I was confronted about breastfeeding in public by a stranger...

Johnny - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Brenda:

It is the social responsibility of the community to encourage breastfeeding for the obvious benefits, .

Sorry for singling this line out of your post, but I thought it was such an important point that bears repeating.  I am so happy to see all the women on here standing up for the importance of breastfeeding and the acceptability of being seen doing so, covered or not.  Nursing in public is one of the best ways to remind the world that breastfeeding exists, is normal, and part of being human.  Whether or not a person chooses to breastfeed or not, we should all have the right to do so anywhere, anytime we chose.  It's time those prudes were put in their place.

Jennifer - posted on 07/16/2009

Great job nursing in public! I've never gotten any negative comments, in fact sometimes I get positives. But I would encourage those of you who do get the negative ones to please stand up for yourself, but be polite. There are many comments on here that complain about people's "stupidity" with a "how dare they?!" attitude. I would point out that public ignorance is one of the things we nursing moms really battle. A gentle informative answer will do a lot more to win the battle than an angry counter-attack.

Giovanna - posted on 07/16/2009

I have never had this happen to me, and I'm not sure where you live, but in Canada it is a basic right to be able to breastfeed wherever and whenever one wishes. You do not need to cover up to do something natural, although it was very courteous of you, and you certainly do not need to apologize for anything. I think you handled it perfectly and the next time you could add that if they don't want to see you breastfeeding because they feel it is inappropriate, that they can look elsewhere.

Tazenupa - posted on 07/16/2009

You covered yourself and little one up...you were not exposing anyone to anything inappropriate and giving your angel the best thing next to your love!! Food made especially for her which is natural and helps you with bonding!! Some people should just stay home if they don't want to deal with life...and as a woman she needs to get a grip. You did nothing wrong and should not have even had to deal with something like that!! Seriously in the bathroom...was she in reality!! That is just nasty and not very sanitary. She was just a jerk and you should be proud of yourself for all the good choices you are making for your daughter.

Catherine - posted on 07/16/2009

good for you. this lady has some deep psychological issues. talk about repressed

Tiffany - posted on 07/16/2009

good for you.. you did nothing wrong at (which you know) most states have print off cards that you can get that state you have the right to bf in public whenever and wherever you so choose.. you may want to print some off and if it happens again, just hand them that. it saves you quite a bit of, "uggh that person today"..

i personally dont use a cover most of the time becasue i think ive become a bit of a pro at the whole triple shirt thing so that noone would even know if i was bfing unless they were seriously staring at me while i was doing it. i say its natural and no one should make you feel like your doing something wrong, even if you know that you are not.

JC - posted on 07/16/2009

good for you!

Kate - posted on 07/16/2009

No one's ever said anything to me, but some people I know carry the state's laws with them at all times so that if anyone says anything they can say "It is my right and I am going to do it." Especially with being covered up, wow, what is wrong with people?! I still nurse my almost 18-mo.-old DD in public...and you can bet I will be nursing DS in public too (born at home today). Probably both at once sometimes! Do I care what anyone thinks? No, it is my right. Too bad if they don't like it.

Kate - posted on 07/16/2009

No one's ever said anything to me, but some people I know carry the state's laws with them at all times so that if anyone says anything they can say "It is my right and I am going to do it." Especially with being covered up, wow, what is wrong with people?! I still nurse my almost 18-mo.-old DD in public...and you can bet I will be nursing DS in public too (born at home today). Probably both at once sometimes! Do I care what anyone thinks? No, it is my right. Too bad if they don't like it.

Heidi - posted on 07/16/2009

My point was and still is that I don't understand those to don't feel embarassed to be "BFing openly, without a cover. It's not about others walking away and all those comments "put a blanket over YOUR head" sound very very childish. I would think as a grown woman, a mother, you would want to set an example of modesty. I guess not. Like I said before, to each their own."

There is always ONE.

There is nothing wrong with people seeing your part of your clevage if you have to breasfeed, i WOULD see more clevage everyday of the week on the telly or on the street. IN fact their is something wrong with the person who thinks this is morally reprehensable, because boobs are for feeding - not for gawking at. what kind of grub looks over at a person feeding and says ohhhhh boobies. What I really think makes peple uncomfortable is the intimacy between the mother and the child, and some sort perverted notion that breasts are only sexual-which they are not.

Also I believe that babies were fed whereever when ever in more tradtional situations where mothers had to work and carry their baby with them in a sling. Thats the way it should be_ healthy neccessities shouldnt be shut away behid closed doors because someone else thinks it might be immodest and causing the downturn in society, there is nothing that could even be slighty disguisting about breastfeeding a baby.

Lisa - posted on 07/16/2009

Outrageous. What was she doing watching you, anyway?

Brenda - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Autumn:

I breastfeed too, so I know what you mean by saying that you do not want to feed your baby in the bathroom. However, if your child is only 6 months old, what was the point in taking her to see the movie in the first place? Theaters are so loud and the baby was too young to notice the movie in the first place. The theater employees should not have let you in. That being said, I exclusively nurse my daughter but I do it in private. Yes, we should all be able to eat where ever we want to but at the same time, the infant is eating from your BREAST. Some people feel uncomfortable seeing something like that, and I totally understand that. I prefer to take my child to the car to feed if necessary but I usually don't put myself in the position to where a public nursing scene will be necessary. You do have valid points, but so does the lady that confronted you. Remember, you were watching a family movie. People tend to choose those for the simple fact that they don't want to see breasts, and that is the only type of movie that doesn't showcase nudity/sensuality these days.

Wow.  More put down the woman with the kids stuff.  Lets put women back in the darkroom.  The original poster was covered.  If you can't see it, what is the difference?  If you are disturbed by boobs, how do you even see a boob that is covered?  The answer is you don't.  So someone has to be really nosey to even notice.  Family movies are just that for families, including the kids.

Why is that everyone has this idea the breast is always sexual??  This is the problem with today.  Priorities are shifted in the wrong way.  No one says anything about someone yelling profanity in Walmart (happened yesterday and everyone just turned their heads) but if I sat down and nursed there in the same place, someone would have a problem with it even if I cover up because they're "uncomfortable" becuase they "know" there's a naked breast under that blanket.  Well guess what, there's always a naked breast under my shirt and bra.  What difference is it if it is now covered by a blanket??  And as far as the priorities go, again, people are okay with violent shows and games because "you can look away or turn them off".  (FYI they don't bother me, either, I'm just making an example).  Well if you don't like nursing, you can look away too.

Brenda - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Shayna:

Kylie,
I am not even going to respond to such "mature" statement.
DeeDee,
I was surprised that you took a 6 mo old to the movies not bc of other people, but bc of your child. I can not imagine that such loud noise, whether it's a kid's movie or not, can be good for such young baby.
Yes, I do have a son, and I have been BFing him for almost a year. Before I even had him, I knew that my life would change and certain things that I was able to freely do before, like go to the movies, out to eat or the mall, would have to be altered.
I don't understand how people have children and somehow expect their lives to not change. BFing, as beautiful as it is, is a sacrifice. Sacrifice of your time, sacrifice of your energy and other things as well. Obviously, it's the best thing for the child and mothers who do it, should be applauded.
However, I don't understand this "movement' of doing it anywhere anytime. Yes, there may be a law, but it doesn't always make it OK. We have plenty of stupid laws, so that is really not an argument I would use.
For those of you who don't think you should be covered up - you can all toot your horns about how great it is to do it in public and everyone has the right to eat and all that other nonsense, but at the end of the day, I will never understand why anyone would want to have their naked breasts hang out for everyone to see. Why would you want another man looking at your naked body??? I just don't get.
I guess to each their own. No wonder we have no morals or values left. We all scream so much about our rights, that we forget about our responsibilities.

Wow, the ignorance amazes me still.  You want to put women barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen again as well?   Women have a right to go places and take their children.  This attitude is why so many womend don't breastfeed.  The breast has been sexualized and THAT is the sad thing.  It is an organ that serves a function, and no woman should be made think she needs bottles b/c someone like you feels "put off" by their breasts.  I pump because I'm a graduate student, and when I go out I take some frozen milk and a bottle with me, just in case.  Why?  Because some places aren't just comfortable to feed at.  My son is only two months old, so he doesn't have good control yet and if there aren't arms on a chair, it is difficult to feed him now.  But I also have no problem feeding him in public.  I have done so and he'll permit me covering his head.

