How do you feel about this?

[BamaFan121s]

As for my peeing comparison. I wasn't really comparing the two so much as saying that the argument that "that's what breasts are for" doesn't hold water (or milk ) for me.

I for one, thought is was a very valid and thought provoking comparison.

 

[BamaFan121s]

As for my peeing comparison. I wasn't really comparing the two so much as saying that the argument that "that's what breasts are for" doesn't hold water (or milk ) for me.

Oops....hit 'submit' twice...sorry.

 

[faindrops27]

Hixski.
You actually are friends with that woman? Who did that to her children?

 

[kidsicet]

Boy is this a hot topic. Everyone has their own opinions, which is great. Back to the OP's question, I nursed a toddler in DisneyWorld, but only once in a baby center. She was way to curious while we were in there, and kept looking around at everything and everyone. I found it much more convenient to nurse her on a quiet park bench when needed.

I'm too busy enjoying my vacation to worry what others are doing. To each their own - they need to do what is right for their family situation. I'm not here to judge. I didn't nurse DD1, but I did nurse DD2 for 2 1/2 years. I'm not a bad mother in either situation - it was just my choice. Nursing a toddler doesn't hurt the general public. If you don't like it, look the other way.

 

[Bird-Mom]

As for my peeing comparison. I wasn't really comparing the two so much as saying that the argument that "that's what breasts are for" doesn't hold water (or milk ) for me.

I don't mean to pick on you, but feeding is the primary function of breasts. My dh (who wasn't so sure about the whole BF thing when I was pregnant) now says that they are still sexual objects although feeding comes first. He has come a long way, so if he can change his mindset ever so slightly, I think many people can come to an understanding.

For anyone who buys into that they aren't for feeding or who isn't so sure about it, I would highly suggest reading So That's What They Are For! by Janet Tamaro. It's a very good read using humor for education.

 

[Bird-Mom]

I Do I personally want my 5 y.o dd observing someone else bf? No, but that is my choice and if the situation arises, we will move...we have our right to make that decision just as much as you have yours. Is it a natural part of life, yes, but I will choose when to explain that to my dd.

I'm sorry you don't feel comfortable saying "some mamas feed their babies with breasts and some mamas feed their babies with a bottle." That is all a 5 year old needs unless they ask for more. I think that sometimes we as adults go into way more information than our children can process.

 

[vatmark]

Women who are NIP are not just sitting there with their breast hanging out for all to see. When nursing a baby you would see no more skin then someone who is wearing a bikini top.

If your 5 year old saw a dog nursing puppies would you be disgusted? Wouldn't you just explain to your child that that is the way dogs feed their babies? Why couldn't you explain to your child that that is a way a mommy feeds her baby. Some mommys use a bottle and some nurse their babies. This is how I explained it to both my children. What is so horrible about this. Young children know nothing about breasts are far as being sexual. At some point the children learn what makes mammals mammals...they have mammary glands that produce milk to feed their young.

Annie

 

[BamaFan121s]

For anyone who buys into that they aren't for feeding or who isn't so sure about it, I would highly suggest reading So That's What They Are For! by Janet Tamaro. It's a very good read using humor for education.

I'm not taking sides here, but I don't believe he ever denied that they are for feeding, I think he was kind of trying to illustrate a "if it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander" situation. Yes, they are for feeding, therefor bf is OK, but it's not OK for him to expose himself to go to the bathroom...that's what its for.

Correct me if I misunderstood you frayedend.

 

[Tink In Training]

OP, your child is your child. If you BF them then by all means you should do so in DW just as you would any where else. Don't think you should have to go on a dark ride or find a bench out of the way...I'm sure as a mother you are BFing in the most descrete way you already can.

I BF all three of my girls and I did so in public places, I refused to be designated to a bathroom to feed my child. At the end of the day, you are the child’s parent and to be honest who really cares what other people think about it. And if you're that worried or people are that offended you can fall back on the fact that Florida laws provide you the right to do so.

If someone doesn't like it, to be quite honest it's their problem. I won't have other people telling me what is best for my child or my family.

Most all people who breast feed are not doing it for attention or trying to "make a spectacle" of themselves, they're doing it for their child. Don't let other people's narrow mindedness deter you from making the best decision you can for your child.

If they don't like it they can look away.

Have a great vacation!

 

[vatmark]

I'm sorry you don't feel comfortable saying "some mamas feed their babies with breasts and some mamas feed their babies with a bottle." That is all a 5 year old needs unless they ask for more. I think that sometimes we as adults go into way more information than our children can process.

Sorry Bird-mom I was typing mine. I didn't see your response. Didn't mean to repeat things.

Annie

 

[BamaFan121s]

I'm sorry you don't feel comfortable saying "some mamas feed their babies with breasts and some mamas feed their babies with a bottle." That is all a 5 year old needs unless they ask for more. I think that sometimes we as adults go into way more information than our children can process.

And I am sorry if you feel it is your business how I raise my child and what I tell them. Who are you to tell me that is all my 5 y.o. needs to hear?!?

