Breastfeeding in Abu Dhabi

[abadoo]

Has anyone travelled through/lived in Abu Dhabi or Dubai whilst breastfeeding. Am going next week using it as a 3 day stop over and have my 5 month old who is completely breastfed with me.
I'm not organised enough for bottles to be an option but do have a modesty cover. Is that enough? I have no problem with being discreet of course but not sure what that means in the Middle East (as opposed to very boob friendly Islington!)
Any tips on whether the mall restaurants, hotel lobbies etc are ok most welcome.

Try the living overseas section quote a large Middle East contingent who will be able to help you

I cannot imagine it is done anywhere than in a private room in these countries. In a country where women hardly show their faces, one cannot imagine breast feeding in public is a good idea.

I live in Qatar which is more conservative, and breast feeding in public here is absolutely fine. It is an inherent right in Islam that babies can be breastfed until they are 2. Plus breasts are not sexualised the same way they are in the West.

Obviously you still need to be discrete, and be careful not to flash any flesh, but honestly you will find it much easier here than back home. Nobody will bat an eyelid. Just make sure you bring a decent cover, or are experienced at doing it smoothly, to ensure no accidental flesh spillage!

If you are the type to feel self conscious, you can go into a prayer room to do it (they are everywhere) where you will be welcomed by the local ladies.

You will also find nursing rooms in the more modern malls and in baby shops such as Mothercare and, erm, Babyshop, and places like IKEA.

I have a relative who breastfed living in Abu Dhabi. No idea what she did but she never mentioned it as a problem so I assume there were straightforward options. I suggest posting Living Overseas too.

I'm guessing MillyMolly has never been to the Middle East

I breastfed in Dubai and that seemed to be totally okay. I know Dubai isn't Abu Dhabi, but it's similar. Restaurants, cafés etc - lots of locals - nobody even looked.

Brilliant thanks, Feesh especially. I lived in Doha too for a short time (came back pregnant with DS so didn't get as far as how to feed a baby). Hope you're having fun out there. I'm not the self conscious type but the prayer room suggestion is excellent depending on who is around at a given time.
Thanks. And off we go!

I've brestfed in Aby Dhabi - absolutely fine. Take a muslin to drape about a bit when latching on. You'll be fine.

Thanks have borrowed a cover so should be sorted.

Have had very pleasant breastfeeding experiences in several countries in the middle East. In Lebanon I was in a shop and it was obvious my 1 year old needed to feed. My husband and I were ushered to a seat at the back and I was brought mint tea and snacks! I think there is a country in the middle East now were it is illegal NOT to breastfeed. Sounds crazy but think it is because of the koran .

Provided you preserve modesty, you'll have no problem. I have seen ladies BF in cafes in the malls and in the main malls, there are BF rooms in the loos.

I was in abu dhabi for a month and bf everywhere in public, no one took a blind bit of notice. I did use a large muslin to cover up but I would anyway.

I was told no way and don't do it before I went but the reality was very different to the preconceived ideas. Unlike Florida where a couple stormed out of a coffee shop in a rage due to me bf.