Cultural views on breastfeeding

Tanisha - posted on 07/19/2010

I too have not travelled and my son will be 2 next month and shows NO signs of wanting to give up BF.. it is his chill out, comfort time (especially when he is tired) Soo many peopl ask me when am i giving it up or I need to wean him off, or he isn't benefiting from it anymore.. It's tough . So growing up here in the US I definately have my own mixed fellings about "when is it time to quit" I hate grappeling with that at every turn or not feeling free to just do so, depending on the company I am around..which inturn frustrates the little man when he is already tired and needing his "comfort" :(

Norfazleen - posted on 07/18/2010

i'm from Malaysia & i BF my baby until today (4 months)..i dont feel it is a problem for me and i still can BF her whenever we go outing. i do agree that not many people are aware of the advantages of BF and some feel that it is very difficult for them ecpecially to the career mom to pump the milk for their baby whenever they go to work..i just have a problem that some didnt believe that my milk are enough for my baby as my breast is quite small..i think Govenrment should do more awareness programme regarding BF to our children atleast up to 6 months.

Angie - posted on 07/17/2010

In Scotland, don't know about England yet but there was a law passed in 2005. The law states:-

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make it an offence to prevent or stop a person in charge of a child who is otherwise permitted to be in a public place or licensed premises from feeding milk to that child in that place or on those premises; to make provision in relation to the promotion of breastfeeding; and for connected purposes.

It is an offence deliberately to prevent or stop a person in charge of a child from feeding milk to that child in a public place or on licensed premises.

Does not apply if the child, at the material time, is not lawfully permitted to be in the public place or on the licensed premises otherwise than for the purpose of being fed milk.

A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

The rest of it seen as it is too long

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotl...

The fine can be anything up to £2500 which is a lot of money if you ask me for opening any judgemental mouth lol.

I feel happy living in a country where I can openly in public feed my child. I am not about to suggest that I would just flash for the sake of it. What I am saying is however that if my child needs fed I am going to feed him/her no matter where I am. Its nice that the law states this to protect breastfeeding mothers from ugly situations like ones I have heard.

Leyla - posted on 07/17/2010

the US is so backwards in pushing the "easy" thing to moms. they discourage moms at every point to BF by sexualizing boobs. there are just way too many things to list so i'll just say that BF advocates need to become more vocal and get the point across that doing the best thing for your baby should never be up for debate.



and for the record i am still BF my 18 month old son and will do so until he wants to wean.....

Nicole - posted on 07/17/2010

I am still breastfeeding my 6mth son and I am feeling the pressure from family and society to give him bottles and food. It is so frustrating that people want me to stop giving him something that is so good for him! "big boys take bottles and eat candy and ice cream." Not my kids!!!! Sorry I want him to be healthy and eat healthy foods when HE'S ready! Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and hopefully will become more accepted.

Dehnay - posted on 07/17/2010

I live in Kona Hawaii and I have to say I got alot of glares (mostly from older women!!) I would just glare back and then ignore them..I mean how rude! I BF for almost 13 months and my daughter weaned herself...I guess she was just over it. Now I am expecting again and I am going to BF again. I actually think most people are just so ignorant and dont know any better than to bottlefeed. I had a girl come up to me and say "isnt it bad to BF after 6 months? " I said "NO the longer, the better benefits" She had been uninformed and it made me sad...the facts are is that women need to be fully informed and not to listen to everything they hear. As long as people let other people judge them, the USA will be naive...

Samantha - posted on 07/17/2010

I live in Santa Cruz CA is a very liberal town, so here there is no problem you get lots of support and no one looks at you funny moms walk about downtown or in "whole foods" with there boobies out nursing there babies.
But in a place like Fresno CA which is alot more conservative its different, my sister lives there and no one encouraged her to breastfeed even though she had a premme, she did for about 3 months until her baby daddy didnt want her to any more.
In her family and extended friends you are not allowed to breastfeed in front of children, they made me leave the room to feed my daughter I felt very offended.

