Out of the bathroom stall and into the world, that's Wee Welcome's goal for nursing moms. I nursed 2 babies anywhere and everywhere. Not in a "hey world check out my boobs" kind of way. I have yet to meet a nursing mom aiming to show off her nipples in public. They just want to feed their baby, bottom line.
So why the fear of the big bad boobs? I get Google Alerts everyday, several times a day actually that alert me of moms all over the world being asked to get back in the bathroom stall, change room, car, or even home. This week 4 different women in Canada and the US were asked to leave where they were nursing their babies and go somewhere else. In two stores, in a restaurant, and even on a plane. This is in one week and only the ones that showed up in the press and were sent to me by Google...so how many others just do it, or put up a fight but don't go to the media. I just don't get how people can be so afraid of boobs that they can't see the mother and child, only nipples.
Here are the links to a few of the articles that ran this week in the news...
I'm not sure if a nurse-in is the right way to make changes to welcome boobs. To support the nursing mom that was asked to move to a change room at a Vancouver store, over 60 women staged a nurse-in in the store yesterday. The press covered it but did it accomplish any change?
For four years I have been pondering if breastfeeding friendly window decals are helpful or hindering. Vote in the poll on if you think window decals telling people where they are welcome to nurse are helpful or not. I would love to know your thoughts.
This is a topic that will continue to be discussed and I welcome your comments, just keep in mind that not everyone may share your opinion nor do you have to agree with everyone else's but you do have to be respectful on this site and in this community. Any offensive comments can be flagged by any member and may be deleted. We want to have a safe and supportive community for parents.
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Wed, 10/15/2008 - 21:33 — mbrown
I think a mother nursing her baby is a beautiful thing. As long as the mother is being discreet, which most are, people should not object. If I look at a mother nursing in publc, it is not a disaproving look. I hope it is never intterpreted as such. Once when I was shopping and sitting on a bench, a mother was looking a little concerned as her baby was crying. SHe looked around and then sat near where I was sitting. I was pleased she felt comfortable doing that. It was unfortunate, I thought, that she looked in my direction at first, I thought almost hoping that I would not object. She relaxed when I commented to her how wonderful it is for mother and baby to have this intimate connection.
Thu, 10/02/2008 - 18:54 — lauratcallaghan
I admit when I first started breastfeeding i was so nervous to do it in public for the first time. I stayed away. After dealing with sore cracked nipples and air drying them all day long and always feeding I got used to it. I started gaining confidence. Slowly I felt better and better. People shouldn't judge mothers for giving their babies the best nutrition. When we started bottle feeding I felt bad and felt bad in public again....didn't want to be judged! Now, I don't care and just do what's best for my son.
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 17:15 — dob8
Seeing a mother nurse her baby is a beautiful site.
Mon, 01/12/2009 - 14:59 — jasonla
Wait I have to disagree that seeing a mother nurse her baby is beautiful. In most cases yes it's nice. Especially the boob part, all kidding aside when i went into the city and got off the train on the steps of the platform was a mother nursing her baby right out in the open and mind you she was not very fit or good looking and could have at least went up to the bathrooms to do that but i mean hundreds of people are walking by please that was far from beautiful i nearly vomited seeing that, that early in the morning. It's all i thought about that night when i called up some female escorts and it wasn't what i wanted to be visualizing at that time.
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 12:34 — grandpoh
Nursing mothers look beautiful. I have no problem st all with their feeding their babies in public places as long as they are descreet anad most are.
Wed, 08/27/2008 - 21:56 — Pooh_Bears_Wife
I just have this to say:
I DARE EM! I DOUBLE DARE THEM TO ASK ME TO LEAVE OR GO TO THE LOO!!!!! I'm telling you - they would live to rue the day they became a bigger prig the Queen Victoria telling people to lie back and think of England!!! OMG! I'm telling you, I would almost love how mad I'd become at the insolent repressed cave dweller who thought he ought to cross my path. It's not bad enough having complete strangers (usually non parents or haven't had a baby in over 50 years - ironically) telling you how to parent unsolicited! But telling you not to feed your child! Or to feed your child in the bog of eternal stench washroom - the place you go pee and otherwise!!! PLEASE!!! Pick me to cross, yea of backward notions, challenge me in public!!!
We live in a world of such hypocrisies at times.
