Is it appropriate to breastfeed in church?

Question

I haven't been to church (Catholic) in about 15 years and was thinking of starting to go again. I have a 5 year old and a 2 1/2 month old and I want for them to be baptised. I was wondering if it would be wrong to breastfeed my newborn if she happens to get hungry while we're there? (covered of course) Has anyone had to do this?

Answer 1

yes but do it in the bathroom that way there wont be any talkin about u in church and someone cant say nothing to u

Answer 2

Good for you for going back.
Most churches these days have a mother's room, where mothers of small children can take their babies during the service. It usually has a large glass window, and a sound system, so you can watch and listen, while you tend for your baby. Breast feeding isn't the problem, as long as it's done discretely, but babies cry, and that can be distracting and distressing to other worshipers. That's why the Mother's Room was established.
Actually, if your church doesn't have a Mother's Room, you could probably sit close to the back so you could slip out if she began to fuss, and for the length of time the church service takes, you could probably feed her before you go and have a supplementary mini-bottle with juice in it to have along, just in case.
The Catholic church is, after all, called the Mother church, so they, above anyone else, should understand what it means to be a mother and to care for an infant.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Ask someone at your church. I think breastfeeding in public is fine--its a natural thing and strengthens the bond between mother and child, but I know some people are uncomfortable or at least distracted by it. Personally, I might be surprised but wouldn't mind if a mom was breastfeeding her baby at church.

My church has a nursing mothers room set up with a TV that is hooked up to show the main sanctuary, so that all the moms who want to can sit in cushioned rocking chairs and watch the service while still having some privacy. If your church does not have something like this, you might if there is a "cry room" or private corner, or ask other moms there what they would do.

Answer 4

First of all, if you haven't been to church in 5 years, and you've missed confession, communion, and holy days of obligation, you've probably been excommunicated by now. Before you start going again, you might want to talk with a priest first. It's my understanding that the new Catholic church is far different from the traditional (Latin) church/Mass. I guess now they have bands/instruments and lay people up at the altar, girls coming in wearing miniskirts and cracking gum, etc. So, this might not be such an issue for you.

At any rate, to answer your question, I think it's appropriate to breastfeed a baby ANYWHERE, even church. It is, after all, God who gave you breasts so you can feed your little one. :)

Answer 5

It's appropriate to breastfeed anywhere you want. Jesus was breastfed so breastfeed your baby wherever your heart desires. Don't let anyone stop you from giving your baby the best. You don't have to go hide in any bathroom or anywhere like you're doing something wrong. You're a great mom for breastfeeding..be proud! I would be embarassed to have to stick a bottle in my baby's mouth..i would feel like a failure and a loser for giving my baby nasty crap instead of the best :)

This past Monday I breastfed my baby in the movies while watching Cars. It was my first time at the movies with my baby and we did just fine. I got a weird look from this lady but I just blew her a kiss and continued feeding my baby..that was the end of that. Don't give in to the uptight losers.

Answer 6

Breastfeeding in public is legal in all states in the USA. The right to BFIP is protected in many states.

Breastfeeding in church is FINE. After all......how do you think Mary fed Jesus? :-) I wouldn't be surprised if there is a statue or painting or stained glass window in your church of Mary nursing Jesus. :-)

PLEASE don't go feed your child in the bathroom! ICK! Who would want to eat in the bathroom? NASTY!

If your child is distractable or fussy, sometimes churches have a "cry room" where you can go and hear the service but your child's noises won't bother the other worshipers.

Answer 7

It is definately NOT inappropriate! It is totally natural . Isn't it how HE intended for a child to be fed! I have only attended church for christenings and funerals and have seen babies being fed there. If you are uncomfortable with it I'm sure there is a rest area or you can just sit in the back.Good Luck

Answer 8

I think it is fine. You may want to ask if they have a special area for it, some churches do. Otherwise they may have a nursery you could go to, or just sit in the back row. As long as you are covered i think its just fine.

Answer 9

You know women were made to breastfeed their child, that's why we have boobs. Your baby has to eat just like we all do and we eat in public. So your baby can too. Its suppose to be God's house! Don't go to the bathroom, that's just nasty. I don't want to eat in a bathroom am sure nobody else wants too. So don't feed your child in one like others like to tell you. If anyone tells you to go to the bathroom or not to breastfeed your child in public its harassment because by-law you can breastfeed your child in public. Also for anyone that says that I am wrong about by-law you can breastfeed in public just call a lawyer you stupid a**. Anyways it just upsets me to hear people tell us breastfeeding mothers that we need to stop breast feeding our child in public!!!

Answer 10

That's actually a good question. I would assume, heck yeah, go ahead. God did give you breasts to breastfeed. But, if you feel like you're being watched or slightly uncomfortable, just head to the restroom. :)

Answer 11

there is nothing wrong with breast feeding in church. when your baby gets hungry they arent going to be patient and wait until church is over. people will understand. and if they dont, i would go to a different church. if you feel uncomfortable though, maybe try to feed your baby right before the service.