Succeed when you breastfeed

Ok, I’m a little bit of a rebel, but I love to breastfeed in public.  It is so interesting to hear some of the comments that people make when they see you.  One time I nursed my firstborn at a graduation and overheard people saying they ‘couldn’t believe she was doing that, that’s what they make cubicles for.’  Or something along those lines, it’s been a few years.

I try to be modest.  I don’t go flashing my boobs around if I can help it though a squirming baby has succeeded in doing that a time or two for me .  Does it embarrass me?  Not a bit.  Breastfeeding my child is my choice and nursing in public is completely legal and no one is going to stop me.  I guess I might have a bit of twisted humor, but I sort of enjoy watching people squirm with embarrassment when I throw a blanket over my shoulder and start nursing my infant in a large group of people.

If you are a new mom and are nervous about nursing in a public place don’t be.  Breastfeeding is a perfectly normal thing and if people are staring they are the freaks not you.  Don’t let the stares and rude comments that you might get bother you.  Just remember that your baby is hungry and that’s how it gets food and there is no need for discussion.  I also urge you that if someone challenges you for it to stand your ground and don’t let them pressure you.

Keep it modest.  Find a good nursing cover if you like, or do like I do and keep your shirt pulled down where nothing is visible and feed your baby without shame.  Of course with everything there can be a time and a place and different people do have different comfort zones.  If I’m at church I slip off to the nursery so as not to distract others around me, but if I’m at a movie theater or restaurant what better way to keep the baby quiet than to nurse them!  It is a bit awkward and does feel a little silly the first few times you do it, but you will gain confidence the more you do.

— Have you ever been harassed for breastfeeding in a public place or even in front of family or friends?  Have you ever gotten strange looks or weird comments by total strangers?  If you have any stories along these lines I would love to hear them!  You can share them by commenting here or on the Facebook page!