I agree with Dr Phil. He tried to find middle ground. I know, firmly, that children have the right to nurse ANYWHERE the mother and child have a right to be. I do not think women should have to throw a blanket overthemselves that limits fresh air to the child AND is like holding up a big sign that says "HELLO...I"M BREASTFEEDING HERE"
That being said, I don't think women need to strip to the waist to breastfeed. Yes, some of the breast will be exposed. Get over it. For the people who say "no breastfeeding in public" I'm guessing they have actually seen quite a bit of breastfeeding in public. Only, you don't know the child is actually breastfeeding as opposed to being asleep. I've had my baby in a sling, wide awake and nursing away many times when people come up to me and comment how wonderful babies are, how cute they are when sleeping etc. They never realized.
On the subject of discipline: I would like to share a story. I was once at a friends house, with several mothers and many children around. Her child came running up to my child with a baseball bat in his hand, swining it at my childs head. They were both about 2.5 at the time. I ran up to him, took hold of the bat an said "Johnny...PLEASE don't hit my baby!". I left it at that. I protected my kid. The mother later pulled me aside and said I don't ever have the right to discipline her kid.
Um, HELLO! I think its totally ok to address a child, like you would an adult (w/ maybe simpler language) if they commit a transgression against you. ie "OOWWW you just hit me on the ankle and it really hurts". At this point, a responsible parent will discipline their kid. If not, address the parent.
I have 3 kids, and two hands. But if my kids aren't able to behave, we leave. Most days, they are really good. But if I don't have control of my kids its not my right to inflict them on other people. GET CONTROL OF YOUR KIDS. Occasionally, we can't leave. (like when I was at the Dr's office the other day) Then there are punishments that include the offending child must sit on a spot for X amount of minutes. Its not an all or nothing thing.
FWIW, I actually liked Dr Phils trying be a peacemaker on the Breastfeeding issue. I usually don't agree with alot of his parenting advice. Thanks Dr Phil.
LSN, who has 3 kids under the age of 7, who ALL breastfed.
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.
