Why?  Because I'm an unabashed lactivist.  I breastfed my daughter for 2 1/2 years, I will breastfeed my son probably even longer than that.  I believe the appallingly low breastfeeding rates in the US are a major indicator of women's continued oppression.  To be a lactivist is to be concerned with so many different issues; child health, work/family balance, gender equity, children's rights, the medicalization of health, the corporatization of infant feeding.  Battling for breastfeeding is a worthwhile battle, period.

Here's what Bill Maher, who is a big fan of boobies in ALL things sexual, has to say about breastfeeding:

Last week, the world’s first “Nurse In” was held to protest the case of a woman who was breast-feeding in public, and asked by an Appleby’s manager not to leave, but just to cover up a little bit.

Excuse me Bill, but "the world's first 'Nurse In'".  Are you freaking kidding me? There have probably been a dozen nurse-ins that have received press coverage this year, including a highly publicized case of a woman getting kicked off a plane for breastfeeding.  Pull your head out of your ass, this was not the first, and thanks to pricks like Bill, it won't be the last.  

Breast-feeding a baby is an intimate act, and I don’t want to watch strangers performing intimate acts. At least not for free. [laughter] It cheapens it. [laughter] But breast-feeding activists – yes, breast-feeding activists, called “lactivists” – say this is a human right and appropriate everywhere, because it’s natural. Well, so is masturbating, but I generally don’t do that at Appleby’s. [laughter] [applause] Not in the main dining area, anyway.

Breastfeeding is not intimate, its no different than giving a bottle to your baby in a restaurant.  As Erin pointed out, breastfeeding isn't at all analogous to masturbation as jerking off is not necessary for survival and feeding infants, last time I checked, was pretty important to their health and well-being.  

I mean, next thing, women will be wanting to give birth in the waterfall at the mall! [laughter] Look, there’s no principle at work here other than being too lazy to either plan ahead or cover up. It’s not fighting for a right. It’s fighting for the spotlight you surely will get when you go all “Janet Jackson” on everyone. [laughter] And get to drink in the “oohs” and “aahs” from the other customers because “You made a baby!” Something a dog can do.

Yes, breastfeeding a baby 24/7 is lazy, hauling them around town, feeding them, changing them, carrying all their shit is lazy.  With everything else new moms are juggling, they should also be prepared to accomodate the sensibilities of everyone else they may happen to encounter when their baby happens to be hungry.  Because anything less than appeasing EVERYONE is lazy when you're a mom.  And of course, only the mothers must carry this burden of not offending anyone.  Dudes with their cracks hanging out, people cussing, eating with their mouth open, chomping their gum, walking around with spittle strings between their lips; offend away.  

Why do mothers leave the goddamn house?  It's perfectly clear Bill Maher thinks motherhood in itself is disgusting as he had no problem dragging out a picture of Brittney at her now infamous performance with a little joke about how she is an old unattractive hag at age, what, 25?  Maybe we should just all hide in our homes with our babies so Bill Maher doesn't have to be reminded that the breasts he is so fond of at the Playboy mansion actually serve a purpose that doesn't involve him.

According to Bill, we mothers have the audacity to leave the house so people can congratulate us for giving birth to a baby, "something a dog can do!"  Well I wish pregnant and nursing mothers were treated with so much dignity as a dog in the US.  When was the last time you saw a dog give birth in a vet's office under spotlight, on their BACK, on a big birthing bed which I swear are designed to replicate the crucifixion and torture of Jesus?  Ever hear of a dog getting an episiotomy?  Didn't think so, but back to the point.    We mothers breastfeed for attention!  We just love it when we're sitting in a booth in the back of an applebees and people are staring at us, in fact, that is the sole purpose of breastfeeding, to get people to look at our tits.  

But this isn’t really about women taking their breasts out in public, as much as I’d like it to be. [laughter] It’s about how petty and parochial our causes have become, how activism has become narcissism. It’s why Al Gore can’t get people to focus on global warming unless there’s a rock concert. “Melting icebergs, brought to you by Smashing Pumpkins.”

Breastfeeding is the least narcissistic thing a person can do.  I can't think of a better example of true altruism in this world.  Breastfeeding a baby on demand is not always fun.  In fact, its downright boring and can be pretty frustrating.  Certainly not my idea of a rocking time.  Sure, it is all worthwhile in the longrun and there are special moments, but there were many times when Simone was an infant (generally the only time a child needs to nurse) when she wanted to nurse, and it was the last thing on earth I felt like doing.  Fighting for breastfeeding is not narcissistic either, as I mentioned before, it is fighting against corporate monopolies and sexism, it is fighting for healthier kids and happier families.

And, by the way, there is a place where breasts and food do go together. It’s called “Hooters.”

That's right Bill, the only time you want to see boobs when you're eating is when they're there for your sexual enjoyment.

F*ck Bill Maher, enough said.

UPDATE:
Here is the video, fast forward to about seven minutes in: