Breastfeeding in Public....
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sure cover a babies head with a blanket it's called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome no big deal0
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No issue with it. Anyone that has an issue should grow up and stop giggling every time they think about breasts.0
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Until I got pregnant with my first, I'd never seen a woman breastfeed. Suddenly, when it was about to be me who was doing it, I started to notice. Therefore I'm sure it was going on discreetly all around me all my life.
Since 2010, in the UK, it is legal for a woman to breastfeed anywhere it is legal for her and baby to be. This is great to know. I faffed around trying to be too subtle to begin with last time, but when my current baby is born, I'll know a) how to be subtle without bugging baby and b) that no one can ask me to leave.
As for duration, I stopped BFing in public when DS was about 2, to spare others' embarrassment, but fed in private until he was 3.5.
Another quick point. Research into advantages of BFing is presented in such a bottle-centred way that, for example, we say breastfed babies have a higher IQ, when what would make more sense is to say that a lack of breast milk leaves a child mentally deficient.0 -
NOT using a blanket is actually less obvious. I used to have people approach me all the time without knowing what I was doing.
This picture ended up on the internet for my 10th high-school reunion.
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Is it just me or is all this milk talk making you hungry!?
Guess it is just me.
haha. It's cool, TrueRay.
And the word milk makes me go straight to coffee.
because for me, everything revolves around coffee..
and yes, I did put my breastmilk in my coffee
Speaking of coffee, I heard breast milk taste like puke. I definitely need to sample it for myself with my future wife ahaha. Purely for scientific purposes only.
Well, ok. I will get technical here.
When it first comes out, it is more watery and full of antibodies and stuff. Later it becomes more creamy.
I only ever tasted the watery stuff and it didn't taste too good. I also think, rather ironically, that I had a food allergy to it because it made my throat scratchy.
ETA: I could tell you some other fun stuff about it. For example, I could squirt it about 5 feet.
Okay, thank you for this but some odd reason I don't feel like sampling it anymore ahaha but watching you squirt it 5 feet especially in a bowl or something would be interesting ahaha.
when it's your wife, you should try just to try.
also, I could squirt 5 feet, but the aim is a little weird. It comes out more like a five way spray hose than like a water gun.
My doctor said that was because I was pierced
I doubt it but I am not a woman so... maybe someone can speak on this.
You doc was wrong. The milk comes out of multiple ducts.
Lol my doctor not only told me that but said my inability to breast feed ( daughter would not latch on) was because I had them pierced. Even though I removed them when I was a month pregnant0 -
Oh and by the way this whole topic is just a first world problem,
Women in Nigeria were way more open and comfortable about feeding their babies.
Also because in developing countries the water would kill infants if it was drank in formulas, breastfeeding is the only option.0 -
I personally liked to cover up. As a bigger-chested woman I couldn't be very discreet and it was more for my comfort than anyone else's disgust. However, I'm all for open breastfeeding. It really should be a non-issue by now.0
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NOT using a blanket is actually less obvious. I used to have people approach me all the time without knowing what I was doing.
This picture ended up on the internet for my 10th high-school reunion.
See this is nothing. This is totally fine in public. Some women really whip it out.0 -
Did it all the time and could not give a damn if it bothered anyone.0
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Different women want to go topless for different reasons, but they are pretty similar to why men would want to: the heat, showing off, comfort ... what are other reasons men go topless?
If people didn't try to change social norms, think of where we'd be. I know a lot of young women who would probably be more comfortable if we grew up less mystified and giggly about the female breast. Girls grow up being taught to cover up and flaunt what they've got. Show it off but be discreet. Private parts are private but random people feel comfortable making comments about a girl's breast size. (If you think this doesn't happen, you've been lucky in your life.)