Sara - posted on 07/17/2010

In the hospital here in the US you get professional help to breastfeed. I would agree that in the US women typically don't breastfeed their babies in public. This would include me. I breastfeed him at home and give my baby a bottle in public

Kell - posted on 07/17/2010

I live in so California and I have gotten stares and laughter from people in public. Those same people make comments as well. I personally have not gotten offended but, my husband has.

Charis - posted on 07/17/2010

Hi, I'm from Singapore. I'm happy to report that breastfeeding is getting more and more accepted here. The health institutions are actively promoting and providing help to mums in breastfeeding their babies. Many shopping malls here also have nursing facilities, though I wish they'll put in more cubicles cos the waiting time can be rather long!

I've breastfed my son in a super mart before, attracting a few curious stares from fellow shoppers, but none came up to tell me off. They just kind of skirted around me =)

FELICIA - posted on 07/17/2010

ALTHOUGH I HAVE NEVER BEEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY, I'VE HEARD SO MUCH NEGATIVITY ABOUT BF. I HAD MY OLDEST WHEN I WAS 19 AND WAS SCARED AWAY FROM BF, I BF MY DAUGHTER TIL SHE WAS 4 MOS. AND WAS DISCOURAGED B/C OF NOT BEING EDUCATED ENOUGH ABOUT BF AND THE WORKING MOM, BUT MY YOUNGEST (WHO IS NOW 18 1/2 MO) I BF HIM TIL HE WAS 16 1/2 ALMOST 17 MOS & I GOT ASKED ABOUT WHEN I WAS GOING TO STOP BF HIM. MY HUSBAND WAS A STRONG BELIEVER IN BF BUT AS THE BABY GOT OLDER, HE STARTED TO LET HIS MOM & OTHER PEOPLE INFLUENCE HIS WAY OF THINKING AS FAR AS BF PAST 1 YR. I ALSO COULDN'T REALLY GET ANY HELP WITH MY SON B/C HE NEVER TOOK A BOTTLE OR BINKY & SO I WAS ACCUSED OF SPOILING HIM.

Tracy - posted on 07/17/2010

I have 2 daughters and have had wonderful support fom profesionals and friends alike.
I have only had one comment from an older lady in a well known coffee shop in scotland and after I had been calm and replied to her comment ( I was proud of myself I was very consise and calm and stuck to my guns) a member of staff spoke to her and said that if she was uncomfortable then maybe she should move seats or finish her drink and go as I had the right to BF my daughter. This was with my first daughter, my second is now 17 months and still feeds 2-3 times daily so often if we are out and about in the afternoon she will feed, everyone I have met has been supportive and waiting staff are not bothered and will descreetly bring my cuppa and cake so not to disturb the feeding monster! I think it must be difficult to try to BF in countries where it is not supported or promoted. Good on all you mums who are doing what is best for you and babe. x

Krista - posted on 07/17/2010

I live in Austria, and have never had any trouble breastfeeding in public. In a train, in a cafe, resturaunt, really anywhere.Also in some of the bigger malls, there are rooms especially for breastfeeding mamas with a sofa to sit on.( if they do want peace and quiet) It is encouraged as well, although the baby formula companies are trying to work their way through.

Meghan - posted on 07/16/2010

Simone "all i say is the more woman BF the more exceptable it will become." Absolutely! In my little rural town in Montana there are very few woman that "choose" to breastfeed. For me breastfeeding wasn't a choice. It was just something that I was going to do. It is the best for your child, hands down, why wouldn't you do it? And come on, its not that hard. It's an inconvenience to pump at work, but there is an upside. You are forced to take a break. :) My 2nd son is now 8.5 months old and a lot of people are still surprised that I'm still breastfeeding. Pumping at least 2 times while at work. If more women did it then this could become the "norm". I was at the mall a few months ago feeding my son and some women came up with children of her own and asked me to leave if I was going to breastfeed. We were covered and in a small corner. Nobody saw me unless they were looking. I basically told her to "piss off." In my opinion not breastfeeding is just laziness.

