Breastfeeding in public.

I guess I'm more like Gina in that I can't ever see myself BFing in public, but that's just a personal choice, and I personally don't look twice when I DO see someone else doing it.  I'm too self-conscious and I can't NOT be self-conscious just b/c someone else isn't, if that makes sense.  There's a lot of things I don't like to do that other people are perfectly comfortable doing.  Boobs are just boobs, I don't care either way.  I don't need to flaunt mine to make a point, nor could I care less if someone's baby is hungry.  If he's gonna scream as the alternative, by all means feed him!

Chuffy

 

Sometimes it's nice to sit down somewhere quiet and have a little bonding time.  In my opinion and experience that's not always possible or necessary.  My yard stick is, if it's OK for others to eat here, then it's ok for my baby to eat here (barring posh adult only places obviously).  I much prefer to sit down at the table and eat a meal in the privacy of my home, but have I ever grabbed a sandwich on the run?  You betcha!  I might sit in a booth in a restaurant rather than a table by the window - but should I be MADE to sit there, because other folks don't want to see me have a meal?  Would I place a blanket over my head in case someone else didn't like the way I was eating?  Of course not.  The very idea is absurd

Excellent points, Chuffy.  I would never feed a baby any place I wouldn't eat myself ... and since I wouldn't eat in a restroom (even a *nice* one with a lounge area) I wouldn't go into one to feed a baby, either.

Joyce

Liesje

I guess I'm more like Gina in that I can't ever see myself BFing in public, but that's just a personal choice, and I personally don't look twice when I DO see someone else doing it.  I'm too self-conscious and I can't NOT be self-conscious just b/c someone else isn't, if that makes sense.  There's a lot of things I don't like to do that other people are perfectly comfortable doing.  Boobs are just boobs, I don't care either way.  I don't need to flaunt mine to make a point, nor could I care less if someone's baby is hungry.  If he's gonna scream as the alternative, by all means feed him!

You took the words right out of my mouth.  I honestly think this is the way most mom's feel.  I never planned on nursing Riley in public (except on the plane because it helps with the ears), but when the alternative is dealing with a screaming infant I don't think anyone would argue or at least shouldn't.  Sometimes you can't plan ahead or your plan fails (like you forgot the bottle) or just that pumped milk is like gold to a nursing working mom.  I spent many an evening when our friends were over, sitting in the corner of our living room feeding Riley.  DH and his buddies were in the adjenct area where I could still feel a part, but not make them feel uncomfortable (or me for that matter).  Our other friend just whips it out whenever in front of the guys and you can tell they feel awkward...I don't blame them.

 My sister in law breast feeds in public regualrly--basically is she's out and the baby is hungry, she gets fed.

 I think all those people that have issues with women who breast feed in public should be the ones who have to deal with the resultant screaming baby.....

I looked at this topic as i was with two woman who breast fed babies in front of me this weekend (i'm an old guy).  The first was the daughter of friends who was sitting directly across from me.  When the baby got fussy,  she discreetly undid something and fed him.  I didn't see a thing and was not uncomfortable in the least.  Then we went to an upscale store.  My wife picked something out and sent me to the cash register while she continued to look around.  I went up to the register, and the woman ( i assume the owner),  undid her blouse by pulling her arm out and exposing her right breast.  I thought  "what is this", at which point she bent over behind the counter and picked up a baby, who then began feeding.  She didn't have a bra ( i don't think).  Then she smiled, took my money , put the merchandise in a bag (all one handed), and i left.  I was uncomfortable before the baby appeared.

I nursed both my DSs without any issues. I did NOT wear a nursing bra; my regular ones worked just fine to pull up and out of the way and not have to hike up my shirt, undo the bra, etc. Both boys were nursed everywhere without issue.  I even nursed in restaurants and freaked out one VERY young waiter one day.  I had my back to him and he came up (very professionally) and asked for my order.  He noticed I was nursing Andrew, turned bright red and stuttered his way through the order-taking process. My friend (an older lady with three grown kids) was hysterical by the time he left the table!

