Breastfeeding in the parks

[Minnie J]

I breastfed my 2 boys and I did so discreetly but I saw a woman at DHS on the 5th and her whole **** was out no cover no nothing just a lil boy just on it. I mean I don't mind you breastfeeding just keep it where the whole ****/areola isnt showing

 

[ShesAPirate]

Judging people and arresting (or beating them or worse) are two totally different things.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Someone didn't read th OP. I never said I was being persecuted, I said breastfeeding moms have. I also never said I overstated. I stand by the fact that I felt Pete (and the crew by silence) judged how some women breastfed and how they should breastfeed in the parks, then with the next email said they wouldn't associate with a country who judged how they lived their lives, I found it hypocritical then, and I still find it hypocritical.

The problem with common sense is that it's not that common.

Jayson, I just don't understand how you can equate the true persecution of women, gays, Jews, ect...in Eygpt, or anywhere else, to some comments about breastfeeding. There is such a vast difference between being arrested or beaten or stoned and rude comments that I don't see how anyone could think they can be compared in any context.

 

[KathyTX]

The problem with modesty and consideration is the same.

Whether you're talking about everyday dress, using polite language, breastfeeding in public, PDA, etc., why is it difficult to behave in a manner that is considerate and appropriately modest?

In public, one should use polite language rather than graphic profanity- agreed? It's modest, polite, will not make others uncomfortable, and shows that you have respect for those around you.

Extend the same principle to the way you dress- cover the things that should be covered, and dress appropriately for the place you're going. Do not dress in a way that will make those around you uncomfortable.

Whether breastfeeding or at a water park or in any other situation where you may be less dressed than usual- be aware of what you're "showing", and be considerate and understanding that our societal norms dictate that some areas of the body are private, and that includes a woman's breasts. Feed your baby if you need to, but be considerate of those around you and realize that "flashing" them does not need to be part of baby's dinner routine. Discretion and modesty really isn't so difficult. If you're at a LLL meeting or in your doctor's office, the standard for modesty may be a lot more relaxed than when you're in a public place, but just be considerate of your surroundings.

PDA's- whether gay or straight, young or old... know what's appropriate in public and what is more intimate and should be shared in private.

Consideration and common decency really shouldn't be that difficult for anyone to master.

 

[Minnie J]

The problem with modesty and consideration is the same.

Whether you're talking about everyday dress, using polite language, breastfeeding in public, PDA, etc., why is it difficult to behave in a manner that is considerate and appropriately modest?

In public, one should use polite language rather than graphic profanity- agreed? It's modest, polite, will not make others uncomfortable, and shows that you have respect for those around you.

Extend the same principle to the way you dress- cover the things that should be covered, and dress appropriately for the place you're going. Do not dress in a way that will make those around you uncomfortable.

Whether breastfeeding or at a water park or in any other situation where you may be less dressed than usual- be aware of what you're "showing", and be considerate and understanding that our societal norms dictate that some areas of the body are private, and that includes a woman's breasts. Feed your baby if you need to, but be considerate of those around you and realize that "flashing" them does not need to be part of baby's dinner routine. Discretion and modesty really isn't so difficult. If you're at a LLL meeting or in your doctor's office, the standard for modesty may be a lot more relaxed than when you're in a public place, but just be considerate of your surroundings.

PDA's- whether gay or straight, young or old... know what's appropriate in public and what is more intimate and should be shared in private.

Consideration and common decency really shouldn't be that difficult for anyone to master.

Very well stated

 

[jaysonleah]

Judging people and arresting (or beating them or worse) are two totally different things.

Couldn't agree more. I asked earlier, what do you think would happen to a woman in that same country who breastfed in public? I am obviously not being eloquent with my point. Should Kevin and John, in this country, have to put up with snide remarks, lewd comments, and outright anger from people if they held hands in public? This is what I was getting at, I felt Pete was directing angry and un-called for comments (breastfeeding=public urination) at people because he was personally offended by it, no matter that it was their civil right (under the law). This is where, on my opinion, the hypocrisy came from.

 

[jaysonleah]

The problem with modesty and consideration is the same.

Whether you're talking about everyday dress, using polite language, breastfeeding in public, PDA, etc., why is it difficult to behave in a manner that is considerate and appropriately modest?

In public, one should use polite language rather than graphic profanity- agreed? It's modest, polite, will not make others uncomfortable, and shows that you have respect for those around you.

Extend the same principle to the way you dress- cover the things that should be covered, and dress appropriately for the place you're going. Do not dress in a way that will make those around you uncomfortable.

Whether breastfeeding or at a water park or in any other situation where you may be less dressed than usual- be aware of what you're "showing", and be considerate and understanding that our societal norms dictate that some areas of the body are private, and that includes a woman's breasts. Feed your baby if you need to, but be considerate of those around you and realize that "flashing" them does not need to be part of baby's dinner routine. Discretion and modesty really isn't so difficult. If you're at a LLL meeting or in your doctor's office, the standard for modesty may be a lot more relaxed than when you're in a public place, but just be considerate of your surroundings.

PDA's- whether gay or straight, young or old... know what's appropriate in public and what is more intimate and should be shared in private.

Consideration and common decency really shouldn't be that difficult for anyone to master.

I also couldn't agree more. I think we should all be on our best p's & q's in public. It just concerns me that everyone doesn't share the same p's & q's. I don't want a militant Muslim telling my wife that she has to cover her entire head because that's common curtesy to him, just like I don't want a nudist to tell me my wearing clothing makes him uncomfortable. More hyperbole yes, but just playing devils advocate.

 

[Iggipolka]

Well said Kathy.

As a woman who recently BF her baby at WDW & at DL, I really appreciated the team's recommendations for quiet spots in the parks.

It was really hot at the end of August at WDW and while my baby doesn't like the breast feeding covers in general, there was absolutely no way she was going to tolerate being covered by anything while in the parks. I wore clothing that allowed discreet access for her to nurse with my just having to move a small amount of fabric. I also found areas in the back of counter service restaurants during off peak hours.

Someone on the podcast mentioned the People Mover and this was actually the best feed/nap she had all week! They let us stay on the People Mover w/o getting off to reload, for close to 2 hours (yup, 2 hours going round and round while the baby slept. It was awesome and we got a chance to chat, people watch and even catch a little nap ourselves.

I am (obviously) pro-breast feeding when possible and totally agree that it is completely different than urinating. I also know that it is something that can be done modestly and that my baby eats better (both table food and nursing), if she has a quiet area to eat. I have no problem with finding quiet areas in the park to relax to let my baby eat. If she's screaming her head off with hunger, than I'm going to feed her immediately, otherwise, I plan ahead for areas that I feel comfortable feeding her at.

I also want to mention that formula fed/bottle fed babies do eat better when they are in situations of low stimulation. Heck, I think all of us eat better if there's not a lot of chaos around!.

 

[DisneyKevin]

How is it that if I don't like a statement about a subject that I "just come here to be negative"?

I took silence from them as consent.

the persecution of breastfeeding mothers

Again, if you don't want to see it, don't look. It's your problem if you can't keep your eyes off a breastfeeding mom's breast, not hers.

Jayson....you dont see this as negative and defensive?

Again...I realize that you are vested in this issue and have strong feelings about it, but I think you are blowing this out of proportion.

There are three mothers, a father and three gay guys....do you really think any of us are persecuting breastfeeding mothers?

I know this is going to come as absolutely no surprise....but I have zero interest in your wife's breasts. Personally....she could skip naked beside the three o'clock parade and I wouldnt care. I'd sure talk about her...but I wouldnt care.

Modesty and decorum are always the way to go in public.....unless you are looking to make some militant breastfeeding statement and then my opinion changes drastically.

I think the folks here are on your side.....I just dont think they heard things the way you did.

 

[fakereadhed]

Just chiming in to say good for the podcast crew for tackling real situations related to Disney with practical advice AND a sense of humor. Can't think of any other Disney podcast that would go there. Couldn't be more pro-breastfeeding, but agree with the urination example. In US society, certain natural functions are taken care of discreetly. No one was advocating breastfeeding in private, just not exposing yourself while doing it.

 

[DisGirl23]

This is what I was getting at, I felt Pete was directing angry and un-called for comments (breastfeeding=public urination) at people because he was personally offended by it, no matter that it was their civil right (under the law). This is where, on my opinion, the hypocrisy came from.

Just because something is protected under the law doesn't mean everyone has to like it, everyone just has to accept it. The impression I got from Pete was that he'd prefer (as would I), that one be considerate of others when breastfeeding. Not whipping it out for the world to see.
I was once eating at Pecos Bill's and watched a toddler walk around their table, grab and eat a couple french fries, then proceed to walk over to Mom, who pulled up her shirt and ate her cheeseburger while he stood there nursing. I won't lie, my appetite was lost. Did I complain? No. I got up and walked away. Because I know that it is her civil right. But, as a fellow human being, there should've been some consideration for the other people around her. Now, if I saw someone holding their nursing child and using a small cloth or blanket I would've had no issues at all.
The bottom line is that the Podcast is a discussion show, they can say how they feel. PC or not. IMO

 

[ratherbeatdisney]

I once saw the leader of a Brazilian tour group in the line for Pirates, breastfeeding and peeing at the same time !! and then later they were selling fastpasses and re-using mugs from 5 years prior !! all while eating Cake !

 

[SamSam]

I breastfed my 2 children 30 years ago when breastfeeding had not regained the acceptance it has since then and I have to say I found nothing offensive in the conversation that went on during the podcast. As others have indicated being modest in public is simply being respectful of other people.
I always breastfed whenever my babies needed, but I always covered up and as far as others was concerned (except my daughter was very noisy)they would not have known what I was doing.

