People constantly staring at me breastfeed?

Question

When I breastfeed in public, (even when i'm turned away from everyone) there's always guys giving me the googly eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of my nipple.
And, I'm not exactly ugly or fat. Ha.
Whats peoples fascination with it? It's natural!
I don't sit there with my boobs hanging out, and I cover up the best I can.
I also never do it in the presence of children. If that happens, I go to the car, changing room in a store, womens lounge in a resturaunt or store, etc.
I'm not a hooker trying to expose myself.
But if it's 80 degrees out i'm not going to suffocate my child with a big blanket.
And, it will be a cold day in hell when I feed my son in a disgusting dirty germ infested bathroom stall.
What did some of you women do when this would/does happen?

LISTEN ELTON, WHAT I AM DOING IS NOT SEXUAL IN THE LEAST.

IT IS FEEDING MY CHILD, SOMETHING THAT IS NEEDED FOR SURVIVAL.

it's pigs like you who i'm talking about.

just because you can't have any of this, doesn't mean you have to be bitter ;-)

Answer 1

I look at breastfeeding women a smile from ear to ear I'm so happy for what they are doing for their baby! I make sure they know I'm not staring, and if I'm in a good place, I'll go over and tell them how beautiful they look and that they should be really proud of what they are doing. Too many nursing mothers get evil eyes and open suggestions on what would make other people more comfortable (like covering up etc).

You SHOULD however nurse infront of children, they are the next generations, and we want to stop this nursing stigmatism now but we can't...the only way to help out is to show children (including your own) that nursing is a happy, healthy and natural thing to do. If our children don't learn from nursing mothers....they will learn from mothers feeding their children by bottle (obviously I'm not talking about people who couldn't breastfeed etc, so no knickers in a knot!) who never have to cover up...even though IT ISN'T NATURAL!

If someone was to look at me breastfeeding, I think the best thing to do is look back at them with intense eyes, and just smile! If they continue to look, you can ask them how their meal is, or say lovely weather! Kill them with kindess, as we don't want nursing mothers to become known as irate (even though I'm sure you feel that way sometimes!). Eye contact is VERY powerful, use it!

Answer 2

You would get stares for a screaming baby, you would get stares for feeding you baby, some time's you just can't win. People with class should not send rude looks your way. I think that unless people have had a breastfeed child it's hard for them to understand. I think your doing a great thing for your child and should forget what you may hear and see. It's their problem their being perverted and thinking of you breastfeeding as anything else than nurturing. I would just be discreet when in a restaurant and just use a blanket for modesty. Good luck, I've been there!

Answer 3

hi there look i had the same problem and my girls are well and truly up in years,it happens all over the world some people think ahh shes feeding her the way nature intended ,and as for the males well to them its there problem ,look youre doing a great job as a mum ,and youre giving youre son the best start in life so ignore these people how stare and continue ,the older retired generation where always my problem as when iwas feeding one of my daughters when out they told me to stop feeding and i couldnt help but say ,so you want me to feed her with a bottle ,ok i will express the milk into a bottle here will i ? the look on there face was well gob smacked and my friend with me was a bit to ,have a good day and take care xx

Answer 4

i completely agree with you. when a baby is hungry they dont know how to wait on anything..they want their food NOW!! so i can understand you dilemma. in my country any woman can breastfeed their child wherever they want even in school or churches because they know it is a natural thing and it is gods way of giving food to the baby. That elton guy does not know what he is talking about..how can he compare feeding an infant to sexual acts as disgusting as he describes. men will be men..but dont let that hurt you. there has been many woman that have tried to outlaw the law that states that woman cant breasfeed in public. to bad this country does not let woman breastfeed. when my mom tries to breast feed my brother she has to go to the bathroom or in the car because it is against the law ..so what can we do?

Answer 5

Well, before I had my baby I thought that I would be really embarrassed to expose my breast in public. However, since giving birth my breast have changed in my mind from sexual objects to the life giving food essential for my daughters survival... I'm not embarrassed in the least and I even feel smug that I am doing somthing so amazing. I wish these sleazy men could experience those feelings so they aren't so letchy.
In answer to your question I would try to catch their eye and smile and try to strike up a conversation. They should either back off, or you could be blunt about your feelings about breastfeeding. They may not have babies in their family so don;t know a thing about it...

Answer 6

It's just because it is not that common here for women to breastfeed in public that people will take a second look. It is very rude if they are actually staring though. If you are breastfeeding then good for you and your baby.
I actually saw a hispanic woman in a store breastfeeding her baby with her boob out and not trying to cover up or anything. It was just strange for me because I have never seen that but my husband tells me it is very normal in his country (Guatemala).
Me being the bashful person I am would cover up with a light blanket or something but that is just me.
I would say if someone is staring rudely at you, you have every right to say something to that person. I would be pissed if it were me and that would probably set me off.

Answer 7

My daughter has the same problem. She has to plan ahead when going somewhere in order to feed the baby. I told her to never resort to a bathroom stall - that is disgusting. Just do what you have to do - the health of your baby is more important.

Answer 8

I just completely ignored them, as long as I wasn't exposing my soul to them. My babies' welfare was more important to me. Breastfeeding is a natural thing and it's definitely not an immoral act. The hell with those googly eyes and stupid stares. :)

Answer 9

Ive been breastfeeding for most of the past 10 years and still havent really found a way to discourage onlookers. I will always try to feed my baby in a designated baby changing area, but if they are not suitable (I will not feed my baby in a disabled toilet for instance) or if I am with my other children whom I have to supervise, then my baby eats where ever I am.

I have becoem qutie descreet, I have fed babies walking around the supermarket (we live out of the city where time is not on our side, so I didnt have time to rush off and feed him) walking down the street, in cafes, on buses, and in the car (not while its moving obviously)

The only thing I have been able to do, it shoot dirty looks at anone who outstares their welcome. I dont mind a few odd looks or old ladies cooing while Im trying to feed, but boy Ive got my "look elsewhere or Ill thump you" look down pact for anyone whos giving me evil looks, and believe me, they look away.

for the record, I am fat and ugly and people still stare, I think its not so much wanting to see the breast that makes people look, but it is still somewhat uncommon to see breastfeeding ladies, if you think about how often you see women feeding (not at playgroups etc) its acutally not alot. so I think its natural for people to be curious.

Be proud of what you are doing, youre doing the best for your baby, try not to worry about other people. just look down at your precious angel, and ignore them.

Answer 10

i think its to try and catch a look at the nipple lol, it does bring attention to you but hey its natural its the best thing for your baby and you! if u feel uncomfatble try expressing into a bottle for your baby and use bottles when your out and let the baby drink off the breast when at home. dont worry it natural!