breastfeeding in public - experiences?

[reren]

Shame that some one had to post something crass (or was it an attempt to be funny?) on here - cause the reality is that most men dont even notice that is what you are doing. And if they do - they are generally concerned not to embarrass you or be seen to be staring. Most people would much rather not hear a baby crying than risk sight of a nipple.

[Foxhelp]

As a man, OK a gay man, I always notice what women are doing. My sister has recently given birth and I have told her to cover her breast up in public. An engorged Areola is not for the general public to see. Please stop, for me Please!

[EastDulwichSE22]

Definitely possible to breast feed without exposing any nipples . I never exposed mine as I do think it can make people uncomfortable as natural as breast feeding is.

[Bellenden Belle]

Grow up Foxhelp.

I feel sorry for your sister who probably could have done with your support rather than advice.

Squeamish gay men who squeal at the idea of anything to so with the female body are so stuck in the 80s - get over it.

[Foxhelp]

etta I think that is very funny and EastDul thank you, you understand

[bluesuperted]

I think it's a shame you weighed in here Foxhelp. Nothing constructive to add so why bother?! Your comments about your sister's postnatal body make me really sad too, poor her.

Also showing a nipple, which is exactly where your baby is getting it's milk from, is 100% fine in my opinion. It's all part of normalising something normal, that due to society's obsession with breasts being *only* sexual, has been de-normalised. I'm pretty quick at latching on but if people don't want to see a brief and functional flash of nipple, the onus is on them to look away every time.

[bluesuperted]

By the way breasts and not aereoli get engorged during typical breast feeding...

[crystal7]

bluesuperted Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think it's a shame you weighed in here Foxhelp.

> Nothing constructive to add so why bother?! Your

> comments about your sister's postnatal body make

> me really sad too, poor her.

>

> Also showing a nipple, which is exactly where your

> baby is getting it's milk from, is 100% fine in my

> opinion. It's all part of normalising something

> normal, that due to society's obsession with

> breasts being *only* sexual, has been

> de-normalised. I'm pretty quick at latching on but

> if people don't want to see a brief and functional

> flash of nipple, the onus is on them to look away

> every time.

Agree 100%. Cover up by all means if you prefer but no one should feel they have to.

In answer to the OP I have breastfed pretty much everywhere in East Dulwich and surrounding area and have never had a negative comment. Outside of London there have been times when I've felt a bit uncomfortable though.

[dildals]

There's tits on every street corner in ads and mags so bit strange if I would need to keep mine covered!

[VanessaPMR]

I've been keeping a 'personal bests' score with my breastfeeding friends, of the most exceptional/unusual breastfeeding situations we've been in.

Its fun and it helped us feel stronger/defiant in the face of the very very small minority of people who rather than encourage a mother who is demonstrably caring for her child, use the opportunity to spew their hate...

Anyway, mine was on a see-saw.. baby was hungry, toddler wanted to play... ;-)

Took a while to build up to the see-saw though..

[Foxhelp]

Girls please aim to be decent and discrete. Remember your manners. Unless of course you enjoy the attention exposing your breasts gets, after all they've never been so big have they?

[sanity girl]

I think you are the one who needs to remember your manners Foxhelp.

[canela]

I've breastfed just about everywhere and anywhere and honestly never had a bad experience. Once you get the hang of it you can do it so discretely most people won't notice. I often used a shawl, or the same clothes combinations other posters have recommended.

I've only ever had positive comments from people, so don't think just because someone is looking at you that they are disapproving. I often find myself watching a woman breastfeed because it is so nice, and then I worry that she might think I am being nosy or disapproving!

[ladyruskin]

I learnt to crochet specifically to make one of these for a friend's new born. Went down a treat and kept baby warm during a chilly April whilst her big sis climbed the playgrounds of SE London.

etta166 Wrote:

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> Now that winter's coming, what our little ones all

> need is one of these:

>

> http://laughingsquid.com/boobie-beanie/