Nurse your baby in WDW restaurants?

[Scotch]

I've only nursed my 8 month old in public twice, and I've never nursed him in a restaurant -- we've only taken him out to two restaurants since birth, always after/before his nursing times. Now we're heading off to WDW in 3 days so I'm prepared to nurse him at the parks -- and I'm so glad I read so many posts about how easy and common it is to nurse at the parks -- and we'll be eating out at least one meal every day (and probably to take out for the rest). We plan to work around his feeding schedule, but his second to the last nursing session = 5:15 pm to 5:30 pm (after I return from work), solid snack around 6 - 6:30 pm (when DH and I eat our dinners), and last nursing session at 7:30 pm after his 7 pm bath so that pretty much rules out dinners anywhere away from our resort (OKW) since we'd have to anticipate wait time (even with a PS), server time, and transportation time, UNLESS I have the nerve (and it is okay) to nurse him at a restaurant for his 5'ish session.

Do other moms nurse their babies at the restaurants? Is it okay with the management and the other patrons? Are there tips if you do so successfully? Are there restaurants more suited for this purpose than others?

Thanks!

 

[kirbsam]

Here is a mans perspective. My wife nursed both of our children until they were about 15 months. She was very discreet(towel over babys head and all that). That being said she would whip it out anywhere and nurse. Sometimes I didn't even notice she was nursing. The point is as long as you are somewhat discreet you should be able to nurse in a restaurant. This is just my opinion.

 

[diznygirl]

How about making PS at 6 - then you can find someplace to nurse outside the restuarant nearby. DH can check in for you, you will prob be done by the time you are called, and then baby can have his solid snack. You will be done with dinner by the time his 7:30 feeding arrives. Give him his bath every other night.

I'm not sure if many restaurant patrons will be willing to put up with breastfeeding moms, and some of the tables at WDW are sooo close together. Also, my DS and DD had a rough time trying to nurse in noisy, busy places. It was always better to find an out-of-the way spot to get them to concentrate.

Good Luck!

 

[colleen costello]

I think it depends on your comfort level. It is perfectly OK to feed baby in a restaurant. Just turn toward your hubby and cover the baby if you feel a bit self-conscious. I personally feel that the more women stop hiding, and nurse in public places, the better received it will be overall. Only in squirrely America would this even be an issue. (Teeny bikinis are OK at Typhoon Lagoon but a nursing Mom is offensive?) If someone from another table gawks at you, they really need to get a life... There is no reason they would be forced to stare at you, the baby OR your breast. Go for it! As for "putting up with" you, many patrons might be surprised to learn that lots of states have laws protecting the rights of Moms to nurse in public!

 

[akrake]

I'm not sure if many restaurant patrons will be willing to put up with breastfeeding moms, and some of the tables at WDW are sooo close together.

ok, i have to chime in...i'm not coming down on diznygirl so don't flame me! i nursed my third at 6wks old last year at wdw at California Grill with no problems. but...as a mom who nursed her two older kids 2 years each & am nursing her third going on 15months....it DOES NOT matter if others don't want to "put up" with nursing....it's state law to allow it!! here's the info from LLL.

SUMMARY OF ENACTED BREASTFEEDING LEGISLATION
FLORIDA
Florida led the nation by enacting the first comprehensive breastfeeding legislation in the United States. The legislation not only exempted breastfeeding from criminal statutes, but created a new law that stated this important and basic act of nurture must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health. Finally, it provides for a breast-feeding encouragement policy for facilities providing maternity services and newborn infant care.

Fla. Stat. Ann. § 383.015
1993 Fl. ALS 4; 1993 Fla. Laws ch. 4; 1993 Fla. HB 231

The breast feeding of a baby is an important and basic act of nurture which must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health and family values. A mother may breast feed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether or not the nipple of the mother's breast is covered during or incidental to the breast feeding.

Fla. Stat. 800.02, 800.03, 800.04

Statute language omitted. These statutes exclude breastfeeding from various sexual offenses, from the definition of an unnatural and lascivious act.