A friend of mine was in the grocery store when her son woke up mid-shop. He was famished from his thoroughly exhausting nap and wanted only what Mummy could provide. She quickly rushed about the shop grabbing the last of her must have and then proceeded to the checkout, where, naturally, she had to put her baby down so that she could pay and bag her items. A little old lady from another queue voluntarily (and frankly more than a little aggressively) tapped her on the shoulder, "Excuse me, your baby is crying." No really? I hadn't noticed. All she wanted to do was get out of there as quick as could be so that she could feed her son in her car. She turned carefully and responded "Thank you. He needs feeding :)" As she was leaving the old woman poked at her again, "YOUR BABY IS CRYING!"
"Yes, thank you, I did f#*&ing know!"
She turned from the store, rushed to her car, unloaded her groceries and commenced feeding her son in the privacy of her own car. I suppose the fact that her windows were not tented really annoyed the woman because as she passed she craned her neck to actually peek inside and then seemed repulsed. What's wrong with people? Seriously!
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 17:17 — dob8
Some people have no manners.
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 09:58 — nej2611
Yea!!!!Where and how do people have the guts to tell you waht to do n where to feed your baby...That old lady was really annoying...Arrghh..It amazes me how people can be like that sometimes.What's wrong with you old lady??You were like that too...Remember you when you were a baby??
Fri, 08/22/2008 - 11:01 — Ashlea
I just have to say how cute that picture is!
Fri, 08/15/2008 - 14:10 — Julie Cole
it is a social phenomenon that our breasts, which are designed to nourish and comfort our babies have been sexualized to the point that women are uncomfortable using them for their purpose.
I remember once sitting in an outback pub with a bunch of old aussie farmers. They almost spat out their pints when I started feeding. I was not going to miss out on the conversation about how the crops were doing!
Oh i remember the looks I had when I started breastfeeding inside the malls. Some women wil approve and some will just give you the disgruntling looks!!! I mean, hello!!! I am using my receiving blanket to cover my boobs and so, waht's your problem!!
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 16:57 — murmul
I guess I am lucky because I have nursed 3 and I have never had a problem. I am never home for long and have traveled through Canada while nursing. I have nursed in restaurants, benches, planes, buses, etc but have never needed to in a small store. Breastfeeding should never be an issue if discretion is used.
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 13:25 — schultzc
I've never understood the negative feedback about breastfeeding. Although I am pregnant with number 7, I feel I was an expert about being discreet with my first. I would be talking to people and they would be surprised to find out I was breastfeeding my baby at the same time. I had it down to barely lifting my shirt and holding my baby naturally. I even learned how to feed them while walking (ie: in the store while shopping). And with a few kids already born, I am able to chase down a misbehaving child and sit them down with a book to keep them distracted all the while never letting the baby release. I do get upset with the mom that needs to take out her entire DD breast into the open in order to feed her tiny baby. There is no need for it. I think it's just all about feeling natural about it. That's why we were given breasts right? Take pride, feel natural and be discreet.
Now the subject of breast shrinkage after each baby is weaned is a boob issue I would like to see. I mean really. I went from a full perky 34C to a tiny barely B and I'm scared what I'll look like after this baby. What's with that? I'm only 32.
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 14:58 — Ashlea
I'm very interested in the shinkage issue myself...I didn't have much to start out with and now that my son isn't nursing as much I'm noticing that there is a slight loss in the 'perkiness'.
Mon, 08/18/2008 - 14:04 — erin.busby
I like to think of my pre-child breasts as great, they were perky and a nice large sized b or a small sized c, but I am scared to see what happens to them once I stop nursing.
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 10:32 — nej2611
My breasts went back to its original size when i stopped breastfeeding.Don;t worry about how it will be after breastfeeding. You just need a good support bra.
Sun, 08/10/2008 - 19:21 — Ashlea
I was just thinking; I sometimes can't understand why men get so uncomfortable when women are breastfeeding. Most of them can't get enough of boobs in general, why is it such a problem when a women is nursing?!
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 10:42 — nej2611
It's true what you're saying Ashlea. I got that reaction from men too.
Sun, 08/10/2008 - 11:29 — rmklein
Wow!!. People today are so immature. Get over it. It's a boob and if the person was a girl, I think that's worse, cuz she has one like it too. As long as you cover it's all good. Obviously everyone knows what you are doing, but so what it's a free country and ya you're not trying to expose it, you are trying to feed a baby. I do have to say, even though I am breastfeeding too, I think it's courteous to cover. It doesn't matter where you do it, but if you don't cover then it's a little weird. I don't like to see people just plop it out. But breastfeeding is best and cheaper, so why not??
