Source: Facebook

"Maybe for camping, never for breastfeeding"

"Women should be able to breastfeed wherever the hell they want," one mother championed.

Another wrote: "Maybe for camping, never for breastfeeding. Imagine hiding away to breastfeed like it’s something you need to be discreet about."

"I can understand why you might want to protect your little one from prying eyes when changing their nappy/clothes but to encourage women to cover up when breastfeeding perpetuates the problem!" a third added. 

While this user sat on the fence, "Breastfeeding in public should be normalised, well if the woman is comfortable, that is…"

Many were quick to joke about the lack of privacy, given that cars have more than one window and that it's a huge effort when a nappy change is faster than the setup. 

"It's actually for the people with an issue with breastfeeding to go hide behind," a mum quipped. 

Another made a good point: "So where would breastfeeding mum be sitting? In the boot or on the floor."

"A lot of work just to breastfeed and change a nappy. Backseat works well," one wrote. 

"All good and well until people see through the other car windows," another joked. 

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"I don't want my breasts out"

Others praised the idea, recognising that not everyone feels comfortable breastfeeding in public due to their own experiences or the reactions of those around them.

"I don't care what anybody else does, but I don't want my breasts out for everybody to see," one mother said sternly. 

"Why does every woman assume every other breastfeeding mum wants to breastfeed in public?" another wrote. "Maybe some are more comfortable themselves being sheltered or hidden? Not every woman wants to, demands to or makes a huge ordeal over getting to breastfeed in public; some prefer privacy for that quality time with their child."

"I wanted to breastfeed anywhere I was comfortable when my baby needed feeding. I preferred to do it with some barrier as both myself and my baby were more vulnerable when feeding. I believe babies should be able to be safely fed in public without conjecture. It’s the choice that matters," a third agreed. 

This twin mum shared her experience: "When I breastfed twins, I literally had to strip my top half to simultaneously feed them. That's not something most people would be comfortable doing publicly. It's not always about hiding or shaming the breastfeeding, but about the comfort of the woman whose body is being fed from."

"You never know what someone is like walking past. Unfortunately, we live in a world where we have to always consider the fact a perv or predator could be anywhere. I would much rather be in my safe place with my baby; it is a special bonding for mum and baby anyway, so why have anyone else involved in that," added another user. 

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"I liked a quiet spot to feed my babies"

Mothers of "distracted" babies would buy this in a heartbeat to ensure their baby is fed quickly and efficiently. 

"My baby needs to be in a private place to feed. Otherwise, he gets too busy looking at everything, and feeding takes ten times as long; I can imagine this might work for that scenario since it blocks his view," a mother wrote.  

"Sometimes it's nice to have quiet and seclusion. You shouldn't be forced into seclusion if you don't feel like it, but you should have comfortable options," another agreed. 

Finally, this mother wrote, "I liked a quiet spot to feed my babies, or they didn’t seem to get a good feed. I’m not going to be pressured into breastfeeding in front of everyone to look good in their eyes."

Originally published as 'I don't want my breasts out': Simple privacy screen invention divides the internet