Fla. Stat. § 827.071 (Child abuse statute)

(g) "Sexual conduct" means ... A mother’s breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstances constitute "sexual conduct."

Fla .Stat. §383.016, , 383.016, 383.311, and 363.318
Section 383.016 of the Florida Statutes, provides for a breast-feeding encouragement policy for facilities providing maternity services and newborn infant care and authorizing use of "baby-friendly" designation. Sections 383.016, 383.311, and 363.318 of the Florida Statutes relating to breast feeding, administration of maternal and child health programs, education for birth center clients, and postpartum care for birth center clients, requiring encouragement of breastfeeding.

 

[tycopj]

My thought is "absolutely !" If your little one is hungry then I say nurse your baby.

Are there restaurants more suited for this purpose than others? I don't know, sometimes a quiet restaurant is easier for baby, but I don't know enough about the restaurants (I need to go MORE often) sorry I can't help with that.

You are obviously aware that some people are not as comfortable around nursing moms and babies. Because of your awareness I'm sure you will be discreet, I wouldn't worry about it.

It took me a long time before I was brave enough to nurse in public, the first time I needed to nurse I went the restroom. I was in this restroom, standing up, trying to nurse when I realized I'm feeding my baby in a bathroom After that I decided to nurse where ever I was and was very discreet about it.

Are there tips if you do so successfully? I used these blankets that my mother in law gave me. They were almost the same fabric as a sheet. I really liked them because they were big enough that everything was covered (front, back, top and bottom) but since they were really light weight my DS wouldn't get hot and it wouldn't be stuffy under there. Because they were so light weight, they could be really big and I could pack them anywhere. These lightweight blankets were the best!

on a side note....when I see a mom nursing it makes me all gushy inside, it really brings back the baby days!

Have a great trip!

 

[momloveson]

If you feel comfortable nursing in public, then do so. I'm trying to think hard if I noticed anyone nursing during our last trip, and the only thing I can remember is once seeing a mom with a blanket draped. But I wasn't trying to FIND nursing moms, lol. I remember being a nursing mom, and I understand that sometimes you just can't help but think people are staring but, in general, I think they're not. And if someone is uncomfortable, then shame on them for lurking.

That said, the restaurants can be quite loud and there is no way I would have been able to breastfeed my son with all the distractions..he would be the baby looking all over the place while my blouse was hanging open showing off my breasts. (( Of course I was not very coordinated and never got the hang of being "discreet" lol. )) Nearly everywhere we ate, however, there was a quiet,deserted corner to be found somewhere closeby. We used these corners for quiet time outs for DS, but I can easily see using them as a comfortable place to feed baby while still being within a minute of the table. Outside Boma, for example, there is a quiet spot in the lobby by savanna doors. If you know restaurants that you'd like to try, perhaps you ask the boards and someone would know if there's an easy quiet place to nurse or if you may want to pick a better choice. I'm sure you can work eating out into your vacation if you want to. To me, that was part of the fabulous Disney vacation.

Best of luck. And I'm happy to fill you in on any restaurants that I know of.

 

[jeancbpugh]

I'm not sure if many restaurant patrons will be willing to put up with breastfeeding moms, and some of the tables at WDW are sooo close together.

I cracked up reading this. How do you think they will express their displeasure? LOL. At least a nursing baby is quiet.

Be discrete and nurse where you please. It's just eating, after all.

 

[Scotch]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts/tips/experiences. Please keep tips coming. I still don't know if I'll feel brave enough, but I now feel we *may* be able to have a nice sit down dinner with the baby on this trip.

Outside Boma, for example, there is a quiet spot in the lobby by savanna doors. If you know restaurants that you'd like to try, perhaps you ask the boards and someone would know if there's an easy quiet place to nurse or if you may want to pick a better choice. I'm sure you can work eating out into your vacation if you want to. To me, that was part of the fabulous Disney vacation.

Best of luck. And I'm happy to fill you in on any restaurants that I know of.

Thanks for the tip on Boma. We've only visited WDW twice before and the only non-counter meals we had were at Boma and Cape May Cafe. I am interested in trying O'Hanas, Jiko, Kona Cafe, Olivia's Cafe and Le Cellier. I'm open to other options. I understand the calmer the better so there would be less distractions during nursing, and I wonder if that kills O'Hanas because it sounds like a happening place?

 

[MrsPete]

I think ANY PLACE is appropriate to nurse a baby. It's your right, and you shouldn't hesitate. Having nursed two children well past their first birthdays, here are my comments:

1. When you nurse your baby, you become invisible. All the people who notice how cute your baby is all day long suddenly can't see you! They walk right by without turning their heads. Seriously, most people won't even notice and those who do, won't say anything. During my nursing days, I remember only a very few people speaking to me -- always women encouraging nursing or fondly commenting on having nursed their children "way back when".
2. Tell the restaurant hostess that you plan to nurse, and you'd like to be seated in a booth with some privacy. Don't ASK permission, politely TELL. You're likely to get a seat that'll suit your needs. It'd be a good idea to choose an off-time to eat -- the restaurant will be quieter.
3. Take a look at nursing tops by MotherWear. They're pricey, but I loved them. I wonder if they can be bought on ebay?
4. This isn't really so much help for Disney, but it's helpful for around town: if you want a private space, you can always nurse in a dressing room (this is even more useful when you have a toddler who needs to be corralled while you nurse the baby -- a three-way mirror will keep the older child busy while the baby eats) or the housewares section (fewer men).
5. Any time you're tempted to give it up, just remember that nursing your baby is WAY EASIER than using bottles. You have nothing to buy, transport, mix, keep cool, warm up, or clean up. The baby's poop is less smelly, there's less spit-up, and -- unlike formula -- breastmilk doesn't stain clothing. The health benefits, of course, are wonderful. It's so worth the effort!

 

[Amaris]

When I nursed my kids in public I always lifted my shirt. It was rare for anyone to notice because they were turned toward me and it just looked like I was holding them, my shirt was tucked around their face and their body covered whatever was bare on mine, LOL! If you use a drape or towel, you actually draw more attention to yourself when you are attempting to be discrete, so this is a matter of opinion and comfort. I would do as mentioned above, sit at the back of the table and have hubby sit in front, lift your shirt and you can do this discretely. Practice ahead if you are worried. I have seen women button from the top down ( don't do that, LOL ) and others just flop out... LOL! There *are* ways to nurse and be discrete.. and your baby has a right to eat at mealtime too.... You might also carry a cloth sling if you are really worried. that way baby can nurse, your hands will be free

 

[minkydog]

I nursed all my babies pretty much anywhere until they were over a year old. And I NEVER nursed in a bathroom (ewww..) I used a scarf or lightweight shawl to sling over my shoulder, which didn't draw much attention. a sling is another option that works well--very discreet. I found that nursing in a restaurant is easier when I order something I can eat with my fingers or one hand, such as shrimp or salad. As long as i didn't have to cut my food I was set. I usually only nursed on one side at a time anyway, so I could latch the baby on and return to my meal without having to (inconvenietly) switch sides in the middle. Start by practicing at home, then go to the mall and give it a whirl. You may be pleasantly surprised at how little attention you command. And if anybody has teh audacity to complain I want you to practice saying these words..."BITE ME."

Cathy--mom to three grown nurslings

 

[grlpwrd]

How about making PS at 6 - then you can find someplace to nurse outside the restuarant nearby. DH can check in for you, you will prob be done by the time you are called, and then baby can have his solid snack. You will be done with dinner by the time his 7:30 feeding arrives. Give him his bath every other night.

I'm not sure if many restaurant patrons will be willing to put up with breastfeeding moms, and some of the tables at WDW are sooo close together. Also, my DS and DD had a rough time trying to nurse in noisy, busy places. It was always better to find an out-of-the way spot to get them to concentrate.

Good Luck!

