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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think you shouldn't breastfeed in a swimming pool

539 replies

HappierThanEverBefore · 28/05/2014 20:13

Went swimming today & as I was walking to the steps there was a lady sitting on them breastfeeding.

I carried on as if nothing was wrong but the mentioned it to the life guard as I walked out. The lady looked disgusted that she was told to stop or carry on else where

AIBU to think it's wrong to breastfeed in the swimming pool

OP posts:
BolshierAyraStark · 28/05/2014 22:12

YABU, really struggling to see the problem-they're just breasts-get over it.

Catsize · 28/05/2014 22:13

OP, was this a 'posh pool' with loungers at the side? I have fed at a pool twice, each time in a hotel. To do so, I got out, wrapped the baby in a towel whilst I froze and sat on a lounger to feed. Funnily enough, thinking of the old thread on here!
However, if no loungers, or if I would have been seen to make some sort of exhibitionist stance by feeding on the only chair at the side of the pool or something, I would have done what this lady did, and probably enjoyed feeding my child with waves lapping around my knees. I might have covered most of my rather too large breast with my spare hand, but if this lady didn't do that, I wouldn't have been bothered.
I am glad that children saw. I think it is quite sad when older children come up to me to ask what I am doing when I am breastfeeding.
I would NOT have moved if asked to, and the lifeguard broke the law. Was it a council-run pool? I hope she puts in a complaint and that her confidence hasn't been knocked due to the weird views of a haughty person.

Feenie · 28/05/2014 22:14

Show me where I made an assumption about you, Salty. I commented on the assumption that you said a newborn should only be in the pool for a certain amount of time. I didn't say anything about you, other than your assumption was pretty silly and therefore irrelevant.

OwlCapone · 28/05/2014 22:14

If she was out of the water etc it's different

Why?

Igggi · 28/05/2014 22:16

I actually don't believe someone who claims to be "all for bf in public" gave this woman more than a passing glance, never mind reported her to the frigging life guard! Twat or troll, I just can't decide.

BeCool · 28/05/2014 22:17

igggi that made me laugh Grin

Eminybob · 28/05/2014 22:22

As much as I've been posting on this thread, I'm still waiting for it to be deleted as I can't believe someone would really have the small minded ridiculous opinion of the op. However saying that, there have been a few equally, if not more ridiculous replies so maybe I'm wrong (or a sock puppeteer is at work!)

Drgonzosattorney · 28/05/2014 22:23

Why would anyone want to do this in front of anyone they didn't know? The pool I go to with my kids is nice but I could never do it in front of strangers. I'm sorry but there are some weird people out there.

newfavouritething · 28/05/2014 22:23

At the pool -yes, in the pool/steps -no. Wouldn't want to be splashed by other kids, mine often gobbed milk everywhere then had a poo. Much easier and nicer for all for the sick and poop to be done away from the water.

Uptheairymountain · 28/05/2014 22:23

Reading the whole thread (and I think YABU) but, off topic, NotAnotherPackedLunchBox on p4 has reminded me why I don't go swimming anymore Envy

Eminybob · 28/05/2014 22:25

Drgonz are you saying you would never breast feed in public and think people who do are weird?

Drgonzosattorney · 28/05/2014 22:25

Breast feeding is natural and wonderful but there are some nasty people out there.

VenusDeWillendorf · 28/05/2014 22:25

It does strike me of someone who is doing some thing "challenging", just to make a point. And yes, recent publicity on this suggest that mothers are entitled to bf anywhere, and can claim compensation pay outs for being moved on.

Having said that, there are common sense questions of hygiene, and comfort to be addressed.

The little baby could get cold, and so could the mother.

Also, HIV virus is carried in breast milk, and if she was feeding from one boob and had let down from another then she was putting others at a risk of catching HIV if she was squirting milk from the other boob, or any of her milk fell into the water from the baby's mouth.

I know the risk is small, but it is there.

Having rights also means having responsibilities.

While she was entitled to feed in the pool (as a breast feeding mother myself, I would defend her rights), but really, common sense says it's not really hygienic if no one else is allowed to eat or drink in the pool.

Namelessonsie · 28/05/2014 22:26

So by that same reasoning would you never expose your feet in eg flip flops because some people have foot fetish?

Softlysoftlycatchymonkey · 28/05/2014 22:26

thescience I wouldn't object to it. Who is anyone to tell a mother where they can feed there child. I just didn't feel the need to.

feenie I think your getting a bit confused hun, seems like your spoiling for a fight.

Feenie · 28/05/2014 22:29

Hun?

Seriously, wtf is going on with MN tonight? Bfing makes people 'uncomfortable', bfing in a pool carries a risk of HIV, and now HUN?

It's 'you're' btw - x2.

I despair.

slithytove · 28/05/2014 22:29

Venus - I guarantee that there will be breast milk in the pool if there is a lactating mother in the pool whether she is breast feeding at that time or not.

5madthings · 28/05/2014 22:30

Venus bmilk leaks even when baby isn't feeding so should all lactating women be banned from public pools incase they contaminate the water?

TheScience · 28/05/2014 22:31

Venus, are you saying no lactating woman should be allowed in a swimming pool for hygiene reasons?

Slightly bizarre to view feeding a baby as "challenging" anything Confused

Feenie · 28/05/2014 22:31

It has to be a full moon tonight or something. Fucking hell.

1stMrsF · 28/05/2014 22:32

YABU.
End of.

5madthings · 28/05/2014 22:32

And I fed anywhere, if I didn't feed in public because 'there are nasty people' out there I would have been stuck inside for years... About ten Years... Not really practical!

Drgonzosattorney · 28/05/2014 22:32

Sorry, Eminybob. I meant that there are weird people out there that might view this natural function as something they might enjoy. Perhaps I'm just self conscious but I just couldn't.

Softlysoftlycatchymonkey · 28/05/2014 22:33

Feenie - you seem really wound up. You need to chill out.

Here, have Cake and a glass of Wine

5madthings · 28/05/2014 22:33

feenie I agree there is another thread where I am baffled as well!