I have seen more breasts on teenages at the mall than I expose while feeding my son.  Yet no one says anything to them when they walk around flaunting their goods.  (and half the time showing their rear ends at the same time).  I used to work in the mall, I know well and good how some girls dress.

Westerners have such issues with anything deemed "immoral" buy our current Puitanical value system.  Why is something ntural immoral? It IS about food.  It is basically sexual discrimination that says women should hide their bodies when they are doing something nonsexual but it is okay to expose them in other ways that are.  It is the same as asking that women wear skirts because seeing bare leg or the y of the crotch (while covered in pants) is sexual. 

Life is not over when you have kids and I'm sorry you feel that way.  As far as responsibility, the best food for an infant or toddler is breastmilk from the breast.  It is the right temperture and the right consistency for the age of the child. I've taken my child to the movies before when he was an infant, and may take my infant now as well. My oldest slept through Transporter 2 when he was two months old.  We sat in the back so if he got upset or loud I could leave easily. 

It is the social responsibility of the community to encourage breastfeeding for the obvious benefits, and the attitude that there is anything wrong with it is what is wrong. Breastfeeding is a sacrifice, of time and of love, but just because I make that sacrifice does not mean that I have to live my life inside my home.  I have a right to go outside, take my kids to the park, to the pool, enjoy them, and my life.  And I have a responsibility to my children to raise them the best I can.  And that means nursing as long as I can to give my youngest what I could not give my oldest, the benifit of breastmilk for as long as I can.  Because of our "fear" of a naked breast, though, thousands of children never get that benefit.  Their parents are afraid of nursing in public, because of the pure ignorance, and think that means that they have to stay home if they nurse, so they don't even try because they know they don't want to spend the next year unable to leave the house.  This is very sad.  Some women put their children in danger b/c they choose formula, because they can't afford to buy it so they over dilute the powders to make it last longer.  Breastfeeding would solve this, but they are afraid of what people will say.  And that is the saddest thing of all.  I can't even say this attitude puts women in the dark ages, because at least back then nursing in public was normal.

Brenda - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Shayna:

Kylie,
I am not even going to respond to such "mature" statement.
DeeDee,
I was surprised that you took a 6 mo old to the movies not bc of other people, but bc of your child. I can not imagine that such loud noise, whether it's a kid's movie or not, can be good for such young baby.
Yes, I do have a son, and I have been BFing him for almost a year. Before I even had him, I knew that my life would change and certain things that I was able to freely do before, like go to the movies, out to eat or the mall, would have to be altered.
I don't understand how people have children and somehow expect their lives to not change. BFing, as beautiful as it is, is a sacrifice. Sacrifice of your time, sacrifice of your energy and other things as well. Obviously, it's the best thing for the child and mothers who do it, should be applauded.
However, I don't understand this "movement' of doing it anywhere anytime. Yes, there may be a law, but it doesn't always make it OK. We have plenty of stupid laws, so that is really not an argument I would use.
For those of you who don't think you should be covered up - you can all toot your horns about how great it is to do it in public and everyone has the right to eat and all that other nonsense, but at the end of the day, I will never understand why anyone would want to have their naked breasts hang out for everyone to see. Why would you want another man looking at your naked body??? I just don't get.
I guess to each their own. No wonder we have no morals or values left. We all scream so much about our rights, that we forget about our responsibilities.

Wow, the ignorance amazes me still.  You want to put women barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen again as well?   Women have a right to go places and take their children.  This attitude is why so many womend don't breastfeed.  The breast has been sexualized and THAT is the sad thing.  It is an organ that serves a function, and no woman should be made think she needs bottles b/c someone like you feels "put off" by their breasts.  I pump because I'm a graduate student, and when I go out I take some frozen milk and a bottle with me, just in case.  Why?  Because some places aren't just comfortable to feed at.  My son is only two months old, so he doesn't have good control yet and if there aren't arms on a chair, it is difficult to feed him now.  But I also have no problem feeding him in public.  I have done so and he'll permit me covering his head.

I have seen more breasts on teenages at the mall than I expose while feeding my son.  Yet no one says anything to them when they walk around flaunting their goods.  (and half the time showing their rear ends at the same time).  I used to work in the mall, I know well and good how some girls dress.

