bf at wedding abroad

[redHeadWit]

My dh's cousin is getting married in France in August. Ds will have just turned 1 by then. Dh's parents and brother do not like me breastfeeding in front of them.

With that in mind, I have the wedding to attend. From what I've read online I've seen breastfeeding is fine in France though not common for babies as old as 1. I think my main worry is how dh's family will react. I know the cousin getting married is fine with it, but I worry that the others might be like pils and bil.

I was hoping ds would only be feeding at night by then, but that's looking unlikely. He won't take a bottle at all so that isn't an option. I do get anxiety so perhaps am worrying more than I should. I can imagine their other relatives having an issue with it though.

I'm looking for reassurance I suppose. Im scared there'll be some sort of scene at the wedding. There won't be will there?

You should carry on. They are being ignorant. Presumably there will be somewhere discreetish outside where you could go. The French don't BF for as long as we do, but I have never had a problem over there.

Also it is still 4 months away - my 1 year old fed very differently to how he did at 8 months. At 8 months he still fed 3 times in the day, by 12 months he'd cut down to a first thing in the morning cuddle and a last thing before bed. You also could introduce a beaker - I did from 6 months, my son never took a bottle, but would happily drink cows milk from any sort of cup (even a standard grown up glass!) by 12 months.

Thank you Mrscog.

I know it's a while away but it's hard for me to imagine him changing in that time! It's a long time for a baby though so I know it could be very different. I will give the beaker a go too, good idea, I hadn't thought of that.

I've just read back my response and it was very matter of fact - really sorry if it read that way. He will change a bit, and you'll get a clearer idea of what you can get away with on the day - you may be able to distract him from needing to feed in front of any ILs :)

Good luck, and hope you have a nice time :)

I breastfed mine in front of french relatives, including at a wedding, and if anyone thought anything bad, they didnt say anything to me.
Dont worry about it. Breastfeeding is as natural and common way to feed french babies as it is english babies

As its common for French woman to return to work and take around 3 months maternity leave this could be a reason as to why they don't BF as long. BF is normal and accepted in France in my experience. I wouldn't worry about the wedding, I'm sure there will be quiet places as others have said to sit and feed if you chose to take your baby aside and if anyone took issue, then it's their issue and not yours. Like others have said nearer the time you will have a better idea of how and how often your baby is feeding. In the meantime don't worry and just look forward to the wedding / holiday in France!

Thank you everyone. And MrsCog I didn't take your post in any way but positive

Scotslass I can't believe they only get 3 months mat leave! I didnt even feel recovered from giving birth at 3 months!