Ignorance breeds ignorance. I think women who support breastfeeding tend to be OVERLY exuberant at times because of the abuse THEY'VE received. It doesn't make it right, but the looks I've gotten while nursing my daughters (discreetly) and the comments that have been made to me (or about me just loud enogh for me to hear) have been hurtful as well. I think as a breastfeeding mother when you know you're giving your child what they need and what is normal and optimal and people give you a hard time it makes you a little...short with them.

Again, this doesn't make it right for anyone to give a mother a hard time, especially when they CAN'T nurse, but I understand why the mentality is there.