Opinions on Public Breast Feeding

reannegummer · July 2009

I have every intention of bf'n my LO when he/she arrives. What is your opinion on breastfeeding in public. What is acceptable and what is too much?

Example: Last week at my doctor's appointment, while I was waiting I noticed a sign that said Breast Feeding Welcome here. There was a new mom with her baby there for their six week check up. I left the waiting area to go pee for the nurse and when I came back out this mom had her shirt up, bra down and there were her fully exposed breasts for everyone to see. Her LO was latched onto one of them but absolutley nothing was covered up. I was caught off guard when I came out as I had been sitting next to her.

I tried not to react at all. I'm not discriminating against her feeding her child, but they make those cover up things and receiving blankets for a reason.

Thoughts?

jdlocke · July 2009

I don't think it's a big deal at all. However, I would cover myself up with something. I think letting it all hang out is a little much.

BrittKav · July 2009

I'm all for feeding your child in public. But there is no reason that you can't use a blanket to be a bit more discreet.?

FullersGirl · July 2009

I agree... it's not like it hurts anything to cover it up. And it doesn't mean you're ashamed or anything, it just means that you're protecting other people. I wouldn't want to see that. And I could NEVER let myself do it! Mainly because I'd be too embarassed.

beachykeen1723 · July 2009

There are all kinds of laws and stuff about this. I personally do not plan on feeding LO in public- even with a cover. I will use the mothers rooms, or the car if I have to. But that is just me.

FullersGirl · July 2009

... and I mean letting them hang out. I don't see a problem with breast feeding in public if you can be modest about it.

mom2b_09 · July 2009

ooo, this question again! Personally, I would cover myself up but I can see myself BFing in public. I think that it is a beautiful thing.

userdeleted · July 2009

I think that the woman in your example is a little much, but that kind of thing rarely happens. Whenever I've noticed someone BFing in public, you can either a) barely tell what they're doing, or b) only tell what they're doing because they're completely covered up by a blanket/nursing cover.

I have no problem with BFing in public (though, not gonna lie, would probably be a bit unnerved by your example), and think that people who do have a problem with it really need to grow up (that was not directed towards you at all, just to be clear Smile ).

leahraewku · July 2009

I've seen this discussion get ugly before.

Personally, I think women should be able to feed their child anywhere, anytime. I understand that some people are offended by the sight of a breast, but it's completely asexual to me in that context.

beckerella · July 2009

FullersGirl:
I agree... it's not like it hurts anything to cover it up. And it doesn't mean you're ashamed or anything, it just means that you're protecting other people. I wouldn't want to see that. And I could NEVER let myself do it! Mainly because I'd be too embarassed.

This

Ivana_Stolichnaya · July 2009

If someone wants to BF in public, I don't mind at all. Personally I'm sort of modest so I'm going to be covering up...but that's just me.

ickasticka · July 2009

I don't have a problem with breast feeding in public and I fully intend on feeding my baby whenever and wherever he/she is hungry and needs to eat. However, I will be purchasing a couple of covers/blankets to use while out in public. I certainly don't feel like feeding your child is gross or anything to be ashamed of, but I don't feel the need to "let it all hang out" in public, for my comfort and the comfort of others around me I will attempt to cover up. Hide - no, cover - yes.

coliecarryon · July 2009

Ya, i was in Minnesota last week (from CA) and some lady pulled out her boob from under her shirt and started bf at a coffee/bakery shop...

It was kind of hippy-ish in there, but i though...Hummm would i do that? I mean since we are pregnant you kinda think well...you gotta do what you gotta do for you child, but ya i think...get a freaking blanket or something!!! I dont think i will be doing public b/f especially at a restaurant.

i*heart*him · July 2009

cover yourself up!!!!! I don't want to look at my own boobs let alone some strangers hanging out.

reannegummer · July 2009

I didn't mention in my post that I am not against feeding in public at all either, I just didn't need to see all of her if you know what I mean. To each their own.

tmj2008 · July 2009

I plan on BF as well, but I plan to be descrete about it. I also plan on pumping for those awkeward situations. I work in an office where I deal with the public and I cant count how many times a woman has whipped it out and left it hanging there. I have a man in my office and he is not that comfortable with it. Just because I am comfortable doesnt mean the rest of the people around me are....its respect for both sides!!

mattandbekah · July 2009

Id use a blanket, but I also think that people need to get over whatever social phobia they have that tells them this is not acceptable. I dont mean you...I mean the people that actually tell women they can't bf in public.

