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Breastfeeding Etiquette

Breastfeeding seems to bring up lots of questions about where to do it, how to do it, etc.  I feel like I'm constantly wondering what the most appropriate thing is to do in a certain situation, so I've decided to ask my blog friends for advice.

1.)  Where is it not acceptable to breastfeed?  Church?  During a wedding ceremony?  At a friend's house if a male is present?  Now, I'd obviously use my hooter hider for all of the above.  But I'm so unsure of where it's okay and when it would be better to step out.  At church, I've been going to the restroom to nurse where they have a chair to sit in.  We are going to a wedding (not in a church) this weekend and I can leave, but would it be okay to nurse her in there if needed?

2.)  What in the world am I supposed to wear to make nursing easier?  I have several tops that are low-cut or stretchy around the top so I can easily pull those down to nurse.  What I have trouble with is ones that I have to raise to feed because then my back is exposed from under the hooter hider.  So, not only am I struggling to find things to wear already, but now I have the added element of needing something easy to nurse in!

3.)  Does anyone else feel like they're exposing their breasts to everyone when they get prepared to nurse in public?  I try so hard to avoid showing the girls to unsuspecting strangers, but it's tough!  For one, they are 2 sizes bigger than usual and it's hard to move the shirt, undo my nursing bra, remove the pad, and get her in position without flashing!  Don't get me wrong- they are quite a site to see right now, but maybe not everyone should get a peek!

Now, I would think with practice that this would all be getting easier, but I've nursed her everywhere.  The state fair, wal-mart, target, 2 malls, restaurants, etc.  And I'm still no better at it!  So, any words of wisdom here?

Comments

  1. I have no breast feeding advice yet, but you've given me a lot to look forward to :) As far as where it's appropriate - personally, I'd say just about anywhere. If you're able to gain access while wearing a wedding outfit, I'd do it. I don't think it's any less appropriate than bottle feeding in public, and if you raise a few eyebrows, so what. It'll make a good blog post :)

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  2. I've seen mom's nurse in the cry room at church, That is so acceptable I feel.
    As far as everything else. I'm not actually sure either. I guess it depends on the person. Do what you feel makes you comfortable, be respectable about covering up (obviously) and who cares what everyone else feels. You'll always find someone who thinks badly about the place you chose. Forget them. :)

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  3. At church I go to our cry room. In regards to people's houses, I would think it's ok - most of our friends/family don't care and totally understand and I'd imagine that's the same for you. However, if you're at a person's house you're not really familiar with, I'd ask if they minded or maybe ask if there was a bedroom you could use. Restaurants, malls, etc to me is free game - I've done that too. I've found it's handy to use dressing rooms to nurse when I've been shopping. That way, there's a chair and you don't have to be modest.
    The shirt thing is challenging but I think if they see a little of your back it's no big deal. I haven't had to worry about that because the "hooter hider" I have, Jason's grandma made me and basically is a small sheet with a hole in the middle so that it covers front and back.
    All in all, I figure whatever you feel comfortable with is what matters most. If some people don't like it, they can get glad in the same shoes they got mad in. :)

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  4. I don't have any advice, because I stink at it myself and still using the nipple shield sucks. You had me when you breastfed walking at the state fair. To me, you're a pro! :D

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  5. I have enjoyed following your blog. Congratulations on your miracle! Breast feeding, as far as I'm concerned is all about you. :) Do what you feel comfortable doing. My first born wouldn't nurse and I had to pump for 10 months. My second nursed like a pro and I loved it. As for the clothing, there are nursing tops out there that are awesome! They have hidden flaps that allow easy access but still cover your back. Sometimes I layered the nursing tank under my regular shirts. I know you can find them online, but also at the Motherhood store. Best wishes!

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  6. I tried to be as discreet as possible. But when a kid has to eat, she has to eat. I wish we could all bare them in public, it'd make breastfeeding easier. Just wait til the added challenge of the baby not wanting to be covered up and ripping the hooter cover away!! I used a small sheet that someone made us and was able to tuck it around back to hide bare skin. Motherhood Maternity has nursing blouses and dresses.

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  7. I agree with the above, do whatever you feel comfortable with. I usually try to plan her feedings where I don't have to feed her at church, etc because it's easier on me (and I don't have to miss out of as much). I also completely understand showing your back. I haven't really found a way to avoid it (or maybe I'm too lazy/cheap to find a way). Miss E isn't loving the hooter hider these days either and she moves around a ton. If only there was an easy solution. :) I think your doing pretty well since you've nursed lots of different places.

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  8. Nursing tanks are the way to go for absolute minimum exposure. The Target ones are good. You can layer them under any shirt, and then when you pull the shirt up, nothing is exposed. I LIVED in nursing tanks.

    And as she gets older and has more control, getting into position for nursing gets much easier. -Michelle

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  9. I don't have any advice for you as I'm struggling with the same but I am trying to be brave about it and have the attitude that nursing in public should be something to be proud of not hide. Society's attitude towards it in this country is completely messed up. As mothers we should obviously be discreet but we shouldn't have to hide ourselves to nurse our babies.

    Bon courage :)

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  10. I am impressed with your determination to breast feed! I probably wouldn't do it during a wedding or in a pew at church but everywhere else seems fine. Maybe you can just time it so she doesn't need to eat at the wedding?

    Let us know how it goes!!

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  11. Oh, this is such a trigger for me! Why in the world does a mother have to analyze where she feeds her infant?! This society's obsessions with breasts is something I will NEVER understand!! So, my answer is do it wherever YOU are comfortable. I have friends breastfeeding and they have never had to ask me if they can do it at my house, while I'm at theirs, etc. I'd hope they'd do it whenever and wherever their little one needed it! Geez, the kid is just eating! Ok, off my soap box:). Oh, and my friend got her nursing tanks at Target and loves them! You can whip your "girls" out:), but still have your front and back covered. Good luck!

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  12. i'm one of the ....'i'll nurse anywhere anytime' kind of ppl.....but i have to feel comfortable doing it. i wear a lot of nursing tanks w/shirts over it. that way my back and belly are still covered no matter where i am ...and then of course my nursing cover. sometimes a little blanket by their face is all i need.

    i'm still nursing #4 (she's 2) but only at night and naptime. and i'm preg w/#5. so i guess i'll be doing both!

    as for the nursing tanks. i love the ones from target. i have them in every color and about 6 in black! haha!

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