Attention Nursing Moms

[ArRzrbk]

Just back from an absolutely wonderful trip (stayed at Beach Club Villas), and I have some advice for all you nursing mothers...

1.) Nurse anywhere and everywhere you want - as discretly as possible of course. I did, and it was fine. I nursed...

* On the rides. When DS #2 (age 1) got scared in the Little Mermaid, I was able to nurse him and all was well. Lady sitting next to me had an 11 month old that did the same thing, and her solution was the same as mine. Thank goodness we were able to do that for our children. Also nursed on the Haunted Mansion ride - that ride is a personal favorite. Now I have a new memory for it!

* Standing in line for rides. Yep, I'm an old pro - nursed DS #1 until he was almost two, and DS #1 is a toddler now, as he just turned one. Everyone just thought the baby was asleep. That was the case many times. Someone even commented one time when I took DS #1 off, "Oh, the baby woke up." I just said, "Yep, he's awake now."

* In the restaurants. Sat in the spot that was least visible, and it worked fine.

* At the parades. For "Stars and Motorcars" parade, and we were on the front row!

* At the resorts. I had to nurse DS #1 while we were waiting for the fireworks at the Contemporary viewing area. No one seemed to mind at all.

2.) Take your pump - You will want it to make bottles, in case you want to go out, but you might also need it in case you end up with a blocked duct. That happened to me, and I almost got Mastitis! Going to the parks and getting off schedule for feedings played a role. Thank God I didn't change my mind and not take the pump like I almost did.

In case you don't know, the way to clear a blocked duct is to do frequent feedings on that side, lots of massage on the spot, nurse with baby's chin pointing to the blocked duct (may require you to lean over baby on the bed or floor), and to pump between feedings and just before bed to keep that side as empty as possible. Hot showers or baths are also a must. I loved that big whirlpool tub at the Villas. What a perfect excuse to take some soaks!

3.) Don't bother with nursing shirts or cover-ups (blankets), unless they make you more comfortable. I didn't see anyone using them. We all just lifted our shirts, allowed them to lay over and around baby's face, and did what we had to do.

Anyway, enjoy nursing your babies in the "Happiest Place on Earth." I sure did. It made everyone's lives much easier. Hurray for nursing moms!

 

[SaratogaShan]

Thanks for such a positive post!

I am nursing my second child, he will be 5 months old when we make our next trip to WDW in July. I doubt I will need to pump very often while on vacation but may need to some because I seem to be producing more milk than he needs at times. Anyway, we are staying at a value resort. I plan to request a refrigerator for the room to store breast milk. I don't mind paying for one at all but I was curious if they would consider this "medically necessary" and not charge. Anyone with experience on this issue?

Thanks,
Shan

 

[txgirl]

No longer nursing, but I am sure your post will encourage others! I nursed all three of my sweet kiddos, but it took lots of practice and courage to nurse (discreetly) in public. I finally perfected the art with my last one and also lost some of my inhibition!

Blessings!

 

[jeancbpugh]

Good for you! I nursed both of my sons at WDW...many years ago. Noone minded.

 

[GEM]

That was definately my experience, as well. My little guy is turning two next month and he's been on two long Disney trips - one at 12 months and one at 18 months. We definately "nursed around the world" both times - rides, shows, restaurants, boats, monorails, sitting on the curb waiting for parades, waiting in line - wherever. I never felt odd or umcomfortable and I never got so much as a funny look. Like you, I never cover up with a blanket or anything like that, and you certainly can't see anything offensive. We also never used the Baby Centers, just because we were never near one when Paul needed to nurse and there was no way I was hiking all the way back across the park! We're headed back in June and Paul will be 26 months old, and unless something changes, I'm sure we'll be doing some more nursing at Disney - though probably not as much since he is finally slowing down a bit as far as nursing goes. WDW is very nursing friendly and you'll notice lots of other mommies doing the same thing! I'm so glad you had a positive experience.

By the way, I noticed your DIS name. We're in Arkansas. Are you from here originally?

 

[Nanu57v]

New mom here, how'd you nurse standing in line? Just holding him in a cradle or were you using a sling?

 

[crazymomof4]

I've had the same experiences nursing in WDW.


In fact, I've found that it is easier taking a nursing baby than a toddler who is no longer nursing!

Glad to see this positive post about nursing in public. As the OP and others have said, it can easily be done discreetly so as not to redden the faces of any passers-by.

 

[amyjo]

Thanks for posting this! We will have a 2 month old on our next trip (early December) and although I'm an "old pro" at nursing--this is our sixth--it's nice to know you had such an easy time of it. I'm planning to tote baby around in the sling much of the time (will have our stroller, too) I figure nursing in the sling will be easy and very discreet. I'm glad to hear about your experience.

 

[GEM]

Nanu57V - I just held my little guy in a cradle hold and I had no problem walking around that way, so I could nurse him as we were walking or standing in line. I never got the hang of nursing in the sling, although he did love riding in the sling. Paul was a micropreemie, though, and has always been really smalll, so it might have been harder to do that if he were bigger/heavier. Of course, he's a big 22 month old now, so that doesn't work anymore. I do know lots of people who are good at nursing in the sling, so I guess it just takes practice.

 

[Pocahontas1]

Last July, DD was 3 months old when we went to Disney and Universal. She was nursing every 2 1/2 to 3 hourse. Like everyone else, I never had a problem. I nursed anywhere (except at a table if we were eating. I'd go find somewhere else to sit - there's nothing wrong with nursing at the table, but my single 30 yo brother was a bit uncomfortable with it).

We're headed back in June and DD will be 13 months. She doesn't nurse as much anymore (once at night, once in the afternoon and once before bed), but I imagine we may occasionally have to nurse in public. Won't bother me a bit!

 

[ArRzrbk]

Nanu, I just held him in a cradle hold. No one seemed to notice. Though once I did have to ask my mom to adjust my shirt. It had come up a bit in the back. Other than that, it worked like a charm!

 

[grlpwrd]

Thanks for posting this! We will have a 2 month old on our next trip (early December) and although I'm an "old pro" at nursing--this is our sixth--it's nice to know you had such an easy time of it. I'm planning to tote baby around in the sling much of the time (will have our stroller, too) I figure nursing in the sling will be easy and very discreet. I'm glad to hear about your experience.

I feel the same way as I am pregnant with baby number 5. I have breastfed all my other kids, but you all just gave me inspiration and that I will make it (lol j/k) and it will be convenient and enjoyable.

 

[mom2cinderella]

Thank you for posting this! We just decided today to make a trip in December and we will have a 5 month old then. Glad to hear all these positive stories!