not my immediate family, but my family on my dad's side (his sisters, my cousins) all think breastfeeding is gross and weird. none of them have breastfed any of their kids, probably about 15 babies in the last 8-10 years.
i plan on breastfeeding my baby (i'm 8 weeks pregnant) so how should i go about being around them without having to hear about how gross it is all the time? without having to explain myself everytime i see one of them.
my parents, sister, and husband are all for me breastfeed. it's so great to do if you can.
2006-09-26 08:22:12 · 20 answers · asked by TN girl 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
oh, believe me they will try to make me feel my decision is wrong.
2006-09-26 08:45:47 · update #1
honestly, they are so judgmental about it that they bothered my mom so much that she didn't breastfeed me or my sister. she regrets letting them get to her to this day.
2006-09-26 08:51:09 · update #2
It is not gross or wierd it is the most natural thing and best thing you can do for your baby--tell them your intentions, and you would appreciateit if they kept their opinions to themselves, and if they are unwilling, then dont be around them as long as you are breast feeding, cause any stress or emotional distress you have, your baby will have also--i breast fed both my kids, and i basically did it when i needed to anywhere i was and if someone didnt like it i told them to get away from me, or turn around--dont ever give in to other people when it comes to the health of you and your baby--i am sure when they are put with the ultimatum of either shutting up or not being a part of those early years i am sure they will shut up--if not you will be better off away from them during this time, as will your baby..just remember--you are the mother and you get to say whats best for you and baby too--keep all negative influences away from you both they can only harm your baby--no onewill judge you for keeping negativity at bay--people who think breastfeeding is weird and gross are usually people who were raised to belive that your body, and breasts and such are something that should be kept secret, or something they should be ashamed of and these people need a lesson in life--bottom line--you are in control and you do what you want and what is right for you and baby and everyone else be dam*ed.
2006-09-26 08:42:33 · answer #1 · answered by silvermaiden4u 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Breast fed babies are shown to be more intelligent, perhaps this is why they think the way they do (because they were not breastfed) Do not let them get to you. If they don't like it, don't go around them. If they care enough about having you around, they will stop with the nasty comments. You may have to just spend some time away for them to realize that you are serious about not coming around unless they accept your choice, and it is the right one. Anyone who does not breastfeed their baby (when they have the option) is depriving their baby of a lot of good things, and that is a sign of an unfit parent. Good luck. Oh, and as to the previous person comment...are you nuts? Even all the pamphlets that the formula companies give out states "there is not substitute for a mothers milk, it is the best thing a baby can have" formula does not even compare to breast milk, you really need to check your facts before you go out giving miss-information.
2006-09-26 18:17:41 · answer #2 · answered by Serious Answers 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Tell them to get over it or get away! It's your baby, you do what you htink is right! You can always take a recieving blanket to drape over the babies head. It covers it all. My best friend and I had babies at about the same time, and we used to go to the movies together with the kids and breatfeed in the theater. Hell, we went to walmart and walked around breastfeeding! We used a blanket and whoever wasn't feeding pushed the cart! Do Not let them banish you to a back room when you visit! This is a natural and healthy thing for both you and the baby. Are they grossed out about low cost, low maintenance, healthy food? What a weird bunch they are! And as a special bonus, you get more sleep when breast feedin! When my daughter would wake up, my man would go get her and bring her to me in bed. There is a lying down hold that a lactation consultant can help you with. I would get her latched on, then fall back to sleep until it was time to switch boobies! Then roll over, latch on and back to sleep again! Give a burb, put her back in bed and sleep some more! Good Luck
2006-09-26 15:33:26 · answer #3 · answered by glitz_and_glitter 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to breastfeed in the room with them, be sure you cover up completely or you will hear about it. It might be best to excuse yourself to another room for that. I wouldn't myself, but if they will make your life difficult, you may have to compromise some.
If they bring it up just because they know you are doing it, just say "it is the best thing to do for your baby if you are able, and I want only the best for my baby. So, where did you buy that great shirt? I love it!! "
If they make family gatherings too difficult, just stop going and tell the host why. Maybe someone will get some b**lls and tell these people to mind their own business because they want you at their events.
2006-09-26 15:32:30 · answer #4 · answered by jboatright57 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, did any of THEM get you pregnant? Are they going to deliver the baby? No, so why should they have any say in how you feed your baby? I guess you should do like many breastfeeding women do, and cover yourself lightly with a receiving blanket when you're in their home. If you're at YOUR house, do what you want--once again, it is YOUR baby. If they make rude or nasty comments, kindly remind them that this isn't their baby, they aren't paying for him, they aren't raising him, and YOU, as the baby's MOTHER, are doing what you think is best for your child. Ask them what exactly a woman's breasts are used for, if not to feed their child. Play things for your husband? Should you wear a push up bra and tight fitting clothing and go out in public to draw attention to yourself? Is that why you have them?
2006-09-26 15:50:36 · answer #5 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know the benefits, let them know them without lecturing. Otherwise, avoid them as much as possible and ignore their negative comments when you have to be around them. Unfortunately, many people feel the way they do and there isn't much you can do to change their opinion. If they are visiting in your home, let them know your intentions before opening your shirt and offer them the door if they will be offended. If you are in their home ask them for a private place other than the bathroom to feed your baby. Public places such as restaurants, movie theaters, etc. are fair game.
2006-09-26 15:35:46 · answer #6 · answered by AlongthePemi 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they all have children they should understand your choice, and hopefully won't say anything to you about breastfeeding once the baby gets here. If they do make you feel that your decision is wrong, then try not to go around them that much.
2006-09-26 15:36:11 · answer #7 · answered by tnmomof2as 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
breastfeeding is the best way to go and i am glad that you have chosen to do so. I say screw your family if they think it is gross for a baby to eat the way god intended it to. giving babies formula puts them at higher sik of developing allergies and having alot of illness. just tell them if they dont like it then get the hell out.
2006-09-26 15:45:47 · answer #8 · answered by iam_joann 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. It's your decision if you want to formula feed or breast feed. A lot of people looked down on me for formula feeding my first child (sister in law). But my milk never came in - I didn't tell her that because It was my choice on how I wanted to feed my baby, not hers...it was none of her business either. Everyone should support you, not matter what choice you make. Don't ever feel the need to explain your choices to people.
2006-09-26 15:28:58 · answer #9 · answered by jevic 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i breastfed my baby and it was the most awesome thing ever! you just cant care what other people think or say because YOU know that your doing the best thing you can do for your baby and thats all that really matters! just ignore them.. tell them to get over it or that they are just jealous.. seriously.. dont even listen to the crap! and congrats on the baby and good luck with all of it!
2006-09-26 15:32:02 · answer #10 · answered by im just me.. 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