How do you feel about this?

[flortlebap]

I've just popped across from the Families board where I noticed a rather OTT breast v bottle debate going on so firstly can I ask that this doesn't turn into an argument, I'm just after some opinions

How do you feel about public breast feeding in WDW? Babies and toddlers? My DD will be 14 months on our trip and still nursing. For the record I am extremely discreet, 90% of people wouldn't even notice I was feeding, and I usually have her under a net poncho when she's feeding to stop her from being distracted and to stop others from feeling uncomfortable.

So my question is this - would it offend you to see older children nursing in WDW? Would you rather mums stuck to the nursing stations, or is it okay for us to feed wherever? I don't want to offend anyone or make people uncomfortable - and I never feed in public in the UK because BF in public is virtually unheard of except amongst the brave and if anyone fed a toddler in public where I live it would certainly cause a huge fuss...

 

[DisKim]

Babies need to eat. I have no problem with it. People don't need to look if it offends them. That being said, I am very shy and I tend to stick to the baby care centers to nurse. When I was at WDW last year, my son was 4 months old and I did nurse him occasionally in some of the dark attractions like Voyage to the Little Mermaid. I always cover up with a receiving blanket or cloth diaper. I don't think anyone would even suspect I was nursing. I think that's a nice thing to do since breast feeding makes other people uncomfortable and I wouldn't want anyone to see my breast anyway! I don't really see why it becomes such a hot issue. I've never seen a mother with her breast exposed. I don't really tend to pay attention to what other people are doing anyway .

 

[Quinn222]

So my question is this - would it offend you to see older children nursing in WDW?

Not at all. I hate the idea that a nursing mom is somehow a pariah that should be hidden from view.

 

[alicenwonder99]

I bf all 3 of my kids, and my youngest I bf for over 4 years. I think it's great that more moms are nursing now. There is solid evidence that bf is best for the baby, so I just don't understand the ignorance of some people. Who cares if a mom chooses to bf her baby while out???!!!!

The child center in AK is awesome, you should really check that one out when you are there.

I think you should just do what is right for you and your family. Don't let others deter you from what is perfectly natural for your child. If they don't want to see it, then they shouldn't stare. I have NEVER, in all my years of nursing, exposed myself so much that it was offensive. Now, I know there are women out there with very large breasts that may have a harder time nursing more discretely. But even so, I know of no woman who will purposely expose herself more than she needs to.

Those who have a problem with women nursing in public are really just showing their ignorance. People who understand the importance of bf will NOT be feeling uncomfortable with your nursing. You can't please every person, so you can just do what you feel is right.

Mary
P.S. I bf my youngest at WDW when he was 15 months old

 

[mumto2]

DS was 10 mos on our last trip (and big for his age), and I had no problems. I was discreet and kept covered up with a receiving blanket over both him and my shoulder when out and about in the park. I tended to nurse him in the babycare centers simply because it was more comfortable - air conditioning, rocking chairs, but also fed him on some attractions and even while sitting on a shaded bench in MK. Never got a look except for some smiles/nods of support from moms walking by, as opposed to some of the glares I've gotten here at home for nursing him in the car in a parking lot (I've stared back ).

You're post is very interesting to me because my family is English, although we moved to the States when I was a child. I go back fairly infrequently, but my mum and dad are there at least once a year or so. Even though no one has ever said anything negative about my nursing both my children, my parents have always acted a bit like I was an exhibitionist (truly I'm not), even in my home or theirs. DS is now 18 mos and going strong, and mum has asked some questions that indicate she thinks this has gone on long enough. I didn't realize that it was still so unusual in England.

 

[The Sweetness]

I didnt nurse either of my girls, b/c it just didnt feel right to me I realize that that is my problem, and I dont think it is wrong to breast feed, just wrong for me. I dont think it's wrong to b/f in public, as long as you are trying to be discreet A blanket, or something over your shoulder should give ample privacy. I dont see how any one could object to nursing as long as mommy's breast isnt on display for all the world to see.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I didnt nurse either of my girls, b/c it just didnt feel right to me I realize that that is my problem, and I dont think it is wrong to breast feed, just wrong for me. I dont think it's wrong to b/f in public, as long as you are trying to be discreet A blanket, or something over your shoulder should give ample privacy. I dont see how any one could object to nursing as long as mommy's breast isnt on display for all the world to see.

ITA

I didn't breast-feed for the same reasons.

I've seen plenty of people BF in the parks. They all were covered but it wasn't hard to tell what was going on. As long as it's done discreetly, I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it.

 

[flortlebap]

I didn't realize that it was still so unusual in England.

BF rates in the UK are amongst the lowest in the world... something like 60% of babies are BF at all, and only 25% are receiving ANY breast milk by 6 months... so it's no wonder people compare me to someone with three heads for nursing a toddler!