Elizabeth - posted on 07/16/2010

wow! I wish this country was more open to BF in public and not see it as a tabu.. h

Cassie - posted on 07/16/2010

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that the US doesn't adhere to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. People here are bombarded with images of bottles and formula. Why the code? - "It has been universally recognized that the promotion of commercial baby food products have a negative impact on the spread and continuation of breastfeeding, the Code has been approved to end the practices that impede the marketing of breast-feeding....All States participating in the World Health Assembly in 1981, that is 119 countries, voted in favor of the application of the recommendations except for one country which was the United States of America. "
http://www.ibfanarabworld.com/en/content...

Amanda - posted on 07/16/2010

When I was pregnant with my first daughter I got nothing but negative feedback about breastfeeding from family, friends, and anyone wanting to give there opinion. So in the beginning I was set against bf and was for formula. Then towards the end of my pregnancy I was slightly considering bf again but still set on formula. Then right after my daughter was born and I held her right away it felt right and I decided right then that I was going to bf, it felt so right and natural. Not having anyone I knew who had previously bf to turn to for advice made it difficult and nip was difficult for me since I was so modest and I'd shy away and use a cover for me and my daughter in the beginning. But as time passed I became more comfortable and at ease and I loved that closeness and bonding with my daughter. I was only able to bf my first daughter for five and half months because I had issues with my supply and was disapointed when I had to switch to formula. But things have gone better with my second daughter who is seven months and I currently breast feed. I no longer am modest or uncomfortable in public and everyone has there opions asking when I'm going to stop bf here now that she's seven months. And I have no plans to due to and kind of pressure from anyones. As long as I am physically able to and she's not a biter, lol I will continue for as long as I feel necesessary.

Lacey - posted on 07/16/2010

I live in GA. You have all kinds of opinions around here. I have always NIP. I have never had any rude comments, and if anyone had a judgmental stare i never noticed, but wouldnt have cared either. Everytime we went out to eat, my daughter ate right along with us. The wait staff seemed to even go out of there way to make sure we knew they were comfortable and supportive of it in there restraunt, or maybe they were just nosey, who knows. lol I have always been a shyer person as far as speaking up around people i don't know, but somebody would get one heck of an ear full if they were to say something. I really tried to embrace the "chose what is right for you" as far as making the decision to nurse or formula feed but as hard as i try i cant get over it. If you know its best why would you choose different! (This ofcoarse excluding those who cant for health reasons or just could never get their milk to supply regardless of all the milk maker products they took.) I nursed my DD till she was 2yrs 3 mths. and would have continued till probably 2 1/2 but have baby#2 on the way and wanted to have atleast a 3 mth break btwn. I never ask if someone is going to breast or bottle. I automaticly just speak like they are going to BF and offer whatever advice and recommendations on products that i would have found the most helpful. I was constantly asked when i was going to stop nursing after she reached a yr. and then they all got an education on how the recommendation is atleast 2 yrs.
There is nothing sweeter than to see a baby nursing. When ever i see someone nursing in public they always get a big thumbs up from me.

Julie - posted on 07/16/2010

I live in the Southern US and have gotten a few dirty looks and overheard comments. I like to think I am pretty discreet about it, but lately my daughter (9 months) is very easily distracted and sometimes leaves me exposed to look around, so I have started going to the car if I have to NIP.

I've heard a lot of people make comments about people nursing, especially older babies but I am going to nurse as long as I can because these people should not interfere in a mother's relationship with her child.

Schmoopy - posted on 07/16/2010

I live in the U.S., and it's definitely not universally accepted here. I haven't had any rude comments, but I've gotten a few shocked / uncomfortable looks here and there. Plus if you do it past the age of 1 year, people start to look at you funny.

I've had a few people say, "Are you STILL nursing?!?" (My son is only 14 months old.)

