Getting my boobs out

[wannabehippyandcrazycatlover]

I thought it was all a hoax about people making judgey comments about breastfeeding in public and that no one in their right mind would actually say anything...

Today I was unfortunately proved wrong, I was told by a gentleman that it was highly inappropriate for me to get my boob out and feed my baby in a cafe. I thought I was being quite discreet but obviously not in his opinion.

I was so shocked I couldn't say anything, I didn't think that this actually happened . Has anyone else experienced this? I'm quite upset about it (although won't stop me doing it in future) and can see why some women stop BF if they get comments like that on a regular basis.

[TimeToMuskUp]

I got it occasionally, even from MIL and family, who ought to know me well enough to know that I'm pig-headed at the best of times, and quite deliberately breastfed both DCs glaringly obviously from then on. You want to feed your child, feed your child. If it bothers folk they can pop to Ikea and buy some muslins to shove over their heads for privacy. Tell them so. Knobbers.

[ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba]

Get one of these. Use it with pride. That will teach the pricks!

[wannabehippyandcrazycatlover]

Zing LOVE IT!!! I'm definitely getting one now.

[redexpat]

I don't care if you think it's highly inappropriate, the law says otherwise so if you've got a problem take it to your MP. Good day.

[WellErrr]

I've never experienced it, but if I did, I think I'd say in a loud voice, 'WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT MY BREASTS? WHY WOULD YOU COME AND TELL ME YOU'RE LOOKING AT MY BREASTS?' and hope to attract lots of attention and make him look like a total prick.

[Obviouspretzel]

YABU to call him a gentleman.

It beggars belief that anyone would think it's OK to say this to someone.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Yes, memorise that sentence!

[MarthaCliff]

I think you've just been very unlucky to have that happen. I BF all 4 of mine when I was out and about and I never had a tut or a comment. I was discreet but not ridiculously so. Iykwim

[wannabehippyandcrazycatlover]

Wellerr that will definitely be my response from now on.

[wannabehippyandcrazycatlover]

Martha I haven't experienced it before either, not a look or a tut (that I noticed anyway) so I was completely flabbergasted today when it happened...I honestly thought it was an American thing by uber conservatives.

[Onlyicanclean10]

Yes unlucky as have heard this before on mumsnet but after feeding
My 4 and literally knowing dozens of mums no one has ever ever been approached by a disapproving stranger.

Still it's enshrined in law now so you should have told him to fuck of.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

A gentleman!!!!!!. He's not my perception of a gentle
By law you can breast feed where you like wether Joe public ars pleased or vexed or what.
Breastfeeding on a personal level wouldnt be for me, but I find it fascinating that. There are idiots out there still freaked out by a pair of boobs.

[KateSpade]

It does make people feel uncomfortable,

The difference is polite people ignore it, rude/entitled people kick off.

I was with DD, 4 in a coffee shop when I woman pulled her top down and sat breastfeeding a baby totally topless & I mean nothing but boobs & a baby!
That did make me feel uncomfortable!

Especially when DD shouted 'mummy, that ladies naked!' At the top of her voice!

[44PumpLane]

Honestly these people beggar belief- I genuinely cannot understand their point of view?! And to think it's ok to come over and say something to you!!!

In my youth I wore some ridiculously skimpy and low tops and I've got a substantial cleavage- not one single person ever said to me it was inappropriate and I bet (at times) I had more on display than the average breastfeeding mother.

I don't get it, I honestly just don't get it. Totally perplexed at some peoples "sensibilities".

[viciousstarling]

kate why do boobs make you uncomfortable

[WellErrr]

It does make people feel uncomfortable

Actually no, most people are totally comfortable with a baby having a feed.

If you're not - it's YOUR problem, which you really need to get a grip on.

[BennyTheBall]

I breastfed everywhere and anywhere and no-one so much as tutted in my direction.

I would have loved it if they had, tbh. DH always tells me I'm scary, so maybe I give off a vibe.

[00100001]

Its because boobs are sexualised in the western world for some reason vicious

[Pixienott0005]

People like that are sick...perverted. Because they obviously see something sick and wrong with something so natural as breast feeding. Wrongens.

I'd be really upset by it too. I'd have honestly ripped into him.

[ToomuchChocolatemeansBootcamp]

katespade not in my name!! If YOU have a problem with it, own it, but you can't speak for everyone!

Love WellErs response

[KateSpade]

I honestly have no idea, breastfeeding makes me feel uncomfortable! I'd never do anything about it but it does!

Feed your baby fine, but Is there a need to sit without a top on?

I'm not arguing the gentleman wasn't rude, he was my point is that it actually does make some people feel uncomfortable!

[SharingMichelle]

I have breastfed 3 children for 9 years total, and all over the place wherever we happened to be. I never once got a grotty comment or even a sideways glance. I was quite disappointed! I used to sit there WAITING for someone to come over and have a go, my acerbic response all ready... but nothing but fond smiles and offers of glasses of water. Pah.

[StrictlyMumDancing]

I had a similar experience to kate walking through a shopping centre the other day, a lady had a baby on one boob and the other just hanging there. I actually wondered if she was so knackered she hadn't noticed when DS pointed and loudly shouted 'boobies'. I legged it sharpish

If it happens again just tell them to write to their MP to get the law changed then.

[BertrandRussell]

I have never, in real life ever heard of this happening to anyone I know. Anyone.

[zznotxy]

Disgraceful. As a bloke, with 3 kids, all breast fed, wap em out where ever, when ever :). And I will be cheering you on.