How do you feel about breastfeeding in public?

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• I support your answer and up-rated you.

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  by Snooch on December 18th, 2006

• I up pointed you, it is an honest answer, to an honest question!

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  by turbowray on January 2nd, 2007

• And thank you nevets!

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  by turbowray on January 7th, 2007

• Nobody's denying you your right to breastfeed in public, Nevestiboobies.

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  by Halskiisaklink on March 31st, 2007

• Good answer.

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  by csw555 on May 13th, 2007

• But it's easy to be discrete, so be discrete.

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  by Peetee on October 9th, 2007

• Why? What's wrong with boobs? Are you scared of them?

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 9th, 2007

• The people who are not discreet .. are the ones oogling the breast feeding mother. Mothers are more concerned with feeding their baby than shoving their boobs out for everyone to see! LOOK AWAY. THAT is discretion. A mother feeding her child is NORMAL and very little is seen unless YOU are trying to hone in.

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  by Snooch on October 9th, 2007

• Well said.

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 10th, 2007

• You're right of course, but most mothers I know are also discrete. It's not hard and it reduces the chances of making us caring, boob-loving men blush before we look away.

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  by Peetee on October 10th, 2007

• Who cares if you blush? Get used to it.

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 10th, 2007

• Bugger that. If I get used to it then I'll ogle. I'd rather blush and then look away.

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  by Peetee on October 10th, 2007

• No, if you get used to it, you won't ogle at all. You can control yourself, you're not a baby.

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 10th, 2007

• So why do we wear clothes at all then?

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  by Peetee on October 10th, 2007

• I often wonder. A lot of it has to do with the sexual oppression of women. It has also been used as a form of social control by elite structures.

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 10th, 2007

• Well I prefer it this way. I don't want to take the female body for granted. I want to take delight in it, but only at the right time of course. There's plenty of other things for me and my eyes to do too.

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  by Peetee on October 10th, 2007

• The female body belongs to its owner, not you. I haven't heard a worse excuse for wearing clothes than men who justify their beliefs with their sex drive. It's as if feminism has made no progress at all.

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 10th, 2007

• 1. I'm not interested in taking things from their rightful owner, definitely not without their permission and definitely not at the wrong time. 2. Feminism hasn't made much progress, but we tried.

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  by Peetee on October 10th, 2007

• Well, it has got women into high corporate positions, it has got sexual harassment established in the law, it has contributed immensely to all forms of culture, not to mention culture and communications study.

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  by Halskiisaklink on October 10th, 2007

• oogling is not a word

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  by king of ellipses on June 16th, 2008

• guess what rockstar. It is my word. Got it? Deal with it

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  by Snooch on June 17th, 2008

Comments

• You are SO right ! Isn't it wonderful to see so many positive answers--I am impressed. Mudge.

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  by Mudge97 on March 12th, 2007

• Very true. I also hope the people who want mothers to be 'discreet' about it see this.

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  by Halskiisaklink on March 31st, 2007

• You are so right. Kudos and points for you. :)

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  by csw555 on May 13th, 2007

• I breast fed my baby from the start and I did it at home and in public my son never had a problem with a cloth diaper or blanket over his face I draped it over my shoulder and over him completely so he was not uncomfortable I checked to see if he was in the right place but never showed my breast in public. I was very modest but I knew that mothers milk was best so I got over my fears and did what was best now I did usually go to the car or another room out of most peoples view.

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  by Anonymous on March 16th, 2008

• Because breasts are such offensive things.

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  by Halskiisaklink on March 16th, 2008

• i think its fine. better that letting your baby cry or suffocate under a blanket

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  by questionanswerer on November 28th, 2008

Comments

• I know it sounds bad, but my breasts are very sensitive, and not in a positive way. Even my husband of 18 years, has learned how to handle them, without hurting them, so I did not breast feed my children, but not because I did not want to.

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  by turbowray on January 1st, 2007

• Some women cannot produce the amount of milk to feed their child. I am the last of four kids and my mother could not produce breast milk with me.

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  by Deacon213 on January 8th, 2007

• Yaaa, I am not alone. I had to explain many times, why I could not breastfeed.

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  by turbowray on January 8th, 2007

• There's a difference between not being able to produce enough and being forced to hide like your comitting a crime. Your situations were understandable. I am of course referring to those who think it's something wrong. I apologize for any offense given, it was not intentional.

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  by Anonymous on January 9th, 2007

• It has been proven that many women who think the cannot produce milk are WRONG. Less than 2% of the worlds population has issues that truly prevent breastfeeding as opposed to giving up because of being misinformed by their doctors.

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  by Mini_kilt on January 15th, 2007

• I will agree, but if a doctor tells you, that your baby is not getting enough to eat, I would not be the first one to call them a liar lol, but great info!

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  by turbowray on January 18th, 2007

• I did not breastfeed my child, and just as I do not judge those who do breastfeed, I would like to not be judged. It's a personal choice, no matter what the reason. As long as your child is healthy is what matters.

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  by kookymama on February 27th, 2007

• Kookyman, I did not breastfeed either, it does not make us a bad parent. I can think of much more worse things to do to be labled a bad parent lol! I guess everyone is entitiled to thier feelings.

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  by turbowray on February 28th, 2007

• Turbowray, thanks for your comment. I totally agree....much worse and can't please everyone.

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  by kookymama on February 28th, 2007

• Though I do agree that breastfeeding is generally best for the child, I think calling formula feeding offensive is a bit short sighted, intolerant, and insensitive.
  
  There are many legitimate reasons to be using formula; i.e.: mother unable to produce enough milk for the infant, mother has to be on certain medications for her own life/health.
  

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  by safyr_rain on March 5th, 2007

• Thank you safyr_rain!

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  by turbowray on March 5th, 2007

• Yes, thank you, safyr-rain

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  by kookymama on March 5th, 2007

• My daughter is adopted. She ate formula - why? Because I did not deliver her so my body did not make milk in preparation for her nutrition. Get real, man!

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  by sherrie1977 on March 17th, 2007

• Stewie, I have read the beginning, and I have noticed that you apologized for for any offense given, I must apologize for not seeing that. Apology accepted. I don't mean to say hide like a criminal, as I said from the beginning, it is a natural gift from God, and I did not mean to go into a closet where no one can see this, I mean doing what I have seen hundreds of nursing mothers do, just simply put a blanket over the breast, thats all, not hiding the gift, but hiding the breast. I am sorry if I offended anyone. I look forward to reading your questions and answers on this site!! :)~

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  by turbowray on March 18th, 2007

• No apology necessary. Of course if there's a REASON to use it, formula has it's place. I was refering to the wholsale brainwashing that formula companies practice before Mom even leaves the hospital.

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  by Anonymous on March 18th, 2007

• Now even I hear you on that one!!

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  by turbowray on March 24th, 2007

• Not all "mommies make milk". Just to let you know. Why is formula feeding so offensive?

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  by pickngrin on April 15th, 2007

• I think stewie was referring to women that are perfectly capable of breastfeeding and just selfishly don't and stick formula in their mouth instead. But yes formula is very important, it is needed.

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  by brijake0306 on November 26th, 2007

• Thank you for clarifying. that's exactly what I meant.

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  by Anonymous on November 29th, 2007

• While I was having radiation for cancer I had to stop breast feeding but as soon as I was clear to breast feed again I did. I did run out of enough milk before my son was a year old so for his health I had to start giving him formula. So don't condem all mothers for giving baby formula before you know the rest of the story. Ok

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  by Anonymous on March 16th, 2008

• If you had read all the comments, you'd see that I didn't.
  I'm glad you are better.

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  by Anonymous on March 16th, 2008

• Find formula offensive??? Wake up dude. My wife breast fed. Then she got excrutiating back pain. For 2 weeks she got injections directly into the sore muscles in order to be aqble to continue breast feeding. This didn't help and the pain caused the quality of her milk to go down and our baby didn't gain weight.
  
  Finally the doc told her to stop and got get IV drips for 2 weeks. This finally worked - but the baby didn't want to take to the breast again and is now gaining just fine and spending her formula fed days giggling, growing, and being a joy.

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  by 23Skidoo on April 6th, 2008

• Obviosly you didn't read all the comments.

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  by Anonymous on April 7th, 2008

• Stewie, I did read all the comments and i understand your point very well. what i find offensive are the people who are convinced that only 2% of the population don't produce enough milk. i believe that number to be exaggerated. and people who throw that percentage around also don't take into consideration other things that other factors can cause problems for breastfeeding. I produced enough milk, but for some reason my body couldn't handle the production. I got sick, so sick I couldn't get out of bed. It made me so weak. I was so pale from it my husband was very scared for me. I stopped breastfeeding and within a day I had my color back and my energy back. I was eating very well and taking vitamins. This of course, is a comment to Mini Kit who threw that percentage around. People who are very pro-breastfeeding are so blind to the other possibilities that can cause a woman to HAVE to stop.
  ~
  I am pro-breastfeeding but as long as the mother isn't in danger from it, as I was.

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  by FaerieWhings on May 16th, 2008

• Glad to hear you are better.

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  by Anonymous on May 16th, 2008

• Thanks Stewie. It just really bothers me when people, while they do have the best in mind for the baby, don't consider the mothers problems with it. They also tell people 'You don't know your own body' when they say, 'I doubt you were part of that 2%'. Or that there are other reasons to not breastfeed besides not producing enough mild. I just wish people were a bit more open minded about it. And while I do believe that each woman has the right to make that decision, I do wish that those who could and choose not to would have made the other choice.