Westerners have such issues with anything deemed "immoral" buy our current Puitanical value system.  Why is something ntural immoral? It IS about food.  It is basically sexual discrimination that says women should hide their bodies when they are doing something nonsexual but it is okay to expose them in other ways that are.  It is the same as asking that women wear skirts because seeing bare leg or the y of the crotch (while covered in pants) is sexual. 

Life is not over when you have kids and I'm sorry you feel that way.  As far as responsibility, the best food for an infant or toddler is breastmilk from the breast.  It is the right temperture and the right consistency for the age of the child. I've taken my child to the movies before when he was an infant, and may take my infant now as well. My oldest slept through Transporter 2 when he was two months old.  We sat in the back so if he got upset or loud I could leave easily. 

It is the social responsibility of the community to encourage breastfeeding for the obvious benefits, and the attitude that there is anything wrong with it is what is wrong. Breastfeeding is a sacrifice, of time and of love, but just because I make that sacrifice does not mean that I have to live my life inside my home.  I have a right to go outside, take my kids to the park, to the pool, enjoy them, and my life.  And I have a responsibility to my children to raise them the best I can.  And that means nursing as long as I can to give my youngest what I could not give my oldest, the benifit of breastmilk for as long as I can.  Because of our "fear" of a naked breast, though, thousands of children never get that benefit.  Their parents are afraid of nursing in public, because of the pure ignorance, and think that means that they have to stay home if they nurse, so they don't even try because they know they don't want to spend the next year unable to leave the house.  This is very sad.  Some women put their children in danger b/c they choose formula, because they can't afford to buy it so they over dilute the powders to make it last longer.  Breastfeeding would solve this, but they are afraid of what people will say.  And that is the saddest thing of all.  I can't even say this attitude puts women in the dark ages, because at least back then nursing in public was normal.

Christa - posted on 07/16/2009

you handled it perfectly, unless your tit was hanging out for all to see she was completely out of line. Good for you in overcoming thr momentary speechlessness to set her straight.!

Bobby - posted on 07/16/2009

I got a negative response once from a group of teens on public transit. They didn't have the guts to say anything to my face, they just stood at the back of the bus and talked loudly. The suprising thing, to me, was that Jack was UNDER a blanket when this happened and usually I just say ' to hell with it' and don't really care whats' showing.

Your bathroom arguement is awesome. Don't let the bastards get you down.

Ellie - posted on 07/16/2009

Oooo These kind of people make me mad!!... Sounds like you dealt with it very well!! I remember when I had my first someone suggested to feed him in the ladies toilet.. I felt sick with both the idea of the action, and the fact that anyone could be so ignorant to suggest it!! I felt like slapping her!!

Its got a lot to do with the fact that unfortunately there some people who just do not have a clue about real life...



Don't worry about it too much, and never let it affect your breastfeeding with your beautiful baby in public.. You are a breastfeeding mother and you are proud!!! By the sounds of it she was prbably just jelous of you for some reason.. Silly, silly woman..

Sonia - posted on 07/16/2009

Eek! You're response was pretty good. I have not had anyone have the courage to make a snotty remark to me about nursing. I've actually kind of waited for it. LOL. Whatever you say or do, it's important to project confidence. Often, that confident projection will small-mind folk away. Another good way to handle it is take a sympathetic teacher stance. Assume their reaction is based on ignorance (which it is) and have mercy on them and educate them. LOL. "Oh, you must not have much experience with breastfeeding in public. It's biologically normal..." etc etc. Or, you can just laugh. It really is rather absurd when someone is disgusted by breastfeeding. Sad for them, really. LOL.



I have had ppl make "quiet" comments to eachother meant to be overheard by me. Big mistake. LOL. At that time, I was still thinking I needed a blanket to cover up. That's the last time I did. LOL. I whipped the blanket off and started talking to my daughter. "Wow! You sure are hungry, Baby. Mmmmmm, is Mommy's milk good? Yes, it is!" ROFL. I pitched my voice just loud enough for them to hear but didn't give them the evil eye. They shut up real fast and didn't dare make a comment to me.

