breastfeeding prejudice

Jackie - posted on 02/25/2009

It really is amazing how forthcoming people are when there is something (in their eyes)negitive or disgusting to point at, but when we see something good we do not pay the same amount of attention. Don't be ashamed or disppointed about what you are doing EVER.  Walk, sit, and feed with pride.  For every person that is looking at you funny, or with disappointment, there are others walking by reminiscing about when they breastfeed their child, or they may be thinking inside, she is a great mom giving her child a great start.  I challenge each person to publicly empower breastfeeding moms, and congradulate them even if you don't know them.  Cheers to you Tamwah.

Maryanne - posted on 02/25/2009

i can totally relate- i breastfed my daughter for a full year + a 2 month weaning period so 14 months total.  there isn't always a private place where you can discretely nurse, in those situations i would just cover as best as possible and focus my attention on my daughter rather than look around & see people's reactions... just do what needs to be done and let them (ignorantly, rudely, and foolishly) disapprove if they so desire.  i did nurse in restroom stalls a couple of times when i felt like i was somewhere that just wasn't going to be ok to nurse openly.  for me the most akward times to nurse were on airplanes, when crammed shoulder to shoulder with men i didn't know.... but you have to do what you have to do! 

Tara - posted on 02/25/2009

Breasts were made for feeding babies. It took me a while when we moved to an area that reacted the same way, but I had to assert that natural fact. If someone said anything rude, I would kindly state that I did not sexualize my breasts, and that I am a Christian woman using my breasts for that intended purpose. Don't blame everyone else's sexual perceptions on a woman doing the most natural thing on earth!!

Stef - posted on 02/24/2009

Its insane that people would still act so weird about it! I live in wisconsin and they just passed a law that would fine people $200 for harrassing nursing mamas. I thought that was great...but what do you do make a citizens arrest? lol!! I usually just look the people right in the eye and dont say anything and they usually get uncomfortable and walk away!

Ashley - posted on 02/24/2009

Ever since I had my first child, if someone catches a glimpse of a boob, oh well! If my child is hungry, I will feed her whenever, where ever. I do try to be considerate and if I'm going in public or to a friend's home, I wear my camisole nursing bra. All they see is my sweet baby's head. At first, I didn't want to nurse in public, but I told myself people would rather have quiet over a crying baby! People really need to mind their own business.

Nina - posted on 02/24/2009

There is a great BF cover by Bebe AuLait it is very comfortable easy and comes in pretty patterns. My sone is 13 months and still nurses I use it all the time.  It is a bit more than most but worth it b/c unlike blankets it wont slide off when baby moves around. Don't worry about ppl staring it is none of there business and If they are rude speak up for yourself after all this is how we were deigned to feed our young!

Sharon - posted on 02/24/2009

The only way people are going to get used to seeing mothers breastfeed their children is if they see it happening!  I'm so sad to hear that you've had such a difficult experience with nursing in public.  I haven't experienced anyone being rude (at least not to my face), but I'd like to think I'd welcome the opportunity to educate them about the benefits of breastfeeding, our children's rights to eat when they're hungry, and their right to turn away if seeing a baby snuggled up to my shirt makes them uncomfortable.  In my experience, I've seen a whole lot more boob from cleavage baring women that I ever have from a breastfeeding mother. 

Jessica - posted on 02/24/2009

I always try to get a booth or a table near a corner. If I can't, to me it isn't a big deal anymore. This is my second time around with nursing. On occasion I will cover myself up. Remember there are laws to protect you and your right to breastfeed in public!

Melissa - posted on 02/24/2009

I started out trying to cover up with my hooter hider....but then gave up on that. My little guy is not happy covered up!! He likes to be able to look around while feeding. I try my best to be discreet and respect people, but at the same time, I couldn't care less who sees my boobs. Hold your head up high, give the gawkers a big fat smile and know that you are doing the best for your child!

Kim - posted on 02/24/2009

i haven't had that problem, but i went up to my DD's daycare this morning to fill out paper work, and when her teachers asked me what kind of formula i used i said that we aren't using formula that she is breastfed and i will have bottles of breastmilk for her, they just looked at me like i was crazy. i mean come on, you're working at a daycare, surely other babies are breastmilk babies!

Nora - posted on 02/24/2009

I usually use a large scarf to cover myself and my daughter. Some people are a little uneasy but that's their problem. I am in NY and people do alot worse in public then feed their child the way God intended!

Nicky - posted on 02/23/2009

Hey thats absoutely shocking. All the advertising and pushing to get mothers to breast feed and do the best for there baby, and people are going to act rude over something so natural. I just flop it out lol way I see it is that my baby needs to eat, heck would people rather you sat in a cafe with a screaming hungry baby. People really need to grow up geeze its just a boob

Itsamystery - posted on 02/22/2009

if you're at a restaurant you could say 'I think my baby has much better table manners than you do!' or 'I'd rather watch my baby eat his lunch than watch an ugly slob like you eat lunch' hahaha.

Cara - posted on 02/22/2009

yeah babies r us has thoses...but heck...where theres a seat, theres a place to nurse!

Tammy - posted on 02/22/2009

we have rooms in shopping centers where they have parents toilets, a big one and a kids one, change tables, play pen, nappy bins, microwave and feeding chairs

Jenna - posted on 02/22/2009

Out of curiousity what is a mothers room? I've heard of it on this circle....

Cara - posted on 02/22/2009

yeah, i used to be shy....then i gave up.....heck its a nipple...everyones got em!  heck its a boob.....all women have them....god gave them to us for this very reason!  its not like im on some internet porn site with them....im breastfeeding my baby!!!!!  crazy rude ppl!

Tammy - posted on 02/22/2009

thanks, i always cover up to the best of my ability, its amazing how many people will still react.i try not to let it bother me but sometimes they are just out and aloud rude

Cara - posted on 02/22/2009

this is how i picture it....no one gets dirty looks for bottle feeding thier child in public!  If someone gives me dirty looks I will usually speak up and say, " if you dont like what youre seeing, just look the other way!"  most people are just curious or nosey!  Dont worry, keep doing what is best for your child.  I feed in restaurants etc....sometimes without a drape!  I just ask the hostess for a table in a more private corner or in an area where there arent many people sitting....do what is comfortable for you and your baby, forget everyone around you...its your special time with your little one!

Jennifer - posted on 02/22/2009

When I'm in public and I have to feed I'll drape a large fleece blanket over myself and the baby you can't see a thing. Obviously if there are slurps or other gurgles you can tell what's going on, but you don't get the dirty looks. I would never let other people discourage you from doing what is best for your baby. Think about the long term benefits for your baby versus the handful of times that you will have to deal with other people. It'll be well worth it.