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  by FaerieWhings on May 17th, 2008

• Well, you've certainly given me information I was not aware of.

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  by Anonymous on May 17th, 2008

• have you ever heard of mastitis? It's a condition women get where the milk glads get clocked up and the breast gets an infection. My SIL had it with her first two children. It is so painful that while she tried it with her 3rd she wouldn't push herself, and I don't blame her. I wish that I could have though, I cried for a day and a half when I realized it wasn't going to work out for me.

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  by FaerieWhings on May 17th, 2008

• Sorry... :)
  Blah blah blah. I tend to go off...LoL!

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  by FaerieWhings on May 17th, 2008

• As a breastfeeding mother I've had 4 bouts of mastitis, with so much pain and a fever so high I passed out and had to be rushed to the hospital.. oddly enough do you know what helps mastitis?? Breastfeeding.None of my babies ever touched formula. I don't beleive any mother should breastfeed to thier own detriment or to that of the childs but I do think that many women don't know enough about thier own milk production, or are educated enough about lactation leading many women to blame odd and unrelated problems to breastfeeding. I stand by my beleifs.

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  by Mini_kilt on May 17th, 2008

• and too many overly pro-breastfeeding advocates are quick to judge. i am not saying you are definitely one of them, but you would be surprised the names i have heard women be called.
  ~
  yes mastitis does get cured thru BF'ing but when it keeps coming back, despite pumping and feeding what is she supposed to do?

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  by FaerieWhings on May 18th, 2008

• Finding it offensive that a mother does not breast feed... hmm?! I have 3 children all formula fed because I was on a thyroid medication as well as with my 1st and 3rd I did not produce milk. I find it offensive you choose to generalize people. There are reasons that mothers do and don't Breastfeed. Don't judge untilyou know the whole story. As for breast feeding in public. I don't think it's appropriate for a woman to expose a private body part infront of Male children. It's okay to de descrete.

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  by mo_eve on April 10th, 2009

• Not all women are able to lactate. I know someone who couldn't breast feed her baby because of this problem. I don't think we have the right to judge people on whether they breast feed or not. They may have a legitimate reason for not doing so.

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  by Rockie on May 8th, 2009

Comments

• good answer, in australia it is a mothers right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime.

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  by munchkin_kids_downunder on December 18th, 2006

• Seeing a breast is no big deal. It's not being presented in an unwholesome way. I think a Mother feeding her child, giving of herself, is one of the most beautiful things ever.

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  by Anonymous on January 1st, 2007

• Good Answer

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  by kookymama on February 27th, 2007

• Nipples are considered offensive?

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  by Halskiisaklink on March 1st, 2008

• where does she say nipples are offensive? she states she would cover up if it were her breast, rather other do it too, but it is not necessary. she never said it was wrong, just she will cover up when she breastfeeds. her personal choice.

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  by munchkin_kids_downunder on March 1st, 2008

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• ++ from me too!

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  by turbowray on January 2nd, 2007

• But shouldn't privacy be in private & not in public if you want it respected?

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  by lizizhere on May 2nd, 2007

• lizzzizhere: does that mean if a mum wants to breast feed thay should be kept at home all day untill the childs old enough 4 solids? if a woman has taken her child out and is in a resturant and the child gets hungry what is she to do? go to the toilet? no

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  by Tigger on February 5th, 2008

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• As long as there is a blanket over the shoulder. I think it's fine but the blanket is just a curtesy, especially if it's outside or in a restaurant or something.

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  by noletters on March 11th, 2007

• CURTESY!! i have seen many more offensive and unsightly goings ons outside and in restaurants. maybe i should start putting blankets over the heads of these people who eat with there mouths open, swear and shout in public, drink so much they can hardly stand and these are the adults!

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  by EMILOU on June 17th, 2008

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• yeah,a hungry crying baby is alot more offensive than seeing a womans breasts. Jesus,imagine how fucked up you would have to be to be offended by seeing some boobs? that creeps me out.

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  by joydivision84 on December 29th, 2007

• you no...on a side note,my g/f just walked in the room a second note and i asked her this question,and she said shes embarrased by seeing that and its 'wrong'. How weird is that?

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  by joydivision84 on December 29th, 2007

• it is kind of weird but seeing someoen breast feeding is not as weird as what one of my friends mom did one time she took his little brother and in the middle of the living room she just changed him right there in front of me not even like on a table just in the middle of the floor i just stared at the tv

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  by gone on December 29th, 2007

• Sunny010, I had a friend with 11 brothers and sisters and a very busy mom. We were like family for 11 years or so, after a while you get use to seeing babies changed ;).