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 10:45 — nej2611
It's definitely much much cheaper and it did save me some money when i breastfed.
Tue, 09/09/2008 - 10:27 — Ashlea
You save tons of money while breastfeeding. I bet if we actually added up how much formula would have cost us we'd have a good little chunk of money.
Sat, 08/09/2008 - 01:41 — KristenRMT
Love this article! I don't see how decals can hinder anything but I do agree that a 'nurse-in' potentially can. I think the decals are great and they have a gentle look to them so they don't offend the easily offended. I am grateful that I have never had a negative experience to date nursing either of my children... I nursed my son for 26 months and my daughter is now 5 months - so 31 nursing months in total and I'm happy to feed them where ever they need it. As well, our family is never home so they are fed out in public more often than not. I think progress is slowly but surely being make - horray!
Sat, 08/09/2008 - 00:16 — columbia
Happy world breast feeding week fellow WeeWelcome Members!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 19:14 — melljones
mell says
It is a hard topic for some and most do not understand until they are a mom and their little one is hungry. Places that do not allow it are most likely not run or owned by mothers of young ones. Parenting is hard enough without others telling how and where you can feed your little one. I no longer breast feed but good luck to those that are and are having trouble with others opinions.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 15:08 — babii
I am still breastfeeding my 8 month daughter and most of the times I have used the receiving cloth to covered my breast when I fed her in public. I just feel kinda uncomfortable feeding her in a store and having the men stop and look/stare at my breast. I have NEVER had a problem feeding her in public or in a store or at the mall. Even if someone looks at me and says 'you shouldn't be feeding her here in public and you should go to the washroom to feed her.' I would definitely ask her if SHE would go eat her lunch or dinner in the washroom where other people have gone and did their business.
To think that people don't understand that most mom's DO NOT want to feed their baby in a place where its so unsanitary and that if you feel like its "wrong" to feed then DO NOT LOOK AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! Its not like you have to sit/stand next to the feeding mom and COMPLAIN about it!!!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 18:06 — Lacy
Telling someone to feed their baby in a washroom is the most ridiculous thing. Do they want you to sit on the toilet and feed him/her? I can understand being asked to cover up if you're not being discreet (or have your dress pulled up to your neck, who does that??), but being asked to leave is wrong and being asked to go to a bathroom is just insane - especially into a stall. Nursing areas are such a great idea. It's more comfortable for everyone (most importantly the mom) and encourages breastfeeding, esp. for shy moms who consider not doing it because they don't want other people to see.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 13:39 — Ashlea
I think to anyone who asks you to stop breastfeeding you should ask of them to deny their nature also. Since breastfeeding is a part of humanity ask them to seperate themselves from what makes them who they are. You would be just as right to say; 'could you stop being old?' (or young or loose your heritage) just to suit me. Does that sound right? Because that's what they're doing when they ask you to stop breastfeeding.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 13:30 — erin.busby
I am still breastfeeding my three month old and I have only breast fed in public a couple of times. I do prefer to breast feed in a nursing room if available, but if not when your baby has to feed, she has to feed. I would be livid if someone asked me to leave when I was breastfeeding. I think it would be great if places advertised that they had nursing facilities available, but I think that it is ludacris to have to resort to looking for a sticker that shows a place is breast feeding friendly, according to the law every place is supposed to be breastfeeding friendly.
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 11:16 — nej2611
Ys, it should be that way everywhere
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 13:00 — Bistti
I say to anyone that is approached to move while breastfeeding their child stand up for their rights.
it is AGAINST the law to ask a mother who is breastfeeding, to move to or go somewhere or even to leave the store.
During the 7 months I breastfed my son, I was once asked to not feed him in a public restaurant. now I was covered with a receiving blanket. their was nothing you could see looking over, but the manager asked my to either stop (which is absurd) or that I would have to leave the restaurant. Now i wasn't rude or anything but I did tell him firmly that I wouldn't stop and if he wanted me to leave that he would have to call the police and then he and his restaurant would be charged for breaking the law. I continued with it is a mother's law given and natural right to breastfeed in public and as I was not flashing my chest around or even making it obvious that I should be allowed to continue in peace. After that he left me alone.
Now I could understand if the woman was going around with no baby and flashing everything and everyone, but almost every nursing mother I know, knew or have seen do try and be a little bit discreet about it.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:46 — Cyansmom
I have so much to say on this topic, so I might post more than one comment.
