Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with BFing your child in public. It is completely natural and the child needs to eat, it's not like your whipping out your breasts to show them off!

Personally, I have never had the courage to BF in public. If society was more accepting of it, as they should be, maybe I, and other timid moms like myself, would feel more comfortable doing it.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by pinkandblue

I will never understand why people are so concerned with what others do

don't want to see a flash of boob, look away, it is so simple

if the mother wants to let her boob hang out in public that is her perogative

and I cringe when i think of how many people expect someone to sit on a filthy toilet while BF'ing...really cringe

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

I BF in public a lot including restaurants, couches at the mall, parks, the beach, etc. I was covered up, but it was quite obvious that I was feeding DS. I'm lucky that DS was usually ok with me using a cover. I never quite figured out how to be discreet when not using a cover.

Maybe I wasn't paying attention, but I never saw anyone give me dirty looks or stare at me. No one ever said anything to me about BFing in public.

I understand that some people are uncomfortable with BFing, especially in public. That's their right, but it isn't my problem. I'm not going to feed DS in the bathroom or go to the car simply b/c others may feel uncomfortable. If people are uncomfortable, they can look away.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by Ophelia

I am so confused about what the debate is here.

people saying "I won't stop you, but don't expect me to be uncomfy"

and others saying "I'll do it whether your uncomfy or not"

so it seems we have a mutual understanding what is the issue then?

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

I never BF in public and never will, covered OR un -covered. IT'S A CULTURAL THING.....

BUT I don't care if someone else does, NON OF MY BUSINESS !

The only time I was really uncomfortable was at Kmart about a year ago, this woman was BFing her baby, she had her Tshirt all the way up to her neck, exposing her stomach and both boobs, walking around the store with I guess her DH and 2 other man and a woman. I couldn't believe what I was seeing (everyone else in the store seemed pretty shocked too, lol) , I just don't think there is a need for something like that. Otherwise, I really don't care.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

I can't believe this is still going? Haven't we all learned?

As a BFing mom, it is my responsibility to make sure I follow as many "rules" of society as possible with regards to other's comforts. At the same time, I know that my child's needs come first. I will try to keep from flashing others, and I am also aware that other's might look at what I'm doing- it comes with the territory. The people who STILL give dirty looks even when I am covered are the ones that make me roll my eyes.

As for my comment to the guy staring, I was well within my rights as a woman to tell him to buzz off. Yes, I expect that people will look out of curiousity, but outright staring is totally inappropriate and worthy of a correction.

Also- I think it's laughable to say most men cannot separate a BFing boob from a regular boob. Any man that gets off from watching some random woman BFing the same way men get off by seeing a topless chick has a something more going on and is not "typical".

I think everyone here has to agree that MOST publicly BFing mothers not like the stories many are using to bolster their arguments against it (both boobs "hanging out", nipples flying everywhere). MOST BFing mothers would prefer to not be there, I think. I like my privacy but realize that sometimes it's a sacrifice I had to make if my LO was insisting on eating at that moment.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

I enjoy BFing my baby uncovered in bars... and BFing my dog (covered) in supermarkets. I hope that's okay!

Really though..

I'm SUPER DUPER SHY! When we go out in public, I try to time things so that the baby doesn't have to eat while we are out. If we're going out to dinner with friends, I'll usually bring a bottle of pumped BM. But there are times when all of that doesn't work... and I have to BF in public and despite how shy I am... I do it! I use a "hooter hider" and am VERY discreet! I've never had an exposed breast or nipple or anything like that and haven't gotten any dirty looks. If we're in a restaurant, I request a booth in the back. If we're in Target or shopping, I'll go into a dressing room.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by MrsRivera

I might even go so far as to say that he was helpful in keeping up my supply.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by MrsRivera


I might even go so far as to say that he was helpful in keeping up my supply.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Bump for Kat!

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Wow i had no idea my thread would be so popular

i guess my original purpose for starting it was to confirm that there are many people uncomfy w/ a woman BFing, and i just wish that wasnt the case. i dont do it in public bc i do know it makes others uncomfortable. i just wish we were a more liberal society.
oh well

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised as I DON'T see that most people are uncomfortable.

That said, you did post this on a Parenting board where the results are slightly biased. I'd be more interested in seeing what the results would be if this were posted on NFR. Although I have a feeling it might get WAY more heated.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by Porrruss

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised as I DON'T see that most people are uncomfortable.

That said, you did post this on a Parenting board where the results are slightly biased. I'd be more interested in seeing what the results would be if this were posted on NFR. Although I have a feeling it might get WAY more heated.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by pinkandblue

Posted by MrsRivera


I might even go so far as to say that he was helpful in keeping up my supply.

you are cracking me up

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by eroxgirl

Posted by Porrruss

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised as I DON'T see that most people are uncomfortable.

That said, you did post this on a Parenting board where the results are slightly biased. I'd be more interested in seeing what the results would be if this were posted on NFR. Although I have a feeling it might get WAY more heated.

I remember this topic blowing up like a flippin volcano on an LIW board - don't remember which one but it was one of the year boards. Good times.

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by SweetTooth

Posted by pinkandblue

Posted by MrsRivera


I might even go so far as to say that he was helpful in keeping up my supply.

you are cracking me up

OMG Beth!

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by Porrruss


Oh, I remember. Lots of "eeeewwws" and "yuckys" from the LIWers..... Funny because IIRC, some of those very same women who were so "eww" are actually HERE now.......

cue Alanis Morrisette's "Isn't it Ironic"....

Re: Open discussion for all moms- BFing in public

Posted by JennyPenny

Posted by MrsRivera

I might even go so far as to say that he was helpful in keeping up my supply.

Your DH breastfed?