It's such a shame that Americans aren't more enlightened about BFing. Nursing moms have to be extremely committed here.

Patricia - posted on 07/16/2010

Well I fed my lil girl in public while living in California & now I live in Texas & am currently BFing my son of 2 1/2 months. I BF when needed no matter where I am at, if my son is hungry I am going to feed him whether people like it or not, I mean at least I cover up but I am not going to let my baby go without eating because it makes other uncomfortable. I know there are certain places that do have a special nursing area but I nurse where ever I am, the main thing I notice is stare's but no one has ever actually told me anything.

Alex - posted on 07/16/2010

I am a UK living in the US. Ihad my first child in the UK and the second two here in California. In the UK i fed my son everywhere, never bothered about "covering up" and never had any issues. I stopped BF at about 18 months. In California breastfeeding is generally encouraged, but there is an expectation to cover up, not do it in public etc. I also think that a lot of women in the US give up feeding "early" ie within 6 months because they have to go back to work so soon and pumping can be a struggle. I am just back to work and it is really hard to have a regular schedule and my milk is diminishing. Its a shame but a reality of the US work system with such short maternity leave.

Bonnie - posted on 07/16/2010

So true, Kathleen! Don't let their leers and ill-placed comments deter you, please... Your baby will thank you later!

Kathleen - posted on 07/16/2010

Im currently BF my 11month old baby girl. It just comes to a shock to me when people look at me like "what are you doing?" I feed my daughter when ever it is time too. I was at a fast food resturant and my daughter was about 1 month old so feedings were more often, I went to out side and started to feed her (i had her covered with a blanket) when i noticed this lady and her husband just staring at me. If looks could kill i would be dead. I was in total shock! I didnt bf my first daughter so this was all new to me, but it was crazy when people would look at me like i was commiting a crime or something. I hate when people say "Oh my goodness your breast feeding whats wrong with the bottle" I wish it was more acceptable seeing as in how its the most natural thing. Its kinda ironic we can have half naked women all over our tvs and magazines but when a women goes to nurse their child its a sin!

Bonnie - posted on 07/16/2010

I followed the advice of a very wise doctor who breastfed her two daughters while a resident at a hospital. In "Breastfeeding Success for Working Mothers", Dr. Marilyn Grams outlined a technique called "reverse cycle breastfeeding" where the mom nurses as often as possible while she's home, leaving the baby well fed enough to only need 2-3 extra feedings while Mom's at work. She also suggested that we let the baby decide when to stop; my daughter called her own shot when she was 2 years and 9 months old. She is now an extraordinarily healthy 13 year old, and to all the naysayers of breastfeeding, I say "p-shaw"! Show me how healthy your kids are! And yes, I did it in public - restaurants, malls, church - discreetly of course. Only once did I have to say "mind your own damn business" after being criticized by a man at an airport! P-shaw again!

Chelsea - posted on 07/16/2010

I thin the US is trying harder to make it more acceptable. Ive seen signs and commercials saying that breastfeeding is best and what not. In my oppinion if a women wants to breastfeed badly enough she will. Im a young mom and I have breastfed both my daughters until they were 15 months. I did it in public and just didnt care if i got stared at. Yes sometimes i would get wierd looks but i cared more about what my baby needed then people sitting around looking at me . It is a natural thing and should not be looked down on or thought to be sexual. Breasts were made for making milk and feeding babies. It does make me sad to see so many babies on formula just because the mothers dont really know any better.

Mandy - posted on 07/16/2010

I think even parts of the UK can be different. Even parts of Scotland, I lived in 1 part when my daughter was born, I was in a big minority, in my HV's area I was the only nursing mum, and there was no real advice, I managed mostly because my daughter was a natural and speaking to other mums online, it was a very lonely time. We had moved to a different city by the time I had my son, Edinburgh apparently has the highest instances of breastfeeding mums in Scotland, there was certainly more support but because I was on my 2nd baby it was more that I was an old hand lol. I was asked about training as a peer supporter but ended up moving house.
In the whole time I was nursing my babies, I think I only saw a handful of other mums breastfeeding while they were out, it could have been I wasn't going to the same cafes but I nursed everywhere we went, did get a few funny looks but my big beaming smile usually stopped any comments, though 1 woman did complain to waiter in a restaurant but he came over and offfered me a free top up of my drink lol.