As to everyone else, thanks for some great opinions. It's nice to see that people who didn't BF don't mind others doing it and I must agree that I hate to see women unnecessarily exposing themselves by feeding topless (yes it does happen!).

I'll see how I feel at the time but honestly people probably couldn't tell I was doing it with my DD hidden under my poncho (a white lacey thing). They'd probably just wonder why I was trying to suffocate a poor defenceless toddler, LOL!

 

[KimWDW]

Babies, not at all.

I do have to be honest and admit that I feel uncomfortable when I see a mother nursing a toddler in public--like a kid that can walk, talk, eat food, unbutton your shirt for you, etc. It's a personal choice and I totally respect that. I would never make a face or anything to make the mom uncomfortable--it's her child! But, I have to admit that I would feel a little uncomfortable. But, I just keep my eyes averted and hope that my curious son does, too. lol.

 

[slo]

I wouldn't be offended at all

Plus, when I'm at WDW, I am so focused on my kids, and making sure our family is staying on track, that I don't notice what 1/2 the people are doing around me .

A side note: If you have never been to WDW before, the areas for nursing moms are really really nice If you are going when it's hot, you and your baby may be more comfortable in one of these areas where they have air conditioning and rocking chairs. The one next to the Crystal Palace in the MK is the only one I visited, and I was really impressed.

 

[GEM]

First, let me make clear that I don't have any problem with moms who choose to feed their babies formula. Why on earth should I care about what someone else chooses for their family? The only thing that matters to me is that my choices are respected, and then I will do the same for everyone else. So, if you are formula feeding, please feel free to come and sit down on the bench beside me. I'll nurse and you give your baby a bottle and we can chat to pass the time.

That said, my little guy just recently stopped nursing at 39 months. I have nursed him literally all over the world (AND all over Disney World). We nursed on rides, benches, curbs, during shows, on boats and monorails, and pretty much everywhere else . . . except the baby centers. I'm sure they're nice, but there is not way I was interupting my vacation to hike all the way across the park everytime my little one needed to nurse.

For the record, I NEVER coverd up with a blanket - and I especially wouldn't do it in the Florida heat! When Paul was latched on, there was nothing to see but the back of his head. That's it. Sure, if someone looked at us, it was obvious what he was doing, but you certainly couldn't see anything. If just knowing that a baby is nursing is offensive to someone, then, frankly, that's their problem and I really couldn't care less. Sorry to be harsh, but that's the definately the way I feel.

I can honestly say, though, that, in all that time and with all that public nursing, I never had any rude comments or looks or anything - just occasional smiles and nods from other moms.

I would encourage any nursing mom of any little one any age to feed their child any where, any time. Not only is it a totally normal and reasonable thing to do, but the law in Florida (and most other states) specifically protects a woman's right to nurse in any public place! (Just to clarify, there are NO states where public nursing is illegal, but not all states have legislation that actually PROTECTS a nursing mother's rights in public. Florida does.)

 

[flortlebap]

My only concern about stopping at the feeding centres is that it will completely detract some time from the day! Stopping for nappy changes is different because it's a necessity and I think that it's pretty gross to change nappies out in the fresh air amongst other people... but stopping for feeds too would really sap our time, it would be nice to be able to stop as and when, or feed in shows, rather than detouring into feeding rooms all the time!

I hope I haven't offended anyone by the nappy changing comment by the way but yuck, there's nothing worse than parents changing icky nappies in full view... or letting their kids pee in corners without waiting to find a restroom... :rofl:

 

[GEM]

Well, the difference is that each park has tons of bathrooms all over the place and they all have diaper changing stations. But, each park has only ONE baby care center. That means, if you are not it that area, it could be a VERY long hike back to the baby center. (Although, even if they had many of them, I'd still choose to nurse out on a nice bench or during a show, etc.) One of the most wonderful things about nursing is that "any time, any where, always ready" convenience. If you feel restricted to one area in each park when it comes time to nurse your baby, that convenience is pretty much negated - plus you may find yourself hiking an awfully long way in the heat with a screaming, hungry baby! Why go to all that trouble when there are so many lovely benches, rides, and shows, etc. that make great nursing opportunities?

 

[flortlebap]

Not only is it a totally normal and reasonable thing to do, but the law in Florida (and most other states) specifically protects a woman's right to nurse in any public place! (Just to clarify, there are NO states where public nursing is illegal, but not all states have legislation that actually PROTECTS a nursing mother's rights in public. Florida does.)

