Breastfeeding mums shouldn't ask permission, its not like smoking!

[doylejudith]

It annoys me when breastfeeding mums ask permission before they feed. I know I sound mean, and most people are just trying to be polite, but asking permission reinforces a stigma! We are doing the best for our babies, and should never be made to feel bad for it. Breastfeeding is supported by law in public places, so why ask permission? I've even heard mums asking permission in other mums homes, why is this? You are not doing anything wrong or offensive, so get out there and do it freely! Maybe then it will become less of a big deal for everyone.

I never asked. The most I would do is an "excuse me, he/she needs feeding" to explain why I was faffing around with my top and my child and was distracted from the conversation momentarily. It wouldn't occur to me to ask permission.

Although, given that everyone knew I BF, I can't imagine that anyone would have been surprised that I was going to do it!

Never asked permission in a restaurant/cafe, never looked for a BF friendly sign, never asked to stop or go to the toilets. In fact the only comments I ever had were positive ones from old ladies, friendly smiles from other parents who realised what I was doing. I didn't give the impression I would give a shit about what anyone said, and no one said anything.

If you are at a friends house it is their rules so why wouldn't you ask.

I don't think that they would be a friend of mine if they had house rules that you couldn't feed your baby.

There is nothing wrong with breast feeding but it doesn't mean everyone wants to see you do it

There is nothing to see. I certainly wouldn't go and closet myself away.

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If people don't want to see you breastfeeding, why are they inviting you and your baby to their house? Am genuinely puzzled by that.

I am trying to get around my house-my rules meaning that you can't feed a hungry baby! Or that you are pushed off out of the way as if people are ashamed of you! Definitely not a friend of mine.