Feeding babies!

[Michelle3000]

I know this is probably a really strange question but here goes...

I am going to DLP on Friday and will be taking my 4 month old. She is breastfed and whilst I know they have feeding rooms in the park, I wondered if anyone had experience of feeding in resturants or even sat on park benches???

I don't really want to have to disapear into a feeding room every time she is hungry but I also don't want loads of disapproving looks or even worse, be told to move!

Thanks

Michelle

 

[SandraVB79]

I have seen mothers breastfeeding their babies on a bench in the park.
I think it's something that should be done in private (and I will probably be flamed for saying this), and I certainly don't think it's appropriate in a restaurant.
Butthat's just me, an dmany people disagree with me on this (oh yes, I have been told I would be the owrst mother in mankind because of this...)

 

[sjaakie]

The time that it was necessary to feed your baby in a dark private corner has long pasted.
Just take a scarf ore your coat and cover the baby and yourself a little bit.
Believe me I’m VERY old and thank God the young generation no longer has to put up with ideas from long long ago.

 

[jillrobinson]

Hi Michelle3000, you must be very excited about your trip.

Here's my take on it, from a mother who breastfed for a short time only, but as I remember it was quite a discreet affair with the right underwear and clothing - I agree totally with Sjaake.

If you're feeling selfconscious then there's lots of seating around the parks, some more tucked away than others, (I know from my smoking days when I'd go and look for somewhere quiet for a sneaky cigarette.) and in restaurants I'm sure if you ask then they'll find you a quieter area to sit in.

I don't think you have to much to worry about re: disapproving looks as long as Sandra's not around (green sunhat and crocs) and I don't think anyone's going to ask you to move. I've seen mums whip down kiddies pants for a wee whilst in queues, come across fellas in the ladies (more than once) and nobody's batted an eyelid - Relax and enjoy your holiday

 

[lily73]

I'm sure that as your baby is 4 months you have discovered the best ways to feed discreetly, but I'll make some suggestions anyway A light scarf to drape over your shoulder, as others suggested, can work well, or you can buy tops specifically designed for breastfeeding discreetly http://www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk/ProductList.aspx?CategoryID=bf_tops&language=en-GB My friend has quite a good top, not sure where she got it from. Or if you wear a shirt that buttons up the front, undo it from the bottom, rather than the top. If you are discreet, which most mums are, then chances are that most folk won't even realise what you are doing!

I never breastfed in public in DLP as my youngest had stopped daytime feeds by the time we went, but I'm sure you wouldn't get any more comments or looks than you do in Britain (which in my experience is pretty much none). I found this website where a couple of women have commented that they breastfed in public in France with no trouble.http://www.007b.com/public-breastfeeding-europe.php

It is a sad fact that comment like Sandra's mean that a lot of women stop breastfeeding early because they feel too self concious to do it outside their own home and as a result feel trapped. Given the health disadvantages of formula this has big implications for the NHS for many years to come.

I'm sure with the introduction of the new 'healthy eating' menus for kids, Disney must support healthy eating for babies too!

 

[Michelle3000]

Thanks for all your comments.

Whilst I haven't fed in public very often, I do think I can be discreet about it! Lets face it, I don't particualary want to draw attention to myself

I just really wanted to make sure that the French weren't very 'anti BF' in public...

It would make life very difficult if I had to feed in public toilets all the time or only at home...

Thanks again. I will be taking my scarf and feeding as a when required...

 

[Disney owl]

There is always the first aid station if you are stuck. I'm not for a minute saying you should go there & feed no where else. Just I found that as my children got older ( I feed all 3 for a Year) that they got too nosey to feed outside in a public place! And sometimes we needed to find a quiet place to feed. You may be ok if your DD is still 4 months old.

 

[Cyrano]

As the father of 3 who have all been breast fed and by a mother who was happy to do so then I'd say feel confident in your actions that you are only doing what mother nature intended. It is as others say very easy to be discreet.
Personally I'd rather see a settled child and mother feeding, even in a restaurant than have anxious parents and an unhappy baby because they need a feed or some comfort

 

[jillrobinson]

As the father of 3 who have all been breast fed and by a mother who was happy to do so then I'd say feel confident in your actions that you are only doing what mother nature intended. It is as others say very easy to be discreet.
Personally I'd rather see a settled child and mother feeding, even in a restaurant than have anxious parents and an unhappy baby because they need a feed or some comfort

Well said Reid

 

[eliza]

I have not breast fed at DLRP, but I nursed all three of my children when they were little on several holidays, including some restaurants - discreetly facing away from other tables - no one ever asked me to stop or move. Breastfeeding can be very discreet and people will just think you're cuddling baby unless they look closely. The main thing is to find somewhere that you feel relaxed and happy. Breast feeding is a great advantage when on holiday because milk is always available when needed!

 

[ryan.stephens]

Whilst I was on holiday at Disneyland Resort Paris I too experienced the same thing as jillrobinson where the opposite sex quite often wandered into the toilets with their children and nobody commented...not even when a group of 15 school children and their female adult group leaders came in.

I don't think anyone would mind you breastfeeding your child, and there are a lot of more secluded places too if you feel a bit self conscious.

It must be the magic of disney

 

[jillrobinson]

I don't know about the magic of Disney Ryan
I just thought that in the rest of Europe they don't seem to be as uptight about this sort of thing as we are.

 

[Ware Bears]

I just thought that in the rest of Europe they don't seem to be as uptight about this sort of thing as we are.

Thank goodness

 

[lily73]

I don't know about the magic of Disney Ryan
I just thought that in the rest of Europe they don't seem to be as uptight about this sort of thing as we are.

I was about to reply that we're not so uptight in Scotland as we even have a law which makes it illegal to ask a mother not to breastfeed any place where children are usually allowed. Then I realised that we are SO uptight we even need a law about it! (Still think the law is a good thing though.)

 

[Ware Bears]

Then I realised that we are SO uptight we even need a law about it! (Still think the law is a good thing though.)

I hope this thread has reassured you, Michelle (and other BF mums).

Have a wonderful holiday and please come back and tell us all about it!

 

[Michelle3000]

Hi

Thanks, the largely positive response has reassured me and I will feel more confident about feeding.

I am busy packing bags etc for us now and can't wait to get there!

I will let you know how we all get on.

Thanks again for your help...

Michelle

 

[Cyrano]

I am busy packing bags etc for us now and can't wait to get there!

I will let you know how we all get on.

Have a great time. Look forward to hearing all about your trip