What's disrespectful about feeding in public? It's not a hygiene issue. The nipple is in use and covered up because of that. (Not that it would really matter to me, anyway, topless men don't wear pasties to hide their nipples.) If you don't want to look, don't. It's really easy. I have been in very small offices talking to breast feeding women and I am perfectly able to concentrate on her face and what she is telling me. I once almost kissed a friend's breast who was breastfeeding because I totally forgot what she was doing and went to kiss the baby. I got pretty up close and personal before I realized exactly what I was doing. We both thought it was funny, no disgust or horror.0 -
See this is nothing. This is totally fine in public. Some women really whip it out.
But what's wrong with that? Men walk around with the whole shebang out and no head covering the nipples.0 -
I can't think of a valid argument against breastfeeding in public.
Frankly, while I admit that I share in it American fetishization of the female breast is a little weird sometimes, and allowing it to intrude into this situation is kinda creepy.
It's a baby eating. That's it. Geeze.0 -
I wonder how many of the "ew boobies" crowd rock half-naked progress pics. Nobody needs to see your SKIN!
Also, babies don't always tolerate being covered. I wouldn't accept formula, and I wouldn't accept being covered. I'm really glad that my mother didn't take the path of prudery and starve me in public. She didn't get any crap for it, but we were living in Germany at the time.
Honestly, I'm going to start raising hell every time I see a man's nipples in public. Can't have those shirtless heathens running around.
I am unable to have children, but (in case you couldn't tell) I fully support breastfeeding wherever it is necessary.0 -
I BF all three of my babies in public. I have to admit, I was shy about it with my first, but by the time the third came around: pop it out, stick it in. Baby has to eat, and everyone will be happier with a happy baby than a SCREAMING baby!0
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If you have to feed your kid you have to feed your kid. But is it really that hard to throw your kids blanket over you?
I don't know, you'd have to ask the kid. Next time just explain to the baby that it's rude to insist upon being uncovered, should work just fine.0 -
NOT using a blanket is actually less obvious. I used to have people approach me all the time without knowing what I was doing.
This picture ended up on the internet for my 10th high-school reunion.
See this is nothing. This is totally fine in public. Some women really whip it out.
Some women are extremely large chested and it's difficult to nurse in public without the occasional bit of skin showing, unless the baby will tolerate a cover. I did not have that problem (usually I could do the same as the woman in the photo) but other moms that I hung out with did. It didn't mean they were "whipping it out" but they didn't spend a lot of time worrying about what everyone else thought, either. Of course, at the time we lived in the Bay Area and people there are extremely tolerant of public breastfeeding.0 -
I haven't read through all nine pages of this thread. I'm just sure that there are going to be some "naysayers" (I've breastfed six of my children, been doing this for years, I've read it/heard it all before). I just want all the naysayers to know that, as a breastfeeding mother, your opinion does not matter to me. I will not tolerate being harassed for feeding my baby. The law is on my side. End of discussion.0
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I haven't read through all nine pages of this thread. I'm just sure that there are going to be some "naysayers" (I've breastfed six of my children, been doing this for years, I've read it/heard it all before). I just want all the naysayers to know that, as a breastfeeding mother, your opinion does not matter to me. I will not tolerate being harassed for feeding my baby. The law is on my side. End of discussion.
You should read through all nine pages. You'll find your concerns unneeded.0 -
Honestly, yes it is. My kids both HATED having a blanket over their head and would not eat that way.If you have to feed your kid you have to feed your kid. But is it really that hard to throw your kids blanket over you?0
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Maybe the naysayers aren't as vocal as they once were. But I see that the "omg thats disgusting!" and "cover up!" and "go somewhere else!" mentality are still out there. As well as the "free peep show!" mentality. And I see from reading that there are women out there who still have to deal with harassment over feeding their babies.
And for the "prudish" out there...I guess there are different types of prudes in this world. But the most conservative Catholic prudes I know
cover their hair in Mass, but don't feel the need to leave the service to feed a hungry baby. Because that's why breasts make milk.
You will find this icon, "Our Lady of the Milk" in some churches. (Le Leche League's name was inspired by this title.)
