to cover or not to cover....BFing in public

ChristineRich06 · October 2010

Would you, or did you or will you, BF in public without being covered? DD hated having any sort of blanket over her head so at home & around my family I didn't cover her, but I did in public. I see women once in a while who don't & I admire them. I wish I didn't feel like I needed to cover up but when out & about or even in front of DH's family I feel like I have to. All of DH's family FFd so I felt like some sort of freak & not only did I have to cover DD but it was as if I was expected to go hide somewhere to do it. I remember many family picnics where I sat in the house by myself feeding DD. Horrible I know. What are your thoughts?

babyonthebrain2010 · October 2010

I'll cover. I don't particularly like have exposed skin unless I'm hot, so I might even cover him with a blanket when I'm home alone. I just would feel more comfortable covered in public.

DaisyCakes18 · October 2010

I plan on covering and/or feeding privately. I'm too modest not to, plus I know it makes some people uncomfortable even if it is "natural." I'm just not bold enough to whip out the boob in full view of everyone so I don't mind finding a private spot.

LaLaaaa · October 2010

If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's weird not to cover up while in public. I am planning on EBFing, but I would never just whip it out. If my baby won't tolerate being covered then I will find some place private to go. Frankly I think it makes other people uncomfortable, I speak from experience. Everyone has the right to BF in public, but I think they should have to cover up.

pitterpatter129 · October 2010

I can't imagine not covering in a public place (or in front of my dad!), but I wouldn't be uncomfortable in family's home uncovered. My sister bf and didn't always cover up in relatives' homes and my MIL is a huge supporter of breast feeding - so I know no one will care there either. I see people uncovered every once in awhile and I really don't usually think anything of it. Okla doesn't seem like a big bf state though - I see more bottle fed babies than anything in public.

bisabelm · October 2010

I am also planning on EBF'ing but I plan to cover in public. I am all for BF'ing and I completely understand that it's a nurishment thing not a "sexy boob thing" but I think one should cover out of respect for others around you. I don't think women should be banned to some icky public bathroom to nurse..I think a simple blanket is just fine.

Rink08 · October 2010

I cover unless I'm at my house. DS would pull off any blanket so I would wear a nursing cover unless I was able to do it under a button down shirt. I just kept a cover in my diaper bag. Most of the people that I surround myself with are pro breastfeeding though so I didn't ever feel the need to leave wherever I was at to make others more comfortable. Honestly, I figure that as long as I am covering myself up, there should be no difference in me feeding my child or another woman ffing hers in the same situation.

MrsNoPhun · October 2010

I bought a cover to use in public. I don't mind BFers in public, but I don't want to see you all hanging out either.

We went to dinner once and this lady had her boob all plopped out on the table with the kid going away. I wouldn't have thought another second about it if she had it covered or at least tucked in a little more.

stressshan · October 2010

I tried to cover as much as possible but my daughter hated anything covering her. So if I knew I was going to have to BF in public I would wear nursing top with another shirt over it so nothing was exposed. Many times no one would know I was even BF they thought I was just holding her. You would have to look very close to know. It worked out okay.

I did buy more nursing covers for this baby and will try with the covers again. But if he is hungry and won't wear a cover then I will do what I have to do.

smiles325 · October 2010

I plan on breast feeding and will do it in public but definitely covered up. I think it's a respect to everyone. Myself, baby and those around me. I think if I am in my own home and I have a close girlfriend over who also has kids I wouldn't mind feeding uncovered. But the only male that will see me uncovered will be my husband.

I think it puts other people in an uncomfortable situation. If someone is breast feeding uncovered it's sort of awkward. Like, if you happen to glance at the boob because it's sitting right there, and the mother sees you eyeing her she might get weirded out. If things are covered it just makes any awkward situations non-existent. Also, lets say the baby pulls the cover, it's not like you purposely exposed your boob. It was an accident and I think anyone in the room would understand and not be weirded out.

Now this is all what I think of this with no experience. So I could come back on here and say differently in 2+ months.

Mamita10 · October 2010

I'm going to cover, mostly because I am not comfortable with onlookers staring at me and my LO. It would make me feel off, and in turn probably keep me from BFing in public all together, I am very glad I have my cover to use.

TripMomma · October 2010

I hope the BF this time and will be using a cover when at all possible, except at home. I am not made uncomfortable by ladies who don't use a cover but it's not my thing.