I love breastfeeding. I have had a wondering experiece breastfeeding my daughter. She is 16 months now and I am still breastfeeding her.
I have breast fed my daughter EVERYWHERE. The oddest place was on Fort St in downtown Victoria while I waited in line for her passport last summer. We waited 4 hours and I had to literally sit on the sidewalk to nurse her. I had no problem with this, my daughter needed to eat!
I have never had a bad experience breast feeding in public. I guess I have been one of the lucky ones.
L
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 12:26 — Lacy
Good for you! I wish I could still be nursing my daughter (we had problems so I stopped at 8 mths). I never had a problem feeding in public either but I was always discreet too. I once nursed her in a ring sling walking through the mall. The tail was covering her so you couldn't see anything. People probably didn't even notice I had a baby or just assumed she was sleeping.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:45 — wing0125
I find that breastfeeding is really not the easiest thing to do. I think in general, some people are offended by the breast as something other than a sexual object. I find that when I'm nursing, most people just politely avert their eyes.
Personally, I prefer to not publicly wave my nipples around in public. I have had a lot of people in my home while I breastfeed, and just made sure that I didn't have anything exposed.
The other option would be hungry baby screaming at the top of his lungs; that's can't really make people want to continue to shop in the store. The store employees could have just approached the mother, and OFFERED a more comfortable environment to nurse in. (at least a chair)
As for breastfeeding decals might be limiting, as the BC Human Rights Commission expressly states that women have the right to breastfeed anywhere in public. I think it's more of a matter of public education.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:38 — moet1973
I like the idea of the nursing friendly stickers, but I do think it's ridiculous that they are even needed. Feeding your baby is a necessity, so I feel that you should be able to do it wherever you happen to be.
Lets face it, at the mall you are going to see teenagers who have their thong sticking out the back of their pants, Women whose tops are so low cut that you can practically see everything they've got, and guys who aren't as fit as they used to be wearing tank tops. Nobody is asking them to leave, so why is the nursing mom be ousted?
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 11:18 — nej2611
I agree on that one!!Why should we leave?
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:28 — Amanda_Herrington
Yeah i totally understand. There is a mall in which they have introduced in the ladies washrooms a brestfeeding stall in which there is a comfy chair as well as a change table incase the child soils itself. It is the square one mall cause so many women said that it was so hard to get out cause most ppl didn't like the sight of nursing boobs. I don't understand why they don't think that it is a mircale that is happening. The fact that a women's body can produce the right amount of milk just for her baby is amazing. But nowadays some malls are getting smarter and making room for nursing moms!!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 10:33 — Lacy
Breastfeeding is not an easy thing to do, but it is the best thing for baby if at all possible, so I just don't understand why people make it even harder. It's sad that these kinds of things happen where there should be support instead. Obviously the people who are offended have never been in the mom's position and must not realize that mom is only concerned for her baby and really, most nursing mom's are trying to cover up because they don't want you to see their boobs either - probably more than you don't want to see them. If it was presented this way people might be more understanding: would you rather be outside naked, or have someone else be outside naked and you accidentally see them? Most people would be more embarrassed to BE the naked person.