Sticky41284 · July 2009

I see what you're getting at, kinda. I don't have a problem with one boob out, since one is all that's needed for feeding. I would be a bit put off if the other one was also exposed and just hanging there, doing nothing.

Jenice32 · July 2009

Rach03k:

I think that the woman in your example is a little much, but that kind of thing rarely happens. Whenever I've noticed someone BFing in public, you can either a) barely tell what they're doing, or b) only tell what they're doing because they're completely covered up by a blanket/nursing cover.

I have no problem with BFing in public (though, not gonna lie, would probably be a bit unnerved by your example), and think that people who do have a problem with it really need to grow up (that was not directed towards you at all, just to be clear ).

Completely agree. Also, I think with what you saw, that woman probably felt comfortable exposing herself because she's in a doctor's office and at six weeks, still trying to get the hang of breastfeeding and maybe she hasn't mastered covering up while feeding.

JenniferJaneC · July 2009

If other people want to bare all, they can. I'd never do it. I'll bf in public, but it will be discreet and well-covered. I'm way too shy for that.

leahraewku · July 2009

Sticky41284:
I see what you're getting at, kinda. I don't have a problem with one boob out, since one is all that's needed for feeding. I would be a bit put off if the other one was also exposed and just hanging there, doing nothing.

LOL This is a funny mental picture. One lone boob just hanging out in the wind.

stever · July 2009

Feed anywhere, but cover it up.

jkfranklin · July 2009

I cannot fathom why she would need both boobs out to feed her baby. I don't think you have to cover up the baby because some babies just don't like that, but at least cover up the boob that is not in use!

justrachet · July 2009

I'm not all about whipping it out for everyone to see. But with a blanket or nursing cover, public BFing is fine for me.

MargaretNYC · July 2009

I think breastfeeding in public is totally acceptable, as long as the woman covers herself up. I don't think it should be that woman's decision to show her breasts to children that may be near her, when those children's parents wouldn't want their child to see an exposed breast at that moment.

userdeleted · July 2009

Jenice32:
Rach03k:

I think that the woman in your example is a little much, but that kind of thing rarely happens. Whenever I've noticed someone BFing in public, you can either a) barely tell what they're doing, or b) only tell what they're doing because they're completely covered up by a blanket/nursing cover.

I have no problem with BFing in public (though, not gonna lie, would probably be a bit unnerved by your example), and think that people who do have a problem with it really need to grow up (that was not directed towards you at all, just to be clear ).

Completely agree. Also, I think with what you saw, that woman probably felt comfortable exposing herself because she's in a doctor's office and at six weeks, still trying to get the hang of breastfeeding and maybe she hasn't mastered covering up while feeding.

This is a great point. BFing is very difficult to get the hang of period, adding in the circus act that is "covering yourself" at that stage of the game can be overwhelming. I'm not sure what your dr's office was like, but maybe she didn't think there was another comfortable place to go, realized the baby needed to be fed, and decided to just do it as best she could.

Six weeks pp a lot of the whole "modesty" thing is still out the window, and it definitely takes a backseat to keeping a hungry baby from going into hysterics, lol!

SpartanGirl · July 2009

What bugs me most about these conversations is when people say to use a blanket or nursing cover to cover up. That's a great idea - if your child doesn't freak out b/c they're too hot and HATE having their head covered while nursing. Neither of my kids would tolerate them, and I found them to be very awkward and uncomfortable. Personally, I think it draws more attention to the fact that you are nursing when you have a giant blanket covering yourself.

I nursed both of my kids in public. I was discreet, but honestly, I don't care if a woman takes her entire shirt off to nurse if that's what works for her. I think situations such as that are less common than discreet nursing, imo.

