Breastfeeding in public?

debdebdol · November 2010

I just came back from lunch, went to Panera, and I saw a woman breastfeeding her baby. I have never witnessed a woman breastfeeding at a restaurant so I wasn't sure what to make of it. After I saw her, I immediately turned away because I didn't want to stare at her feeding her child.

This got me thinking. I'm not a mom but when the time comes would I breastfeed in public? At a place where other patrons are eating? I probably would not, only because I would not feel comfortable doing that in public because I have body issues. But what would I do if the baby was starving and wanted to eat, formula perhaps?

DatsyuksMommy · November 2010

Was she at least using a cover-up of some kind?

debdebdol · November 2010

Yes, she was. It would have been a different experience if she was not covered up.

LauraT25 · November 2010

I have seen women breastfeeding where you almost couldn't tell - with a coverup and easy-access top and bra, it just looked like the baby was asleep or something. I personally am not comfortable with it (as in, I will move away from it and wouldn't do it myself) but I think it's fine. Anything more obvious than that is not okay, IMO.

I have seen cases where the baby and boob are covered, but the mom's shirt is pulled awkwardly so that a lot of skin is showing. I have seen the boob just out there. Neither one of those is ok, in my book. If you don't have the appropriate coverup with you, there are restrooms and even lactation rooms in some places. I don't care if that's ignorant of me, it's how I feel.

Northstar1808 · November 2010

I find it awkward when woman breastfeed in public just because idk how to act. I think they have every right to do it in public because they are feeding their child but it's still awkward and I would def. do it in private. I would go out to my car or something or the bathroom at least.

LauraT25 · November 2010

Northstar, I agree completely. I think they have a right to do it discreetly, but that doesn't make me any more comfortable. Personally, I would do it somewhere private.

debdebdol · November 2010

Agreed, I think they should be able to do it. I just don't think I would feel comfortable doing it in public. I wonder if my perspective will change once I'm a mother. Just like right now I say I wouldn't want to become a soccer mom driving a mini-van, would I completely change my mind when I have 2 or 3 kids?

jedaniel · November 2010

Northstar1808:
I find it awkward when woman breastfeed in public just because idk how to act. I think they have every right to do it in public because they are feeding their child but it's still awkward and I would def. do it in private. I would go out to my car or something or the bathroom at least.

This exactly!

tbearsangel · November 2010

I have no problem with BFing in general, but I am in the camp that believes moms should do it discreetly. Normally it doesn't make me uncomfortable really, but it doesn't hurt to cover up and most people wouldn't even notice.

I plan on BFing when I have babies, so when baby needs to eat, feed them, but don't let everything hang out in the process.

emilyann21 · November 2010

I know I'm a little late on this and I agree with you ladies. However, thanks to my older sister who would pop her boob out anywhere to feed her kids, I heard her opinion A LOT. For example, I took her and my 2 nieces (one of them still BFing) to Sea World a couple years ago and she refused to go into the restroom to feed her. She sat out in the middle feeding her. She refused to use a blanket bc it was too hot. Now her boob wasn't showing but it was obvious what she was doing and I was so uncomfortable!

This is also the sister who would BF at my parents house and I saw her boob more than I ever wanted to...living room, table (while everyone was eating), etc. Needless to say, I will BF in private if I'm not at my own house or if anyone else is at my house.

sunshine_day_dreams · November 2010

I don't mind if a woman is BF in public and covered up. I mean, the kid's gotta eat, and in most restaurants and public places what are you gonna do? Go sit on the toilet to BF? That's just icky. What I'm not a fan of is when women just flop their boob out right at the table and start feeding. I get that nursing is natural and all that, but that doesn't mean that everyone in the restaurant wants to be a part of the experience. Huh?

diablesse · November 2010

I suspect that once I squeeze that damn thing out of the vajayjay, and I'm over the sickness and the hormones and can finally start getting my poor body back to normal, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to give two shites about who is seeing my boobies while I feed the brat. I'm pro-cover-up though.

SusieQ1981 · November 2010

sunshine_day_dreams:
I don't mind if a woman is BF in public and covered up. I mean, the kid's gotta eat, and in most restaurants and public places what are you gonna do? Go sit on the toilet to BF? That's just icky. What I'm not a fan of is when women just flop their boob out right at the table and start feeding. I get that nursing is natural and all that, but that doesn't mean that everyone in the restaurant wants to be a part of the experience.

As much as I am for discretion and finding a private place, I agree with sunshine here. I mean, I don't even want my hind-end touching the toilet seat and I've seen way too many 'special reports' about all the places the germs fly when you flush...and you want me to feed my child in there? Sure...as soon as you are willing to eat your dinner in there.

That being said, I was at a spa with my bff and sis and as we were checking out some woman in the waiting area pulled out her shirt, whipped out her boob and started feeding her baby - with no cover in the middle of this public space. (And my bff, who is totally grossed out by bf-ing, missed the whole show, thank goodness). Come on - a sheet or cover up isn't that expensive. I get that it's your right to feed your child, and that society over-sexualizes everything, but you wouldn't drop your pants to show your hooha in the middle of the waiting area. A little discretion is okay for everyone.

LauraT25 · November 2010

I'm not suggesting someone sit on the toilet and BF. I would probably go into the handicap stall and stand there, or simply stand near the sinks or something. It's at least more private than out in the middle of a restaurant. However, I do think women should be able to do it out in the middle of a restaurant as long as they're covered up, I just don't like it and wouldn't do it. And I'm pretty sure my opinion won't change when I have kids.

thatjessie · November 2010

They make awesome little coverups for $25. Im a mom even. My SIL bfs and when there is company or we are out to eat she heads to the car or a different room.

taralynndevault · November 2010

Since finding out I was pregnant, I've been weighing all of the pros and cons of bf'ing, and have decided that I will be doing so, as long as the baby takes to it. I am all for bfing in public, as long as you are covered up as well. The baby has to eat and frankly, it is natural. I am more on the conservative side when it comes to exposing my body, so I most likely will head to the car if where I am is not secluded. But who knows, that may all change in the heat of the moment.

Breastfeeding in public?

Re: Breastfeeding in public?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards