Breastfeeding in the parks

[Disney Khi]

For me .... It would be another bout of terrible sadness. Every one of my children were born premature and died before I could ever bring them home from the hospital. I would wish so much that I could be HER.

I'm so sorry for your losses.

 

[Cap.Steamboat Willie]

There's just no "couth" (as my dad would say) anymore.

I agree with your father.

One thing is having the right to smoke in a designated area and blowing smoke directly at someone's face.(and NO I'm not comparing breastfeeding to smoking-one is a dirty filthy habit and the other one can give you cancer...KIDDING, JUST KIDDING)

No one has mentioned that there IS a part of the population that believe in breastfeeding their children up to the age of SIX OR OLDER!

(I say kid because it was no baby). With her shirt pulled way down breastfeeding. Lucky for us they found a spot directly across the road from us to wait. The boy got down and was running around playing then all of a sudden, ran to his mother, pulled the neck of her shirt down by himself to have a few extra sips.

Would the same mothers who are in favor of public displays of breastfeeding be OK with a six year old boy suckling on his mother on board the monorail in full view of THEIR OWN children or the other children and parents?

Just curious.

 

[Ash&Wes07]

Would the same mothers who are in favor of public displays of breastfeeding be OK with a six year old boy suckling on his mother on board the monorail in full view of THEIR OWN children or the other children and parents?

Just curious.

While I don't agree with it, I don't deny her the right to do so and I would look away. I would just explain to my children, if they asked, that mom is feeding her child and leave it at that.

My daughter has witness children her age and older being breastfed and asked "why big boy drink mommy milk still?". I told her that some kids drink mommy milk longer than she did or her brother will. The answer satisfies her for now.

 

[999ghostslover]

that is a rediculously small population. I have a 6 year-old who quit nursing years ago, around age 14 months. She is mortified at the thought of hugging me in front of her friends so I doubt any nursing 6 year-olds would be willing to do that at the parks.

The point, however, is that none of us have the right to judge a family unless they are out and out abusing their children. Everyone parents differently. And for some reason people think it is okay to comment on this to the parents. It happens all of the time. "Your toddler really should have shoes on, not just socks; do you know what they put in those chicken nuggets that your son is eating, it is too hot to bring your baby to the pool, it is too cold in this restaurant, where is your baby's hat" Am I right, moms? We never comment on any other aspect of people's lives like this. But for some reason we all feel invited to do so when it comes to parenting.

 

[Cap.Steamboat Willie]

While I don't agree with it, I don't deny her the right to do so and I would look away. I would just explain to my children, if they asked, that mom is feeding her child and leave it at that.

My daughter has witness children her age and older being breastfed and asked "why big boy drink mommy milk still?". I told her that some kids drink mommy milk longer than she did or her brother will. The answer satisfies her for now.

I also agree with you that IT IS HER RIGHT to do so but to quote the great ethical movie of all time "Jurassic Park" -"We were so busy finding out if we could we never stopped to think if we should." I goes back to the "couth" quote earlier.

The parent cannot be oblivious to the fact that this particular action may offend others. If they can do something (finding a secluded spot - which was the original e-mail question asked that sparked this lively discussion) to assuage the parents, children or other Disney guests that may not share your same point of view; then why not?

Modesty and empathy for others can go a long way but they require a two way street. My friend a retired cop once told me: "Alex everyone that I've arrested shout to the high heavens that "THEY KNOW THEIR RIGHTS", but none of them can tell you their civic responsibilities/duties."

This discussion has been quite interesting. I respect everyones thoughts on the subject. It also made me think back to Pete's, Kevin's, and John's opinions voiced on "Gay Days at Disney" show a while back. It is a hot topic and all personal opinions were respected. That is how I saw this week's show. Personal opinions were expressed.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

 

[WebmasterPete]

I've read through a lot of what has been said here, and after giving it some real thought I've come to the conclusion that my feelings on this are based more on personal issues than anything else.

I also need to apologize for comparing breast feeding to public urination - that was a very ill-considered analogy and was unfair.

As I've read what's been posted here, I've been asking myself why this particular issue makes me so uncomfortable. I think it has something to do with being raised in a home that put an unusually high premium on modesty. I won't even walk around the house naked when I'm alone - which is funny considering I'm married to someone who would walk around the mall without a stitch of clothing on if it were legal. I'm guessing this has something to do with it - I was raised to believe that certain things are best left in private. Not having children, not having been exposed to anyone breast feeding on a regular basis in my immediate circle, I'm fairly ignorant on the issue and that has also impacted my opinion.

Yes, I would be more comfortable if women exercised a certain level of discretion when breast feeding in public, but the world doesn't exist to make me more comfortable, and I'm not advocating that anything change or that Disney somehow move to prevent it. I will not be ending every show with 'keep it in your shirt', there's no rally cry for change here - I was sharing an opinion.

I appreciate the comments and perspective offered here - it has given me food for thought (no pun intended, well, okay maybe a little), and again, I apologize to anyone who was offended by my remarks.

Pete

 

[999ghostslover]

Perfectly worded Pete! Thanks for a great response.
You, sir, are a gentleman.

 

[jzensky]

Just wanted to chime in and say that the Carousel of Progress at MK is the PERFECT place for nursing.... it's dark, you can sit down, and it's so long you should be able to finish in time..... at least one side!

I nursed all of my children and did not find the conversation offensive at all...

 

[bkoehl]

Very classy Pete!

I also cringed slightly when you made the comment but thought that overall you guys were VERY reasonable and NOT closeminded about the issue. Listening to the entire segment you could tell that you were not anit-breastfeeding, just hoping everyone could use a little common sense and respect for others when doing so in public. (BTW, BF both my kids for a year-sometimes in public!)

