HOLY COW! Are you serious??

boydstm · December 2011

So, I was in target tonight (busiest time of year and busiest time of day) and there is this lady, who looked old enough to be my grandmother, walking through the store breastfeeding her baby! No cover or anything! I really have no interest, nor does DH, in seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target. Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

blessedwithbaby · December 2011

I agree on the cover. However, I don't care where people nurse. If people can run around with low tops or bikini tops then I can feed my baby. I'm not against the cover though. I never nursed without one.

kellymiller409 · December 2011

She should have worn a cover. I don't think there is anything wrong with feeding your child where ever you want to...but at least cover the boob.

MI-bride · December 2011

I am more offended by those who wear PJs to the market.

Sweetest116 · December 2011

I'm a rare one that believes there are places to BF and not to. She should have used a cover, agree 190%.

DBride2006 · December 2011

boydstm:
Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

Only if you plan to pretty much never leave the house. I never nursed in public without a cover, so I agree with the modesty part, but sometimes a baby must eat- even if *gasp* you're out in public!

curlycue704 · December 2011

boydstm:

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business.

Love this, laughed so hard I cried.

soralette · December 2011

I disagree wrt the cover -- I don't think women should have to cover to BF in public. That said, I do think she should've found a place to sit down that's out of the way, rather than just walking down the aisles of the store.

MigenMigen · December 2011

Oh wow. Granted, I'm a FTM, so I am probably lacking some perspective, but it seems to me that you would want to be sitting/have some privacy when you are nursing -- isn't it better to give baby your focus instead of walking around and shopping?

I worked in retail for several years, and we were always getting asked by nursing mothers if they could "borrow" a fitting room for a few minutes. We were always MORE than happy to accommodate them with a place to breastfeed with some privacy, regardless of if they were paying customers or not.

karleegirl · December 2011

curlycue704:
boydstm:

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business.
Love this, laughed so hard I cried.

Yeah b/c crapping and eating are the same thing. While I prefer a little more modesty for myself you def should be able to feed your baby wherever they are hungry. Ds(4yr old) and I were shopping in old navy yesterday and he asked why the lady(sales clerk) didn't cover up her underwear and bottom. She had on thongs and low rise jeans and was bending over. That's acceptable though right? Edited to add::: I never nursed in public. I always went to a dressing room or quiet area away from people. But that's b/c I have very large breasts and it was difficult to do discreetly as I personally am very modest. But I still believe people have a right to feed their children in public.

karleegirl · December 2011

One more thought. What does the woman's age have to do with it ( since she appeared old enough to be your grandmother)??? Would it be more acceptable if she was in her 20's?

telatovich · December 2011

Yeah, I would've been a bit grossed out by it too. Yes, BF is natural and yes, babies need to eat... but there are people who don't want to see it. So why does one woman's preference/right to publicly feed her baby w/out a cover trump everyone else's preference/right to not see it?

PhysChic7685 · December 2011

telatovich:
Yeah, I would've been a bit grossed out by it too. Yes, BF is natural and yes, babies need to eat... but there are people who don't want to see it. So why does one woman's preference/right to publicly feed her baby w/out a cover trump everyone else's preference/right to not see it?

For the same reason why a person's right to be with whoever they want to be (regardless of gender) trumps everyone else's preference/right to not have to see or hear about same sex couples... There are fundamental rights that people should have that may, yes, make other people uncomfortable.

As for me, seeing a woman breastfeed in public without a cover would make me horrible uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean I feel she shouldn't be able to.

GeekMom · December 2011

soralette:
I disagree wrt the cover -- I don't think women should have to cover to BF in public. That said, I do think she should've found a place to sit down that's out of the way, rather than just walking down the aisles of the store.

this! And you don't have to look if you don't want to!

runrinserepeat · December 2011

There are a lot of things at Target that I don't want to see (see PPs example of girl with thong showing, for example), but people aren't going to stop just because it makes me uncomfortable. I've heard that some babies just can't/won't nurse under a cover. While I do agree that she probably could have found a quiet spot to sit down instead of walking around the aisles, I really don't get the big deal. You don't want to see that? Don't look.

bluejayway · December 2011

I can't believe the number of you who are so shocked. Something is seriously backward in our society...especially those equating BFing in the light of day to taking a crap in public. I have seen a lot worse things in public stores than a woman feeding her child. Instead of asking, "Why didn't that woman cover up!?" You, as mothers and women and modern human beings, should be asking, "What is it about a woman feeding her child that makes so many people uncomfortable?"

