Breastfeeding & Morocco

[Yarnie]

I still breastfeed my 13 month old and I am heading to Morocco on holiday.

I am very used to breastfeeding in public and wondered how much care I need to take in Morocco?

I have bought one of those nursing shields/capes as I am guessing it is fairly bad form to go flashing a bit of boob to Muslim men(!)

I can nurse pretty discreetly, but do I need to do more than just cover up? Do I need to avoid nursing in public at all, or avoid places where men are (which sounds difficult).

Many thanks!

[PussinJimmyChoos]

DH is from Syria but I should imagine that Morrocco would be very similar in attitdue

I would use the nursing cape as I had one of those and they really do cover you and if you do it discreetly I can't see a problem doing it in public. There tends to be family sections of restaurants anyway so you can go and sit there -less smoke as well!!

One thing I would recommend though - stick to bottled water, no ice in drinks etc and take rehydration sachets for you and for baby. If you do get a case of the holiday tummy, then at least you can hydrate yourself while breastfeeding

Well done for keeping up with it by the way

[PussinJimmyChoos]

excuse typos - tired after a day at work

[Yarnie]

Thanks PussinJimmyChoos. That's really helpful and has put my mind at rest.

Yes, I'm glad I've stuck at it . My problem now is actually cutting down his daytime feeds. He loves his milk!

[PussinJimmyChoos]

They are very pro breast feeding in these type of countries by the way and if you are seen to be trying to be modest - cape, quiet corner etc - then you can't do anymore can you

Just be prepared that if your DS is chubby and blonde or fair skinned, for him to have his head patted and cheeks gently pinched by well meaning strangers

I can remember being in a shop with DS in Syria and the shop assistant beaming at him (DS was pale, chubby and had a mass of brown curls at the time)..he strode out from behind the till, kneeled down, kissed DS on the cheek and declared I like him so much! Its quite lovely to be honest

[ruddynorah]

yes very pro bf. it says in the koran to bf for 2 yrs minimum.

[ForgetfulNess]

A couple of years ago, I breastfed my 6 month old exclusively bf DS all over Morocco- Marrakech, Essaouira and Agadir, and on our travels in between.

Only problem you will encounter is being able to keep hold of your baby for long enough to feed as they love the little ones there. My baby was regularly plucked out of my arms for a dander or to be showered with kisses. It was lovely. Lots of 'ahhs' and smiles from both men and women when they spotted he was getting a feed as well.

Also, I wouldn't worry about having to be too discreet, as due to some bad holiday wardrobe decisions on my part(was first holiday post-parenthood), I had to expose my breasts a couple of times. Wasn't a problem for locals at all.

All in all, probably less stressful than feeding in the UK.

Enjoy Morocco, we loved it, it's a great destination for young children.

[mehdismummy]

i bf ds when we went to algeria and i found it very easy and was encouraged a great deal as in the koran the mother is seen to go straight to paradise if she breastfed. i have never been to morocco and my sil lives there and sings in a hotel in marakesh, go say hello to her she is fab whilst you are ther