Is this breastfeeding normal?

Question

My wife breastfeeds (which yes I know is great for the baby) in front of her mother and our 11 year old daughter. Her mother and daughter stare at he like it is a spectator sport. I think this is totaly strange I can see if she covered herself while they were in the room but there is no cover. Is it strange for thinking this is strange when they stare at her breastfeed with bare breast and all?

I was under the impression that breastfeeding was for the most part to be private and intamate bonding for baby mom and sometimes dad.

Answer 1

i think that the staring is odd. don't they know it's rude? but no i don't think it's strange for your wife to breastfeed in front of them. i breastfeed in front of the female members of my family. they usually give me pointers as to what i can change anyway. (i've just started breastfeeding recently. new mom).

but if your wife doesn't mind, i'd just let her be. or you could talk to her about it instead of us ^_~

Answer 2

Yes, it is bonding and trust me as a mother of a 14 month old, there will be plenty of time to bond. I breast fed for 1 year. I breast fed any where in front of any one. ( Church, 2 step daughter's (10 & 14), friends, family, and yes, even in restraunts. Only one person told me to feed my child in the bathroom, and my response was "you take your lunch in there and I will feed her in there". If it offended any one, they could leave, I was not going to starve my child for someone else's standards. I even breast feed my daughter in church every Sunday and Wed. We knew it was natural and best for the baby. Breast feeding a child, has been for centuries, and the only way to provide nourishment for a child. Not until like the 50's or 60's when mom's felt trapped and talked about, did the companies come out with formula and bottles. I think it's troubling how parents everywhere have gotten so accustomed to the modern conviences of everyday day life that when it comes to surviving with the only thing available people frown on the "backward breastfeeding days" compared to the "breastmilk" in a bottle ready to be warmed up and ready to serve.

Answer 3

Being that it's with her mom and your daughter I think it's fine. But if it's bothersome to you, maybe you should talk to your wife about it or just go into the other room when they're there and she's breastfeeding. I'm sure your mother-in-law and daughter are only amazed by the beauty of your precious new baby. I say to either talk to your wife or just get over it... That is THE most precious thing in the world to see a mother breastfeeding her baby! =)

Answer 4

It may be that your wife feels that your other child should know what's going on, and it may also be good for her to feel like she is part of the bonding too. If you start kicking her out of the room or making your wife cover up, it could make her feel like she isn't important now that the new child is here. Personally I always covered up, because I am a little more modest, but when I have more kids I don't think I am going to worry about covering up in front of my first child, because it is only natural to be curious about the new child.

Answer 5

Yes...it is fine. How best to show your 11 year old daughter how a mommy cares for a baby?

My mom stares when I breastfeed my daughter- but she has never seen it. She had us at a time when formula was the way to go- times change. She is amazed that I don't measure to make sure our baby is getting enough.

Our son sees this all the time. While at first I had tried to cover- the baby as she grew made it nearly impossible to do so or to remain so. Our son says, "It's all biology mommy."

He was also there when his sister was born- and he attended all the prenatal appointments.

Answer 6

It's not strange. Some women are more comfortable with it than others. If it's just her mom and daughter, I can't see why she would feel any need to cover up. It's summertime and hot. Plus, sometimes it's awkward to keep covered. She might feel like she shouldn't have to worry about it at home. Talk to your wife. Tell her how you feel. Maybe she'd be willing to use a drape made for that purpose.

Answer 7

Breast feeding is normal.

Why should a woman have to hide away,
After all the baby is not the one with the social hang ups.
Children should learn that breast feeding is good, Forcing women to hide away, is only going to promote the old views imposed in the past, That made people ashamed of their bodies. Only bad things can come of that.

You need to try and feel more at ease, this is after all a natural act.

Answer 8

Whaaaat? What planet are you from? Look around the world and see how other cultures handle breastfeeding. It is perfectly natural and they don't feel the need to hide it. Being discreet in public out of respect for others who may be uncomfortable with it is a good idea, but at home with family there's no need to hide away.

Answer 9

Well it's a bonding experience YES, but also totally natural and nothing to hide or be ashamed or embarrassed of. They are more than likely looking at the baby, NOT her breasts. The important thing to me as a mother of 3, was to feed my baby when my baby was hungry. I could have given a rat's petootie about who was around or their opinion..LOL...
I tried to be as discreet as possible with a blanket or jacket, for the sake of others, but bottom line was, for me.. it didn't matter either way. I was comfortable and so was my baby.
Have a great one =)

Answer 10

I wouldn't think it was that strange. Maybe your wife's mom breastfed younger siblings in front of her, so she sees it as normal. Maybe she sees it as 'instructing' your daughter in an important ritual of womanhood.

I have seen women breastfeeding on a bus. Not under a blanket or anything but right out in front of everyone. Nobody seemed to have a problem with it, so I tried not to stare. Doing it just in front of family members is less bizarre than that.