ToledoDeux · July 2009

SpartanGirl:

What bugs me most about these conversations is when people say to use a blanket or nursing cover to cover up. That's a great idea - if your child doesn't freak out b/c they're too hot and HATE having their head covered while nursing. Neither of my kids would tolerate them, and I found them to be very awkward and uncomfortable. Personally, I think it draws more attention to the fact that you are nursing when you have a giant blanket covering yourself.

I nursed both of my kids in public. I was discreet, but honestly, I don't care if a woman takes her entire shirt off to nurse if that's what works for her. I think situations such as that are less common than discreet nursing, imo.

THANK YOU. Most people saying "just cover LO with a blanket" have never actually had to NIP yet. I would never bother with a "Hooter Hider" either - talk about calling attention to yourself.

Rosieoutlook · July 2009

leahraewku:

Personally, I think women should be able to feed their child anywhere, anytime. I understand that some people are offended by the sight of a breast, but it's completely asexual to me in that context.

This!

heather_09_15_07 · July 2009

I'd like to suggest that when you get home tonight, you try to eat your dinner with a blanket over your head and see how comfortable that makes you. I'd imagine there are a lot of small babies out there who don't want to eat that way either.

I don't know how BF is going to go for me, if I'll be comfortable doing it that way or not, but if I need to feed my child I will do it wherever and whenever baby needs it.

And honestly, if people are uncomfortable with seeing it, they should avert their eyes.

Tinkx123x · July 2009

I am all for public breast feeding but think they should cover up. Just because your covering up doesn't mean your embarrassed or hiding, it is just courtesy to other people. I don't want to see anyones boobs flapping in the wind. I don't think I will breast feed in public (I will be pumping for this reason) but you never know!

FLVintageBride · July 2009

SpartanGirl:

What bugs me most about these conversations is when people say to use a blanket or nursing cover to cover up. That's a great idea - if your child doesn't freak out b/c they're too hot and HATE having their head covered while nursing. Neither of my kids would tolerate them, and I found them to be very awkward and uncomfortable. Personally, I think it draws more attention to the fact that you are nursing when you have a giant blanket covering yourself.

I nursed both of my kids in public. I was discreet, but honestly, I don't care if a woman takes her entire shirt off to nurse if that's what works for her. I think situations such as that are less common than discreet nursing, imo.

I agree completely. I think you generally get these "just throw a blanket over their head" comments from people without children or pregnant first time moms. They don't realize that babies don't always cooperate as nicely as we would like. You have to do what you have to do to feed your kid and I think your right to do that trumps my right to personal comfort (i.e. not seeing a boob- oh the horror).

SpartanGirl · July 2009

Tinkx123x:
I am all for public breast feeding but think they should cover up. Just because your covering up doesn't mean your embarrassed or hiding, it is just courtesy to other people. I don't want to see anyones boobs flapping in the wind. I don't think I will breast feed in public (I will be pumping for this reason) but you never know!
Edit: and babies are different than adults I'm sure they do not care if they are being covered while they eat. They are hungry and their mouths are going to be too full to protest!

Actually, both of my kids DID care that they were covered. They refused to nurse until the blanket was removed, and as they got older would just pull it off themselves.

Tinkx123x · July 2009

SpartanGirl:
Tinkx123x:
I am all for public breast feeding but think they should cover up. Just because your covering up doesn't mean your embarrassed or hiding, it is just courtesy to other people. I don't want to see anyones boobs flapping in the wind. I don't think I will breast feed in public (I will be pumping for this reason) but you never know!
Edit: and babies are different than adults I'm sure they do not care ifthey are being covered while they eat. They are hungry and their mouthsare going to be too full to protest!
Actually, both of my kids DID care that they were covered. They refused to nurse until the blanket was removed, and as they got older would just pull it off themselves.

yah i just edited my post after I wrote that because I was like well actually I dont have kids so i shouldn't say that!

lunalina79@gmail.com · July 2009

Its ok to BF in public but I think covering up is just out respect to others!!!!?

