embarrased about using the b-word

I just met with my quant/stats/econometrics professor. I wanted to talk to him about study tips for the mid-term since I had studied like crazy for the last quiz but missed some of the most basic points. He gave me some great tips. I then blurted out,

J: "I had felt rushed during the quiz - perhaps because I had been up the the whole night before because my son was sick."

P: "Yeah, I can relate to that."

J: "I actually have kids the same age as yours."

P: "Really? I was a wreck the semester my first daughter was born."

J: "Yeah, it took me awhile to clear out the fog enough after giving birth."

P: "Wow, you've cleared out the fog - that's great, tell me how you've done it."

J: "Well, not completely - but better than right after birth. It's still hard, especially since I'm still breastfeeding."

Professor's face turns red. I stutter and stammer and thank him for meeting with me....

Why is saying BREASTFEEDING so goddam controversial??? Of course, my initial reaction was kicking myself for having said this. Why can't this be part of our empowering identity - why does it have to be so taboo???