JulietL129 · October 2010

I got 2 covers given to me, so I plan to keep 1 in the diaper bag and have 1 at home for when company is over. Honestly, if he's crazy and just won't deal with something covering him though- I will feed my kid when he's hungry :-) I won't let a big ol' boobie flop around- I'll be discreet as possible... But really, it's feeding him and as long as I don't squirt random strangers who side eye me for it, I don't think anyone can complain too much :-P

jessianne · October 2010

Cover! If I can BF...I couldn't with my first, my milk never came in, very bad experience so I'm hoping this will be different. My boobs are private. If my husband is around fine they can be out, or my daughter even, but I will be covered around everyone else, family included. I don't mind if I'm hanging out at a friends house and they want to BF uncovered, it's not like I'm staring at their boobs, lol, but if I am out in public and I see a woman just sitting there with her boobs out it bothers me. For me I guess it's a modesty issue, yes it's fantastic that you BF, but I really don't want to see your boob and I don't want to show you mine! Just makes me uncomfortable!

lulu3061 · October 2010

I'm pretty modest about my nipples so they'll be covered up in public or around anyone other than my husband.

cc605 · October 2010

I will cover or go to a private area if I can. Personally I don't want anyone seeing my Elsie the cow sagage and I doubt they want to see it either. But I think there is a way to discreetly nurse (in a wrap/carrier or even with a flowy shirt) that doesn't involve throwing a blanket over the baby's head.

britne08 · October 2010

I will cover, I'm not comfortable having someone see my breasts. I will probably cover around family too, not M, my mom or my sister but for sure everyone else.

welshgirl · October 2010

I didn't. DS hated being covered and it ended up being such a struggle that it wasn't worth it. I am a modest person though, and tried my best (for my sake) to cover up a bit: baggy shirts, cardigans, etc. This time, I'm reallyu looking into nursing tank tops to layer, as it's winter.

ETA: RE: those who mentioned other people, if they're bothered, they shouldn't be looking. I know I'm being bolshie, but honestly, the idea of feeding in a restroom is repulsive, and if you have a baby that feeds for 45 min at a time, even secluding yourself and him/her for that long is antisocial. I'm stepping onto my soapbox, but honestly, we need to let go of this idea that people are watching us BF in public - sure people may notice (but more often than not, they don't, they think you're just holding baby), but that's a good thing, making it seem normal, and giving more of us acceptance and confidence to do it. I know too many mums who stopped BFing mostly b/c they felt uncomfortable in public, and there comes a time when you need to be able to be out and about more, and that bothers me.

kat81 · October 2010

given the time of year I'll have to cover at first for comfort (so I don't get cold!) so maybe the LO will be used to it after a while. But I really want to not cover just for the sake of it. I get pissed that society doesn't accept it more.

principessa81 · October 2010

If I'm BF in public, I'll cover because I don't feel like dealing with obvious stares or rude comments. That being said, I think it's ridiculous we should even have to worry about that. During the five years DH and I lived in Europe, we saw women BF their babies constantly in public, not covered and not giving a damn. Neither did anyone else-no one gave them a second glance. I think as Americans we have a very bizarre attitude about BF in public; I've heard it described as "gross" and "weird" and even "wow she must love having all that attention on her boobs!" (from females, no less). No dumbass, it's actually just me feeding my child. Grrr.

BB8785 · October 2010

lindsayluong12:
If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's weird not to cover up while in public. I am planning on EBFing, but I would never just whip it out. If my baby won't tolerate being covered then I will find some place private to go. Frankly I think it makes other people uncomfortable, I speak from experience. Everyone has the right to BF in public, but I think they should have to cover up.

I will FF, but I agree! Even though it may be natural, I think you should be covered up if you are going to BF in public. Not just for the "uncomfortable" feeling it may give other people, but I say for the sake of other children. Chldren are nosey, and will stare and ask their parents all sorts of question. I think it's rude not to cover.

chrisncassie · October 2010

Will completely cover in any public setting ...if LO has issue with a blanket or cover then I guess I will just have to have a bottle ready of BM.

Mommysaurus123 · October 2010

I got my free Udder Cover in the mail and plan on using that whenever I am BFing around anyone other than DH (or alone.) Since he's due right before Christmas, I thought it would be a perfect way to still be around family without having to show my FIL my boob. I know my DH saw my sister's boob by accident when she was BFing in the hospital after having my nephew, and he was a little scarred. lol.