SpartanGirl · July 2009

Tinkx123x:
SpartanGirl:
Tinkx123x:
I am all for public breast feeding but think they should cover up. Just because your covering up doesn't mean your embarrassed or hiding, it is just courtesy to other people. I don't want to see anyones boobs flapping in the wind. I don't think I will breast feed in public (I will be pumping for this reason) but you never know!
Edit: and babies are different than adults I'm sure they do not care ifthey are being covered while they eat. They are hungry and their mouthsare going to be too full to protest!
Actually, both of my kids DID care that they were covered. They refused to nurse until the blanket was removed, and as they got older would just pull it off themselves.
yah i just edited my post after I wrote that because I was like well actually I dont have kids so i shouldn't say that!

Oops. I must have replied too fast then. :-D

mamalae · July 2009

It doesn't bother me. i always covered myself up! ?i just think "what if somebody has a child there that has never seen that" . or making men feel very uncomfortable. lol.

Mrs.tlcS · July 2009

I NIP. I don't cover up. Know why? It's much more of a spectacle that way.

It is very difficult to put a blanket/nursing cover over yourself, then put baby underneath, then fiddle underneath with lifting a shirt, or lowering a shirt, or opening a shirt, then snapping open your nursing bra (if you can find one that works for you), then getting baby latched on when neither you nor baby really know what you're doing. That stage can last several days, several weeks or a few months.

After awhile BFers get more adept at doing all of these things, but adding a layer never makes things simpler.

Jen&Louie · July 2009

BrittKav:
I'm all for feeding your child in public. But there is no reason that you can't use a blanket to be a bit more discreet.

^This^

I'm absolutely for breastfeeding in public but, I don't think that needs to go hand in hand with fully displaying your breasts. And, BTW, I'm saying this in direct response to the OP's example. One baby only uses one breast at a time to feed and I don't think covering up the feeding child who is latched on is necessary. Personally would not want to expose both of my bare breasts in a waiting room or anywhere else in public and can't see the need for it. JMO.

Tinkx123x · July 2009

SpartanGirl:
Tinkx123x:
SpartanGirl:
Tinkx123x:
I am all for public breast feeding but think they should cover up. Just because your covering up doesn't mean your embarrassed or hiding, it is just courtesy to other people. I don't want to see anyones boobs flapping in the wind. I don't think I will breast feed in public (I will be pumping for this reason) but you never know!
Edit: and babies are different than adults I'm sure they do not care ifthey are being covered while they eat. They are hungry and their mouthsare going to be too full to protest!
Actually, both of my kids DID care that they were covered. They refused to nurse until the blanket was removed, and as they got older would just pull it off themselves.
yah i just edited my post after I wrote that because I was like well actually I dont have kids so i shouldn't say that!
Oops. I must have replied too fast then. :-D

Thats ok I really should of thought of what I was saying!! It's like wait a minute...i dont have any kids so how would i know!? I just think covering up is out of respect for the other people. Each circumstance is different though.

FLVintageBride · July 2009

Tinkx123x:
SpartanGirl:
Tinkx123x:
SpartanGirl:
Tinkx123x:

I am all for public breast feeding but think they should cover up. Just because your covering up doesn't mean your embarrassed or hiding, it is just courtesy to other people. I don't want to see anyones boobs flapping in the wind. I don't think I will breast feed in public (I will be pumping for this reason) but you never know!

Edit: and babies are different than adults I'm sure they do not care ifthey are being covered while they eat. They are hungry and their mouthsare going to be too full to protest!

Actually, both of my kids DID care that they were covered. They refused to nurse until the blanket was removed, and as they got older would just pull it off themselves.

yah i just edited my post after I wrote that because I was like well actually I dont have kids so i shouldn't say that!

Oops. I must have replied too fast then. :-D

Thats ok I really should of thought of what I was saying!! It's like wait a minute...i dont have any kids so how would i know!? I just think covering up is out of respect for the other people. Each circumstance is different though.

But that's why people shouldn't be so quick to judge each other. Just b/c your kid doesn't mind having a blanket over his head doesn't mean that next woman's won't. If people chilled and didn't take BFing as some assault against good taste and manners, maybe mother's wouldn't feel like they had to explain to perfect strangers that, sorry but my kid just won't nurse that way.

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