My attitude is this: I am NOT exposing myself, I AM FEEDING MY CHILD. This is no different than if I had opened a jar of strained peas and dug out a spoon! LOL If you don't like it, MOVE.  I will NOT compromise myy baby's nutrtion for something YOU have a problem with.

yanke

I was uncomfortable before the baby appeared.

ok, that made me lol... i woulda been too! as in "what is she doing???" 

Chuffy

BlackLabbie

Chuffy

What about "bigger babies"?  Babies 1, 2, 3 years old - bigger?  How do you do THAT discreetly?

Isn't that a little too old? I don't have children so I'm not sure, but 2 and 3 years old.....?

 

I think the difference here is this, they are not infants and do not need to nurse on demand.  Give the kid a cookie until you leave the store.

denise m

luvmyswissy

I feed all three of my children via: breast and my oldest is 29 my youngest 7.

 

I think 7 is kind of pushing it, but 29?  Hee, Hee. Just kidding. I know what you were saying LOL!!!!  

Tehe..  Well in some ways he is still a Mama's boy even at 29!

Chuffy

Sometimes it's nice to sit down somewhere quiet and have a little bonding time.  In my opinion and experience that's not always possible or necessary.  My

For YOU...really as mentioned already...it's a personal choice.

And you completely missed my point. I sit in a BOOTH because "I" like privacy...it could be the restaurant is empty...it's not about what you or anyone else in there, thinks or may think...it is what "I" am comfortable with. Really do try and see that...it's not about JQP...it is about my comfort levels and the way I like to handle things. Society...has nil to do with it. I don't go out there everyday looking for JQP to slight or judge me about anything I do, so if/when it occurs I usually don't even notice! IMO if you go thru life like that there is plenty to be cheesed off about at any given time in your life. I prefer to simply live and worry about what I can control...myself and my immediate environment. I leave other's to do the same.

I think you are very lucky not to have been caught short.

I'd like to thank Yanke for his reply.  We needed a male perspective!

BlackLabbie

JMHO, if you can ask for it, you're too old.

I think assuming that they will all of a sudden start requesting to be nursed in akward situations as they get older is selling them short as well.  And even if they do, they're old enough to understand what No means.  

huskymom

BlackLabbie

JMHO, if you can ask for it, you're too old.

That is very much just your opinion nowadays.  I know of babies that can ask for it as young as 6 or 7 months.  Certainly by a year, they've developed some way of requesting it. 

Riley started requesting it a 4 months.  I would hold her and she would try to pull my shirt down/up. 

Totally off topic, but I know these two sisters and nurse each other's babies.  One sister babysits for the other so she just nurses her neice so the mom doesn't have to pump (their kids are about 6 months apart)..that I thought was a little weird since they were both over a year old and they were still doing it.

mrstjohnson

Totally off topic, but I know these two sisters and nurse each other's babies.  One sister babysits for the other so she just nurses her neice so the mom doesn't have to pump (their kids are about 6 months apart)..that I thought was a little weird since they were both over a year old and they were still doing it.

I think that's so cool!  

Many mother's don't like the idea of allowing another woman to breast-feed there baby and it leaves the uncomfortable feeling of boundaries being overstepped, of someone trespassing on a unique relationship.  However, wet nursing is coming back and many mothers are seeking caregivers who can breast feed in there absents.  The latest article I read on it was out of the UK where it is gaining popularity quickly.  Personally I don't think I could feel comfortable with a stranger but for a family member, or close friend, I think I would be open to it.

My mother breast fed a neighbor/friend's baby. This was back in the early 50s. I was born on the same day as our neighbors son. He was a preemie and his  mother was unable to BF, so while we were in the hospital (you got to stay 2 weeks then) my Mom BF both of us. Ironically my Dad ended up marrying this same lady about 10 years ago. So now her son and I are  sort of siblings. Life is funny!