I nursed DD exclusively, and she had a crazy hard time staying under a cover. I have big breasts and I really needed to be able to see, especially when she was a newborn and had more trouble latching. Not only that, but it was so awkward and stressful for me to NIP because of people gawking and me knowing they stupidly felt it on par with something lewd. I didn't do it super often, and I was discreet, and I had to sit down. But I fed my baby when she needed it, regardless of where I was. I also did it in plenty of closet-like rooms, the backseats of hot cars, awkwardly being stared at on airplanes, and in bathrooms with tears on my cheeks because of people with opinions like most of you on this thread.

Sweet3482 · December 2011

I'm not okay with that either. Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store. It's about having some modesty and respect for other people.

bluejayway · December 2011

Sweet3482:
Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store.

Would you have a problem with a small child seeing a bottle? Same difference when you get right down to it. Boobs were made for feeding babies.

Jess.O · December 2011

bluejayway:
Sweet3482:
Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store.
Would you have a problem with a small child seeing a bottle? Same difference when you get right down to it. Boobs were made for feeding babies.

Well said. I wonder if those who are so against it would also be willing to let their baby cry out of hunger rather than feed them in public.

Jelliebean1982 · December 2011

Sweet3482:
I'm not okay with that either. Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store. It's about having some modesty and respect for other people.

Really? Have you ever been to a playdate? You realize that at every playdate there are tons of small children with moms nursing their younger siblings. I don't think twice about nursing in front of children.

Oh, and FYI, there is a nationwide Target nurse-in today. I wonder if the woman was being more demonstrative because of that reason.

pinksweetpea2 · December 2011

Well, it is a good thing you are not the one making the laws OP. What is great is that you can say whatever ignorant and unenlightened thing you choose, but women will still have the right to feed their children wherever they please. :b

Vent away.

nosoup4u · December 2011

boydstm:

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

aaaahaahahahaaaahaha. Taking a crap isn't quite the same as breastfeeding, but way to sound like an idiot.

Don't want to see someone nursing in public? Don't look at them! Would you be as horrified to see someone walking around giving a baby a bottle? I certainly hope so!

I have nursed two babies/kids in public without a cover over the past 3 years. I'll make sure to flash you a nipple the next time I see you!!!!

Sweet3482:
I'm not okay with that either. Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store. It's about having some modesty and respect for other people.

This just in: Breasts are for feeding babies. Make sure to never ever let your children go to the pool or beach, or watch any television/movies, because they might see boobs (in an actual sexual context). Also, make sure you never have more than one child, because if you breastfeed your baby, the older siblings might see your boobs. Better yet, just wear a nursing cover *at all times*, just in case.

erinshoeman · December 2011

boydstm:
So, I was in target tonight (busiest time of year and busiest time of day) and there is this lady, who looked old enough to be my grandmother, walking through the store breastfeeding her baby! No cover or anything! I really have no interest, nor does DH, in seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target. Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

You are going to feel completely different when you have a baby. Especially if you plan on EBF. I hated seeing women nurse without a cover before, but now I nurse in public all the time. I use a cover, but I am very shy about my body.

Plus, you can't plan your day around feeding times. You will learn this after you have your LO. Unless you want to completely stop your life and become a hermit, you will need to work LO into your life. That means going shopping, to doctors offices, and other places where people will see you feeding your baby. I would much rather see a woman's breast rather than hear a baby crying because they're hungry.

I really hope the majority of the posters on here become less ignorant and grow up a bit before having your babies. Otherwise, I feel sorry for your LOs.

KRISTA555 · December 2011

boydstm:

So, I was in target tonight (busiest time of year and busiest time of day) and there is this lady, who looked old enough to be my grandmother, walking through the store breastfeeding her baby! No cover or anything! I really have no interest, nor does DH, in seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target. Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

I really hate it when people say "you'll see".... but... you'll see. You can plan all day long, but when your baby wants to eat, your baby wants to eat. Should a breastfeeding mom never leave the house? Because honestly, especially in the beginning, that's what she'd have to do. The baby wants to nurse all. the. time. and often times a nursing session will last 45 minutes or longer. Do YOU want to sit in a bathroom stall on a toilet with no armrests, listening to other people poop and pee next to you, so that you don't offend someone by feeding your child?