Sonia - posted on 07/16/2009

Eek! You're response was pretty good. I have not had anyone have the courage to make a snotty remark to me about nursing. I've actually kind of waited for it. LOL. Whatever you say or do, it's important to project confidence. Often, that confident projection will small-mind folk away. Another good way to handle it is take a sympathetic teacher stance. Assume their reaction is based on ignorance (which it is) and have mercy on them and educate them. LOL. "Oh, you must not have much experience with breastfeeding in public. It's biologically normal..." etc etc. Or, you can just laugh. It really is rather absurd when someone is disgusted by breastfeeding. Sad for them, really. LOL.



I have had ppl make "quiet" comments to eachother meant to be overheard by me. Big mistake. LOL. At that time, I was still thinking I needed a blanket to cover up. That's the last time I did. LOL. I whipped the blanket off and started talking to my daughter. "Wow! You sure are hungry, Baby. Mmmmmm, is Mommy's milk good? Yes, it is!" ROFL. I pitched my voice just loud enough for them to hear but didn't give them the evil eye. They shut up real fast and didn't dare make a comment to me.

Kathy - posted on 07/16/2009

I think you did the right thing! Check out the Leleche site at http://www.llli.org/nb.html for lots of great info.

Kathy

www.balterbaby.com

Amber - posted on 07/16/2009

Hehe... as a Christian I have wanted to be confronted so that I could ask whomever it was "How do you think Jesus ate? From formula in a bottle? In a bathroom?"

Bea - posted on 07/16/2009

Good for you! I do not know why people think babies should have to eat in the bathroom. Now THAT would be gross.

Teena - posted on 07/15/2009

I think you handeled that situation perfectly!

Teena - posted on 07/15/2009

Quoting Nicole:

Quoting Talia:

I haven't had any negative feedback yet. But there is a lady in la leche group that has the state law saying she is allowed to breastfeed when needed in public in her purse. She says anytime anyone says anything she just hands them the paper. I have also heard the reply you gave her from several others too. I enjoy breastfeeding and when my son is hungry he is hungry. I eat when I want so why can't he.

Yes, Talia, I too have my state law printed and in my diaper bag.  I have it ready to use and hand to anyone needed.  Fortunately I have never needed it.

I would recommend all mom's that BF in public do this!  It's our right and protected by law in most states!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I LOVE that idea!

Amanda - posted on 07/15/2009

Quoting Shayna:

Oh for goodness sake, would you all please stop with "this is the most natural thing" nonsense and come up with some other reasons?? Yes, it is very natural, so is peeing and so is having sex. Are you doing that in public too? Women have been nursing for thousands of years, and only very recently decided that they should be doing it anytime anywhere. It became acceptable around the same time as many other great "inventions' of the late 20th century.
It's not about the right of your child to eat at all, it's about your behavior, but at this point, I am pretty much beating the dead horse to death.
Really, ladies, DeeDee wanted a debate. I offered a different perspective. Again, you have 145 posts saying the exact same thing. Not a debate per se, but who cares, as long as you all seem to be happy with it.

... you keep stating the same point.  That's not a debate.  You are the one beating a dead horse.

The only reason I don't breastfeed without covering up is that I am a DDD and I WOULD be exposing my entire breast, unlike with my first pregnancy when I was only a D and not much was seen.  Plus my areola is much larger then any other woman's I've seen and I'm embarrassed about it.  So if I had nursing clothes believe me I wouldn't cover up because EVERYONE has seen a naked woman's body.  You can't tell me your child has never seen your naked breasts exposed.  Well guess what EVERY WOMAN HAS A PAIR!  And if they don't it is normally for very serious reasons.  So please stop with indecent BS, because I know my 2yr old still sees me topless every now and then. 

Amanda - posted on 07/15/2009

Quoting Shayna:

Oh for goodness sake, would you all please stop with "this is the most natural thing" nonsense and come up with some other reasons?? Yes, it is very natural, so is peeing and so is having sex. Are you doing that in public too? Women have been nursing for thousands of years, and only very recently decided that they should be doing it anytime anywhere. It became acceptable around the same time as many other great "inventions' of the late 20th century.
It's not about the right of your child to eat at all, it's about your behavior, but at this point, I am pretty much beating the dead horse to death.
Really, ladies, DeeDee wanted a debate. I offered a different perspective. Again, you have 145 posts saying the exact same thing. Not a debate per se, but who cares, as long as you all seem to be happy with it.

... you keep stating the same point.  That's not a debate.  You are the one beating a dead horse.

