To make this situation better and less 'public' next time?

[piglettsmummy]

Took dd out today she has a few complex issues many are naked to the human eye excluding her ridiculous behaviour and eating problems. So anyway was sat in a cafe feeding dd baby jar ( she only eats blended food) she is 2.4 so I did get a few disapproving looks as did the bottle of milk when it was brought out! Then she decides to go mental web I tried her with some mashed potato que every staring/ point etc so I take her out o the high chair and eat the remainder of my food with a very naughty toddler who kept hitting me, jumping on me and paddying! I was so happy to get out as I had people from 4 different tables watching me!! I felt so embarrassed but also guilty as I no my dd can't help any of these problems!! I told my mum that in future I would feed her first in a baby feeding room and then giro a cafe for dinner and keep her in her pushchair ( she seems much calmer there) mum said no we shud feed her in cages reguardless of what people think. It's not just about that though she's more calmer and not distracted I I take her somewhere quiet....wwud?

Oops cafes not cages!!

when you say complex issues what are we talking? (sorry if thats too invasive)

I would feed her first and then go to a cafe.

It's just not worth it.

There is plenty of time to get her used to eating out.

The question I always ask myself is what is the benefit to my child of doing a particular thing. Is that benefit worth the risk/hassle/upset.

if it is, I push on. If not, I don't bother.

sound advice there from hec

Sounds like you've got enough to worry about without having to feed her in a cafe. Just do what makes life easier I reckon!

Not its not I invasive vic she is suspected CCHS which is a breathing disorder, possibly SPD and she has behaviour issues too due to not having any deep sleep/ medication

Adding to your stress levels is likely to make the situation worse. She won't starve for not eating in a cafe until she's older and more able to cope. Nor is it a treat to be forced into an environment she finds incredibly stressful like a cafe; if there are sensory issues at play it's likely that the lights/smells/noises cause her physical pain.

I would feed her wherever she's most comfortable - feeding room, car, home, park bench - and save your strength for a more important issue

It sounds like you would meet her needs best by feeding her somewhere quiet & less public. You'll know when she's ready to be calm eating in a cafe.

Try not to feel embarrassed. People are just trying to make sense of the situation and can't help but be curious and notice your bother.

What HEC and Purple said.
Is it worth the stress, if it makes you stressed having people look at you ?