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  by JTP on December 29th, 2007

• word

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  by joydivision84 on December 29th, 2007

Comments

• It is the law in many places, and should be everywhere!

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  by Mini_kilt on December 18th, 2006

• yes, but people make you feel guilty for doing nothing wrong, it's so pathetic, and what i hate is the old ladies making comments. i tell them i'm fine, you had your turn years ago, let me look after mine without your input thanks.

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  by munchkin_kids_downunder on December 18th, 2006

Comments

• Agreed! We see more breast walking down the street than from a woman breastfeeding, even without a blanket!

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  by Mini_kilt on December 18th, 2006

• It's true. I have breast fed in public for years. Most people have no idea that I'm doing it whether I'm covered or not. Breastfeeding clothes are made so well now that it's very easy to breast feed without being overly exposed - although, even when exposed, I just don't see why people make such a huge deal out of it. It's weird to me... Of course, I personally keep myself covered simply because I don't want to break up any marriages ;) ha!

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• I TOTALLY agree with you. We are very limited in our thinking here in the US.

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  by helga10700 on January 8th, 2007

• I've engaged in a couple of conversations throughout this thread and something that is interesting to me is that people that are uncomfortable seeing a woman/baby breastfeeding can't really say WHY they are uncomfortable. Personally, I am insulted that anyone would find the sight of my breast(s) offensive. My breasts are beautiful - and when I was breastfeeding, my husband used to say that anyone would be lucky to get a peek!! I'm not flashy, but I sure as hell am not ashamed. Which leads me to my theory:

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  by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

• I believe that people are uncomfortable seeing a woman/baby breastfeed simply as a result of social conditioning.
  Also, I believe that some men can't accept that a woman's breasts can be so nourishing, comforting and natural for an infant, while at the same time, a sexual turn-on. JMHO! Here come the negative points!!! Bring it!!!

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  by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

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• I gave you points because I think your comment is sweet about feeling the need to beat up anyone who looked at your wife. However, one day when/if you have children of your own, I bet you'll think less about your wife being exposed than your precious baby being nourished and comforted.

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• I gave points too. You're a stand up kinda guy!

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  by Anonymous on January 1st, 2007

• I think it is about making sure that the baby is fed, but not letting anyone see the exposed breast. I would be angry, if someone did not feed the baby, when it was hungry. So in my eyes, breast feeding is awesome, and a gift from God, but it does not HAVE to be done, and not covered. If someone wants to, it is thier choice, I would have been to modest, and embarrased (not for feeding the baby,but for letting strangers see my breasts lol). Once again, it is only an opinion, and I would NEVER judge someone, who did show it. I wish I could have continued to do it!!!

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  by turbowray on January 2nd, 2007

• A woman should never be expected to stay hidden away because she needs to feed her child! A nursing infant might need to eat as often as every hour. Life goes on.
  
  I have never shown my breast to anyone, and I've been nursing for nearly 15 months! I suppose if a woman is sitting around topless, she might want to consider a shirt, .
  
  And turbowray: yes, nursing DOES have to be done. A baby's gotta eat!
  
  It stops being "private" and "intimate" after you've done 30,000 times.

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  by Drgnchlde on February 5th, 2007

• I could not breast feed, and my child still ate (drank). I guess you are right about one thing, it would not be such a big deal to someone who has done it 30,000 times, but for someone who has not, it would be hard to look over and BAM breasts. Once again, I am not putting this down, nor would I ever!! It is just an opinion. Do you consider throwing a small baby blanket over the exposed breast hiding? I don't. I would consider it making them hide, if we asked them to leave the room. I will repeat myself, breastfeeding is a gift from God in my eyes, an absolute positive experience for both the child, and the mom, I only adress the issue of covering up the exposed breast. If they did not, I would just look away lol, I would not get mad, or angry, it would do no good, and would be uncalled for, in this situation!

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  by turbowray on February 5th, 2007

• Try telling the baby it's not allowed to be fed when hungry. A baby doesn't reason. why don't we just shut all the food shops down and say we all have to eat in our own homes only. I am breastfeeding, and you don't show your breasts off when you are feeding! you still have a shirt and the babies head is there, plus your arm. it's people's imagination that they see the breasts, i don't show mine to anyone and my baby still gets fed! It's law that it is a mother's right to breastfeed there child where ever they are. Hedccd are you a teenager?

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  by munchkin_kids_downunder on February 14th, 2007

• turbowray: Generally, unless the mother is sitting around topless (and I frequent places where nursing mothers congregate... I've never seen this) there isn't anything TO hide! I can't use a blanket. Never have. My daughter wouldn't allow it, even in the very early days. If you are more comfortable with a blanket over you and the baby, and both of you don't mind, then by all means, go for it! Just don't expect everyone else to abide by the same standards. I happen to think it IS hiding. If you are doing something so others can't see it, that's hiding it. With that said, some babies nurse better with a blanket, some don't mind, and it makes the mother more comfortable. I'm not one of those. To me, a blanket screams "HEY, I'M NURSING OVER HERE!" more than just sitting there and doing it ever could!