The only reason I don't breastfeed without covering up is that I am a DDD and I WOULD be exposing my entire breast, unlike with my first pregnancy when I was only a D and not much was seen.  Plus my areola is much larger then any other woman's I've seen and I'm embarrassed about it.  So if I had nursing clothes believe me I wouldn't cover up because EVERYONE has seen a naked woman's body.  You can't tell me your child has never seen your naked breasts exposed.  Well guess what EVERY WOMAN HAS A PAIR!  And if they don't it is normally for very serious reasons.  So please stop with indecent BS, because I know my 2yr old still sees me topless every now and then. 

Amy - posted on 07/15/2009

Good for you! People forget that it is one of the last remaining natural things that babies still do!

Antoinette - posted on 07/15/2009

You responded beautifully!! Good for you! Not sure were you live but if in the states you should know it is LEGAL IN ALL 50 STATES to breastfeed your child in public. Obviously you don't want to let it all hang out but nobody has the right to tell you that you are not aloud! There are way too many ignorant people in this world for you to get hung up on it:) You done good!!

Richain - posted on 07/15/2009

I had to breastfeed at a car dealership waiting area because they took forever to fix the car. Your response was perfect and as long as you were covered she shouldnt have said a thing. Seriously, in a dark theater, she was just being nosey and rude. Dont let others discourage you. I know here in Houston, one of the theaters has added a Cry Babyb Matinee on Friday and Saturday mornings for parents who want to see movies but have little ones. They have a changing table set up in the back and everything. At least someone understands that us moms still like movies even though we have kids.

Richain - posted on 07/15/2009

I had to breastfeed at a car dealership waiting area because they took forever to fix the car. Your response was perfect and as long as you were covered she shouldnt have said a thing. Seriously, in a dark theater, she was just being nosey and rude. Dont let others discourage you. I know here in Houston, one of the theaters has added a Cry Babyb Matinee on Friday and Saturday mornings for parents who want to see movies but have little ones. They have a changing table set up in the back and everything. At least someone understands that us moms still like movies even though we have kids.

Monica - posted on 07/15/2009

I support you thats crazy you are alloud to nurse anywhere you want its your choice YOU GO GIRL TAKE A STAND AND DONT BACK DOWN as long as you are covered what does it matter its not like you just FLOP your breast out for all to see good luck next time

Hillbillywoman - posted on 07/15/2009

I think your reply was the best!

Natasha - posted on 07/15/2009

With my first child my mother in law( who is 100% korean) was totally against Breast feeding and every time she came over it was constant dirty looks and comments about how I need to stop breast feeding and give him real food (formula). Which in my opinion breast milk is the best thing i could give him. I was already having a tough time getting him to eat and her comments only made it harder. So I only lasted 6 weeks and regret letting her bully me like that. My new baby is 7 weeks old and is doing wonderful with it. of course I went into it with a whole new perspective, I refused to let anyone change my mind about it. my mother in law lives an hour away now but when we go to visit I am forced to go in another room to feed him so thats where i spend most of my time when we are there.

Natasha - posted on 07/15/2009

With my first child my mother in law( who is 100% korean) was totally against Breast feeding and every time she came over it was constant dirty looks and comments about how I need to stop breast feeding and give him real food (formula). Which in my opinion breast milk is the best thing i could give him. I was already having a tough time getting him to eat and her comments only made it harder. So I only lasted 6 weeks and regret letting her bully me like that. My new baby is 7 weeks old and is doing wonderful with it. of course I went into it with a whole new perspective, I refused to let anyone change my mind about it. my mother in law lives an hour away now but when we go to visit I am forced to go in another room to feed him so thats where i spend most of my time when we are there.

Sarah - posted on 07/15/2009

How ridiculous of her! Good for you for standing up to her!

Chantal - posted on 07/15/2009

You tell'em MAMA! You were not speechless that was perfect! The kids and I are going to see HP 2morrow. The big kids will have popcorn my 6mo old son will have the Mommy Juice!

Beth - posted on 07/15/2009

I've heard that it used to be common practice for women to nurse in public. (I guess it's not something that Hollywood portrays in period-movies though!) They didn't always have formula, and boobs weren't created by God to be primarily a man's sex toy! I've also read that in some middle eastern countries, a woman is more likely to cover her unveiled head than an uncovered breast that is feeding her baby. I've actually said the same thing that you did to someone in a restaurant.

