breastfeeding in public?

Question

does anyone else feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public? I have not had to do so yet, but it's only a matter of time since I am making a 9 hour trip with just me and my 4 year old and 6 week old. And planning a family vacation in march. Is it illegal to breastfeed in certain places? Do you worry that you will offend people? Where are good places to breastfeed and bad places? I do cover up with a blanket.

Answer 1

you have right to breastfeeding anywhere you want. (legally like eating food)

you SHOULD NEVER FEEL embrassed about it. but you must be a kind person that's why you concern if it will offend people, that is sweet character.

but no, you can breastfeeding anywhere.

espically you cover it with blanket.

if people have problem, that's not your problem. It's their problems. because you are just simply feeding the best nutritent and milk to your baby. nothing wrong.

a great mom who love her children.

people will understand.

good place to BF: anywhere as long its legally for you to be there (just kidding)

bad place: rest room. you should never have to "hide" to the rest room to breastfeed. that's not santiation and not right also.

good job on breastfeeding.

BREAST FEEDING MOM ARE WONDERFUL!!!!

BREASTMILK IS THE BEST MILK FOR YOUR BABY!!!

KEEP IT UP~~~

Answer 2

I breastfeed my 2nd child and will be doing the same thing in May when my 3rd is born. I never had a problem breastfeeding in public. There is no bad place to breastfeed, when the baby wants to nurse just do it, no matter where you are. Whatever you do, don't make the baby wait, just because you are worried about what others say. Breastfeeding is allowed anywhere you go, so don't worry about it. And don't worry about covering up, I never was able to, due to extremely large breasts and a baby that hated a blanket over her.

**If someone is watching you nurse and giving you dirty looks, tell them to take a picture it last longer, otherwise tell them to mind there own business**

Answer 3

Anywhere that permits a baby to be cannot restrict breastfeeding. I was always a little shy about breastfeeding in public, but you can do it discretely. If you wear a button up shirt and unbutton from the bottom, it will be easier to be discrete. That said, breastfeeding is a natural and wonderful way to feed your baby. Never feel ashamed or embarrassed about providing your baby with the best start nutritionally that you can. Anyone that is offended by nursing is ridiculous anyway and I wouldn't even worry about that. Isn't is ironic that we live in a society where women wear clothes that show anything and everything and no one bats an eye, but some people find nursing offensive?

Answer 4

It will take some practice, but you will become skilled at breastfeeding discreetly once you have to do it enough. Just cover up as best you can, and don't worry, people are not trying to look at your breasts. If it makes them uncomfortable, they can look away. It is not illegal in most states to nurse in public, in fact, it would be illegal for someone to tell you that you couldn't nurse in a public place. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but you should begin to feel proud that you are nourishing your baby in the safest, healthiest, most natural way. The more moms who breastfeed in public, the less of an issue it will be. If everyone stopped looking at breasts as sex objects, and instead viewed them for what their natural purpose is, you wouldn't have to ask this question. Nurse away! What, do they want to hear your baby cry for 9 hours, anyway?

Answer 5

It is legal to breastfeed in public anywhere that you have the right to be. Breastfeeding IS NOT indecent exposure. Many states actually protect your right to nurse in public.

I don't care what other people think. My child's needs come first. Breastfeeding is normal, natural and it should be expected by people to see nursing babies and moms in public. The baby covers everything. You see less flesh when a mom nurses in public than you do on the beach or on magazine covers at the supermarket.

Be confident that you are doing the best thing for your baby! Practice in front of hubby or friends and get them to tell you how much/how little they really see. Dress for easy access.

Answer 6

It is not illegal to breastfeed anywhere in the US. I have never worried about offending anyone, breastfeeding never offended me before or after I had children. I have never had anyone make a weird comment or even stare- I think you will be surprised.

I usually prefer to do it in private if possible, but I have walked around the grocery store nursing under a blanket. Sometimes it just has to be done.

Answer 7

Congrats on your baby-I also have a 6 week old (DOB11/17/06) and good for you for deciding to breastfeed!

I was very nervous/uncomfortable nursing in public (NIP) with my 1st. I always sat in a corner, covered us both with a balnket not matter how warm it was, and constantly looked around to see who was watching. Then I got over it (and you will too)

To find out about breastfeeding laws http://www.llli.org/Law/LawUS.html?m=0,1,0
more specifically http://www.llli.org/Law/LawBills.html

practivce being deicreet at home, and don't depend on a blanket, get used to just using your shirt(s) baby will protest blankets sometimes.

I wear t shirts, one sleevless and a button up and button a couple of buttons at the bottom to cover my tummy so I can feed baby while standing/walking (great for shopping) and just lift the inner sleeveless shirt.

You do fine
Congrats again!

Answer 8

I breastfed all three of my children, 2 years each too, and during all that time it was amazing how uncomfortable people were with you breastfeeding. I was very discreet about it but even so people would gawk as if it was something unusual. I suppose it was as you don't really see a lot of women breastfeed anymore.

It even made my in-laws uncomfortable...every last one of them...it got to the point I hated seeing them too and couldn't believe how rotten they all were. It took me years before I really forgave them for it.

Still I think it was the best thing for my children and I don't regret a day of it. They are the brightest, most respectful kids. They do well in school and I am very proud of them. They love thier mom and dad and respect us too and I think much of it has to do with the closeness and bond we formed right from birth. In fact I had to push them away as they would have nursed forever! LOL They are still warm and affectionate with me and I know it has to do with that bond that you just don't form any other way. Maybe that is what's wrong with the world today....those bonds just aren't formed anymore and no way no how does bottle feeding come close. My kids went right from the breast to a cup...they wouldn't even hear of a bottle...it was the real thing or nothing! LOL

Answer 9

I have not had children yet but I think I would feel uncomfortable in public. I have seen some people in the mall that breastfeed right in the middle of the hallway with their breast exposed...with creapy men looking at her. That would make me very uncomfortable. I know it is natural but I don't want strangers looking at my breast and thinking of something more than feeding my baby. If it were me I would cover up with a baby blanket. Babies don't mind and it would keep wierdos from looking at you. Keep breastfeeding because it is the best for your baby, but keep strangers in mind. I know it is a natural thing but there are a lot of creeps out there. Do what feels best for you.

Answer 10

It is not illegal in most places. I always covered myself with a blanket if I was on a plane or something like that. Otherwise I would nurse in the car before I went in to places. If you are at the mall the dressing rooms are a great place to pop in for nursing or the Nordstorm ladies lounge is great! As a mom that nursed I am only offended by nursing moms that feel the need to be inappropriate and show too much of themselves to people who do not want to see it. Old ladies eating dinner do not want a boob shot, LOL!!