That is not the case for all moms though. Some just don't care and don't cover up at all. I believe breastfeeding should be supported regardless of whether mom tries to cover up or not. However, I do think that it is nicer (almost like better manners) if you do try to cover up. Some people are just embarrassed. My brother-in-law is 16 and when I was nursing he was embarrassed and uncomfortable but didn't ask me to leave or anything. Knowing this, for me to just whip it out and start nursing would have been really inconsiderate of me.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 12:03 — Ashlea
My husband and I were staying with our neighbours before we moved back home to Ontario. They had a 15 year old son who was a little weary of my breastfeeding, understandbly. His mom explained to him that it wasn't a sexual thing it was very natural and that I was just feeding my baby. After he was used to the idea of me nursing my son he wasn't so stand offish. I think people just need to be educated about breastfeeding and the benefits. I also think that the people who weren't able to do it or didn't choose don't understand.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 09:22 — Ashlea
I totally agree that most of the time you can't even tell if a mother is nursing. Any nursing mother has the right to feed her baby anywhere and people have to understand that no mom is going to be waving her boobs around for everyone to see, I think most women want to be very discreet. When I see a mom nursing it fills my heart and makes me happy that she has chosen to breastfeed her baby.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 08:57 — columbia
In an country where we are supposedly encouraged and have the right to breastfeed our babies this is absurd and quite worrying. If I had experiencesed the same reaction it would of changed my mind completely. Presumably complaints against breastfeeding are greater as the child gets older. But in my experience it is difficult to tell whether a baby is being fed or just snuggled. I suspect that many of us often walk past nursing mothers without even realizing.Hopefully it will become more acceptable to feed your child by breast. Remember that as mothers our prime responsibility is to our babies, not to some passer by who doesn’t like what we are doing.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 08:47 — Ashlea
My husband and I are very pro nursing. I'm still nursing my 9 month old and don't plan on stopping until he's a year old. I was chatting with my husband about this blog and he mentioned that when he sees a baby of course he looks and smiles and then when he notices that the baby is nursing he gets a kind of surprised look on his face and feels like he's invading the nursing moms space by starting, because lets face it some moms are very good at being very discreet. He can see how his look can be misinterpreted because of the instant paradigm switch. All in all not all looks are bad looks and it may be better to think positively.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 06:42 — ontario_gyrl
i get so mad when i hear about these things!!! Woman have every right to feed their baby when ever and where ever!!! You never hear about a bottle fed baby being told to cover that up, or that its making people uncomfortable!!! I am a mother who nurses my baby, and i am sick of glances from people, sick of feeling ashamed for letting my hungrey baby eat!! The way i have started to look at things is "i have to watch other people eat, and some just have no manners, why can't i let me baby eat?!?!?!" And i have also come to the conclution of,
IF YOU DONT LIKE IT, DONT LOOK!!!!!
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I think a mother nursing her baby is a beautiful thing. As long as the mother is being discreet, which most are, people should not object. If I look at a mother nursing in publc, it is not a disaproving look. I hope it is never intterpreted as such. Once when I was shopping and sitting on a bench, a mother was looking a little concerned as her baby was crying. SHe looked around and then sat near where I was sitting. I was pleased she felt comfortable doing that. It was unfortunate, I thought, that she looked in my direction at first, I thought almost hoping that I would not object. She relaxed when I commented to her how wonderful it is for mother and baby to have this intimate connection.
I admit when I first started breastfeeding i was so nervous to do it in public for the first time. I stayed away. After dealing with sore cracked nipples and air drying them all day long and always feeding I got used to it. I started gaining confidence. Slowly I felt better and better. People shouldn't judge mothers for giving their babies the best nutrition. When we started bottle feeding I felt bad and felt bad in public again....didn't want to be judged! Now, I don't care and just do what's best for my son.
Seeing a mother nurse her baby is a beautiful site.
Wait I have to disagree that seeing a mother nurse her baby is beautiful. In most cases yes it's nice. Especially the boob part, all kidding aside when i went into the city and got off the train on the steps of the platform was a mother nursing her baby right out in the open and mind you she was not very fit or good looking and could have at least went up to the bathrooms to do that but i mean hundreds of people are walking by please that was far from beautiful i nearly vomited seeing that, that early in the morning. It's all i thought about that night when i called up some female escorts and it wasn't what i wanted to be visualizing at that time.
Nursing mothers look beautiful. I have no problem st all with their feeding their babies in public places as long as they are descreet anad most are.
I just have this to say:
I DARE EM! I DOUBLE DARE THEM TO ASK ME TO LEAVE OR GO TO THE LOO!!!!! I'm telling you - they would live to rue the day they became a bigger prig the Queen Victoria telling people to lie back and think of England!!! OMG! I'm telling you, I would almost love how mad I'd become at the insolent repressed cave dweller who thought he ought to cross my path. It's not bad enough having complete strangers (usually non parents or haven't had a baby in over 50 years - ironically) telling you how to parent unsolicited! But telling you not to feed your child! Or to feed your child in the bog of eternal stench washroom - the place you go pee and otherwise!!! PLEASE!!! Pick me to cross, yea of backward notions, challenge me in public!!!
We live in a world of such hypocrisies at times.
A friend of mine was in the grocery store when her son woke up mid-shop. He was famished from his thoroughly exhausting nap and wanted only what Mummy could provide. She quickly rushed about the shop grabbing the last of her must have and then proceeded to the checkout, where, naturally, she had to put her baby down so that she could pay and bag her items. A little old lady from another queue voluntarily (and frankly more than a little aggressively) tapped her on the shoulder, "Excuse me, your baby is crying." No really? I hadn't noticed. All she wanted to do was get out of there as quick as could be so that she could feed her son in her car. She turned carefully and responded "Thank you. He needs feeding :)" As she was leaving the old woman poked at her again, "YOUR BABY IS CRYING!"
