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Infant feeding

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

Breast feeding in public.

117 replies

MrsDoolittle · 25/04/2006 10:48

Two years ago I naively breastfed dd anywhere, I even complained to Bravissimo when I was asked to go into a cubicle instead of feed on a comfy chair (and received a very apologetic response).
However this time with ds I feel differently, which is why I have said "naively". Breast feeding seems to have become more of an 'issue' and I have been really shocked by the response of some to seeing women breast feeding. Isn't it sad that I don't feel the same carefree ability to breast feed my 10 week old baby anywhere? Sad Sad
It's the terrible disgust that I am remembering when I write this and my recent discovering that John Lewis' have a parents room with a chair and a plastic shower curtain to pull across.

OP posts:
cod · 20/05/2006 19:56

yes and its deffo harder to do coreect lathgin on when baby is new

cod · 20/05/2006 19:56

baby small
baswooms HUGE

Enid · 20/05/2006 19:59

bea's head is almost smaller than my nipples

hunkermonkee · 20/05/2006 20:02

Discreet breastfeeding is done with two discrete norks Grin

And yes, I'm a pedant, just don't hate me too much.

tamum · 20/05/2006 20:03

You're a woman after my own heart hunker :)

mrspitt · 20/05/2006 20:11

Ds1 i fed only in front of close family NEVER in public because i could NEVER be discreet, even at home i couldn't feed in front of "other" people.

2years later dd1 came along and i still couldn't do it in public, not even baby rooms while shopping, while these were very few and far between, i just couldn't!

Now dd2 has been fed in McDonalds, down the beach, A very well known Chemists. Mybe its my confidence, who knows but i def have more confidence 3RD time around!!

Wish i couldn't give a toss what others think................
but i DO!!

hunkermonkee · 20/05/2006 21:22

Blush Tamum Grin

stripeybumpsmum · 20/05/2006 21:23

As with UniSarah, tend not to feed in public as DS gets all a bit distracted, takes ages, more air than milk going in. Tried the muslim/pashmina thing unsuccessfully. Make sure our visits out are timed to coincide with the good private rooms to feed (local JL is fab). Not bothered about others there as long as it is quiet. If needs must, feed in public in quiet corner to minimise distractions. Car passenger seat works. At home or when visiting, family/close friends know to keep quiet.

However, I do feel militant about BF in public if you want to. I'm up for a fight, but disappointingly, I've never been challenged so I can't let rip. I know someone locally who was asked to leave a restaurant - which had those complimentary newspapers, including the Red tops with the 'Page 3 lovelies'. Hello?????? WTF. If you don't like it, don't bloody look you pervert. HMMMPPPFFFF (huffy emoticon). But I do think sometimes people would like to say 'well done' but are self conscious they don't want to look like they were looking.

It really hacks me off when shops and eateries get awards for being baby friendly. Our local Debenhams is awful, no way would I even CHANGE DS there. And as for motorway service stations, don't get me started. AARRRGGGHG. Not exactly a high standard to achieve is it??????
Was planning to go to Bravissimo tomorrow but on hearing they asked a bf mum to move I think I will boycott them. Come on, of all the places to be funny about getting your norks out. PURLEASE.
I support mother's individual choice to feed their babies however they want, breast, bottle, public or private - frankly, it is their business. Unlike smoking, loud music etc which also offend people, at least you can look away, whereas you can't unhear or unsmell.

Miaou · 20/05/2006 21:43

Re the feeding a nosey baby - ds is a bit like this now, particularly if he is not ravenous. I tend to support him with one arm, then hold my other hand close to his face (he tends to play with my fingers then). Then if he pulls off, I use that hand to quickly cover my nipple, so no-one gets an eyeful (literally, if I'm doing my fountain impression!!). I do it without worrying about it now. I also tend to wear a top/cardi or top/loose shirt combo so I can pull the top garment over my jelly belly whilst feeding.

HOWEVER - I am not gifted in the nork department - so maybe that makes a difference - not sure.

UniSarah · 21/05/2006 13:28

Thankfully my nosey, distracted baby has been fed at the surestart centre sooo often he feels at home there. If I couldn't get him to feed there i'd have no social life.
Just need to work on him to settle down at friends houses next, I'm gointo try the muslin drape at home to get him used to it.

Emma7 · 22/05/2006 15:23

I have always been self conscious about my very small boobies anyway so that could be part of the problem Blush. I went to a bfeeding cafe today though and fed her in front of about 10 people and yesterday I fed her in front of my dad!! felt a bit weird but I've done it now so next time should be easier Grin

finefatmama · 22/05/2006 22:03

Tried to bf in a discreet corner of a cafe once but my uber pro-bf mum decided to try to take a beautiful natural picture of me bfing (with my boobs all out) in a relaxed public atmosphere to send to all her family members back home. I stopped the feed instantly and that put me off permanently.

I have always been self-concious and unfortunately have come across the most traumatic peadophile pictures in a job i once worked at. I makes me worry for the babies safety but for those who feel comfortable, enjoy. Also, we used to comprehensive rate boobs in secondary school so i'm not keen on reaping what i have sown in the past. my bad.

SSSandy · 22/05/2006 22:13

BFed whenever and wherever I needed to and never got a nasty look or comment. Wasn't at all discrete about it but I only Bfed for about 3 months. Didn't occur to me that anyone could have a problem with it.

If I BF another child, I would probably carry a lacy shawl around with me, drape it over one shoulder and around the baby before raising my top.

40Weeks · 11/11/2007 15:37

Hey I am an Orpington woman! Was once a Bromley woman too!! Am all for breastfeeding - and did so in public wherever my DS needed it! And with the encouragemt of both Mum and MIL, also Orpington women! Dont assume we are all intolerant!

I think if you are concerned about it, then invest in a good BF top (if you can) or use a muslin to keep covered (and warm in the winter! Chilly nips - ooohhh) and just remember that you have the support of nearly every Mum and midwife in the country! Well done for doing it, I think all you BFers are great! So good luck to anyone who takes you on in public, there are loads of good comebacks in this post to keep under your hat.

NAO - how ruuuuude! Next time flash him!! Ha only kidding, dont let it put you off though. And dont ever feel like you cant just shift a few chairs (and tables if need be) to make the area more discreet if it makes you feel more comfortable. Most places are tolerant. I was lucky enough to have some fab NCT friends and we all took the BF in public plunge together

MamaCocoon · 13/11/2007 15:24

I think it is good if you can feed out and about, I used to have to as I had twins otherwise I would have never left the house!!It spured me on to start my own business www.mamacocoon.com selling maternity and nursing tops made out of organic cotton and some designer maternity clothing by bara Glad. Hope you like the site.

nappyaddict · 21/11/2007 22:16

there's a facebook group supporting breastfeeding in public if anyone wants to join.

here

katpotat · 22/11/2007 16:58

I've never had any probs with bf in public, if my wee one is hungry i'll do it wherever we are. Although it is an offence here in Scotland to object to bf in public

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