Maybe you missed my post where I said that if I wasn't comfortable around it, I would leave instead of causing a scene (regardless to who was right in the situation). Preaching from others as to how I should feel isn't going to change my mind, sorry. I thought walking away from it if I wasn't comfortable was better than being an a** about it.

 

[sharibrat]

Breastfeeding in public is no more offensive, IMO, than bottlefeeding in public. You are feeding your child, end of discussion. Yes, a toddler may not be as discreet, that needs to be your decision. If your older child wanted a snack, they'd sit on a bench and have it, not walk across the park to a nursing room.

Honestly, half the time I am nursing my baby, people come up and say "how cute" because they cannot even tell what I am doing and just think he is sleeping.

As for explaining it to older children. It is life. I am sure they are exposed to much worse things that have no real meaning in life. Frankly, my daughter sees a baby fed with a bottle and wonders what they are doing.

 

[CleveRocks]

I'm sorry you don't feel comfortable saying "some mamas feed their babies with breasts and some mamas feed their babies with a bottle." That is all a 5 year old needs unless they ask for more. I think that sometimes we as adults go into way more information than our children can process.

I totally agree. As the dad of 2 bottle-fed babies (now 6 and almost 4 and NOT bottle-feeding anymore, BTW ), I would NEVER feel the least bit uncomfortable if my son or my daughter asked me what was "going on over there" if they saw a baby nursing from its mother. It's a natural, wholesome act that, in my opinion, doesn't need to be hidden from children. I don't want them to get the impression that there is anything shameful, wrong, or "dirty" about it.

BamaFan, of course you have your right to your opinion. I'm not bashing you in any way, I'm just stating my opinion as well. To each's own.

 

[BamaFan121s]

Women who are NIP are not just sitting there with their breast hanging out for all to see. When nursing a baby you would see no more skin then someone who is wearing a bikini top.

With all due respect, I do not for one minute think they are trying to attract attention at all. And I have not said, "I don't think you should bf in public."--because I don't feel that way at all.

But ask yourself this, would this argument work in reverse? Say you have a 16 year old daugher who decided she's going to wear a very skimpy, revealing bikini top that leaves little to the imagination to the MK one day. Do you let her wear it? I mean, it's coving about the same about of skin as bf, right? So it's OK?

Anyways, like I said, I really don't care one way or another what you do. I don't understand the desire to do it...but that is just ME. If it offends me, I'll quietly move...sorry if THAT offends someone else.

 

[Tink In Training]

I think it's funny that people are so baffled by what to tell their older children? Don't kids always say the darndest things?? Make the most off the wall comments?? Ask things ALL the TIME!! Ask what makes you cringe?? What do you tell them regularly?

I once had my daughter admire a baby in a stroller and ask me why the mommy was white and the baby was brown....as horrified as I was at first I knew it was just her natural curiosity. I smiled at the lady and explained that her daddy must have darker skin than the mommy and the lady so nicely replied that her husband, the baby’s daddy was African American. My daughter just said "oh...she's pretty". No harm done...she's a kid, she's going to ask questions at the most inopportune time and my job as a parent is to answer them honestly.

My girls have no problem with BF babies as they were all breastfed as where many of their cousins but if they ever asked I'd explain it to them honestly. There's nothing to be ashamed of...

 

[BamaFan121s]

BamaFan, of course you have your right to your opinion. I'm not bashing you in any way, I'm just stating my opinion as well. To each's own.

No offense taken. Thanks!

 

[BamaFan121s]

I think it's funny that people are so baffled by what to tell their older children? Don't kids always say the darndest things?? Make the most off the wall comments?? Ask things ALL the TIME!! Ask what makes you cringe?? What do you tell them regularly?

I'm sorry, I missed that. Who was "baffled?" I don't believe I saw where anyone was at a loss for what to tell their children.

 

[disneynewbee]

I'm not going to flame you, but I think there is something that you are missing. Nursing is not only for food. Everytime a child is nursed she is comforted by the physical proximity and touch of the mother. For those of us who nursed into toddler-hood it natural to offer a breast to a crying child. It's not a food thing ... I don't think I was even producing milk in the last few months. It's pure comfort for the child in a way that the child knows. And it works! A little nursing and a little cuddle and the kid goes on their way.

FWIW, I don't want to make it seem that formula-fed children are not held, cuddled or comforted by their parents when they are fed. Of course they are!

I still think there are plenty of other ways to comfort a child,I think breastfeeding should be strictly for feeding and hugs and kisses for comfort. I mean the whole argument is my kid has the right to eat but admittedly some people are doing it even when the kid is not hungry just for comfort or bonding. I think toddlers should be able to learn other methods of being comforted. I just don't agree with putting a breast in a childs mouth for anything other than providing nourishment, comfort can be given in other ways.

 

[sunny_]

But I have seen several posts here where women have mention that they keep offering the breast after the milk had dried up? seriously? Because that seems very wrong to me. If the child isn't getting any milk, doesn' t that mean it is no longer a matter of "nutrition choice" and now a matter of a child performing a sexual act?

