Quote From: tigerpurrs I understand how some women are uncomfortable nursing in public. My twins are 8 months old and I felt very awkward nursing in public at first, especially with a blanket (it just drew more attention to me!). And because I had twins, lots of people were also looking at the babies, and I felt very, very uncomfortable. I know that really I shouldn't have felt strange, but I think this debate has proven that many of us are taught to view breastfeeding as strange, disgusting, or, ironically, "unnatural," and that cultural imprint can be a hard thing to overcome. (I am very comfortable nursing in public, now, partly because hte babies and I have gotten more practice and gotten better at being discreet, and partly because I am so proud of what my body can do, and how healthy my babies are, that I am no longer afraid of being criticized! And you know what? Nobody has EVER told me ANYTHING negative!)
Anyway, back to the point of my post:
I did find, that as some people have mentioned here, that a sling (a soft baby carrier that holds your baby to your body) is a big help, especially when your babies are eating very often. A sling is better than a nursing apron because 1) it doesn't scream to the world, "hey, I've got a nursing baby in here and I don't want you to see!" and 2) it allows you to hold, rock, and soothe your baby while allowing you to keep your hands free (for, in my case, the other baby!). Many times a baby will nurse in a sling and then just snuggle to sleep right next to mommy. The sling is big and wide enough that nothing shows, and the baby is not distracted by lights, etc., and so is able to eat more peacefully.
When the baby is older and eating less often, he or she can still be held in the sling, but upright in such a way that he or she can see and interact with the world right along with you.
There are lots of places on the web to get one, but if you live in
Houston or the surrounding areas I can get you one and also help you learn how to use it with your baby. You can e-mail me at
tigerpurring@yahoo.com. I also have a variety of other breastfeeding-friendly carriers that you can try, such as mei tais and wraps.
And to see what a good, healthy, breastfed set of twins looks like:
http://pitterpatterperiodical.blogspot.com. I am so blessed, and so amazed at what my breasts can do!
As a mother starts the b-fd'g journey with their baby, they are sensitive to all the surroundings. It's difficult for some to get the milk to come down, the child to relax and nurse, etc. It is something they overcome and by the time the child is six months to a year old their sensitivity has vanished. I believe that to be the heart of the problem. The women who advocate nursing in public have lost all sensitivety.
Second, it is a proud enriching moment, when all factors come together and the Mother/Child interaction is complete. The b'fd'g becomes seamless for both child and mother. Wonderful!
However, we who are not part of the one on one action have not reached that point and are very uncomfortable watching the display by a complete stranger. I have been in the presence of nursing mothers who were sensitive to public reactions that I didn't know they were nursing. Other times I have observed Mothers who displayed the moment in a defiant and radical manerl. I'm proud for them, of course, however for them to do so is just plain rude.
Dr. Phil and his guests strike up heated conversations as they debate the latest hot topics. Should women give up their right to breastfeed their babies in public so other people don't feel uncomfortable? Will passing out condoms in schools prevent unwanted pregnancies or just send the message to kids that it's OK to have sex? And, is it acceptable for others to discipline your kids if they see them acting out in public, or should they just mind their own business? Dr. Phil weighs in on these controversial subjects. Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