"Yes, thank you, I did f#*&ing know!"
She turned from the store, rushed to her car, unloaded her groceries and commenced feeding her son in the privacy of her own car. I suppose the fact that her windows were not tented really annoyed the woman because as she passed she craned her neck to actually peek inside and then seemed repulsed. What's wrong with people? Seriously!
Some people have no manners.
Yea!!!!Where and how do people have the guts to tell you waht to do n where to feed your baby...That old lady was really annoying...Arrghh..It amazes me how people can be like that sometimes.What's wrong with you old lady??You were like that too...Remember you when you were a baby??
I just have to say how cute that picture is!
it is a social phenomenon that our breasts, which are designed to nourish and comfort our babies have been sexualized to the point that women are uncomfortable using them for their purpose.
I remember once sitting in an outback pub with a bunch of old aussie farmers. They almost spat out their pints when I started feeding. I was not going to miss out on the conversation about how the crops were doing!
Julie Cole
Mabel's Labels Inc.
www.mabel.ca
Oh i remember the looks I had when I started breastfeeding inside the malls. Some women wil approve and some will just give you the disgruntling looks!!! I mean, hello!!! I am using my receiving blanket to cover my boobs and so, waht's your problem!!
I guess I am lucky because I have nursed 3 and I have never had a problem. I am never home for long and have traveled through Canada while nursing. I have nursed in restaurants, benches, planes, buses, etc but have never needed to in a small store. Breastfeeding should never be an issue if discretion is used.
I've never understood the negative feedback about breastfeeding. Although I am pregnant with number 7, I feel I was an expert about being discreet with my first. I would be talking to people and they would be surprised to find out I was breastfeeding my baby at the same time. I had it down to barely lifting my shirt and holding my baby naturally. I even learned how to feed them while walking (ie: in the store while shopping). And with a few kids already born, I am able to chase down a misbehaving child and sit them down with a book to keep them distracted all the while never letting the baby release. I do get upset with the mom that needs to take out her entire DD breast into the open in order to feed her tiny baby. There is no need for it. I think it's just all about feeling natural about it. That's why we were given breasts right? Take pride, feel natural and be discreet.
Now the subject of breast shrinkage after each baby is weaned is a boob issue I would like to see. I mean really. I went from a full perky 34C to a tiny barely B and I'm scared what I'll look like after this baby. What's with that? I'm only 32.
I'm very interested in the shinkage issue myself...I didn't have much to start out with and now that my son isn't nursing as much I'm noticing that there is a slight loss in the 'perkiness'.
I like to think of my pre-child breasts as great, they were perky and a nice large sized b or a small sized c, but I am scared to see what happens to them once I stop nursing.
My breasts went back to its original size when i stopped breastfeeding.Don;t worry about how it will be after breastfeeding. You just need a good support bra.
I was just thinking; I sometimes can't understand why men get so uncomfortable when women are breastfeeding. Most of them can't get enough of boobs in general, why is it such a problem when a women is nursing?!
It's true what you're saying Ashlea. I got that reaction from men too.
Wow!!. People today are so immature. Get over it. It's a boob and if the person was a girl, I think that's worse, cuz she has one like it too. As long as you cover it's all good. Obviously everyone knows what you are doing, but so what it's a free country and ya you're not trying to expose it, you are trying to feed a baby. I do have to say, even though I am breastfeeding too, I think it's courteous to cover. It doesn't matter where you do it, but if you don't cover then it's a little weird. I don't like to see people just plop it out. But breastfeeding is best and cheaper, so why not??
It's definitely much much cheaper and it did save me some money when i breastfed.
You save tons of money while breastfeeding. I bet if we actually added up how much formula would have cost us we'd have a good little chunk of money.
Love this article! I don't see how decals can hinder anything but I do agree that a 'nurse-in' potentially can. I think the decals are great and they have a gentle look to them so they don't offend the easily offended. I am grateful that I have never had a negative experience to date nursing either of my children... I nursed my son for 26 months and my daughter is now 5 months - so 31 nursing months in total and I'm happy to feed them where ever they need it. As well, our family is never home so they are fed out in public more often than not. I think progress is slowly but surely being make - horray!