Gwen - posted on 07/16/2010

I would suggest saying until he is 3 -4 years of age. It will give them something else to think about. When they say why, talk about the benefit to his immune system. As at this stage your milk has increasing leveles of antibodies as the volume slowly drops.
Well done, it is something I wish I had had the knowledge to do.

Rebecca - posted on 07/15/2010

I'm not sure if someone else has already commented on a similar note, but I think that a lot of what is culturally acceptable in terms of breastfeeding has to do with what women grew up with. It seems like a generation or two ago, for many reasons, women started choosing to use formula. I don't think it can solely be blamed on formula companies or doctors, but they certainly play their part. That left very few little girls growing up with breastfeeding moms, aunts, cousins, neighbors, etc. If you don't see it being done and you only see women feeding their babies with a bottle then that's what you consider normal and "acceptable". Looking at it that way it makes sense that breastfeeding isn't known or understood by most American women these days. But, that seems to be changing especially as awareness grows. More than that, I think we miss out on the communal aspect of mothering (and the rest of life)...but that's kind of a bigger issue than just how your baby is fed.

Cally - posted on 07/15/2010

In Australia the hospitals here promote the skin to skin contact immeadiately after birth (for around an hour at least) and try to encourage BFing straight away. While from these posts it appears that the Breast is Best culture that is here, in NZ, Canada and other coutnries is slowly growing in awareness (with several states protecting mothers' right to NIP (such a cute US expression)) in the US. I think this is really positive.

So to my US sisters keep BFing your beautiful bubs and know that there is a lot of support out there for you both within the US and from abraod (after all thanks to the interenet you can always access the Australian Breastfeeding Association website (and I am sure that NZ, Canada and other countries have similar online support). Thanks Emmanuelle for starting this post it has been both enlightening and encouraging.

Shelly - posted on 07/15/2010

I live in NZ and best is best here in a big way. We also have A LOT of support here for it. I had issues with my daughter not latching properly for a couple of months for the first month my nipples were bleeding cos she wasn't latching properly but I'm so glad I had lots of help from midwife etc and stuck with it. I'm actually shocked to see TV shows and hear from other people experience that most are bottle fed straight from the word go in the US. Also another thing I've noticed (and correct me if I'm wrong) but what is with your baby going to a seperate nursery in the US? Here we have skin to skin contact immediately after birth and the baby stays with us unless of course there are problems. I would hate for my baby to be taken away from me. I even had some complications with excess bleeding after giving birth to the placenta and I had my daughter the entire time and hardly noticed. But back to breast feeding, next month in Wellington we are doing are record attempt of the most mothers breast feeding simutaniously lets hope we can break it!!

Skyla - posted on 07/15/2010

I am still breastfeeding my 15-month-old and don't plan on stopping any time soon! I believe it is a wonderful gift to give your child! And what a bonding experience! (If any that is not BF reads this, I understand that there are situations that leave you no choice but to go with the bottle. I always seem to get a mean response to my posts about BF).

It was sooo hard at first, but now I truly believe it is the most wonderful thing I have ever experienced. You know what bothers me....when women get so offended when I ask if they are going to BF or not. I am a brand new nurse, so I know all of the benefits of BF, which I LOOOOVE to share with pg women!

Also, I get frustrated that I can't nurse in public...it's just not really accepted here in the US. At least not in my area. I once saw a woman on youtube who was still nursing her 5 yr old say: it's amazing that all of the US's ads feature boobies and our culture is fascinated and obsessed with boobies, but when she decides to continue BF (the real purpose of boobies), people give her a hard time. Interesting to think about, huh?

Rachel - posted on 07/15/2010

I live in Arizona, and breastfeeding mothers are protected. One could actually sue for discrimination if someone ask us to leave a public place. I wouldn't advocate suing people, but am very happy that we have protection here. It's not like that in all the states, which is unfortunate.
So far, I have started my baby (baby #1) nursing at Target, at my in-laws, at my house with several people, here, there... I don't remember it all. I was scared because this is my first baby, and we're learning still, but this is what my body was designed to do. This IS the best thing for my baby. I find it so silly that people would make a big deal of it. So far, nobody has said anything to me, and I hope nobody will. I don't really know what I would say, but this isn't their choice. It isn't their baby. If they don't like it, they don't have to watch us. :-)

Hillary - posted on 07/15/2010

I wish America wouldn't be so backwards about breast feeding. I always breastfed my kids in public and I didn't care what people think. It's so much healthier for the baby and has lots of benefits for mom! I am still breast feeding my 3rd child and she is 13 months old.

Sheryl - posted on 07/15/2010

I live in Texas and I am still breastfeeding my 26 month-old. I have never had a problem with nursing in public. We have nursed at work, parties, restaurants and even at Walmart. No one has ever made a negative comment (I'm sure they were actually happy that the kid wasn't screaming!!) I have had lots of moms who had children in the 1960's and 1970's state that they wish that breastfeeding had been more accepted in their day. They have stated that their docs and public perception held the view that formula was best. They seemed to be applauding the fact that I was able to breastfeed without all the negative pressure and that I have chosen to do so.

Phillippa - posted on 07/15/2010

I live in South Africa and breastfeeding in public is quite the norm. Anyone who does have a problem with it usually keep their problem to themselves. My son is almost a year and I plan on breastfeeding him til atleast 2 years. I've never had anyone comment or give me a look while feeding him in public.

Keara - posted on 07/15/2010

I live in Ontario, Canada, and since I haven't yet had my baby I can't speak from personal experience. However, our doctors and hospitals are very pro-breastfeeding, and they can actually get kinda pushy about it. I've already had several occasions where I've made it very clear that I do plan to breastfeed and the doctors still go on and on about the benefits and that I should do it... its a lil annoying... however, I have heard stories from other mom's who had planned on breastfeeding and when baby didn't latch properly or the nurses thought they weren't doing it right, they would actually take the baby away and give bottles, barely giving the new mom a chance to learn and making it more difficult for them in the long run because baby ended up with nipple confusion. One mom told me that the nurses actually called CAS on her because she got angry and raised her voice at a nurse who gave her newborn baby a bottle without her consent... Also, up until I went off work I was working in our largest mall, and noticed that NO ONE was breastfeeding their babies... I am going to BF and only BF as long as I am able to, and there is nothing medically preventing me from doing so and my baby will not leave my or my fiance's sight for the duration of our hospital stay..

Adrianne - posted on 07/15/2010

I have not been out of the country with my son, but I have breastfed him pretty much everywhere at this point. He is now 18 months old though, and I was strongly being encouraged to wean him . . . at least until I wrote this blog post ( http://dreamsonagrassypath.blogspot.com/... ). The fallout of this post was conversations with my SIL and sister where my exposing my nieces to breastfeeding was likened to educating them on sex without their parent's permission. I was told straight out that they think my son is too old to BF. I was basically encouraged to go to a separate room while I was feeding him. I am standing my ground and doing NOT leaving the room while feeding him. I would never ask my sister or SIL to leave the room to bottle feed their child, and I'm not going to do so to feed my son. On the other hand, it was quite hurtful to realize that the family I thought was so supportive of me has basically been just tolerating it . . . Oh well, they'd better get prepared. I'm about ready to try for baby 2, and I'll be breastfeeding again!

