Breastfeed in Restaurants OK or not OK?

[cjnelson]

"Like it" does infer, hint or suggest :shrug7: some pleasure regarding BF. The wording could have been different but this is the poll we answered.

[BigDog]

Nevermind.

[katncaed]

Interesting thread...something I'd never had read until my beautiful wife mentioned it...just not my idea of good reading material.

Either way, from what I have heard from other men, seeing a woman breast feeding is not at all arousing...and to some it is a major turn-off. I personally don't care to see women breast feeding their babies, so I simply don't watch it and ignore it the best I can. But...I loved watching my wife feed our children. It wasn't a turn-on, just a beautiful site. I think breat-feeding is a natural and beautiful process and should not be classified as "offensive" or "immodest."

But, at the same time...I think women should be aware of other people's feelings and the perverts out there, and not flaunt the process.

[cjnelson]

Thanks nice to hear a man's perspective on this thread.

[shelleyf]

[beccarae1]

This is a fascinating thread. Speaking as a mother who has both breastfed in public and seen other mothers NIP (nursing in public), I don't know that I "like" it, but I certainly have no problem with it.

I do recall one instance in a restaurant that another patron seemed to have some sort of an issue with me NIP. My twins were about 6 months old and both were fussy. I tandem nursed most times, which meant both breasts were out and "in use". I decided that was not the most polite thing to do in a restaurant (though perfectly legal), so I nursed one baby while bottle feeding the other in the stroller. None of my kids ever tolerated being covered up, so it was very clear what I was doing (it is a little akward to nurse once child while leaning over to hold a bottle for a second child). The woman was dining alone and kept staring at us the entire time, I was never clear whether she was offended or fascinated by the twin thing or something else :shrug7: I figured she never even knew what a sight I could have been if I had tandem nursed right there (This happened 6 years ago at the Mall of America, so she may have been from a state where BF'ing in public was not protected, as it is in MN. So maybe it was just surprising to her.)

I am currently nursing (and in the process of weaning) my 2 1/2 yo. We stopped NIP about the age of 18 months, because it really seems to make people uncomfortable to see a toddler nursing, even those who have no problem seeing an infant nurse :shrug7: Plus, even if you nurse an older child, they can understand waiting until you get home and can be offered an alternative (snack, sippy cup, etc). I will say; as a teenager, I attended a wedding with my parents, there was a woman there whose son was 5, I was a little taken aback when she proceeded to nurse him in the recption hall. I don't see anything wrong with extended breast feeding (obviously ) I just was surprised that they were so open about it.

I think it all comes down to tolerance; I may not like it when my 50 year old, paunchy neighbor mows his lawn without a shirt on, but he is within his legal right to do so. I am tolerant enough to realize this and do not make snarky remarks to him or give him dirty looks. I am entitled to my opinion, as long as I don't make him feel badly about his choice in the process.

On another note, this thread got me thinking about how much of my life has been spent nursing children... I have spent 50 months of my life breastfeeding, wow! So I am obviously pro-BF'ing (if you hadn't already figured it out ! )

[DeannaWhetten]

I don't know why some people's responses are so hysterical to me, but this is my opinion:

I'm a mom of 3, I have nursed in public. It's natural! I cover up (I use a hooter hider) and I try to be discreet when I absolutely have to nurse in public, which I actually hate doing, but sometimes you just have to. I don't have a problem with it at all. Anybody that does needs to grow up a little. It isn't a sexual or gross thing.

Let the record show that I do have a problem with the lady in Wal-Mart standing in the middle of the customer service line with her shirt up, gut hanging out (she wasn't small) nursing away. To me, THAT is a little strange. Nobody really wants to see your goodies. (No, seriously, that happened)

In the end, it's a personal choice and if you feel comfortable doing it, then by all means, do!

Now, ask me how I feel about the lady on YouTube that still nurses her 8 year old and 11 year old daughters. My opinion will be much less pleasant! :)

[TheWoman]

Originally Posted by beccarae1 On another note, this thread got me thinking about how much of my life has been spent nursing children... I have spent 50 months of my life breastfeeding, wow! So I am obviously pro-BF'ing (if you hadn't already figured it out ! )

Only 50 months? I figure I have been nursing for 100 of the last 120 months.

[greenrays]

My 1st kiddo hated being covered up so NIP (haha I have to laugh it spells nip) anyways...pushing my immaturity aside---- I nip b/c I couldn't pump with him, so whenever he was hungry I would either feed him in the car before we got out so he'd have a full belly or I would feed him in the dressing rooms.

Once I was denied at a Target dressing room, saying moms throw diapers on the floor and so it's against their policy. For me to go to the bathroom. I asked her if she would like to eat in the bathroom??? After going back and forth, I went into the dressing room to nurse him :)

Personally, if you are covered up --I don't see an issue with it at all. I don't want to see your boobs hanging out though b/c there are ways to cover or prevent that. I'm not against anything, just a little modest!

[beccarae1]

Originally Posted by TheWoman Only 50 months? I figure I have been nursing for 100 of the last 120 months.

Wow! You are a woman with dedication!