Breastfeeding & the Parks

[graygables]

Nursing was a dicey experience for us (long stories...), but what little I did, I did with a sling and it was great for keeping things private. I loved the sling and used it for both my little ones until they were at least 2. If you can master it, it's a great thing to have!

The only caution I would give is to please consider others who are taking photos nearby. Chances are, they don't want to see your private body parts in their vacation photos. I'm only saying b/c an acquaintance came back from Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with no photos b/c there was a woman nursing in full view in the background of all the shots, including the photopass ones. In your local mall or Target, it's not an issue, but at a vacation destination it can be.

 

[Tikicampers]

The only caution I would give is to please consider others who are taking photos nearby. Chances are, they don't want to see your private body parts in their vacation photos.

I was a little concerned about this too, and I think it did happen once. I was in an out of the way spot, and I was there first. Why the family decided to take a picture there is beyond me, but I'm pretty sure they have a pic with DD nursing in the background. As long as you don't plop down and nurse directly in front of the Castle or some other major photo spot, you should be fine in the parks.

 

[Tam1067]

I nursed all 3 of mine. Though the baby care centers are nice, you'll probably want to nurse in other places because a 6 month old, as others have said, will nurse 4 or more times a day. I can't imagine the hassle of hiking back to a baby care center when you're at the other end of the park.

Also, you will become very adept at nursing quietly and discreetly. Though I was very uneasy with my oldest, by the time the third one came around, I was comfortable and able to nurse with most people not even giving me a second glance. I honestly, in all the time I nursed, remember only once when an older woman in downtown Chicago gave me a dirty look for nusing in a shopping mall. Beyond that, people either don't notice or don't care.

I would not worry about a pump. I pumped when I returned to work, but I only used the pump for when I was away from the baby. Also, many babies will not accept bottles from their mothers. If your baby is a good nurser, and by 6 months old they generally are, you won't need bottles at all. One of the beauties of nursing is you don't have to carry any extra stuff, the milk is always there, and it's always the right temperature.

Great choice to nurse!

 

[smschex]

I agree with everyone else here that nursing in the park is not a problem. You should be able to find a quiet spot whenever you need it. I was definitely more worried about nursing in public with DD#1 than with DD#4, but as someone said earlier everyone else is so excited about having their own good times at WDW they won't pay much attention to you and baby.

By the time my fourth child came along I discovered Motherwear clothing. They have shirts and dresses with discreet nursing openings that worked wonderfully for us, even without throwing a blanket over. Check it out at their website. http://www.motherwear.com
The tops worked great with a sling.

Congratulations and good luck.

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

Congratulations on your second baby and your decision to nurse! I did not nurse my first DS but nursed my second DS for a year and my DD for 16 months, and I will always regret that I didn't nurse the first time.

I have nursed on two WDW trips, once with DS when he was 3 months and then again with DD when she was 7 months. WDW is full of little out of the way nooks to nurse in, but if you use a sling or nursing tops, or better yet, both, you can nurse so totally discreetly that no one is going to notice unless they are really staring at you and although you may feel self-conscious, most people there are just concentrating on their own families and getting to the next attraction. I walked all through the parks nursing DD in the sling, standing in lines, etc. As others have mentioned, the babycare centers are great too if you need to get out of the heat with baby to nurse. My favorite WDW nursing spot is aboard the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, you can go around and around without getting off, baby can nurse and get a nap in too!

Congratulations again!

 

[jenn-]

Although I have never nursed at Disney, I have nursed at other big amusement parks. Like most of the PP's have stated, if you cover up with a light blanket most people won't give you a second glance. 6 mos is a perfect nursing age, they know what to do and they aren't to distracted to do it. By 6mos mine wouldn't take a bottle so that would have been a waste for me. If you are concerned about nursing in public, take a few practice runs at the local mall before you go.

 

[SharkyGoddess]

Oh good gosh, I forgot the MOST important thing for many mother/baby pairings! Babywearing slings and pouches! I personally was only able to nurse while carrying DS in a sling twice, and the first time I had to be top-free to do it. (in our apartment)

But many other women are able to do it. Even in the heat, you can find a lightweight pouch or sling (the avatar picture is me wearing DS in a mesh-bodied lightweight mei tai) to carry baby in, and if you start practicing from the beginning and have the body shape to allow it (I think that was my own main problem), you can easily and discreetly nurse while baby is in the sling/pouch, and no one is the wiser. It's most excellent, and I'm still jealous of those who can do it.

I was just about to suggest a sling to walk and nurse at the same time. It will also help conceal that you're nursing if you are shy.

I've nursed all three of mine and was never shy about nursing in public (well I was with my first, but only for a very short while). The most important thing is finding a place where you are comfortable, and as another suggested, drinking TONS of wanter.

Congrats on nursing and ENJOY!

 

[Amirah95]

Oh wow look at all of the responses! Thank you all for you feedback and tips. They have been noted. I do feel so much better about BF in public now. I will experiment with baby out on full days to some big places in our area and see how it goes. I will look into the wraps and slings as well. Thanks again!