I cover up when I nurse in public, and IMO, if you CAN, you should. And no, I don't agree with having your boob hanging out there. There are ways to nurse, even without a cover, without exposing too much, by pulling your shirt around your breast and just exposing the nipple to the baby, which the baby covers up anyway. However, I would never say that a nursing mom should've nursed before she left the house... because she probably did.. and the baby got hungry again. Shocker.

kcl22 · December 2011

I'm not sure but I think, I THINK, you can look away. If you don't like the boob don't look at it. And get over yourself.

moatsie · December 2011

boydstm:
So, I was in target tonight (busiest time of year and busiest time of day) and there is this lady, who looked old enough to be my grandmother, walking through the store breastfeeding her baby! No cover or anything! I really have no interest, nor does DH, in seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target. Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

Heheheheheh...just you wait. There is no such thing as timing with an infant. You feed them when they are hungry. Also, I'm 35 and will be nursing this baby just like my last. I'm pretty sure I don't look 25 when I'm sleep deprived and probably wearing no make-up. I don't care who you are or how old you are...the first year with a baby ages you. It's hard. Good for her for getting out and trying to do her Christmas shopping. Get over it.

njh514 · December 2011

You wouldn't like me much. I'm one of those assh0les that feeds my baby when she's hungry. She's usually on a bit of a schedule but then teeth start coming in, she gets a cold, she sleeps late, or something happens and it throws the schedule off and I end up having to feed her wherever I am. The world doesn't stop spinning when she has to eat. Life continues just as it was and she eats. No biggie.

colliebabe · December 2011

Wow! The number of prudes on this thread amazes me! Feb 12 is a special group, huh?

Rhianna1981 · December 2011

Sweet3482:
I'm not okay with that either. Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store. It's about having some modesty and respect for other people.

Wow. I think that small children seeing a woman breastfeeding is normal at natural. If the lady were walking around topless at Target, that would be a different matter, but she wasn't. She was feeding her own small child.

vaohara · December 2011

telatovich:
Yeah, I would've been a bit grossed out by it too. Yes, BF is natural and yes, babies need to eat... but there are people who don't want to see it. So why does one woman's preference/right to publicly feed her baby w/out a cover trump everyone else's preference/right to not see it?

Because its her right! Rights trump preferences any day! And if you don't want to see it then don't look!

pitterpatter129 · December 2011

moatsie:
boydstm:

So, I was in target tonight (busiest time of year and busiest time of day) and there is this lady, who looked old enough to be my grandmother, walking through the store breastfeeding her baby! No cover or anything! I really have no interest, nor does DH, in seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target. Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

Heheheheheh...just you wait. There is no such thing as timing with an infant. You feed them when they are hungry. Also, I'm 35 and will be nursing this baby just like my last. I'm pretty sure I don't look 25 when I'm sleep deprived and probably wearing no make-up. I don't care who you are or how old you are...the first year with a baby ages you. It's hard. Good for her for getting out and trying to do her Christmas shopping. Get over it.

This is kind of what I'm thinking. Most of the women who said they thought the woman should cover up don't have outside babies yet. I'd like to hear your opinions after you have breastfed for a year. I'm all for the right for the baby to eat, wherever, whenever, however both mom and baby are comfortable, but then again, I've fed a squirming child who refuses to eat with a cover for a year now. I usually use my car or a quiet corner, but I don't judge those who are comfortable with nursing out in the open. I'm actually kind of jealous that I'm not comfortable doing so!

Shmogan09 · December 2011

Sweet3482:
I'm not okay with that either. Yes BF is normal and natural...but it's not normal for SMALL children to see a womans boob in the middle of a store. It's about having some modesty and respect for other people.

Uh oh... I guess I am a REALLY bad Mommy because I always ask my friends when they are over if DS can watch them nurse and ask questions. I want him to be comfortable with the process when LO arrives and have never thought of it like he is looking at their boob!!

If it makes you uncomfortable... whatever you're you. But please don't bring little kids into this like they are seeing a blow job being given in the middle of target!

And might I say... bravo to a woman who can walk around target while bfing! That is talented!

jmcdionne · December 2011

KRISTA555:
boydstm:

So, I was in target tonight (busiest time of year and busiest time of day) and there is this lady, who looked old enough to be my grandmother, walking through the store breastfeeding her baby! No cover or anything! I really have no interest, nor does DH, in seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target. Could you not have timed this a little better?If it is close to feeding time, feed the baby BEFORE you go into a public place.