That's great news, I never knew that! Scotland has similar legislation but MP's in England are still campaigning for breastfeeding mum's rights. Until then we'll have to live with rude comments, stares, and being told to move on from restaurants. There was even a case in the news lately where an old woman called the police because she took offence to a mum nursing her 3 week old son on a park bench, and guess what, the police came and asked her to move on!!

It sure is a strange world...

 

[GEM]

That's great news, I never knew that! Scotland has similar legislation but MP's in England are still campaigning for breastfeeding mum's rights. Until then we'll have to live with rude comments, stares, and being told to move on from restaurants. There was even a case in the news lately where an old woman called the police because she took offence to a mum nursing her 3 week old son on a park bench, and guess what, the police came and asked her to move on!!

It sure is a strange world...

No worries about that in Florida! It would actually be illegal for someone to ask you to move or to not nurse your little one in a restaurant, on a bench, or anywhere else you are legally allowed to be. The law would be on YOUR side, not theirs.

Have a great trip!

 

[TracyK]

I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. I must say that I'm really surprised that you won't breastfeed in public in the UK, things must have changed. I always breastfed my DS in public and never had a problem, though this was 15 years ago.

Tracy

 

[Zoemakes5]

I have no problem with NIP. I do have "issues", though frankly not very strong ones, with people who aren't discreet. Now, I'm not talking about that you can tell they're nursing, that's no problem. I'm talking about all "parts" showing. And, while I "buy" the argument that "that's what they're made for", there are many male parts, that if they pulled out anywhere to use for what they were made for, they would be arrested.
So, to answer your question, go for it! I would go with your comfort zone, maybe adjusting it slightly to recognize the wide range of ages and genders who will be around you, if possible. If, during the time you're at WDW, you feel uncomfortable, then you can adjust and go to the nursing center. In my experience, sometimes with the older ones at WDW (or other 'exciting' places) they become too interested in what's around them, making NIP less discreet than some would like.

 

[Princess Amy]

I am not here trying to make anyone feel bad, nor do I want to start an arguement. When I was 11 my aunt was bf her infant. When I was 15 she was still bf that same child. She was not a discreet person at all. Her son was not off the breast until 4 and a half. Because of her, and her exposedness ( is that a word ), she literally turned me off to bf. I mean her son would actually walk across the room to her in the middle of a conversation, lift up her shirt, dangle his long legs across her and the couch and start feeding himself. I was truly mortified and swore up and down that I would never bf any children of mine. Well that changed when I had my son. I only bf him for two months. Cause after that it felt too awkward to me.

So my point being.... I do not mind anyone bf as long as they are covered. I do find bf someone over 2 a little odd. But that is my opinion. Parents can do whatever they choose, but not everyone in the world has to know it.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I've just popped across from the Families board where I noticed a rather OTT breast v bottle debate going on so firstly can I ask that this doesn't turn into an argument, I'm just after some opinions

How do you feel about public breast feeding in WDW? Babies and toddlers? My DD will be 14 months on our trip and still nursing. For the record I am extremely discreet, 90% of people wouldn't even notice I was feeding, and I usually have her under a net poncho when she's feeding to stop her from being distracted and to stop others from feeling uncomfortable.

So my question is this - would it offend you to see older children nursing in WDW? Would you rather mums stuck to the nursing stations, or is it okay for us to feed wherever? I don't want to offend anyone or make people uncomfortable - and I never feed in public in the UK because BF in public is virtually unheard of except amongst the brave and if anyone fed a toddler in public where I live it would certainly cause a huge fuss...

It isn't a breast vs. bottle debate on the other board. I'm the OP and I can assure you that is NOT AT ALL what the thread is about. Please go back and read it again. Thank you.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I am not here trying to make anyone feel bad, nor do I want to start an arguement. When I was 11 my aunt was bf her infant. When I was 15 she was still bf that same child. She was not a discreet person at all. Her son was not off the breast until 4 and a half. Because of her, and her exposedness ( is that a word ), she literally turned me off to bf. I mean her son would actually walk across the room to her in the middle of a conversation, lift up her shirt, dangle his long legs across her and the couch and start feeding himself. I was truly mortified and swore up and down that I would never bf any children of mine. Well that changed when I had my son. I only bf him for two months. Cause after that it felt too awkward to me.

So my point being.... I do not mind anyone bf as long as they are covered. I do find bf someone over 2 a little odd. But that is my opinion. Parents can do whatever they choose, but not everyone in the world has to know it.

That is indeed a very sad story. I'm sorry you did not feel comfortable breastfeeding. What a shame.

However, that doesn't mean your aunt did anything wrong. Your reaction is indicative of our culture, which sexualizes the breasts. THEY WERE MEANT FOR BREASTFEEDING. Period. Sexual purposes are all well and good, but if a woman doesn't feel comfortable feeding her child the way God and nature intended, then we as a society have a problem.