Happy world breast feeding week fellow WeeWelcome Members!
mell says
It is a hard topic for some and most do not understand until they are a mom and their little one is hungry. Places that do not allow it are most likely not run or owned by mothers of young ones. Parenting is hard enough without others telling how and where you can feed your little one. I no longer breast feed but good luck to those that are and are having trouble with others opinions.
I am still breastfeeding my 8 month daughter and most of the times I have used the receiving cloth to covered my breast when I fed her in public. I just feel kinda uncomfortable feeding her in a store and having the men stop and look/stare at my breast. I have NEVER had a problem feeding her in public or in a store or at the mall. Even if someone looks at me and says 'you shouldn't be feeding her here in public and you should go to the washroom to feed her.' I would definitely ask her if SHE would go eat her lunch or dinner in the washroom where other people have gone and did their business.
To think that people don't understand that most mom's DO NOT want to feed their baby in a place where its so unsanitary and that if you feel like its "wrong" to feed then DO NOT LOOK AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! Its not like you have to sit/stand next to the feeding mom and COMPLAIN about it!!!
Telling someone to feed their baby in a washroom is the most ridiculous thing. Do they want you to sit on the toilet and feed him/her? I can understand being asked to cover up if you're not being discreet (or have your dress pulled up to your neck, who does that??), but being asked to leave is wrong and being asked to go to a bathroom is just insane - especially into a stall. Nursing areas are such a great idea. It's more comfortable for everyone (most importantly the mom) and encourages breastfeeding, esp. for shy moms who consider not doing it because they don't want other people to see.
I think to anyone who asks you to stop breastfeeding you should ask of them to deny their nature also. Since breastfeeding is a part of humanity ask them to seperate themselves from what makes them who they are. You would be just as right to say; 'could you stop being old?' (or young or loose your heritage) just to suit me. Does that sound right? Because that's what they're doing when they ask you to stop breastfeeding.
I am still breastfeeding my three month old and I have only breast fed in public a couple of times. I do prefer to breast feed in a nursing room if available, but if not when your baby has to feed, she has to feed. I would be livid if someone asked me to leave when I was breastfeeding. I think it would be great if places advertised that they had nursing facilities available, but I think that it is ludacris to have to resort to looking for a sticker that shows a place is breast feeding friendly, according to the law every place is supposed to be breastfeeding friendly.
Ys, it should be that way everywhere
I say to anyone that is approached to move while breastfeeding their child stand up for their rights.
it is AGAINST the law to ask a mother who is breastfeeding, to move to or go somewhere or even to leave the store.
During the 7 months I breastfed my son, I was once asked to not feed him in a public restaurant. now I was covered with a receiving blanket. their was nothing you could see looking over, but the manager asked my to either stop (which is absurd) or that I would have to leave the restaurant. Now i wasn't rude or anything but I did tell him firmly that I wouldn't stop and if he wanted me to leave that he would have to call the police and then he and his restaurant would be charged for breaking the law. I continued with it is a mother's law given and natural right to breastfeed in public and as I was not flashing my chest around or even making it obvious that I should be allowed to continue in peace. After that he left me alone.
Now I could understand if the woman was going around with no baby and flashing everything and everyone, but almost every nursing mother I know, knew or have seen do try and be a little bit discreet about it.
I have so much to say on this topic, so I might post more than one comment.
I love breastfeeding. I have had a wondering experiece breastfeeding my daughter. She is 16 months now and I am still breastfeeding her.
I have breast fed my daughter EVERYWHERE. The oddest place was on Fort St in downtown Victoria while I waited in line for her passport last summer. We waited 4 hours and I had to literally sit on the sidewalk to nurse her. I had no problem with this, my daughter needed to eat!
I have never had a bad experience breast feeding in public. I guess I have been one of the lucky ones.
L
Good for you! I wish I could still be nursing my daughter (we had problems so I stopped at 8 mths). I never had a problem feeding in public either but I was always discreet too. I once nursed her in a ring sling walking through the mall. The tail was covering her so you couldn't see anything. People probably didn't even notice I had a baby or just assumed she was sleeping.
I find that breastfeeding is really not the easiest thing to do. I think in general, some people are offended by the breast as something other than a sexual object. I find that when I'm nursing, most people just politely avert their eyes.
Personally, I prefer to not publicly wave my nipples around in public. I have had a lot of people in my home while I breastfeed, and just made sure that I didn't have anything exposed.