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Actually, if you are breastfeeding properly, the baby's face should cover the whole front of the breast so you should only see the back of the baby's head. The nose should be smushed against the breast. That's why babies have pug noses...so they can breathe when their face is against the breast. A breast is not a bottle. 0
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Breastfed all my kids, in public, discreetly. Never had a problem, no one objected and I don't think many noticed even. Once, on a plane, the person sitting next to me asked to have his seat changed. Was ok with me... more room.
In my country of origin (Switzerland) public breastfeeding is a non-issue.0 -
I haven't read through all nine pages of this thread. I'm just sure that there are going to be some "naysayers" (I've breastfed six of my children, been doing this for years, I've read it/heard it all before). I just want all the naysayers to know that, as a breastfeeding mother, your opinion does not matter to me. I will not tolerate being harassed for feeding my baby. The law is on my side. End of discussion.
You should read through all nine pages. You'll find your concerns unneeded.
Don't mind us. We get defensive sometimes from past experiences or things we've read. Glad this discussion went well. 0 -
I am only 7 weeks pregnant (due 25 February), but I already know I will breast feed. It's natural and wonderful and formula just doesn't compare. My breasts developed with the aim of feeding a baby, and that's what they will be used for whenever my baby is hungry. If I am in public I will breast feed. Will I cover up? Yes, but not because I think it's indecent to breast feed in public with some boobage showing (there are plenty of women who show far more boobage every day just with low cut tops). I will cover up because I want my baby to eat in peace, and that involves me not being harassed by some twatwaffle who doesn't like public breast feeding.
Lastly, if you're looking at a breastfeeding woman and thinking something sexual there's something wrong with YOU not breastfeeding woman. :flowerforyou:0 -
Oddly I am more embarrassed about my stomach hanging out of the bottom of my shirt on a daily basis, or while nursing than my my boobs....I guess I am just more self conscious of my stomach!
I had twins neither who would tolerate a cover well, nor did I care for it. it just caused more problems for us,. I would use it to let them latch for my comfort, as I was not comfortable with showing nipple. But once they were latched I could care less, about skin showing, With nursing tops the coverage was actually better than my swimsuit on a good day at the beach (those I feel naked in! LOL) . However if I did not have a cover and they were hungry and push came to shove I would not hesitate to latch and nurse with out a cover, only did it a few times.
besides when you nurse twins, in public you could be covering them with a full size comforter and people are going to stare...Meh I just smile and go about my job
I nursed my twin boys till they weaned at 2 1/2 both tandem and individually depending on their schedule in public, in private and in restrooms, during meals. where ever. No big whoop for me. most people didn"t pay mind, some were caught off guard and other are rude....I guess I encounter the same mix of people daily with out with out nursing twins Its part of society to deal with our likes and dislikes in a social setting.
I think alot is how you handle it.
My Husband on the other hand was completely uncomfortable even if I was nursing and they were hiding under full size comforter, he was uncomfortable. Sometime he was so uncomfortable with me nursing,he would inadvertantly draw more attention to me. Even if I was covered up, he felt everyone knew what I was doing and that in itself was outlandish and offensive. But he tends to have more of his own personal body issues, so I presume he is adding his own self issues into the topic. plus he was pretty much raised to be ashamed of the human body, from what I can tell. Me not so much there are parts of my body i would change but I appreciate my body flaws and all. So that could explain the difference and lack of support.
as for public restrooms, I have a hard time finding one that is suitable for me to take a crap or pee in, let alone nurse in. Also most public toilets are a little hard on the *kitten* to sit that long, or as your kid moves the damn toilet starts flushing underneath you now your pants are full of water from the over jelous flushing of the automated toilet, and hopfuly not pee from the seat from the person who hovered above it before you. And then there is the loud decible flushing noises in some bathroom that would distract anyone. and there is not back support which is important for alot of nursing moms, and trying balancing twins while nursing in a stall with no back support or arm support.....mmmm no thanks. and that is not to mention the person next to you experiencing custards last stand....or the person who is afraid to pee in public who is on pins and needles waiting to pee in the stall next to you as you nurse!! Not to mention that most restrooms are with out heat or have way too much air conditioning for such a small area. Oh and how about places with one bathroom that everyone shares!! knock kock walk of shame by the people that are waiting in line to take a duce in the one stall while you nurse LOL but if nursing in a restroom stall if you thing...nurse on mama...nurse on!
