Breastfeeding in public

[spook]

My EX-sister in law breast fed all 3 of their kids, often you never knew what was going on. She would wear full shirts and tuck the baby right up under and then take them out, over her sholder and they'd burp and go to sleep.
No big deal, although a waiter saw her with the babies legs out from under her shirt and dropped the dish (another table) and he ran to the manager and she was told that she was not allowed at any point to cover the babies face with a blanket, towel or shirt, even if they were in the stroller.
She said quietly that she was breast feeding and no one knew what was happening and she was asked to "Never Return". I can't recall everything, but at that point, she stood up and asked if ANYONE had noticed what she was doing? If it offended anyone? and then let everyone know they had been banned from coming to this restraunt...no kidding, most of the people left money on the tables and walked out!
I always thought, good for her. It is not perverted, abusive or shameful, it is the most natural thing. Although, it should be done in disgression (sp?), not hang 'em out and advertise.

 

[Wildsky]

I'm very impressed to see so many folks with the same "understanding".
Its ok to nurse in public, without obviously flapping around and showing off.

 

[ibpboo]

I could nurse in public, or in people's living rooms. I was able to just lift my shirt a little and hold the baby right there. It looked as though I was just holding the baby in my lap. No one ever knew any different.

 

[morelcabin]

I breastfed all my kids until they were a year old. I did cover up because I am a modest person, but I don't get offended over those who don't. In summer it is too hot to cover...so let them be! I am more offended that ppl feel they have to feed thier babies in a stinky old public bathroom! Would any of you choose to eat your lunch in there?

More offensive to me, really, are women who get enlargements and bare as much of THEM in public as possible! Now that is offensive! I mean if you've got it, fine, but don't go out and GET it just to attract attention:>)

 

[scrapmom5]

I have breastfed each of my 5 children and yes I do breastfeed in public. My shirts cover my breast so that nothing can be seen. I refuse to sit in some smelly bathroom or in an out the way place. I have breastfed at amuzements parks, malls, while walking and hiking, and just about everywhere I was when my baby was hungry. I have had rude comments or stares from people who were offended at my act of love towards my child. (why would I make my child suffer with hunger until I found an "appropriate" place to feed them?) It is amazing how utterly disgusting people can be in restaurants as they eat yet get offended when a sweet baby is quietly and discreetly nursing to fulfill his/her needs. If others have a problem they don't need to stop and stare. As for having formula...I do not believe formula is good for babies. I have given up caffeine, artificial sweetners, processed foods, nitrates, and do not drink alcohol or take tobacco and avoid all medications as much as possible. I started this years before I first became pregnant and continue on to this day. I live as healthy of a life by avoiding those that can in anyway harm a child. Why would I want to give them something that is not natural or the best for their health.

If we want to be offended by something let's get offended by the amount of crime that goes on. The lack of ethics by our fellow man. The lack of compassion that we see in our daily lives. Once we get offended about it...let's do something about it. Let mothers nurse their babies while we take a stand against what really matters.

 

[Guitartists]

Yes, I don't see any reason to be militant about it... but I've never been much of an extremist. But even so..... I'm an adult. I can handle seeing some woman breastfeeding her child. My husband is a good man and I know he can handle seeing some womans breast while breastfeeding. My kids have all been raised with an open mind, and I wouldn't be offended in the least if they caught a glimpse of a woman's breast while breastfeeding.

So I wonder sometimes...... just what exactly IS the problem? WHY is it a problem?

I dunno... maybe it's just me. I don't mind when my kids read National Geographic articles about African tribes, when it shows pictures of women and men in their skin

We've talked about it.... they know it's nothing sexual and is just what it is. The human body. They've seen episodes of shows that have had nudists on them (Queer Eye had one particularly HILARIOUS episode!) We talked about that

I used to have a print hanging in the house of a nude woman... no breasts, just her backside showed. After a few visits from some of the kids friends I ended up replacing it with some other image because they had a hard time not laughing and snickering and pointing at it

Whatever, I took it down after speaking with the kids and my DH and we decided as a group that it was easier just to get rid of it. I guess there's no accounting for taste

LOL This really ruined my plans for those GORGEOUS mermaid paintings by Waterhouse!

I just think it's too bad that every other mammal on the planet has been afforded the right to nurture and nourish their offspring, except for modern civilized woman.

 

[FloridaChickenChick]

I used to hang with breastfeeding moms alot...including feminist breastfeeding moms like myself (at the time...not now!). I NEVER saw breasts flung about, flashed, etc.

Do I mean that no one has ever seen a naked breast that was exposed by a nursing mom? No. But I don't think it's a burning social issue.

My outrageous breastfeeding story? My sister-in-law asked me not to breastfeed my infant daughter IN MY OWN HOME because her husband might be embarrassed. For the record, I always removed myself from their presence when I breastfed because frankly, both of them creeped me out.

I am just pleased that a young mom had her kids in the library. And apparently, she was keeping them quiet.

 

[KrisRose]

The original poster did'nt have a problem with breast feeding. Just how indiscreet the women was when she fed her baby. I agree with Speckledhen, it can be done with a little bit of modesty.

 

[mommy9994]

never, not in a million gazillion years would I tolerate someone telling me what to do or not do in my own home!

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:

My daughter might one day embarass someone...

(she's 4 years old) but if she happens to see someone breastfeeding, she'll announce "Hey Mommy - LOOK, the baby is getting BOOBIE!!!"

I do try to keep her announcement quiet, but she gets SO excited, its pretty darn funny.
Children are so innocent and see NOTHING wrong at ALL... its how we all should be (without the announcing part)