I know someone is going to say "it is a natural thing to breastfeed" but my response to that is--- so is taking a crap but I have the decency to do it in privacy because no one wants to see your business. Sorry but at the very least, they invented nursing covers for a reason. All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

I really hate it when people say "you'll see".... but... you'll see. You can plan all day long, but when your baby wants to eat, your baby wants to eat. Should a breastfeeding mom never leave the house? Because honestly, especially in the beginning, that's what she'd have to do. The baby wants to nurse all. the. time. and often times a nursing session will last 45 minutes or longer. Do YOU want to sit in a bathroom stall on a toilet with no armrests, listening to other people poop and pee next to you, so that you don't offend someone by feeding your child?

I cover up when I nurse in public, and IMO, if you CAN, you should. And no, I don't agree with having your boob hanging out there. There are ways to nurse, even without a cover, without exposing too much, by pulling your shirt around your breast and just exposing the nipple to the baby, which the baby covers up anyway. However, I would never say that a nursing mom should've nursed before she left the house... because she probably did.. and the baby got hungry again. Shocker.

So glad you said all this!!! I EBF both my daughters and can confirm that even if you TRY to time your life around the feeds (I think we all do in the beginning then give up) it's impossible. Yep, she probably had fed before leaving. Guess what? They get hungry again!

I can guarantee that you will get more dirty looks if you drag a starving screaming infant than if you breastfeed in public.

The ignorance in this thread is staggering. I thought we had evolved and breasts were no longer sexual toys.

Also, OP, news flash: some kids cannot tolerate covers.

Hopefully you'll clue in that not everything is so black and white once you actually have your children. Otherwise I feel sorry for your LO that you'd rather let starve bc you can't stand to get looks from others like yourselves.

jmcdionne · December 2011

pitterpatter129:
I'd like to hear your opinions after you have breastfed for a year.

Exactly. I don't get people who have never breastfed who feel they can make comments like that of the OP.

Seriously, I am impressed that she could shop, walk and breastfeed. Good for her for thinking that promptly giving her baby the best food possible is more important than what ignorant people think.

bh2720 · December 2011

Shmogan09:

And might I say... bravo to a woman who can walk around target while bfing! That is talented!

amen.

and to the OP, congratulations, you sound like an idiot.

noryang · December 2011

boydstm:

All I'm asking for is a teensy bit of modesty.

Yup. I'd love to see a little modesty in our culture too. Except I want it from Britney, Lindsay, Kim and her whole d@mn family. Let's face it we are screwed up when the most natural and necessary process in the world is obscene and offensive. Yet you can see any matter of sex, violence or sexual violence on network primetime TV and that's ok.

Get over it. If you want to cover up - then cover up. If you can't for some reason then I'm pretty sure it is not the end of the world. It's a boob. Half the world has 'em and the other half spends their day thinking about 'em.

AimeeL85 · December 2011

Ha. When you have your baby you'll see how easy it is to "time things."

How do you know your DH has no interest seeing someone's boob hanging out in the middle of Target? Is that why you're really mad?

Confused

jju_stb_jju · December 2011

hhmmm cant say anything cause i have never been in your situation nor the lady whos breast feeding situation, but what talent to shop, breastfeed, and be out and about! was she alone? thats probably another factor why she couldnt just stop what she was doing to go to a rr (maybe didnt have a cover with her) and feed the baby, so she did the next best thing and did it right then and there.

TMS1980 · December 2011

Honestly how much could you see? I have just started in to NIP if needed and I do not use a cover- I have see baby...big breasts...but I know you on see a bit of skin if you look really close. I watched myself in the mirror befor and I know I am not flashing anyone... I do feed before I leave and in the car before I go in if I can, but sometimes I have to do it public- I have to sit down though I am not that talented yet! Would love to be able to nurse and walk... I thinking of getting a ring sling to try nursing NIP easily. I cant do it in my moby! A lot of responses here make me sad but i will still feed my baby if he needs it! I hope you ladies will to when the time comes?

LAIM · December 2011

I think that comparing feeding a hungry baby to defecating is an extremely ignorant thing to say. It is her right to feed her child wherever she wants and it is your right to look away if it makes you uncomfortable. Furthermore, how do you know she did not feed her baby before going out shopping? Kids get hungry, sometimes at inconvenient times, just like adults only they do not have the ability to put that feeling of hunger aside because they are doing something else. And as pp said, what does her age have to do with it?