The other option would be hungry baby screaming at the top of his lungs; that's can't really make people want to continue to shop in the store. The store employees could have just approached the mother, and OFFERED a more comfortable environment to nurse in. (at least a chair)
As for breastfeeding decals might be limiting, as the BC Human Rights Commission expressly states that women have the right to breastfeed anywhere in public. I think it's more of a matter of public education.
I like the idea of the nursing friendly stickers, but I do think it's ridiculous that they are even needed. Feeding your baby is a necessity, so I feel that you should be able to do it wherever you happen to be.
Lets face it, at the mall you are going to see teenagers who have their thong sticking out the back of their pants, Women whose tops are so low cut that you can practically see everything they've got, and guys who aren't as fit as they used to be wearing tank tops. Nobody is asking them to leave, so why is the nursing mom be ousted?
I agree on that one!!Why should we leave?
Yeah i totally understand. There is a mall in which they have introduced in the ladies washrooms a brestfeeding stall in which there is a comfy chair as well as a change table incase the child soils itself. It is the square one mall cause so many women said that it was so hard to get out cause most ppl didn't like the sight of nursing boobs. I don't understand why they don't think that it is a mircale that is happening. The fact that a women's body can produce the right amount of milk just for her baby is amazing. But nowadays some malls are getting smarter and making room for nursing moms!!
Breastfeeding is not an easy thing to do, but it is the best thing for baby if at all possible, so I just don't understand why people make it even harder. It's sad that these kinds of things happen where there should be support instead. Obviously the people who are offended have never been in the mom's position and must not realize that mom is only concerned for her baby and really, most nursing mom's are trying to cover up because they don't want you to see their boobs either - probably more than you don't want to see them. If it was presented this way people might be more understanding: would you rather be outside naked, or have someone else be outside naked and you accidentally see them? Most people would be more embarrassed to BE the naked person.
That is not the case for all moms though. Some just don't care and don't cover up at all. I believe breastfeeding should be supported regardless of whether mom tries to cover up or not. However, I do think that it is nicer (almost like better manners) if you do try to cover up. Some people are just embarrassed. My brother-in-law is 16 and when I was nursing he was embarrassed and uncomfortable but didn't ask me to leave or anything. Knowing this, for me to just whip it out and start nursing would have been really inconsiderate of me.
My husband and I were staying with our neighbours before we moved back home to Ontario. They had a 15 year old son who was a little weary of my breastfeeding, understandbly. His mom explained to him that it wasn't a sexual thing it was very natural and that I was just feeding my baby. After he was used to the idea of me nursing my son he wasn't so stand offish. I think people just need to be educated about breastfeeding and the benefits. I also think that the people who weren't able to do it or didn't choose don't understand.
I totally agree that most of the time you can't even tell if a mother is nursing. Any nursing mother has the right to feed her baby anywhere and people have to understand that no mom is going to be waving her boobs around for everyone to see, I think most women want to be very discreet. When I see a mom nursing it fills my heart and makes me happy that she has chosen to breastfeed her baby.
In an country where we are supposedly encouraged and have the right to breastfeed our babies this is absurd and quite worrying. If I had experiencesed the same reaction it would of changed my mind completely. Presumably complaints against breastfeeding are greater as the child gets older. But in my experience it is difficult to tell whether a baby is being fed or just snuggled. I suspect that many of us often walk past nursing mothers without even realizing.Hopefully it will become more acceptable to feed your child by breast. Remember that as mothers our prime responsibility is to our babies, not to some passer by who doesn’t like what we are doing.
My husband and I are very pro nursing. I'm still nursing my 9 month old and don't plan on stopping until he's a year old. I was chatting with my husband about this blog and he mentioned that when he sees a baby of course he looks and smiles and then when he notices that the baby is nursing he gets a kind of surprised look on his face and feels like he's invading the nursing moms space by starting, because lets face it some moms are very good at being very discreet. He can see how his look can be misinterpreted because of the instant paradigm switch. All in all not all looks are bad looks and it may be better to think positively.
i get so mad when i hear about these things!!! Woman have every right to feed their baby when ever and where ever!!! You never hear about a bottle fed baby being told to cover that up, or that its making people uncomfortable!!! I am a mother who nurses my baby, and i am sick of glances from people, sick of feeling ashamed for letting my hungrey baby eat!! The way i have started to look at things is "i have to watch other people eat, and some just have no manners, why can't i let me baby eat?!?!?!" And i have also come to the conclution of,
IF YOU DONT LIKE IT, DONT LOOK!!!!!