Public Breastfeeding?

Question

If you seen a mother nursing in public what would your reaction be?


What if you had your children with, which has never been exposed to a nursing mother?

I nursed my children also
My daughter for 14months
I wanted to see how people felt about this
I nursed my daughter in public a few times covered and everything and there is always a person that has to make a comment as they are walking by.

My son is 9 and was breastfeed
and he was 7 when I nursed my daughter and he never seemed to mind either when a mother is nursing
He understands

Answer 1

I am all for nursing a baby, and it is absolutely ok to feed your baby in public. I am appauled at the people who do not think it is ok to feed your baby in public. People have been breastfeeding since the beginning of time, and feeding a baby is not something that needs to be done in private. I do, however, feel that there are ways to be discrete about it- like simply using a blanket. As far as my kids go, (and I breastfed both of them until they were 8 months) I would simply tell them that this is the way that some babies eat and it is perfectly natural.

Answer 2

I don't know why people have such negative reactions to nursing mothers.... that's the only reason women have breasts in the first place! I nurse in public, but I make sure that I'm covered. If a child is curious about breastfeeding, there should be no reason to be embarrassed about giving them an honest answer.

Answer 3

I have seen mothers do this; it doesn't bother me at all as long as she is doing it discreetly. What else is she going to do. Let her baby go hungry? I would hope not, even if she didn't have anything to cover her up or another room I hope she would still feed her baby. That's what breasts are for.
The other day at the pool a mother was breastfeeding; she was covered with a blanket. My daughter said, "look mom, that mommy is feeding her baby. That's sweet."
I hope more people would see it like my young daughter and become more accepting to breastfeeding moms.

Answer 4

I honestly wouldn't think nothing of it. I see nothing wrong with women who choose to breastfeed their children. I was only able to breastfeed about maybe 2-3 months but wished I could have done it longer. I have told both of my sons about mothers who breastfeed their babies. I told them that mama did this also to them when they were babies. Mommies have milk in their breast and that's how the babies eat. They don;t think is gross or make fun of others who do it. They don't remember being breastfeed for that short period I tried to stick with it. Yet they don't think it's weird to see a mother feeding a baby his milk. I think it is ridiculous how some people can get so offended by a women breastfeeding her baby. Come on idiots-r- us their is nothing wrong or dirty about breastfeeding. The people that think that are the ones who are having dirty thoughts.

Answer 5

I would be glad that her baby was getting breastfed and that the mother felt comfortable enough to feed in public.

My children have all been around breastfeeding mothers (including myself) all the time, so it wouldn't be an issue for them. They consider it normal, they even "breastfeed" their baby dolls. The first time my first born (as a three year old) saw a baby having a bottle was in the NICU when my third child was born. For a while after that she thought that all babies who drank bottles were sick!

Answer 6

Its the most wonderful and natural thing a mother can do!! When I was breastfeeding my daughter in public I would lay a bunnyrug over my shoulder so those who dont agree would not get offended. My daughter is now 6 and she is not bothered at all cos i have explained to her that babies cant eat normal food like us and that thats the way they feed so they can grow big and strong like her!

Answer 7

My kids were not breastfed, but they know some kids are and don't really think anything of it. I have never saw a nursing mother that was not covered up, in fact, I usually can't tell at all. I think most nursing mommy's are like this or should be (I mean really wouldn't they be uncomfortable if people were looking at their breasts?). LOL
If they kids hungry and they happen to be in a crowded mall then what can do? Hungry=Eat.

Answer 8

My reaction would be exactly the same as if the mother pulled a bottle out to feed her baby that baby needs their milk so what does it matter if the baby is breastfed? If my children saw a mum nursing her baby they would understand as I did it too so breast feeding is normal as far as my kids are concerned

Answer 9

I see no problem with nursing in public. I know people get offended by it, and i don't understand why. It's only natural. I could understand it if you're not covered up, and your boob was hanging out. But as long as you're covered up. There shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 10

I personally wouldnt have a bad reaction...I would think that a woman nursing in public would try and cover herself a little so she doesnt completely expose herself. If I had older children with me and they asked about it, I would tell them that she is breast feeding her baby, and it is a beautiful natural way for a mother to feed her baby.