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  by Drgnchlde on February 15th, 2007

• maybe they should all try drinking and breathing under a blanket at the same time hey.

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  by munchkin_kids_downunder on February 15th, 2007

• Yeah neither of my children liked the blanket over their head, my son from the very beginning would yank off of him every time I did it. If I knew I was in a tight place then I would use a blanket because I know it does make some people uneasy and shame on them.

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  by brijake0306 on November 26th, 2007

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• Perfect answer

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  by Ailsa on November 2nd, 2009

• Ditto - +6

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  by Whitehair on November 2nd, 2009

• good answer...+5

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  by itinary on November 2nd, 2009

• Agreed!!!!!!!!!! + 6

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  by Rollie on November 2nd, 2009

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• Baby was slurping cos it wanted curry and naan bread!

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  by tris992000 on January 8th, 2007

• LOL!!! Can't blame him... that stuff is awesome!

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  by Anonymous on January 9th, 2007

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• Hells yes. +

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  by Michie on December 16th, 2007

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• Do you go to the restroom to eat? It is a very unsanitary place to feed anybody. Also, many babies wont eat with a blanket over thier face, would you? Many new moms need to see a baby latch in order to breastfeed properly.

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  by Mini_kilt on December 18th, 2006

• i dont think there is anything wrong with taking a baby to a restroom to feed. alot of places have sections where mothers can sit and do that. and if they dont... there is nothing wrong with putting a blanket over the baby. some people are uncomfortable. and you can still lift up the blanket to see the baby and how its doing.

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  by xxxxxxxxxx on December 18th, 2006

• i think mothers should choose too. mothers can feed outside that enviroment... but especially given the place where she may be at.. .its just more respectful to cover up a little bit.

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  by xxxxxxxxxx on December 18th, 2006

• Almost all my cousin's breastfeed their babies in this way and its alright. I havn't seen a single one refuse to eat because its under a blanket.
  
  I would eat in the bathroom if I was sucking my food from a straw. Its not like their food or utensils is touching the ground. Give me a break about sanitary places to eat. Get a chair take your kid in there sit down and feed the kid.
  
  Breastfeeding in public without covering it up is almost like public urination. Its barbaric and impolite.
  
  And by the way I will not urinate in even the most desolate of woods (Unless I was stuck there long term) I'm a human not a animal or barbarian. We have restrooms for that kind of thing.
  

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  by Valparaiso on December 18th, 2006

• Bathrooms are seriously filthy. Most restrooms I've visited have nowhere to sit except the toilets! Breastfeeding mothers should be able to sit wherever they want.

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  by Jenniferocious on December 18th, 2006

• It depends on if they are in a nice place or not. Typically you can carry a chair from your table to the restroom to feed. If the restroom is really that dirty then perhaps its better to throw a blanket over it. I think the best thing you can do is take it to the restroom but if the restroom is real bad or non-existant then I don't mind it if she covers it up.

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  by Valparaiso on December 18th, 2006

• i definetly agree with you valparaiso

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  by xxxxxxxxxx on December 18th, 2006

• Okay, I'll go into the bathroom to breastfeed my babies if you'll join me there with your dinner. Also, it's kind of gross watching you eat crow, so would you mind throwing a blanket over your head while you're at it. LOL! ~ Just making a point ~ all in fun :)

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• Thanks! I'll be here all week!

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• If I was allowed in the women's restroom I would join my wife and eat there.
  
  But remember my eating doesn't require me to perform what at any other time would be regarded as indecent exposure.
  
  But hey since you feel that way next time you are out having a nice dinner I'll make sure to show everyone there my man nipples.
  
  

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• LOL!

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• I totally agree nevets, but how funny is it when he writes "man nipples"??? lol... but yes, Valparaiso, there is nothing indecent about nourishing and comforting a baby wherever mother and baby happen to be. Valparaiso, points for "man nipples".

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• No there isn't anything indecent about it but it doesn't need to be done publically. You can cover the baby's head I've seen it done and I've never seen a baby refuse to suckle like that.
  
  There is a physical need to urinate too but I do that in a proper place I don't go out and take a piss on the street corner.
  
  If the baby won't suckle under a blanket you could always put breast milk in a bottle and feed it to them!

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• But not without covering it.
  
  Ok public urination makes a mess, what if I do it on the grass where it soaks into the soil?
  
  There are so many ways that you could avoid just showing the world what you are doing and still feed the baby.