I hate even wearing my swimsuit or jammies in front of the ILs, so there will not be exposed booby around them or my grandpa, cousins, strangers, etc.

bosha711 · October 2010

If I even get to the point where I am comfortable enough to BF in public, I will cover.

schnef1226 · October 2010

BB8785:
lindsayluong12:
If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's weird not to cover up while in public. I am planning on EBFing, but I would never just whip it out. If my baby won't tolerate being covered then I will find some place private to go. Frankly I think it makes other people uncomfortable, I speak from experience. Everyone has the right to BF in public, but I think they should have to cover up.

I will FF, but I agree! Even though it may be natural, I think you should be covered up if you are going to BF in public. Not just for the "uncomfortable" feeling it may give other people, but I say for the sake of other children. Chldren are nosey, and will stare and ask their parents all sorts of question. I think it's rude not to cover.

I really don't understand this line of worrying. Protecting children from seeing breastfeeding??? Do you shield your eyes at the farm or the zoo when there is a calf or monkey nursing? ZOMG the horror, protect the children!!!!

I think if a child who is not routinely exposed to breastfeeding (like from a younger sibling) starts to ask questions that's a perfect teachable opportunity! We're all mammals, part of nature people!

BB8785 · October 2010

schnef1226:
BB8785:

lindsayluong12:
If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's weird not to cover up while in public. I am planning on EBFing, but I would never just whip it out. If my baby won't tolerate being covered then I will find some place private to go. Frankly I think it makes other people uncomfortable, I speak from experience. Everyone has the right to BF in public, but I think they should have to cover up.

I will FF, but I agree! Even though it may be natural, I think you should be covered up if you are going to BF in public. Not just for the "uncomfortable" feeling it may give other people, but I say for the sake of other children. Chldren are nosey, and will stare and ask their parents all sorts of question. I think it's rude not to cover.

I really don't understand this line of worrying. Protecting children from seeing breastfeeding??? Do you shield your eyes at the farm or the zoo when there is a calf or monkey nursing? ZOMG the horror, protect the children!!!!

I think if a child who is not routinely exposed to breastfeeding (like from a younger sibling) starts to ask questions that's a perfect teachable opportunity! We're all mammals, part of nature people!

WEll I certainly wouldn't want to explain to my 5 y.o. or even my 10 y.o why in the hell some kid is sucking on a woman's boob. They wouldn't even be able to understand it if I even tried to explain it. People who BF in public need to respect other people.

There is a reason why we wear clothes in public.

woollypetals · October 2010

I will definitely cover! I have a couple friends who don't care and as freeing as I am sure it is, I don't want to see her nipples, and even more so don't want DH to see her.

I think BF'd is beautiful but come on let's have some modesty.

schnef1226 · October 2010

BB8785:
schnef1226:
BB8785:

lindsayluong12:
If I'm being perfectly honest, I think it's weird not to cover up while in public. I am planning on EBFing, but I would never just whip it out. If my baby won't tolerate being covered then I will find some place private to go. Frankly I think it makes other people uncomfortable, I speak from experience. Everyone has the right to BF in public, but I think they should have to cover up.

I will FF, but I agree! Even though it may be natural, I think you should be covered up if you are going to BF in public. Not just for the "uncomfortable" feeling it may give other people, but I say for the sake of other children. Chldren are nosey, and will stare and ask their parents all sorts of question. I think it's rude not to cover.

I really don't understand this line of worrying. Protecting children from seeing breastfeeding??? Do you shield your eyes at the farm or the zoo when there is a calf or monkey nursing? ZOMG the horror, protect the children!!!!

I think if a child who is not routinely exposed to breastfeeding (like from a younger sibling) starts to ask questions that's a perfect teachable opportunity! We're all mammals, part of nature people!

WEll I certainly wouldn't want to explain to my 5 y.o. or even my 10 y.o why in the hell some kid is sucking on a woman's boob. They wouldn't even be able to understand it if I even tried to explain it. People who BF in public need to respect other people.

There is a reason why we wear clothes in public.

Seriously, not trying to be snarky here, trying to understand...but why wouldn't you want to explain to your children how babies eat? Simple as "some babies drink milk from their mommies, some from bottles". Period, enough said. And I would hope and think that by 10 years old a child would already have grasped that topic.

heyitsme · October 2010

DD hated being covered. I became the master of NIP without covering up... usually involving a nursing tank and a certain type of shirt so that if DD needed/wanted to nurse I could do so without showing any skin.

I don't plan to cover up this time around, either.

Want a personalized experience?

to cover or not to cover....BFing in public

Re: to cover or not to cover....BFing in public

2012 Reading Challenge

Choose Another Board

Search Boards