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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Your views on Breast feeding in public places.

58 replies

saz37 · 12/10/2010 10:29

Hello I am a Student at Harrogate College, and I am researching a hypothesis that 'Breast feeding in public places is more acceptable than it was a generation ago'.
I am a Mum myself and have two children aged 11 and 6 yrs old.
I would love to hear your personal experiances on Breastfeeding in public places, all information will be confidential.

  1. How old are you?

  2. What town or village do you live in?

3)Age when you had your children?

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?

5)If so, would you do it again?

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?

THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME, IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

OP posts:
BKD · 12/10/2010 13:45

  1. How old are you? 40

  2. What town or village do you live in? central London

3)Age when you had your children? 37 and 39

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops Feel comfortable
b) Cafes OR Restaurants no problem
c) Public transport I felt a bit uncomfortable feeding on public transport but only because of the time pressure to finish up before my stop. I have only fed my kids on the boat/thames clipper.
d) Parks no problem
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? I've never really noticed any stares either way

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? Just get on with it. The only discomfort I have experienced is trying to respond to a hungry baby fast enough e.g. taking off layers of clothes in the middle of winter! as opposed to worrying about what other people think. In that situation, its faster to breastfeed and fresh breastmilk is better than cold expressed milk. I have expressed at othert times though.

gremlins · 12/10/2010 13:46
  1. 25 2)Manchester 3)19 and 24 4)Yes 5)yes 6)N/a
  2. child friendly areas such as parks, shops, cafes
  3. Never received comments about it
  4. N/a 10)I did express because I felt uncomfortable, and sometimes it was a welcomed break

I felt more uncomfortable visiting friends and family as they are more likely to vocalise their opinion on the subject, I found the general public to be very supportive.

EdgarAllInPink · 12/10/2010 13:52

  1. How old are you?
    ermm..32

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    a place near Brighton
    3)Age when you had your children?
    29 - 32
    4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
    yes
    5)If so, would you do it again?
    yes
    6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
f
8) While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

no negative comment.
although whilst at a dog show, i did explain to the people i was conversation with as i struggled with a wrigglesome baby, that i was just 'getting her on the bitch'

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?
seems like thereshould be a list here...

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?

i have just got on with it. i have only expressed when leaving the baby with husband to look after, or to mix with food.

slimyak · 12/10/2010 13:59

  1. How old are you? 38

  2. What town or village do you live in?

Newcastle

3)Age when you had your children?
35 and 38

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?

Yes

5)If so, would you do it again?

Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

N/A

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
b and d but that's based on me not liking the eat on the go approach for me or my children. I like to give BFing my full attention and not multi task.

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experience any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Not really either way, but there is a Sardinian restaurant in town where they are always very baby positive boob out or not. At the beach cafe one of the staff always used to say 'she's always eating that baby' well yes when I'm here it is feeding time. Strangeky I was always eating or drinking too, it being a cafe.

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

Women 51 - 75

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
just got on with it - most people don't notice, it's not like you need to strip to the waist and make a special announcement.

lindsell · 12/10/2010 13:59

  1. How old are you? 29

  2. What town or village do you live in? London

3)Age when you had your children? 27

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes many times

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to? N/A

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?

f) All of the above (and more!)

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Occasional smiles but nothing else

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding? not sure what you mean

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
just got on with it - never felt uncomfortable about it - if ds was hungry he got fed simples

EagleNebula · 12/10/2010 14:08

  1. How old are you? 32

  2. What town or village do you live in? Near Pontefract

3)Age when you had your children? 31

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

f

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

No, n/a

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?

Have expressed, but for practical reasons (DD's christening, wearing a dress with no boob access whatsoever), not because I was uncomfortable.

detoxdiva · 12/10/2010 14:17

  1. How old are you? 35

  2. What town or village do you live in? Bedfordshire

3)Age when you had your children? 31 & 35

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes - without hesitation

6)If not, why did you choose not to? n/a

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above F - all of he above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? None that I noticed

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? just got on with it

otchayaniye · 12/10/2010 14:19

The problem is with this sort of straw poll is that most respondents are going to be ones who had no issues.

Some mothers who didn't like to feed in public might be viewed as pusillanimous and a bit wimpy if they demurred.

Also, you don't have a question relating to feeding in front of family members, which I know some people have felt uncomfortable about, particularly in non-breastfeeding families.

  1. How old are you? 38

  2. What town or village do you live in? Singapore, then London, soon Mumbai (where I hope to have a second child)

3)Age when you had your children? 37

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes (but made effort to be more discreet in Singapore, for cultural reasons, yes, it peed me off but it's not my country and couldn't. When I say discreet, just was quick with the latch really and tops pulled up

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes, still feed 2 year old but very rarely

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above f

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? No problems apart from once or twice feeding an over 18 month old

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding? Other mothers were the only people rude about it

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? I can't express more than diddly squat

treetrunkthighs · 12/10/2010 14:29

  1. How old are you?
    35

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    Nottingham

3)Age when you had your children?
27 and 32

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
Yes

5)If so, would you do it again?
Absolutely

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

None, ever! I sometimes think I may have adopted a "comment at your peril" kind of face.

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?

Just got on with it. I did make sure I was dressed in such a way that I felt comfortable feeding anywhere I needed to.

