Since she's 2 1/2 and since we are down to one nursing session a day (if that), I haven't breastfed in public in a long time. When I did though, I never used a cover because Emily is very warm-bloodied and she would sweat a ton. Plus I got good enough that I wasn't really flashing anyone.
Today we went out to lunch and there was a couple with a baby that couldn't have been more than 6 months old. When the baby got hungry the mom nursed her, at least that's what I assume that she was doing because she draped a blanket over herself and her baby. It looks really uncomfortable, and she couldn't eat while her baby was eating.
I know a lot of people are uncomfortable with nursing in public, both doing it and watching it. But I think if that woman had nursed without the blanket over her head, it would have been a lot less noticeable. As it was, everyone in that area of the restaurant knew what she was doing.
Couldn't agree more, although I still have to say the day I went to city hall and there was a lady there with no shirt or bra on and just nursing her kid in the lobby was kind of gross.
ReplyDeleteThat's a bit overdone. You don't have to get nekkid to nurse!!
ReplyDeleteSee, to me restaurants just aren't appropriate places for breast feeding. I don't want you to have to go to the bathroom either, but maybe the lobby. Westerners have a terrible taboo against breast (and any reproductive bit) and as a result it does end up a bit of a spectacle. I don't want you to sacrifice your parenting choices because I'm a little uncomfortable, but I'd also prefer you not force them down my throat. Maybe that's hypocritical.
ReplyDeleteI've breastfed in restaurants - I see no issue with it. If a baby has to eat, they have to eat. I honestly don't see why a nursing mom should have to get up from her chair to go to the lobby or whatnot.
ReplyDeleteNursing at the table allowed me to also eat my food, so honestly it was a win-win.