Breastfeeding Abroad

[binkymum]

Could anybody tell me what the general attitude to BFing in public is in Italy and Switzerland? We are going there on hols later this month and I wondered if the situation will be the same as here (I live in Scotland ).
Also, as we are mixed feeding at the moment, can anyone give me tips on what is likely to be available in cafes/shops for DD to eat? She might miss her porridge for breakfast...
Thanks.

[DingALongCow]

I live in Switzerland but have never had to breastfeed here. From what I understand breastfeeding is very popular (in my canton they give you extra money if you breastfeed)and its 'the done thing'.

At the playgroup I attend with my daughter there are lots of ladies breastfeeding their toddlers and no-one bats an eyelid. There were two ladies feeding their little babies in the supermarket queue this morning (i only noticed as they were on either side of me!)

I have seen women feeding in restaurants, on the bus, in parks etc without a problem, never picked up on any hostility.

Hope this helps, hopefully someone more experienced will be able to give you some more info soon.

[footprints]

Hello I live in Switzerland and have breastfed my daughter all over the place - in restaurants and on trains - no problems at all. Once, an elderly couple got up and moved, but that's the only time.

We went on holiday to Italy whem dd was 1 and I breastfed her there too.

If she likes porridge for breakfast, she may like Birchermusli - like muesli but with yoghurt and soggy. My dd loves it!

[lljkk]

The Italians love babies, but don't have so many of their own nowadays. SOOOOOOO overwhelmingly, You'll get spoilt in Italy (Madonna cult). Strangers will beg you to let them cuddle the baby and only reluctantly hand her back, grannies will offer money and lollies, everyone will rush to find you a chair if you need somewhere to sit and feed.

As for brekkie, My babies could handle bread+butter by 6 months...

[binkymum]

Thanks for the tips! I feel much more relaxed about the trip now. Next step, the packing...

[binkymum]

Holiday was fantastic, BFing was no problem, the weather was great and the people were lovely. Thanks again for your tips and hints.