As for nursing rooms/stations there are not that many available, from what I experienced. Most of them I could not access as needed. say the mall of america i was never on the level or side of store as the 1 store with the nice clean nursing area. and If I was with friends or family I was not going to leave them on another level just to go find the nursing station somewhere in the mall when I could nurse decretely and easily where i was, but I can see why some prefer them.
But my job was to fed my babies and they would not take bottles, could not tolerate formula, and my expressed milk was not accepted as we found out because I had an extra enzyme in my milk, So any milk i expressed had to be boiled before storing to break down the enzyme, and with a milk supply large enough to nurse twins AND fill the bottom half of a large deep freeze 2 bags high....I did not have time to boil all that milk and nurse and change diapers etc. Sadly everything I expressed prior to learning about the enzyme had to be tossed out...that killed me!
I support parents plain and simple. Its tough any judgments I have I keep it to myself unless asked and understand that each kid is different and they are just trying to keep their heads above water. So breastfeeding, bottle feeding, Public, not public, attachment or tiger mom....don"t care its all parenting Sorry I am wordy and can type a lot...can"t help it 
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I just think it's funny; I bet it's those same parents worry about a strip club existing within city limits that say it's fine to breastfeed in public. Hmmm...
I travel a lot and unfortunately, see a lot of unwanted boob.
LMAO
Inb4 they kill you0 -
My honest response is "Meh". I could care less. I don't like babies. I never want children. I get weirded it out by the whole idea that some parasite is growing inside you... and then I think of the movie Alien ::shudder::
But what someone else does is none of my business or concern. I don't care as long as it doesn't effect me. Breast feed in public all you want. Meh.
However I saw earlier while skimming I think a 13 year old breast feeding? If i saw that in public I think I would be grossed out. There is a line somewhere for me and I don't know where it is, but I do know that it would be crossed with a breastfeeding teen.0 -
i think it needs to be done more often. as far as being discreet - thats up to each mother. personally, i wear a tank top under my shirt so that i can lift my shirt, plop out the boob and feed my baby without my stomach hanging out. somtimes ill try to cover the top of my breast but its not high on the priorities list. ive nursed while walking around shopping, at the park, at kids school plays, and school functions.. and very rarely get any grief. i can think of two times that someone stared, and i just stared back at them until they stopped. none of my kids liked being covered up while eating - in fact i tried it today while my cousin and her new husband were here to visit - it was the first time id met him and to help the comfort level, i covered with a small blanket before nursing. baby thrashed and fussed and ended up gagging/choking on breastmilk, all in a matter of 45 seconds. never again...
i plan on nursing until baby is 1, and longer if she wants it.. personally, i dont think i could go past 3 years and be comfortable, but i know some women do - good for them i guess. i do kind of cringe at the 13 year old nursing, but try not to judge others for their choices.
im glad ive seen more "why is this a debate" posts in here than "ew gross" posts... i think we've come a long way in understanding, even from just 5 years ago when i was nursing kid#2.0 -
I nursed both my boys, my first hardly nursed, but my second was very good about it! ( he even switched from bottle to nursing with no problems, he wasnt picky at all!) But I would nurse them in the car, drs offices, in the corner benches of whatever establishment with fiance facing me to help block others view and keep it discreet. No one seemed to mind and honestly if they did too BAD. Would you prefer a mom nursing in the corner or a newborn screaming bloody murder because they're hungry? Lol.0
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Weird, I can't remember why I came in here. Oh well. I'll just park this here for now.
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