Kathy made a lot of good points, all of which I try to live my life by.

I was certainly not offended by Pete jokingly comparing urinating in public to whipping it out to breastfeed. To me, that was a comparison of the need to be modest in public situations.

 

[jaysonleah]

Jayson....you dont see this as negative and defensive?

Again...I realize that you are vested in this issue and have strong feelings about it, but I think you are blowing this out of proportion.

There are three mothers, a father and three gay guys....do you really think any of us are persecuting breastfeeding mothers?

I know this is going to come as absolutely no surprise....but I have zero interest in your wife's breasts. Personally....she could skip naked beside the three o'clock parade and I wouldnt care. I'd sure talk about her...but I wouldnt care.

Modesty and decorum are always the way to go in public.....unless you are looking to make some militant breastfeeding statement and then my opinion changes drastically.

I think the folks here are on your side.....I just dont think they heard things the way you did.

You are completely correct, I can't believe you don't want to see my wife breasts, they are spectacular.

Oh, and also about being defensive. I feel I got defensive when I was being attacked. I am not a breastfeeding Nazi, except when it comes to how my wife is treated. I feel, do what you want, just don't judge me for my decisions. We have just heard the breastfeeding=urinating too many times and to hear it again, even if in jest, from any one of the crew was disappointing. I'm not gay, but I was equating it to you constantly hearing the gay marriage=marrying my dog, not funny even in jest.

Thanks for all you do.

 

[jaysonleah]

Btw, try using Walter's Spooktacular voice when I said they were "spectacular"

 

[DisneyKevin]

You are completely correct, I can't believe you don't want to see my wife breasts, they are spectacular.

Oh, and also about being defensive. I feel I got defensive when I was being attacked. I am not a breastfeeding Nazi, except when it comes to how my wife is treated. I feel, do what you want, just don't judge me for my decisions. We have just heard the breastfeeding=urinating too many times and to hear it again, even if in jest, from any one of the crew was disappointing. I'm not gay, but I was equating it to you constantly hearing the gay marriage=marrying my dog, not funny even in jest.

Thanks for all you do.

I'm surprised that you dont see that you are actually being offensive when you keep using that analogy.

You are comparing a few snide remarks or eye rolling to my being legally denied the same rights as you.

When your wife's legal right to breastfeed is denied, then feel free to use the analogy.

Until then, you have no idea what persecution is or how it feels.

Ever been beaten up for breastfeeding? Ever been thrown out of your home by your parents because you breast feed? Ever thought of suicide because society doesnt understand your wanting to breastfeed? Ever felt like you were in danger because you were breastfeeding?

Talk to any gay adult and I'm sure you'll get an earful of how it feels to be persecuted.

I have a feeling that no mater what I or anyone else says.....that you will continue to be angry about this subject.

 

[jaysonleah]

I once saw the leader of a Brazilian tour group in the line for Pirates, breastfeeding and peeing at the same time !! and then later they were selling fastpasses and re-using mugs from 5 years prior !! all while eating Cake !

I saw that same group pool hopping and saying their vacation was ruined by no towel animals.

 

[ShesAPirate]

Ever been beaten up for breastfeeding? Ever been thrown out of your home by your parents because you breast feed? Ever thought of suicide because society doesnt understand your wanting to breastfeed? Ever felt like you were in danger because you were breastfeeding?

Kevin, you took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[jaysonleah]

I'm surprised that you dont see that you are actually being offensive when you keep using that analogy.

You are comparing a few snide remarks or eye rolling to my being legally denied the same rights as you.

When your wife's legal right to breastfeed is denied, then feel free to use the analogy.

Until then, you have no idea what persecution is or how it feels.

Ever been beaten up for breastfeeding? Ever been thrown out of your home by your parents because you breast feed? Ever thought of suicide because society doesnt understand your wanting to breastfeed? Ever felt like you were in danger because you were breastfeeding?

Talk to any gay adult and I'm sure you'll get an earful of how it feels to be persecuted.

I have a feeling that no mater what I or anyone else says.....that you will continue to be angry about this subject.

Until less than a decade ago, breastfeeding was illegal in many states as public indecency and has slowly gained acceptance, just as gay marriage is making headway in many states. I can also say that it's not just eye rolling and snide comments for a great many people. It is also not anywhere near as heinous as the gay community has had thrown at it. I am truly sorry for all you have had to put up with. I felt I was agreeing with you and had stopped being angry. I have agreed with a great many of the posters to this thread and didn't think I had reached frothing levels, but obviously that is not so. I'm sorry you were offended.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Um, you do mean that in the past tense, right Kathy?

Nope - she means present tense - why do you think we don't let he bring Katie to the podcast