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Infant feeding

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

Told off for breastfeeding on the bus...

55 replies

MrsChemist · 14/11/2011 17:05

.. by a right miserable cow.

I'd just undone my coat and was sorting out my tops, and she said, "excuse me, but you can't do that on here."

I said, 'erm... yes I can.'

She then proceeded to tell me I was disgusting and went to the driver to complain. She asked him if it was ok to 'get your boobs out and breastfeed on the bus.'

he said it was and she railed at me some more about it being disgusting.

That's when the rest of the people on the bus jumped to my defence Grin
There were about 12 other people on the bus and all but two at least told her to shut up. Two nice old men told her that if it bothered her that much she should get off the bus, and that if she'd kept her mouth shut, no one would have noticed and that she was a disgrace.

Another lady told her it was the most natural thing in the world and infinitely preferable to a poor baby crying because he was hungry.

The nasty cow then kept saying that the country was going to the dogs and it was disgraceful etc. etc. (I was just sat smirking at her) but every time she opened her mouth, the whole bus tutted and told her to shut up.

As she got of the bus, she once again told told me I should be ashamed and that I probably get off on it (I was I were joking) and she then told the driver it was disgusting (the man behind her told her to shut up again Grin) and the driver said, 'the only thing that's disgusting is your attitude.'

It was brilliant Grin A perfect example of just how kind and decent most people are. I can defend myself, but I didn't need to, because all those lovely people did it for me, better than I could have done.

One woman, as she got off, even said it was so good to see me feeding DS.

Needless to say, I thanked them all profusely, but I'd like to say again, thank you, fellow bus passengers for standing up for me. It means a great deal.

OP posts:
MrsChemist · 14/11/2011 18:18

Exotic, I thought I would let rip too, but all these people did it for me. I just sort of sat there and ignored her. I think it was better coming from others. It made her look like the lone voice of narrow minded stupidity.

Pinklaydee I can't spray unfortunately. I'd have just dribbled in her direction Grin

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exoticfruits · 14/11/2011 18:30

I think that you feel more vulnerable if you are the one feeding, and it isn't so easy, which is why I would love to have a go.It was great that the bus driver stood up for you too.

Lisatheonewhoeatsdrytoast · 14/11/2011 18:33

Excellent Grin, miserable fucking moo!! A fab outcome!!

WoTmania · 14/11/2011 18:47

I like this story - good for you (quiet, calm and firm) and good for the bus driver and passengers.

I think the letter is a good idea too.

organiccarrotcake · 14/11/2011 18:47

Wow, fabulous! The NCT would probably love your story for their magazine. What a boost for people nervous about NIP!

AlmaMartyr · 14/11/2011 19:02

Great story Grin Love that everyone defended you.

sleepevader · 14/11/2011 19:52

so glad you were supported.

Do write thanking the driver as well as showing your appreciation it also will counter any complaint!

MrsChemist · 14/11/2011 20:40

Right, I've contacted the bus company. I don't remember exactly when I got the bus though, so I hope they can work it out and tell the driver that's he's ace.

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thousandDenier · 14/11/2011 20:44

ooh - FirstBus are running a 'superstars' competition for their empolyees. Hope your BF-supporting driver wins!

MrsChemist · 14/11/2011 20:48

I did see that and considered putting him forward, but I didn't get his name and I'm not sure how well telling a (albeit twattish) customer that their attitude is disgusting would go down with whoever judges the competition.

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pissedrightoff · 14/11/2011 20:50

That's a great story, Well done all the lovely people on that bus.
How much of an arse that nasty woman must feel. :)

moondog · 14/11/2011 20:55

Unbelievable.
What sort of a sick mind has she got!?
Fantastic all those folk rallied aronud you though!

MrsChemist · 14/11/2011 21:51

I know! She expressed surprise at the men not being offended, then added that 'they were sick and probably got off on it.'
One said that she was the sick one for thinking like that an the other one said, 'I can't actually see her feeding. I'd not have known if you'd minded you're own business and kept your mouth shut.'

I've just got an automated reply from First Bus. Hopefully I'll get a proper one tomorrow. I'll update then.

I hope anyone who is feeling embarrassed about feeding in public reads this and feels better, knowing that most people are positive about it and that no matter what ignorant people say/think, feeding anywhere and any time is their right

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MrsChemist · 15/11/2011 09:30

Heard back from first bus. They said they'll trace the driver and let his manager know. They then said they are always pleased to get positive feedback and they are sending me a travel voucher Grin

Yay!

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Kveta · 15/11/2011 10:01

that's a fab story MrsChemist!

I remember travelling on the train from London to Glasgow when DS was 5 months old, and had been given a seat which made feeding him impossible, so the conductor stood at the head of the carriage and bellowed 'This lady needs to breastfeed her baby, can somebody please give up their seat for her for half an hour?' and there was pretty much a stampede to offer me seats. People can be lovely sometimes!

DuelingFanio · 15/11/2011 10:04

brilliant story. So glad people stuck up for you.

VeronicaSpeedwell · 15/11/2011 10:09

This is so cheering Smile

Cosmosis · 15/11/2011 12:48

what a great story! :)

1Catherine1 · 15/11/2011 13:42

Thanks for the story. It was really nice to hear that the one narrow minded woman was put in her place by the public.

ALotToTakeIn · 15/11/2011 13:59

having read this thread i went and thanked my mil and sil i was having dinner with last night.

i had DD 2 weeks ago and all my family have been nothing but lovely and supportive about bfing,
i hadn't realised how lucky i was Grin

redexpat · 15/11/2011 14:12

The public on the bus are pro breast feeding,
pro breast feeding, pro breast feeding
The public on the bus are pro breast feeding,
And the driver is tooooooo.

Cosmosis · 15/11/2011 16:42

what are the actions for that verse? Grin

Fluffycloudland77 · 15/11/2011 17:16

I'm not very confrontational either so I know what it meant for you to stand up to her, well done!.

Most people really dont care what your doing as long as its not illegal!.

ReshapeWhileDamp · 15/11/2011 22:56

That's made me beam madly! What a lovely story. Sorry you had to endure her stupidity, but how great to be backed up by everyone else on the bus. With any luck, she'll realise that she's a cranky voice wailing in the wilderness, and keep her opinions to herself next time.

SlinkingOutsideInSocks · 16/11/2011 01:08
Grin

Yes, in 2011, millennia after humans first started walking the earth (and feeding their babies the only way it was possible to) the country is finally going to the dogs - because one woman breastfeeds on a bus. Grin

You couldn't make it up.

One seriously warped lady, to be thinking everyone's getting off on it...?! Hmm

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