 

[cdotla]

Pete...I had no expectation or belief that you would have posted anything on this thread, but I was so glad to read your comments at the end.

Clearly, as with anything in life, there are people who fail to even attempt to use discretion and grace - my comments don't apply to them.

However, as someone who breastfed for 2 1/2 years, I can assure you...it is not always possible to be discrete or completely covered at all times.

It is FAR easier for those uncomfortable with the sight or thought of breastfeeding to avert their gaze.

I hope one day we reach a place where breastfeeding does NOT make anyone uncomfortable. Unless the woman HERSELF is uncomfortable, there is no reason a woman and her baby should to have to breastfeed out of the sight of others, or covered up like a mummy in blankets so as not to affect the frail sensitivities of others.

 

[mainegal]

Thanks, Pete. Your level headed response is exactly what I would expect from you.

 

[Madi100]

I've read through a lot of what has been said here, and after giving it some real thought I've come to the conclusion that my feelings on this are based more on personal issues than anything else.

I also need to apologize for comparing breast feeding to public urination - that was a very ill-considered analogy and was unfair.

As I've read what's been posted here, I've been asking myself why this particular issue makes me so uncomfortable. I think it has something to do with being raised in a home that put an unusually high premium on modesty. I won't even walk around the house naked when I'm alone - which is funny considering I'm married to someone who would walk around the mall without a stitch of clothing on if it were legal. I'm guessing this has something to do with it - I was raised to believe that certain things are best left in private. Not having children, not having been exposed to anyone breast feeding on a regular basis in my immediate circle, I'm fairly ignorant on the issue and that has also impacted my opinion.

Yes, I would be more comfortable if women exercised a certain level of discretion when breast feeding in public, but the world doesn't exist to make me more comfortable, and I'm not advocating that anything change or that Disney somehow move to prevent it. I will not be ending every show with 'keep it in your shirt', there's no rally cry for change here - I was sharing an opinion.

I appreciate the comments and perspective offered here - it has given me food for thought (no pun intended, well, okay maybe a little), and again, I apologize to anyone who was offended by my remarks.

Pete

Very well said.

 

[katscradle]

I've read through a lot of what has been said here, and after giving it some real thought I've come to the conclusion that my feelings on this are based more on personal issues than anything else.

I also need to apologize for comparing breast feeding to public urination - that was a very ill-considered analogy and was unfair.

As I've read what's been posted here, I've been asking myself why this particular issue makes me so uncomfortable. I think it has something to do with being raised in a home that put an unusually high premium on modesty. I won't even walk around the house naked when I'm alone - which is funny considering I'm married to someone who would walk around the mall without a stitch of clothing on if it were legal. I'm guessing this has something to do with it - I was raised to believe that certain things are best left in private. Not having children, not having been exposed to anyone breast feeding on a regular basis in my immediate circle, I'm fairly ignorant on the issue and that has also impacted my opinion.

Yes, I would be more comfortable if women exercised a certain level of discretion when breast feeding in public, but the world doesn't exist to make me more comfortable, and I'm not advocating that anything change or that Disney somehow move to prevent it. I will not be ending every show with 'keep it in your shirt', there's no rally cry for change here - I was sharing an opinion.

I appreciate the comments and perspective offered here - it has given me food for thought (no pun intended, well, okay maybe a little), and again, I apologize to anyone who was offended by my remarks.

Pete

Thank you and well said!
I have breastfed all my children and sometimes it is not always possible to go somewhere private, however I always tried to be discreet!

 

[Ash&Wes07]

I've read through a lot of what has been said here, and after giving it some real thought I've come to the conclusion that my feelings on this are based more on personal issues than anything else.

I also need to apologize for comparing breast feeding to public urination - that was a very ill-considered analogy and was unfair.

As I've read what's been posted here, I've been asking myself why this particular issue makes me so uncomfortable. I think it has something to do with being raised in a home that put an unusually high premium on modesty. I won't even walk around the house naked when I'm alone - which is funny considering I'm married to someone who would walk around the mall without a stitch of clothing on if it were legal. I'm guessing this has something to do with it - I was raised to believe that certain things are best left in private. Not having children, not having been exposed to anyone breast feeding on a regular basis in my immediate circle, I'm fairly ignorant on the issue and that has also impacted my opinion.

Yes, I would be more comfortable if women exercised a certain level of discretion when breast feeding in public, but the world doesn't exist to make me more comfortable, and I'm not advocating that anything change or that Disney somehow move to prevent it. I will not be ending every show with 'keep it in your shirt', there's no rally cry for change here - I was sharing an opinion.

I appreciate the comments and perspective offered here - it has given me food for thought (no pun intended, well, okay maybe a little), and again, I apologize to anyone who was offended by my remarks.

Pete

 

[SamSam]

Very well said Pete, but please continue to be yourself and voice your opinions on the podcast.
I am also one who was raised with modesty and I believe it's respectful of others to use a little decorum when in public.

 

[WebmasterPete]

Very well said Pete, but please continue to be yourself and voice your opinions on the podcast.
I am also one who was raised with modesty and I believe it's respectful of others to use a little decorum when in public.

I'll always share my opinions on the show, that's in no danger of changing. However, I also have to be open to the possibility that I'm wrong. Opinions are fine - intractable ones are the problem

Pete

 

[Friendly Frog]

I don't mean to make anyone mad, but this would seem to be a good place to close this topic?

(We already have another thread debating public breast feeding.)

Edit: I hope I am not out of line suggesting this, I just would like to see the thread end on a nice note.

 

[WebmasterPete]

I don't mean to make anyone mad, but this would seem to be a good place to close this topic?

(We already have another thread debating public breast feeding.)

Edit: I hope I am not out of line suggesting this, I just would like to see the thread end on a nice note.

Good idea!