Out in public, I've received a couple of looks, but never has anyone said anything to me about feeding him. I usually choose to sit in slightly more discreet places in restaurants, etc. though, so maybe most people just don't notice?

We did visit the Smithsonian in May though, and I totally walked through the museum while nursing him! And yes, this makes me feel empowered and happy!

Melissa - posted on 07/15/2010

while nursing my 2 year old in public this year a man came up and said "isn't she too big to be nursing?" I said.. "she's tall huh! she is two." him "oh, ok.. this is my son, he is 16" me "still nursing?" everyone laughed and moved on.
I am pregnant now and my daughter is still nursing and I have gotten more looks now at the playground.
oh well!
not as many crazy comments as when i let my daughter go naked in the sprinkler at the playground... people FREAK.

Dani - posted on 07/15/2010

I've never had a negative comment about breastfeeding in public, although I did have a woman in a departments store ask me nicely if I would like some privacy while nursing, offering me a fitting room (I was sitting on the floor next to some clothes racks).

I rarely have to nurse in public, and when I do, I'm discreet. I don't use a cover, but pull my shirt down as low as I can. Nobody has ever said anything. I've heard negative comments about NIP from my relatives down south, but in New York, people seem to be more supportive. I work at a baby store where moms can nurse anywhere, and I see it as perfectly normal.

I do feel like I'm still in the minority, though. Many moms switch to formula after only a few months, or feed their babies formula and breast milk. My son is 17 months now, and I still nurse him. When I tell people, they ask me why I'm still nursing, when you only NEED to nurse a year. So, I give them my shpeel about extended breastfeeding and hope they learn something.

Erin - posted on 07/15/2010

It's pretty horrendous how breastfeeding is viewed here in the U.S. I have never personally had anyone comment to me when I breastfed in public. I do feel like as a breastfeeding mom that I am more and more in the tiny minority, however. I know many other mothers of infants my age, and I am the ONLY one that breastfed. I also returned to work when my son was 2 months old, and pumping at work was extremely difficult. It was very difficult to find the time, I had supervisors often comment to me about the fact that I was taking time to do it. In addition, the only "private place" I had to pump was in my supervisor's office - not exactly ideal.
I was plied with formula, both at the hospital and by mail. I just passed them along to friends who use it. But, as much as I sound like I'm complaining, the benefits way out-weighed the obstacles: my son was and is incredibly healthy. Never an ear infection, and only maybe 2-3 colds in his 3 years.

Sarah - posted on 07/15/2010

Cinda, ignore those people who go on at you about BFing - keep it up! I would have breastfed my daughter for longer - but had to go back to work part time. I breast fed her until she was about 18 months. - she is now 6 and a half and has a reading age of an 8/9 year old!

Sarah - posted on 07/15/2010

How odd that America is like that about BF, considering Americans are always going on about 'land of the free' and 'freedom of speech'! Yet they have very undemocratic opinions about something that is the most natural thing in the world! It is actually what breasts are there for!!

Kristi - posted on 07/14/2010

I live in the Seattle area, and while BF'ing is pretty normal and accepted out here, I am always surprised at the number of moms who choose to formula feed because of perceived convenience with formula or difficulty with BF'ing. I agree with some of the other posters who have talked about family members pressuring them to formula feed because they feel it will make it easier for them to participate in "bringing up baby." I breastfed my oldest until she was about 4 1/2, quite unusual here, and my youngest shows no signs of stopping at 2 1/2. It has really taken time for my mom especially to adjust, as we were all formula raised babies. I still remember her admonishing BF'ing moms before I had my kids and I guess it's just a defense to the way she felt she had to do things. It makes me sad, really, that she and so many others miss out on the joys of nursing their chidlren. I'm so glad that things are getting better here, and try to make a difference in creating normalcy with BF'ing by making sure other moms see me nursing my toddler, and by being an active support person for other moms who want to BF. I haven't traveled to Europe or other places much outside of North America before, but I do think BF'ing is more accepted in Canada, and so maybe they are getting some of the more positive role modeling from their British influenced counterparts?

