GainesvilleMoms.com

Do you think that it is appropriate to breastfeed in public, and are there dos and don'ts for bf'ing in public? Share your opinions and experiences here.

I have mixed feelings. Before I had children, I was in a resturant downtown for lunch with my friend. This place had one of those long bench booths with several tables so many parties could sit at one bench. Well this woman was sitting a couple of tables down and just whipped it out. She wasn't at all modest. I know I turned red with embarassment.

Then when I had my daughter, we were at Ruby Tuesdays when it came time for her to eat. So we requested a table in the corner and I made sure I was completely covered with a blanket before I nursed her.

So I guess what I'm saying is that I think it's OK as long as you're modest about it.

Personally, I was never able to relax enough...I am happy to see other people OK w/ it though. Have you seen the "Hooter Hiders" that they sell? Seems like a good idea for shy Moms like me?

Yes LEW I think that is what my friend has. We were at the mall last week and she is nursing her 4 month old and she has this great cloth contraption that goes over her shoulder but has a wire circle, about 6 inches across, that she can look down into and see the baby clearly and it also keeps the fabric off the babys face while she is nursing...I thought that was the coolest thing ever!!!

My take on it is pretty simple -- how messed up is our society when the act of a woman feeding her baby is considered so offensive? I mean, from the natural perspective it doesn't make any sense -- it's like being offended that we have to breathe. WE WERE DESGINED TO BEHAVE THIS WAY, PEOPLE!!! Breast feeding is what human beings are supposed to do! Feeding a baby formula from a bottle is fine, but that's not how we were built (either by God or natural selection, it makes no difference for the purpose of this argument)

Some people just think the female breast is offensive, I suppose.

Of course, discretion is a good thing. But I don't think there are any nursing moms out there who decide to feed in public just to be an exhibitionist. It's a natural function, and should be respected, or at the very least ignored.

My last post was not directed at any other member, of course. Upon reading it again, I noted it has an aggressive tone, and didn't want anyone to think I was talking to them specifically. :-)

I remember waitressing at the Olive Garden many years ago and the only time I ever dropped a tray was when walking food out to my table only to come face to face...or should I say face to breast with a lady and her little one. Now it's not that it's offensive--just shocking. We don't see women's private areas often (or at least I don't) and it is also a sexual area. This is why I will cover up but I will def not hesitate to feed my son wherever and whenever he wants. I have a cover from Target I will need to use since I know he will yank a blanket in 2 secs.

This is a discussion that has such varying views and views that everyone should be respected for.

I know in my case, my son from very early on did not like his face covered at all. That put me in a strange situation, since I was one who wanted to cover up. My first child and all it was akward with latching on and all. Going to the Le Leche League meetings at the Birth Center really boosted my confidence. When eating out I always requested a back booth or corner and it always worked out. I got really good at just doing everything very non- chalantly. You know people never really noticed and if I thought someone did, I didn't even look at them to avoid "looks".

Back in November'06 at the art festival downtown. We were there a little longer than expected and he was really hungry and I didn't really want to do it right there but I got the nerve up and just sat down in front of the music area on a bench and just let him nurse. It was a very good feeling and nobody noticed at all. My husband was a very good supporter of me and I think his confidence also helped me realize that if I feel ashamed of it or think that I should feel ashamed of it then I will portray that to other people and that won't help people see that it is natural and beautiful and nothing to really cover up.

We see more boobs on primetime teli in one evening, than a week of going around town and seeing people nurse. It also helps to frequent places where you know it's supported. Like our bakery around the corner from us has the Breastfeeding sign in their window and it just nice to know that you could feel welcome there and you are not expected to feel wierd about it.


I feel now that I am a mother and have nursed, the breast is less of a sexual symbol and more of a nurturing symbol to me. Which is of course why in a lot of the paintings in some of the worlds greatest museums we see women with one breast exposed and a small child on her lap etc. Even in ancient times it was regarded as a symbol of nurturing and natural.

No matter how a woman breastfeeds covered or uncovered it is a wonderful provison she can give her baby and it is the way we were meant to nourish our babies if that is within our reach. It may not be for all women and the most important thing is to be good mothers and fathers and support people in that because that is what makes helathy children and ultimately healthy adults.

I really can't believe that this is even an issue. I would much rather see a woman breastfeeding, than listen to a baby cry because it's hungry.

So yes...women should breastfeed in public, and not have to worry about covering up, or sitting in a corner, or offending anybody.

The more women do it in public, the less awkward and "shocking" it will be for everybody.

I am very happy to see all of the support for moms and babies out there! Even though I did not feel comfortable in public, whenever I see a mom nursing her baby in public, I always feel a very strong sense of love and support for her and gratitude for the baby.

Can I just say, do we hear people complaining about Hooters, the restaurant? No. And how much money have they made off of boobs. Okay, just had to get that in.

quote:

Originally posted by Suzy Richardson:
Can I just say, do we hear people complaining about Hooters, the restaurant? No. And how much money have they made off of boobs. Okay, just had to get that in.

GREAT POINT SUZY !!!! I LOVE IT!!!

I breastfed in public, but always covered up. Yes, it's natural, but I also didn't want to make anyone else feel uncomfortable. It took me a while to feel comfortable with it, even covered up and sitting out of the way of the crowds. But after a while, I got over it (also when my babies got a better hang of it). Plus, you never know when to someone it might be a cheap thrill to see a breast.

quote:

But I don't think there are any nursing moms out there who decide to feed in public just to be an exhibitionis

Actually, there was a mom in my "mommy" group in Ft. Lauderdale, FL that would purposely whip it out just to get into it with people. She knew it was her legal right to do so, and she liked to rub that in people's faces. We were in Carter's baby store one afternoon when she decided she needed to feed her baby right there at the register...the store was literally 20 steps from the food court. But, she whipped it out right there. I know that she had a run in with a gas station clerk as well for the same thing.

I've also heard of cases where woman get together in groups and breastfeed in public as a protest against those who don't like/don't allow breastfeeding in public. I think that it's these incidents that make it hard for the typical woman to breastfeed in public at all.

Personally, I'm more of a discrete kind of person. And yes, I would rather others be discrete as well.

sorry, i am on the other side of this one. i prefer NOT to see a lady breast feed in public. i know its a natural act, but it makes me a little uncomfortable, and despite how "covered" you are there always seems to be a slip up now and again. as a STRONG heterosexual man i am by no means opposed to seeing the female form (i love it actually! ) but i dont think at dinner in a public setting is appropriate. to me its the same as a guy wearing really short shorts and no undies and having a "mishap".

sorry. just my personal opinion....
and fyi, 35 married man with an 11 y/o daughter...