Inappropriate places to BFIP??
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Inappropriate places to BFIP??
| Tue, 02-17-2004 - 10:48am |
Is there anywhere you feel it is completely inappropriate to nurse in public?
| Tue, 02-17-2004 - 10:48am |
Is there anywhere you feel it is completely inappropriate to nurse in public?
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-Jen
IMO, it's one thing if a nursing mother CHOOSES to leave the room for the best interests of her child, because he/she does better in a quiet, dark room. It's an entirely different situation when she feels pressured to leave so as not to offend you and your "guests".
Again, what is it about nursing that makes you feel "uncomfortable", even if a blanket is descretely tossed over mom's shoulder?
I just don't get it.
-Jen
-Jen
As far as looking at mom or baby, and feelings of akwardness, I can only speak for myself but I have no problem with people continuing to talk to me, making eye contact, etc. I don't personally have a problem with people admiring my baby while I'm nursing either, although I know that it can sometimes catch a person off-guard when they go to take a peak at baby, and don't realize he's nursing, LOL. See, it really can be done THAT descretely.
-Jen
I also think the only way we can change attitudes toward nursing and desensitize and help people get more comfortable with seeing a woman feed her baby the way nature intended, comfort zones need to be challenged. I look forward to the day when a woman can feed her baby anytime, anyplace without feeling embarassed/uncomfortable/shameful, without anyone blushing, batting an eyelash, or banishing her to a public restroom or secluded bedroom.
JMO,
Jen
I was nursing my son at an all-women's Christian "mission", where my mother was staying while recovering from alcoholism a few weeks ago. I was in her room, and the door was open a crack. The woman in charge stopped by to talk to my mom, and looked me right in the eyes and asked if I needed a blanket. The feelings that rushed through me at that moment were irritation and discomfort. And this is a woman who breastfed ALL of HER children! It was rediculous. She wasn't just being "nice", her tone and attitude implied that I was doing something wrong/shameful, and yes, it shocked and offended me.
And yes, I do think it had a lot to do with the "repressed, midwestern attitudes". I come from the Northwest, and I can sit in a Starbucks and nurse my son with or without a blanket and not get any grief or stares from anyone about it. Perhaps I'm spoiled by the easy-going, laid-back attitudes in this part of the country...but I truly hope that someday women will be able to nurse comfortably anytime, anyplace.
I'd challenge you to open up a dialogue with these women, and next time one of them gets up to leave the room to feed her child, you kindly and genuinely invite her to stay. Tell her that you're not bothered by her nursing in your presence, and that you don't want her to feel obligated to leave unless *she's* uncomfortable or thinks her baby will do better in a quieter environment. Reassure her that you view nursing as positive, healthy, and nothing to be embarassed about. See what happens.
-Jen
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