 

[SharkyGoddess]

Oh wow look at all of the responses! Thank you all for you feedback and tips. They have been noted. I do feel so much better about BF in public now. I will experiment with baby out on full days to some big places in our area and see how it goes. I will look into the wraps and slings as well. Thanks again!

I also wanted to suggest and don't remember seeing anyone else mention them, you may want to get a nursing necklace, or even make your own. They're simply something visual for your baby to look and and handle while nursing. They can really help with distractions too.

 

[DisneyPhD]

First of all... Congratulations!!! I nursed each of my girls until they were 2 years old. I never once bought formula. LOL!! I laugh tht I still don't know how to give a baby a bottle because I've never done it.

LOL me too. When ever I watched my niece or another child that took a bottle I had DH or even my girls give to them because it felt somehow strange to me.

Congrats OP, you should be fine. BF in the parks is so much easier. You have what you need with you at all times. I think I have nursed all over the world (even on a crowded monorail with a group of cheerleaders almost sitting on our laps, and I was in a dress!) I did have a loose sweater over the dress it opened easy, but I even impressed myself that time.


Dark shows are good, but not noisy ones. We love TTA. We always ride it twice, the 1st time to see the sights, the 2nd time to nurse and fall asleep. Worked like a charm. It is normally not busy, they will let you ride twice with out getting off.

Baby care stations are nice, and if you are around there why not pop in. Still it is not convenient to drop everything and run over to them just to nurse.

One time I grabbed a quiet set on the far side of the hall of presidents. We sat in the rocker and DD was nurse it was lovely. Then all of sudden 100 people came out the doors and walked right on top of us. Turns out we were sitting at the exit.

My most important advice is wear clothes you are comfortable nursing in. That makes it much easier.

We never brought bottles with us either to the parks. I don't even think I brought the breast pump. I might have brought a small hand one, but never used it.

 

[Tikicampers]

Oh, I thought I would warn you not to try and nurse on the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor. DD was getting fussy, and I thought, oh good it's nice and dark, I'll just feed her now. Then they started shining that spotlight on everyone, DH was "that guy." Good thing I hadn't started lifting my shirt yet ! I ran into a woman on the bus who almost did the same thing.

 

[teresajoy]

I have dumb questions that I need answers to (forgive me). We will be taking our 6 month old to WDW next May and baby will be nursing. I have no experience with BF at WDW parks and I do fear the crowds. I didn't nurse my first born, but I'm going to be nursing my 2nd so I don't have hands on experience at the moment as I am learning all about it before baby gets here. I am very discrete, but still nervous about it. I'm sure I'll get over it, but I just need a little guidance as to what to expect. Thanks in advance.

1. In your experience, how many times a day did/does your 6 month old nurse?
   
2. Where do you breastfeed in the parks?
   
3. Where are the best places to breastfeed in each park?
   
4. Did you bring any backup breastmilk in bottles at all?
   
5. Do you take more park breaks (out of the park at noon and return in the evening) since you breastfeed?
   
6. There are laws that say mothers can nurse their babies anywhere, but do CM say anything about it?

I liked to find the nursing/baby care rooms. They have comfy rocking chairs, and most important, it's air conditioned! A very nice break from the heat of the parks!

Hmm, not what I wrote origianlly, must have been edited by a mod. Kind of irritating actually. Here is the gist of what I wrote origianally though:

I always liked the nursing rooms, because of the air conditioning and comfy chairs. It's also a nice quiet break from the parks. But, I also use one of the nursing coverups that I make. It's lightweight and has a loop around the neck, so the baby can't pull it off. I've found it works better than a blanket, because it's not as hot.

I have an extra one that I would be happy to give to you if you want it. I PMed you about it.

 

[disney_family_1247]

First I'd like to commend your decision to breastfeed your baby

In your experience, how many times a day did/does your 6 month old nurse?
I fed "on demand" and never kept track.

Where do you breastfeed in the parks?
Anywhere I could sit down.

Where are the best places to breastfeed in each park?
Shaded benches, restaraunts, some longer shows and rides, and even in lines (with the aid of my sling).

Did you bring any backup breastmilk in bottles at all?
I've never used a bottle with any of my three.

Do you take more park breaks (out of the park at noon and return in the evening) since you breastfeed?
No. I would nurse and keep going. When the babies fell asleep, I would either carry them in my sling or put them in the stroller and let them nap.

There are laws that say mothers can nurse their babies anywhere, but do CM say anything about it?
I have been breastfeeding at Disney World since 2000 (not the same baby), and no CM has ever said anything to me. I am very discreet, but I've seen other moms who aren't. They weren't bothered by anyone either.

My advice: drink lots of water, and relax! No one is going to stare at you or care what you're doing! The only looks I've ever gotten were smiles and nods from other moms.

 

[Elvis1515]

CONGRATS CONGRATS

I have nursed both my kids at WDW from infant stage to older baby. I was nervous both times nursing in such a public place. THREE things really made it easy for me.