LoopyLoops · 12/10/2010 14:35

PMed you. :)

Liloosmum · 12/10/2010 14:45

  1. How old are you?
    37

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    Abingdon
    3)Age when you had your children?
    33, 37
    4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
    yes
    5)If so, would you do it again?
    yes
    6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
b and d
8) While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?
2, both positive
9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?
Male 51-75 and female 51-75
10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
Just got on with it

oncemoreintothebreach · 12/10/2010 14:55

  1. How old are you?
    24

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    Bournemouth, Dorset

3)Age when you had your children?
24

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
Yes

5)If so, would you do it again?
Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?
N/A

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
f)

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Only ever been positive, or more frequently not noticed

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
No

pippylongstockings · 12/10/2010 14:55

  1. How old are you?
    41

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    Exeter
    3)Age when you had your children?
    35 and 38
    4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
    yes
    5)If so, would you do it again?
    yes
    6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
all of the above
8) While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?
Old ladies used to smile - I remember one day sitting in the park feeding my DS2 and a older lady say down and had a lovely chat with me - really nice to feel I was doing a good job!

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
I always just got on with it - it is completely natural and any one that has a problem with it can just look away.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 12/10/2010 15:00

  1. How old are you?
    33

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    Guildford

3)Age when you had your children?
29 and 32

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
Yes

5)If so, would you do it again?
Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?
N/A

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Positive - smiles or chats to people

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
Just got on with it

LadyGoneGaga · 12/10/2010 15:09
  1. How old are you? 32
  2. What town or village do you live in? Leamington Spa

3)Age when you had your children?
29

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
Yes, often.

5)If so, would you do it again?
Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
f

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Only positive comments

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
Neevr expressed, just got on with it.

THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME, IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

Tacey · 12/10/2010 17:24

  1. How old are you? 26

  2. What town or village do you live in? Leamington Spa

3)Age when you had your children? 25

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? yes

5)If so, would you do it again? yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? no

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? Just got on with it

AngelDog · 12/10/2010 18:51

  1. How old are you? 31

  2. What town or village do you live in? St Albans

3)Age when you had your children? 30

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above although I would feel least comfortable on public transport if it was crowded.

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

Smiles from other women in an encouraging fashion.

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding? Female 26-50.

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? Just got on with it - expressing is too much faff to bother with, and if I felt uncomfortable, I'd just find somewhere a bit more private to feed.

nickytwotimes · 12/10/2010 18:51

  1. How old are you? 36

  2. What town or village do you live in? Ayr

3)Age when you had your children? 32, 36

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? yes

5)If so, would you do it again? yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants very comfortable
c) Public transport
d) Parks very comfortable
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? one neg comment.

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding? old lady, maybe 70?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? no

Jacanne · 12/10/2010 19:12

  1. How old are you? 40

  2. What town or village do you live in? Southend
    3)Age when you had your children? 32, 35, 40

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? yes

5)If so, would you do it again? yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

f- all of the above.

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? I've been lucky enough to have some positive comments and no negative - though my Mum says I sometimes get an expression on my face that doesn't invite negative comment Grin

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding? Older ladies have been quite positive. Once had an old man ask if he could sit opposite me in Marks cafe - he was completey unphased by me feeding and actually offered to open my sandwich for me as I didn't have any hands free.

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? Just got on with it - I think first time around I tried to offer a bottle on one occasion but pesky baby would never take it.

GruffaloMama · 12/10/2010 19:17

  1. How old are you? 35

  2. What town or village do you live in? Ely

3)Age when you had your children? 33

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? yes

5)If so, would you do it again?
yes
6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above
F

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

Occasionally - but they were only positive and supportive ones.

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

Female 26-50 Female 51-75

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?

I did consider it (eg when I knew I was going to be at a rugby club) but it was just easier to feed normally.

ib · 12/10/2010 19:19

  1. How old are you? 38

  2. What town or village do you live in? Abroad, but spend time in London

3)Age when you had your children? 34 and 38

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes, often

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

F

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative?

Only smiles and positive comments

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

Female 50+

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?

No, find expressing very difficult.

AnnieLobeseder · 12/10/2010 19:22

  1. How old are you?
    36

  2. What town or village do you live in?
    Woking, Surrey

3)Age when you had your children?
31 and 34

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
yes

5)If so, would you do it again?
yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Never had a negative comment. Or any comment, for that matter!

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
Just got on with it.

FlyingInTheCLouds · 12/10/2010 19:30

  1. How old are you? 36

  2. What town or village do you live in? manchester

3)Age when you had your children?
30,31,35
4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
yes
5)If so, would you do it again? yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above xxxxx

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Yes, but only ever of old ladies coming up saying how they bf their babies and it takes them back

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? never expressed

WoTmania · 12/10/2010 19:31

  1. How old are you? 29

  2. What town or village do you live in? chatham then maidstone

3)Age when you had your children?
24,26,27
4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place?
YES
5)If so, would you do it again?
yes
6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? some tuts, some positive comments, no glares/negative comments

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding?

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it?
just do it

Gmakes3 · 12/10/2010 20:13

  1. How old are you? 40

  2. What town or village do you live in? Wakefield

3)Age when you had your children? 36 & 39

4)Have you ever breast fed in a public place? Yes

5)If so, would you do it again? Yes

6)If not, why did you choose not to?

7)Where would you feel most comfortable breast feeding your baby?
a) Shopping Centers / Shops
b) Cafes OR Restaurants
c) Public transport
d) Parks
e) None of the above, please state why?
f) All of the above F Yes

  1. While breast feeding in a public place, did you experiance any stares, remarks OR comments? If so, please state whether they were positive or negative? Positive

9)Please tick appropiate that may apply to whom has made any general comments while you were breast feeding? Older women

10)To save yourself from any uncomfortable moments have you considered expressing your milk OR just got on with it? Got on with it