Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
When babies get hungry, they need to eat. And most babies live on mother’s milk.
But babies don’t always get hungry at convenient times. On the bus. In the grocery store. At a friend’s house. What is a mother to do?
In the US, opinions vary on how or where mothers should breastfeed their young ones. Some people think nursing is something to be done in private. Others think that is just a natural part of life, and nothing to hide or be embarrassed about.
Listen to what Kevin and Erin have to say about breastfeeding in public. You might be surprised.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
Kevin |
Kevin: I read the other day something that really surprised me, that Portland is the number one ranked city in the US for the most friendly city in which to breastfeed.
Erin: Yes, I would agree. Um, in Portland, more than any other city, I think I’ve stumbled upon women just sitting there and, like, opening their shirt and feeding their child…
Kevin: Interesting.
Erin: ... than any other city…
Kevin: Wow.
Erin: ... that I’ve traveled to and…
Kevin: Does that bother you?
Erin: Well, you know, I’m a female, so you would think that maybe it doesn’t bother me as much, but I actually do feel uncomfortable. And, um, I constantly then have to feel like I have to look away from that person or… I want a mom to be comfortable with her child, but I think, could you wait, and, like, do that in a park somewhere, or, you know what, at least, cover yourself when you do it?
Kevin: Well, I think you could at least say, “Hey I’m gonna breastfeed my child. Does that bother you?” And if the person says “Yes,” then I might wait. I mean, I wouldn’t be doing it, but the person might wait, right?
Erin: I think that would be really respectful. But even if you’re not gonna go that far, maybe use a blanket or something. I, I don’t see that. I see women breastfeeding openly and not, you know, trying to be modest at all. And it’s just, again, feel comfortable, but please, could you be aware that people are sitting right next to you?
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Discussion
Kevin says Portland is the most breastfeeding-friendly city in the US.
Erin doesn’t like to be around breastfeeding women. She thinks if they are going to breastfeed, they should cover their breasts.
How do you feel when you see a woman breastfeeding?
How do people feel about breastfeeding in public in your country?