Sally - posted on 07/14/2010

Different places phrase the exact laws in different ways, but NIP is legal in all 50 states. Babies are allowed to eat in any public place that babies are allowed to be. Most people don't realize this is the law and you will have to inform them when they ask you to leave. It's also a good idea to find out the exact wording of your state's law and where in the legal code it hangs out. I've been told that some creepy people will call the police to try to remove a nursing mom and they often don't know the relevant laws either.
I've never had a problem myself. I usually get positive comments if anybody says anything. It may help that I'm quite casual about it. I think nothing of walking through the grocery store with a baby hanging off my nipple. :)

Jheycee - posted on 07/14/2010

I live here in the Philippines,and I have been nursing my daughter for 2 years now! and I've never had any issues about breastfeeding in public. Maybe because we Filipinos are accustomed to this kind of culture, and that mothers here are strongly encouraged to breastfeed. I'm lucky I guess that we don't have those kind of issues with regards to breastfeeding babies in public.

Amy - posted on 07/14/2010

I live in the U.S. and bf both of my children. I bf my son for the first year and my daugther for 6 months. I wish I could have went longer with my daughter, but it was really hard with going back to work after a month. It seemed like I spent all of my time at home bf and I couldn't get anything done. When I did BF in public, I would normally go to my car; because I did not feel comportable around other people. I think that comes from being raised here. I admire women who have the guts to NIP. The U.S. not only looks down on bf they also expect women to be supernatural. I would have loved to stay home with my daughter for the first year like I did with my son, but I just couldn't afford to. I think it is so sad how we don't culturally exept the "stay at home mom anymore." I believe our children deserve all of our attention when they are so little.

Suzie - posted on 07/14/2010

I think its only in the past few years in the UK things have really changed. With my 6 yr old there was no encouragement at all. I didn't bf him once because I was given wrong advice regarding a medical condition. My daughter however is 2 and here it is sometimes beyond encouraging. I was very fortunate to have a midwife who taught me to cup feed as my daughter was a little monster and I was exhausted. So for a little while till the milk came in properly I topped her up with a tiny bit of formula. Then I cut it out an fed her till she was nearly 2. I have still had pressure though from my GP and other family members that frowned upon it after 6 months. Because here it seems that now its sometimes almost forced upon you rather than encouraged and I have heard of some horrendous stories of midwives attitudes in that respect. But after 6 months its frowned upon also by many to continue. Feeding a newborn baby was acceptable but a bigger baby/toddler was not. I think it also depends where you live. I was the first in my group of friends to even attempt it at all. But there are many helplines available to support you and without them I don't think I would have continued as long or as proudly as I did.

Shavaune - posted on 07/14/2010

I grew up in northern Canada and most woman I knew exclusively breast fed unless there was a medical reason why they couldn't. It's VERY expensive to bottle feed up there so it probably never was a reasonable way to feed your child anyway. When the ice bridge closed in the summer and everything had to be flown in by plane a jug of regular milk cost up to $15 each and that was over 10 years ago! With the cost of fuel now I can't even imagine how expensive it would be to bottle feed! I breast fed my last 2 exclusively and every doctor or health nurse I talked to was very pleased to hear it. My family doctor actually gave me a high 5 LOL

Aicha - posted on 07/14/2010

Hi All I have 3 children and I breastfeed each child my son was born in Oregon in Oregon breastfeeding is supported when he was 4 months old moved to Oklahoma and there breastfeeding isn't supported and people will say rude things and ask you when you are going to give a bottle . My daughter was born in Florida and there breastfeeding isn't supported to the point that the nurses in the hospital were giving her formula then I moved to Oregon again it seems like in the Usa some states accept breastfeeding better than other states I am currently breastfeeding my daughter and I haven't had any problems .
My husband is from Morocco and the normal breastfeeding time varies from 2 years to 5 years depending on how the mother feels about it