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Nursing in a restaurant

mbtortormbtortor
in Breastfeeding
I've BFed in a restaurant before, at a table in a corner, but only when I've been out with family.  Today I am going to lunch with some of DHs friends and not sure what I should do about feeding DD.  Should I ask my dining companions if they would mind me feeding her at the table?  Or should I go do it in the car?
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Re: Nursing in a restaurant

  • Mrs.GreekoMrs.Greeko

    Would you ask if it was alright to feed the baby a bottle at the table?  I see it as the same thing.  I would just nurse her right there at the table and I wouldn't ask for permission to do so, but that's just me.  I shouldn't have to miss out on socializing to feed my baby, ya know?  Your baby is so little, I would use a cover or receiving blanket to cover up a bit and nurse so you can stay at the table and socialize...

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  • katiemac12345katiemac12345 member
    I have done it when I'm with my sister, but I would feel uncomfortable with certain other people... but that being said, I have nursed her in a bathroom stall at a restaurant before and I really regret it because it made me feel like i was doing something wrong and it was NOT pleasant! Looking back on that, I would just wear something you are comfortable in and feed her when she is hungry, without mentioning or making a big deal of it.
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  • wheelsonthebuswheelsonthebus member
    imageMrs.Greeko:

    Would you ask if it was alright to feed the baby a bottle at the table?  I see it as the same thing.  I would just nurse her right there at the table and I wouldn't ask for permission to do so, but that's just me.  I shouldn't have to miss out on socializing to feed my baby, ya know?  Your baby is so little, I would use a cover or receiving blanket to cover up a bit and nurse so you can stay at the table and socialize...

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  • Mystery2BMystery2B member

    Ditto pp - wear something that is easy to feed her in and bring a blanket or cover up. I wouldn't ask, wouldn't even say anything about it - just quietly do it.

    The exception to me on this would be if it was a business lunch, not sure why. But with friends/family I definitely feed her at the table - I've fed C at a sidewalk cafe, Chik Fil A, Costco parking lot, airport...

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  • ella.mabelella.mabel member
    Hmmm... DH's friends? I'd probably do it in the car, but i'm more on the modest side about it still.  I wish i wasn't, but i'm working on the while NIP thing.
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  • sweetkakes419sweetkakes419
    Good for you for being brave enough to nurse in a restaurant when your LO is so young!!  I didn't nurse in public for the first time until DS was almost 2 months old. Now I just make sure I have my cover in the diaper bag and love how easy it is to feed on demand. No bottle to mix up, heat up, etc. I even fed him at H&R Block last weekend!  DH still thinks it's a little weird because as he says, from a guy's perspective, it's "whoa there's a boob" even when I'm coveredup lol but I try not to think of what the other younger men in the area might be thinking!
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  • PlainandTallPlainandTall member

    I would nurse there at the table if that was the way the timing worked.  I wouldn't ask permission- but I might try to say something funny or reassuring to diffuse any tension if there was any... a lot of times guys are not "offended" by breastfeeding- but they have no idea how they are supposed to act and they want to be polite and respect you - but they have no idea what the protocol is- they just don't know. 

     

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  • dusk42dusk42
    I think it is way less awkward to just put on a cover and start feeding him than to ask permission or leave.  But I have a snack who wants to eat all.the.time.
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  • mjclevemjcleve member

    imagembtortor:
    Should I ask my dining companions if they would mind me feeding her at the table?  

    I don't usually "ask" but I say something along the lines of, "I hope you don't mind if I nurse DD - shr's starved too."  I know it makes some people uncomfortable - if so, then they can be the ones to go sit in the car.  I just make a comment to "break the ice" for those who aren't used to seeing that. 

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  • BridgeboysbrideBridgeboysbride
    Im always worried myself,  Id say whatever makes you feel comfortable.  I have struggled with lo in public because im such a nervous person,  making it harder.  My lo hates blanket over her head,  I believe she senses my anxieity  (SP).  Id say go in car or lounge if they have,  Sometimes people your with will say "you should just feed her here"    You might have to feel out particular group.  Once again do what feels right for you.  We are all so different.    Happy nursing!!! 
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  • mrsrobinsontobemrsrobinsontobe member
    it gets easier...if you just do it w/o any announcement, they may not even notice!
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