Laura - posted on 07/15/2009

Quoting Shayna:

Oh for goodness sake, would you all please stop with "this is the most natural thing" nonsense and come up with some other reasons?? Yes, it is very natural, so is peeing and so is having sex. Are you doing that in public too? Women have been nursing for thousands of years, and only very recently decided that they should be doing it anytime anywhere. It became acceptable around the same time as many other great "inventions' of the late 20th century.
It's not about the right of your child to eat at all, it's about your behavior, but at this point, I am pretty much beating the dead horse to death.
Really, ladies, DeeDee wanted a debate. I offered a different perspective. Again, you have 145 posts saying the exact same thing. Not a debate per se, but who cares, as long as you all seem to be happy with it.

Ok, you want a different reason for breast feeding in public? How bout cause I'm too lazy to get up and find a private place? Or cause in my opinion if you don't like what you don't see, then look away. Or cause the law says it's my right to flash my boob (accidently, of course) to feed my child.

And as far as sex and peeing in public, do dirt roads count as public? LOL

DeeDee - posted on 07/15/2009

I love all the support, ladies! While I myself am not as comfortable nursing without a cover in front of other people, kudos to all of you that can do it! However, I will not hesitate to feed my daughter whenever and wherever she is hungry. As a preemie born 8 weeks early, she needs all the nourishment I can give her to help her grow big and strong, and I will NEVER deny her that.

Christine - posted on 07/15/2009

I am so sorry that that woman approached you that way. it's not like you were hanging everything out there. There is nothing gross about what you did.

Paige - posted on 07/15/2009

Wow I find it really offensive that anyone could possibly compare taking a shit or having sex to nursing a child. Especially someone who has actually nursed a child and knows the difference.

To the OP, good for you for standing up for yourself! Maybe if more women were comfortable nursing in public people would be more used to seeing it and wouldn't react so immaturely to it.

Jela - posted on 07/15/2009

I am so proud of you good job I have 2 boys one my first I nursed and am currently nursing my second son. I do it wherever I need to as long as I am covered up everyone else can piss the heck off lol

Laura - posted on 07/15/2009

Good for you. I am a "supporter" of breast feeding in public. I have two other kids besides the baby. Like I have time or energy to drag 3 kids into a "more private" place to feed the baby. I just cover up and kick back. If my husband is with me he "stands guard" and wrangles the other kiddos. It's amazing at how ignorant and weird people are. What the heck do they think breast were made for? It's no different than an animal nursing. Should we start regulating animals' rights to nurse "in public." ? LOL "Sorry, Ms. Cow, you're gonna have to go to the barn to nurse your calf." LMAO! mental picture.

Karina - posted on 07/14/2009

Yes I have, and I responded the same!!! Don't let that crazy person from the theater make feel bad!! You're doin' a great job!!! Don't stop!! People seem to forget that before formula there was only nature. Crazy!! Keep on preachin'!!! Breastfeeding is the best and only way for me!!! I'm still nursing!! My son will be 2 in Nov.

Melissa - posted on 07/14/2009

Good for you!!!

Rachel - posted on 07/14/2009

i wasn't confronted by a stranger, my future husband was uncomfortable with me feeding in public. we were at the mall with his mom and my baby girl was hungry so i sat on a bench near an exit and beside a plant (so limited visibility) and he started pacing and standing in front of me. i told him to just go to radioshack but he said no and just stood in front of us lol.

Justine - posted on 07/14/2009

I say the same thing, good for you!!! i find that its easier to wear a nursing shirt and forget about the blanket because it just looks like i am rocking him.

Justine - posted on 07/14/2009

I say the same thing, good for you!!! i find that its easier to wear a nursing shirt and forget about the blanket because it just looks like i am rocking him.

Justine - posted on 07/14/2009

I say the same thing, good for you!!! i find that its easier to wear a nursing shirt and forget about the blanket because it just looks like i am rocking him.

Tansy - posted on 07/14/2009

Quoting Amber:

LMAO WAY TO GO! was she old? my gma doesnt think i should bf in public and i told her that my baby has the right to eat when ever WHERE ever. should of told that woman that she was lucky that you covered up!!! lol. then asked her if she ever ate with a blanket over her head ... lol