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• And if they breast fed them under blankets or in restrooms or from a bottle surprise they would still be healthy babies and there wouldn't be the need to expose themselves to the world. We are talking about a minor inconvience to be polite to the people around you. But no this world doesn't know that that means to be polite to people they don't know. No one in the world has feelings but you. Everyone in the world wants to see you whip out your breast. Its just like the asshole people who drive around the damn parking lot for 20 minutes to get a spot close to the door. Sure they could park in the back and let people who have trouble walking be closer to the door but they have to fight for the spot close to the door because no one in the world matters but them. I personally protest this by parking in the furthest spot I can find.

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• What do you find so offensive about me whipping out my dick in public?
  
  Its called indecent exposure. I have now 11 first cousins once removed. About 6 of them have been breast fed or are being breast-fed right now. ALL of my cousins, every last one of them find a private place to do it or cover it with a blanket. I don't see how its such a big deal to be POLITE and cover it up. Its just good manners.

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• Actually they have done studies that prove that breasts serve the dual function of attracting mates and allowing babies to suckle. Its still partially a sex object.
  
  

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• And to attract men. You don't need to have noticable breasts for your child to suckle. The fat just doesn't need to be there. They are enlarged in order to help advertise fertility and suitability for mating. If they where just biologically to feed the baby then no woman would wear any bigger then an A cup.

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• Why? When in every other context the breast is a sexual symbol? Why do you think guys go dope drunk college girls to flash the camera during spring break every year? I still fail to see how its such a big deal to cover it, go to the restroom, or squirt it into a bottle beforehand to be polite. I'm glad my cousins cover it because I really don't want to see their boobies.
  
  Its like talking about your sexual experiences in public. You just don't do it, its not polite. Most people probably figure you do it especially if you have a husband or kids but most people don't want to know about it.

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• Fine with me. Its not a huge deal there are things much worse out there and I'm not going to freak out, yell scream or give dirty looks to someone who's not covering it. I just think its kind of inpolite. Kind of like someone who belches as loudly as they can. I just think its barbaric in some ways.

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  by Valparaiso on December 19th, 2006

• Okay, I wish that I could take my "man nipple" points back. Comparing breast-feeding to whipping your dick out and urinating in public is just plain offensive. I feel sorry for you that you can't see the difference.

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  by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

• I was trying to make a point. Yes its more offensive for a guy to take his penis out. But my point is that you can take a minor inconvience such as a blanket, going to a restroom or sqeezing it into a bottle to be polite to others.

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  by Valparaiso on December 20th, 2006

• You know what I find so stupid about this argument? When a woman breast feeds her baby, she generally does not completely disrobe. In fact, her nipple is covered by the baby's mouth and her blouse usually covers most of her breast, so what is soooooo indecent??? BTW, your "point" about whipping out your dick/penis and urinating in public, and the fact that you don't mind eating in the same place that you sh** tells me that your issues run much deeper than I initially realized.

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  by Anonymous on December 20th, 2006

• I don't take a crap in the bathroom I take a crap in the toilet which happens to be in the bathroom. I'd do that because I'm willing to make sacrifices for my child/wife. I don't care what you think, I find it inpolite to do breastfeed in public without covering up up and everyone that I know personally agrees with me on this. Its not like its a difficult thing.

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  by Valparaiso on December 20th, 2006

• This has got to be the most foolish thing I've read in a LONG time. How about YOU go into the bathroom to eat YOUR lunch?

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  by Anonymous on January 1st, 2007

• I would! Read my posts. I'd sit in there with my wife and baby. Now realistically I'd probably wait til they where done to eat my lunch at the table. But I wouldn't be opposed to eating my lunch in a restroom either if I had to. Also I should point out that you could always take a small blanket and cover the whole thing.

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  by Valparaiso on January 1st, 2007

• After my first was born, I tried breastfeeding in the washroom. there I sat, with my beautiful, sweet baby girl, listening and smelling while someone close by was suffering with some big gastro intestinal problems. That was the last time I fed a child of mine in a bathroom

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  by beenaroundtheblock on January 1st, 2007

• My point exactly. The bathoom is not a place for eating - for anyone. And honestly, for the most part I do practice modesty when breastfeeding, but having a blanket over a baby's head does not always work and a woman should not have to feel shamed for taking care of her child.

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  by Anonymous on January 2nd, 2007

• Well any way that you can cover it is fine by me. I've just never seen a baby that refused to eat only because it was under a blanket. My cousins have a combined 11 kids who where mostly breastfed and none of them ever had this problem.