1) A regular shaw that happen to be knitted/crocheted which allowed it to have small holes/dimands in it. It was a stylish shaw I bought from Marshall's (regular clothes store) but worked out wonderful for nursing. The baby could breathe, look out, but yet no one could see the baby.

2) New Native Carrier/Sling- Great for putting the baby to sleep and letting Dad or someone else carry the baby around. I nursed with it also.

3) Shows, Trains, Certain rides- I used the shaw for all of these rides. The Backlot Tour, Movie Ride at MGM are wonderful to nurse. Any show where the lights go know and comfy seats are great.

I once read when you nurse in public try to not look down b/c then others will look down where you are looking. So once the baby is latched and nursed just look up and enjoy the break.

Hope this helps!

In your experience, how many times a day did/does your 6 month old nurse?
Depends on the baby.

Where do you breastfeed in the parks?
Shows, Rides, Trains, Nursing Center sometimes

Where are the best places to breastfeed in each park?
Any show that is dark w/comfy chairs...worked the best for us!

Did you bring any backup breastmilk in bottles at all?
Yes and it was a pain. For the convience of having the bottle, you had to go through all the trouble of pumping, cleaning, carrying , storing etc. Not worth it in my opinion.

Do you take more park breaks (out of the park at noon and return in the evening) since you breastfeed?
Not at all...in fact we did more b/c we didn't have to worry about bottles and making food.

There are laws that say mothers can nurse their babies anywhere, but do CM say anything about it?

Never and I always saw breastfeeding moms at the parks.

 

[cuppycake]

One time I grabbed a quiet set on the far side of the hall of presidents. We sat in the rocker and DD was nurse it was lovely. Then all of sudden 100 people came out the doors and walked right on top of us. Turns out we were sitting at the exit.

Had to share because this reminded me of the time, when DD2 was 18months, we were in Epcot (China). She was soooo tired, but DH and DD1 wanted to go see something (I FORGET WHAT!). So, I sat with DD2 (it was evening and dark) right at the entrance to China. Nice quiet, dark bench, until 5 minutes into it, ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CHINESE ACROBATS TOOK THE STAGE! So much for inconspicuous!

To the OP...congrats and enjoy. Try to relax, most people won't even notice. We, too, are the type to try and nurse on the relaxing rides (DD2 once even nursed to sleep during Honey I Shrunk the Audience! Tired kid.

We've nurse on TTA, Spaceship earth, Living with the Land boatride (is there a name for this one?), Train, Winnie the Pooh, It's a small world, the list goes on and on!!

Have a great time!

 

[Oceana]

1. In your experience, how many times a day did/does your 6 month old nurse?
   
2. Where do you breastfeed in the parks?
   
3. Where are the best places to breastfeed in each park?
   
4. Did you bring any backup breastmilk in bottles at all?
   
5. Do you take more park breaks (out of the park at noon and return in the evening) since you breastfeed?
   
6. There are laws that say mothers can nurse their babies anywhere, but do CM say anything about it?

My oldest breast fed every opportunity he got at 6 months.... 12-24 times a day... my youngest only about 4 times a day... this is so hard cause every kid is different.

I am not a baby station kind of nurser. I nursed wherever I was while I did what I wanted to do. On the Tomorrow Land Transit was my favorite because they would let me just keep riding... I could ride he would nurse and I always had something fun to look at. Go into shows early Country Bear etc and nurse for the 20 min the show is going on... in shows wherever seriously

Never brought back up bottles... too much extra work

No we only take 1 break midday durring the heat of the day to sit by the pool or take a nap

Never had anyone mention my breastfeeding... I highly doubt any cast would... since Disney has so many international guests and Americans are the only ones that get their bras in a twist over a nursing mom I would imagine nursing is more the norm

 

[sara74]

Never had anyone mention my breastfeeding... I highly doubt any cast would... since Disney has so many international guests and Americans are the only ones that get their bras in a twist over a nursing mom I would imagine nursing is more the norm

love the 'bras in a twist' comment!!!!

I haven't nursed at WDW but I am becoming a veteran NIPer as I have nursed all 3 kids and am still nursing #3 at 10 months.

OP- you'll be FINE!!! Relax, no one is going to bother you and you and the baby will do just great. Nursing on a long day out and about is so much more convenient than bottles, I wouldn't even consider pumping as you will have to keep the bottle cool, then warm it at the right time and that will put more of a damper on your fun than sitting on a bench (or riding a ride!) would!

I had never considered the photo perspective, I have several nursing tops and most people wouldn't be able to tell I am doing anything other than holding a baby. I wear them to keep my belly from showing and the baby's head covers up the rest.

 

[AngieWin]

Well, we are still going, so if you see someone nursing a 2 year old! in the parks in a few weeks, say hi to me!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Well, we are still going, so if you see someone nursing a 2 year old! in the parks in a few weeks, say hi to me!!

Have a wonderful trip. I can't wait to hear all about it when you get home! (but don't think about getting home just now!)

 

[Amirah95]

All of you are awesome! Maybe I am making nursing in public a big issue and it's really not. I'm going to invest in hotsling and in a solarveil so I should be good.