Oh my goodness! First let me say that I weaned my first breast-fed baby at 12 months of age and am currently bf a 6 month old. I plan to bf him until he's 18 months old or until he self-weans. I've never bf a child after my milk was gone but...... LOL! Nursing a child for comfort is NOT A SEXUAL ACT! I've never heard of anything so far out there before in my life!! I'm not sure whether to laugh or to feel bad for people with such views. Sure - I find the idea of bf a 3 year old uncomfortable for me to do personally but to accuse the mother of getting sexual satisfaction out such an act proves your ignorance beyond a doubt!!!!

I'm so very sorry, but breasts and peni$es and ******l areas are "private parts". While I don't care whatsoever whether someone is NIP, I would prefer not to see their breasts. I would prefer my children don't see thier breasts. While it is most definitely natural, there are alot of other body parts that are not appropriate to expose when using them for their natural purposes. Whether that is sexual activity, or urinating, or inserting a tampon, or whatever. In most instances, even though the other activities are natural and part of their purpose, they are done behind closed doors or in areas where one would expect it (like at a urinal in a men's restroom, no closed doors, but you know what you're getting.) Or in a bedroom. (BtW, Please don't tell my DH that my breasts aren't sexual in nature at all, they might get less attention, and I don't like that idea at all!)
Now, I'm totally not advocating that breastfeeding needs to be done behind closed doors. Not even close to that. But, I do think it's rude to assume that your viewpoint is the only right one, that everyone else is wrong to even consider that someone who is NIP should take some slight precautions to respond to reasonable and valid concerns of other people. And, that simply by stating, to sum it up "it's natural, stupid" that it makes it all okay.

Well let me agree that peeing and mating are very natural things we do just like feeding a baby. But, in case you haven't thought of it, there is one huge difference between eating and peeing. One is legal when done in public - one is illegal when done in public! Everyone eats in public and it's a socially accepted activity. So a baby eating in public as nature made us is LEGAL. Now having a pee-party in public or having sex in public is not socially accepted and ILLEGAL!! Got the difference now? thanks! So it's not just saying (to quote you) "it's natural, stupid" it's also "natural and legal"!

First of all, yes it's natural and that's what they are there for. I know. My private part is there for me to go pee but I don't think it's okay for me to pee anywhere I want no matter how discretely. Even if I had a container so sanitary reasons wouldn't count, it would not be okay. I know that's a bit of a stretch but my point is that it makes some people uncomfortable so why do it, if there are other options available.

However, having had a screaming baby I can understand if the baby center is not near you, so then I guess I'd say go ahead. Ya know? They should definitely provide more nice places for that. Perhaps more family rest rooms (not bathrooms, but nice rest areas).

But the idea of it being okay anywhere is ridiculous.

See above. It's not just natural like urinating - it's socially acceptable to eat in public and it's LEGAL. Pulling out your private part in public and peeing is illegal. Talk to our gov't about this if you want it changed! lol

I think that the idea of being able to feed a hungry baby anywhere is not ridiculous. What if the baby was drinking out of a bottle instead of a breast? Then, I bet, it would be a-ok in your book to feed that screaming baby in the middle of the mall with a bottle.... but let the bf baby scream and turn red as the mother has to run to a dirty bathroom stall to feed him/her. Come on now, people!




Anyway....
I've never seen anyone bf where they let it all hang out. If I had, I may have though "Whoa - she could cover up a bit". So I'm not militant bf lady. I've formula fed my first two children and am slightly uncomfortable nursing in public. I use a blanket to cover up, but not in 90 degree weather. that is why I will be using dark theaters and such if the nursing station is not nearby.

I guess there are extremes in every situation. I think most people here are agreeing even though it may not seem like it (except for the people who think that bf is like having sex in public or the women who think they should basically walk around topless). I haven't seen anyone here say they will just whip their breast out for all to see. Most women agree that they take measures to ensure that people don't see too much. But stuff happens. Babies unlatch at a sudden noise and a nipple may be exposed!!! EEK! Some people may be scarred for life!!! LOL

 

[frayedend]

I'm not taking sides here, but I don't believe he ever denied that they are for feeding, I think he was kind of trying to illustrate a "if it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander" situation. Yes, they are for feeding, therefor bf is OK, but it's not OK for him to expose himself to go to the bathroom...that's what its for.

Correct me if I misunderstood you frayedend.

You understood perfectly. I do see the other point though and that is, we all eat in public, but we don't pee in public. So that can be an argument to my point. Of course I know what the primary function is. But basically, some people feel uncomfortable seeing it. I am a person who thinks basically it is okay, but still when I see it I am uncomfortable. I feel the need to "look away". What if the mom thinks I am staring. Heck, a breast that might be partially exposed is almost asking for men to look. We can't help it. We know it's out for feeding a baby but it is an innate reaction and so we have to feel wrong when we happen to see it. That's really all there is too it. I don't want to feel uncomfortable. If there is a good place provided, then use it. If not, then be discrete.

And if you have a toddler/pre-schooler then you can certainly make it to a private place to do that. You cannot be discrete about that, and right or wrong, it will make people uncomfortable. ...just my opinion.