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  by Valparaiso on January 2nd, 2007

• Okay, look Valparaiso, I feel that we are at peace - you and I - but I want to explain this one last thing to you: Breastfeeding is not just about the baby deciding to eat. It is about a woman being able to feed her baby. Having breastfed many-a-child. I do speak with some experience. I do not currently breastfeed. My youngest child is two and stopped breastfeeding a while ago.. When I did breastfeed, it could only happen when I was comfortable doing so. In order to breastfeed, my milk had to 'let down'. This did not always happen when I covered my baby's' head. I had to be comfortable and I had to believe that my baby was comfortable. And there is no way I could ever get comfortable feeding my babies in a bathroom. It's gross. However, I also know that I cannot be confined to my home for six to twelve months. Can you finally see my point?

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  by Anonymous on January 2nd, 2007

• My daughter is one of those who refuses to eat under a blanket. She would push it off, and if I insisted, she'll eventually get fed up and start screaming! This was at a tender two months. She wanted to see ME, and the world around her.
  

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  by Drgnchlde on February 5th, 2007

• Yes Drgnchlde, every baby is different and every woman is different. Breastfeeding/latching on comes easily to some and not so easily to others. I work at it persistently with each of my children. None of whom would be covered completely, unless they were nursing as they slept...

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  by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

• Valparaiso, since you're so willing to make sacrifices for your hypothetical wife and child, I hope that you will also sacrifice a little bit of time to open your mind to many posters here that have A LOT of experience that you do not. I know from reading several of your posts that you are a good guy that wants to fall in love and get married and live happily ever after... and because you want that, I want that for you. When you do fall in love, chances are that this woman may have different ideas than you on many topics. You'll struggle through to find the right middle ground so you can both be happy. What is going to truly blow your mind though is how much you WILL sacrifice for your children when they arrive. Everything changes, you have no idea how much. Suddenly, it's not about you anymore and you will adamantly do what is best for your FAMILY. Your children will teach you - and it will blow your mind. Peace :)

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  by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

• Momma> I'm already quite aware of that, why do you think one of the reasons is that I don't engage in pre-marital sex (besides the obvious religious objections) I don't want my children growing up without a father right there all the time for them. And I'm willing to find a middle ground on a lot of things, but I have the advantage in that I don't have to find a middle ground with you. :-) Cheers

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  by Valparaiso on February 15th, 2007

• Aww, how cute... once you do get married and have children, PLEASE educate yourself on breastfeeding, it is the best you can do for ANY child and you obviously don't know the ins and outs

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  by Mini_kilt on February 15th, 2007

• No I know that its the healthiest thing you can do for a baby, however I have yet to see a baby that won't feed under a blanket. I just think there are things that you can do to avoid breastfeeding in public thats all. I have 14 cousins mostly female and all but one agree with me on this, 6 aunts all agree with me on this and my mother agree's with me on this. And most of them did breastfeed their children.

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  by Valparaiso on February 15th, 2007

• Val, do you go have your food in a restroom? Do you go sit near a toilet to eat?

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  by AntigoneRising on April 2nd, 2007

• If me eating required another person exposing themselves I'd eat in a restroom. My eating requires a table and utensils, a baby does not.

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  by Valparaiso on April 3rd, 2007

• Chances are ythe lady at the table next to you is showing more breast than any breastfeeding woman. most of the time you can't even tell when somebody is breastfeeding, take a closer look at the moms around you and you might grow a bigger appreciation. Aslo, I'm glad for your family, but the fact is there ARE babies that won't eat under a blanket (me and mine).

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  by Mini_kilt on April 3rd, 2007

• ...right there with you..

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  by Anonymous on August 31st, 2008

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• I think anyone who can see the mother and baby is qualified to answer.Not just because I agree with you.

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  by Yarnlady is happy every day on December 29th, 2007

• I didn't state a specific gender to reply. I wanted a general consensus. All are welcome to answer.

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  by FaerieWhings on December 29th, 2007

• I agree with you, sentry.

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  by AnonymousGirl on December 29th, 2007

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• I agree and you said it so much better then I did.

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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on June 23rd, 2007

• thank you for saying that. you are sweet.

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  by singwell-is off researching a lot on June 23rd, 2007

• You're welcome and thanks.

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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on June 23rd, 2007

• Let me add my thanks for a well thought-out answer and an intelligent one. Yes, it is a perfectly natural function.

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  by judgebill on August 9th, 2007

• Yes, it is. And there's nothing dirty about it.

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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on August 10th, 2007

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• I agree.

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  by AnonymousGirl on December 29th, 2007

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• IMO, "proper" people simply cover up a bit while breastfeeding in public. I do it regularly and people rarely notice. I have, however, run into women who just kinda pop it out there, and leave it hanging.

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  by Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH on March 13th, 2009

• w00t, Gene! See my answer?

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  by Lady Alathia of Vulcan on March 13th, 2009

• Incidentally, "Christians" have been, in my experience, some of the worst "offenders" in terms of breastfeeding immodestly in public.

