people should be educated about breastfeeding?

Question

Sometimes I go to a store and ask for a fitting room to breastfeed my daugther and they look at me like if i was crazy... mostly mans. I think they should tech at school that breastfeeding is normal. They should teach this when teaching sexual stuff.

i read once that at least in my state (MICHIGAN) the owner can ask you to leave if you're breastfeeding but they cant charge you with nudity

PLEASE DONT BE JEALOUS IF YOU FORMULA FEED YOUR BABY... LIKE SOME OTHER PEOPLE

Answer 1

Actually, most states have laws protecting the right to breastfeed your child in any public place. That includes the bench by the fountain in the middle of a busy shopping mall. ;)

You cannot be charged with any violation, including public nudity/decency laws, and if you were it would be the arresting officer who was in the wrong (so you need not worry).

Certainly, if the chairs in the dressing room are more comfortable, by all means ask for a room! You don't even have to specify that it's to nurse your daughter. If there is a maternity or infant store in the area (like Motherhood or Babies R Us), many even have special breastfeeding rooms with comfy couches, or will at least be happy to let you use a fitting room.

Definitely don't feel bad about feeding her right out in the open, however. It is well within your rights and the only way some people will get over the stigma and come to see breastfeeding as a completely natural, non-sexual act.

Good luck, and good job, by the way! ;)

Answer 2

You're right. That's actually something we talked about in one of my college classes. Breastfeeding is one of the best things you could do for your baby for many reasons. There are actually laws in many states making it mandatory to let women breastfeed in public. I know some people don't like the fact that women breastfeed in public. That's stupid. There is also a website www.laleche.com I think but not sure that has a lot to do with breastfeeding. Check it out.

Answer 3

I don't think you should have to hide to breastfeed your baby. That doesn't mean you have to flop your breast out for all to see. There are clothes made just for nursing mothers, and I always used a light blanket to help cover up. I was able to nurse my babies anywhere and most of the time no one even knew. Don't ever be embarrassed about nursing your baby. It is the most wonderful natural thing on the planet. Men really do need to get up to modern thinking on this issue, but you would be surprised at how many women are ignorant about it too. There are some really terrific rare men out there that are truly supportive of women who breastfeed. My Dad, in heaven now, told me when I had my first baby, " I am so proud of you for nursing your baby. I think it is the most beautiful thing for a woman to do for her baby. I just hate to see all these women sticking those bottles in their babies mouths or propping it up and not even holding them." He said that in 1979! I guess there are some things that most people are still not very educated about. Keep up the good work, mom, and don't let anyone give you a hard time over doing the best for your little one.

Answer 4

you're so right- if they taught that breastfeeding is natural- which it is- then there wouldn't be so many women on here saying "how dare you embarass people by whipping out the boob?!" it offends me when people tell me that breastfeeding offends them. it's simple- God didn't make boobs to be a focal point, He didn't make them to be attention grabbers, and He sure as hell didn't mean for them to be smeared around the world as sexual fantasy. They're for nursing first and foremost! All the other stuff is just a bonus. I like nursing in dressing rooms but I don't mind nursing with a huge blanket over myself. I think a woman has a right to nurse where she wants because hey, if you don't like it then don't look and when you have kids, feed them formula because you can't take the pain and they'll be at a double risk to developing child obesity.

Answer 5

The male population of the world will never fully understand breast feeding... they will forever look at the breast as something see in a porno etc.etc.
If they look at you that way or say anything inappropriate i would speak with the manager. In addition you don't have to hide breastfeeing.... you can do it in public, however at the risk of someone else getting upset, some ways around that are to drape a blanket or coat over the baby so no one can see anything. Or, use a breast pump and have the milk ready when you know you will be in public.

Answer 6

I would NEVER hide away to feed my baby.
NEVER.
Don't do it. People drink coffee in public and chew gum, how is that any different than your baby eating the most healthiest food on the planet?
If you're uncomfortable, buy a shawl or coverup and no one has to see anything, but gone are the days of sitting on a toilet or in a fitting room for doing something so natural and normal.
People need to get with the times. If they don't like seeing you feed your baby, they can look the other way!

Answer 7

Why do you think you deserve a fitting room when you're breastfeeding? The fitting rooms are there for the convienence of the patrons who are purchasing clothing, not for mother's who CHOOSE to breastfeed their children. I suggest that before you go out with your child you pump and use bottles that way you can go to the food court just like other mom's do and feed your child. Just because you choose to breastfeed doesn't mean the world has to bend over backwards to accomodate you.

Answer 8

Honestly, if more people were educated about breastfeeding, don't you think more people would actually DO IT ??

That's my feeling, anyway....

And yes, I breastfeed wherever I am when my baby happens to be hungry (I even sat on the floor in an aisle in Target once!)

Answer 9

Im due to have my baby in a week and have talked about this with my mom many times...i think it is perfectly ok to breastfeed anytime and anywhere if your baby is hungary..i hate how people say you shouldnt be allowed to do it in public...they can eat hamburgers in public why cant you give your baby nutrients and the food he/she needs..but like you i too want to be in a fitting room or private place if it is possible. if not then a blanket will be just fine with me.

Answer 10

Unfortunealty males are still thinking back with the old days when that was done behind closed doors. yes they should educate more and learn that it is a natural part of life. Next time they give you weird looks just say didn't your mum breastfeed you and when they say yes say well would you like someone to treat your mother this way and if they say no say well that must be what is wrong with you then it's a natural part of life get over it.