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  by Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH on March 13th, 2009

• the church promotes feeding in public....why are you putting this on them. (not a huge defender of the church, but it applies here)Anti breastfeeding was initially brought to controversy by "childfree" groups stating that persons who dont wish to be parents shouldnt be disgusted byy the sight of breastfeeding.

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  by ladyshakespeare on March 13th, 2009

• *shrug* The church I recently left demanded mothers feed their children in seclusion behind LOCKED doors.

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  by Lady Alathia of Vulcan on March 13th, 2009

• well, i confess, i havent been in church in..ohhh....(lets not say) but it used to be soemthing they stood up for, not against. when the so called debate emerged in the 80's it was childfree that was fussing, now its the churches turn i guess. which part of the egg is bad for you today?

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  by ladyshakespeare on March 13th, 2009

• Seriously? What kind of freak church was that? I nurse in our worship service sometimes and nobody's ever complained a mite. People say it's cute. And I visited a church last summer, and took the opportunity of a prayer time to get her latched on without any effort at modesty (hey, if they're not closing their eyes, that's THEIR fault they saw it!) and the pastor happened to be sitting near us. His comment after the prayer was over was how much he LOVES the noise of a baby nursing and making such satisfied noises.

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  by Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH on March 13th, 2009

• Lady Alathia has a rock star husband: yes! For god's sake! Can't people tell the difference between too much cleavage and a hungry baby? When you think about it, breasts really are just for babies, after all!

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  by Gene H on March 13th, 2009

• Haha - did you ever notice that the ones who complain about breastfeeding aren't generally the same ones who complain about cleavage, either. They're the ones who ogle the cleavage.

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  by Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH on March 13th, 2009

• chuckles***** you have a point!

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  by ladyshakespeare on March 13th, 2009

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• Agreed!

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  by Carmella on June 23rd, 2007

• Thanks, very well put.

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  by BlessedAreThose on June 23rd, 2007

• Thank you, ladies.

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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on June 23rd, 2007

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• Finally, some sanity.

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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on June 23rd, 2007

• Awesome.

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  by Michie on December 16th, 2007

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• Couldn't have put it better. I think many might be a bit startled the first couple of times they saw this in public, but we all know it's best, so surely it should be done whenever and wherever it's needed. Pure logic + time dictates it's inevitability. It's something society could easily adapt to and the sooner the better. Far more natural than 90% of the rest of the stuff we do.

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  by MrWitch on June 23rd, 2007

• Yep. What I don't understand is why there's such a focus on this in our society, when most countries don't even bat an eyelash at a breastfeeding mother of a child as old as three or four!

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  by Anonymous on June 23rd, 2007

• See Blackadder II, episode 'Inheritance'. Breasts are referred to as 'Devil's Dumplings' by a manic puritan. Silly, but it's the left-over of that attitude, continued by the Victorians with their stupid ideas of skirts on table legs - just in case. I wonder if there's a group of militant breast-feeders out there? Sometimes society needs a good kick to help it reverse out of these cultural cul-de-sacs. It would be the quickest way.

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  by MrWitch on June 23rd, 2007

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• Another downrating... people must love to see ugly ladies breastfeeding in public...

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  by JAMMco... its complicated... on November 28th, 2007

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• HA! You go Lady Alathia! My babies won't allow themselves to be covered with a blanket. They both want(ed) to be able to see my face while nursing. I do it pretty modestly, but if someone is offended by peek of skin here or there, they should go to the beach sometime and get a good dose of reality. I'm covering up a LOT more than they are!

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  by Eltinwe has a life Swan - DYOH on March 13th, 2009

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• I agree.

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  by AnonymousGirl on December 29th, 2007

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• It can also be done easier and faster without being discreet, no need to be discreet!

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  by Mini_kilt on August 19th, 2007

• Okay.

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  by Lambchop Good Wool Ambassador on August 19th, 2007

• right on. all these people agreeing with breastfeeding in public aslong as its being done discreetly are just hypocrits.
  there saying its ok to breastfeed in public aslong as they cant see it going on.
  the whole point of having breasts attached to your body is to feed your child whereever whenever.
  Get em out.

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  by EMILOU on June 17th, 2008

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• You rock. +

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  by Michie on December 16th, 2007

• Thanks :)

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  by Montmorency on January 13th, 2008

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• I totally agree. There has just been a lot of discussion about it lately, and the fact that there is no federal law protecting the right of a woman to breastfeed her child in public. I was curious to see some of the opinions - how many people really think it shouldn't happen in public and vv. Thanks for your answer.

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  by BlessedAreThose on June 23rd, 2007

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• Yeah, how would they feel if it was them?

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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on June 23rd, 2007

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