Yes, many people have their issues seeing a baby breastfeed, but it is state law and you have a right to nurse in public.

I have bf'ed all 4 of my kids and I still nurse my 16mo son.

Kudos to you for breastfeeding, OP!

 

[Kermit]

When your baby gets hungry, nurse him. If other people have a problem with it, that's their issue. If it's an appropriate place to give a baby a bottle, it's a an appropriate place to nurse the baby. And that's practically everywhere at WDW (except the bathrooms, of course).

Your baby may not be on his normal schedule while you're away. Don't worry about that. Just nurse him when he looks like he needs/wants it. He'll return to his normal schedule when you get home. Feed him before he's fussy. People will turn and look at a crying baby, and you don't want an audience as you get him latched on.

Wear clothes that are easy to nurse in. If you don't have clothes specifically for nursing, loose shirts that don't tuck in a great. Even better is an unbuttoned shirt over a t-shirt or tank top.

Do think about which chair you take at restaurants. Sit with your back toward major walkways. Personally, I don't really care for booths most of the time. Yes, you are more concealed, but there's not always room for you and your baby if the table doesn't scoot.

In all honesty, it's extremely unlikely that you'll bother anyone and even less likely that they'll say anything to you. I nurse modestly but EVERYWHERE and I've never had anyone say anything to me. I pity the person who does. They'll get an earfull.

 

[airforcewife]

akrake.

Thats great info!! No woman should have to endure stares when nurseing. Geez 200 years ago if you didn't nurse then how would you feed your baby? We should all remember that.

 

[akrake]

akrake.

Thats great info!! No woman should have to endure stares when nursing. Geez 200 years ago if you didn't nurse then how would you feed your baby? We should all remember that.

airforcewife,
sometimes i just get on my bandwagon & GO!!! Truth be told, I rarely nurse in public anymore since dd is so distracted by her surroundings....but...i'm sure i'll have to in WDW in January!!! But when i hear comments about taking nursing out of the way it really ticks me off bc you see less breast nursing than on the holiday victoria secret's commercials (now, their b**bs are a bit perker....oh well

amie

 

[geffric]

I nursed my kids anywhere and anytime they were hungry all over WDW. ( and the rest of the world LOL).. at small world, Mexico boat ride, etc.. I wore a nursing top, which IMHO was easy for me and baby. There is also a very nice nursing area in the baby station at MK.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

You've gotten some great suggestions already (I second checking out Motherwear nusing tops! I LOVED mine...purchased on ebay I nursed in regular clothes more often but a few good nursing tops for places where I knew I'd need to nurse often were always welcome). Just wanted to add my support on the nurse him anytime, anywhere thing! Given the choice between offending my baby by not feeding him when I had the means to do so or offending a stranger who has a problem with me discretely breastfeeding him, my baby won hands down every time! It makes me cringe to read the "have you ever had a shock" thread on the attractions board and see how many people list seeing a nursing Mom as a shock. It's better for baby and it's better for you. It shouldn't be shocking to see a Mom caring for her child. Nursing in public was a big hurdle for me to overcome at first by before too long I was sitting in a college football stadium with 87,000 people between my husband and my father-in-law and nursing my son comfortably. My father in law commented at the end of the game that the baby must be starving since he didn't get a bottle all day. He had no idea Connor had snacked through most of the day!


Have fun on your trip!!!

 

[lindaso]

When you are starting to feel nervous and uncomfortable, just remember one thing:

You are in a restaurant, the purpose of which is for people to EAT. Your baby is a person and he's entitled to EAT too!!!

Besides that, I agree with the OP who said she just lifted her shirt up. You will attract more attention if you have blanket, shawl, etc. Trust me that no one will notice you, they'll be wrapped up in their own lives and meals.

The more you BFIP, the more comfortable you'll feel. I remember my first time and think back to how nervous I was. Now after 3 kids I could list the most unusual places...on a hayride at a pumpkin farm is the one that comes to mind at the moment.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[antsss]

Nurse your baby anywhere you choose! I nursed three babies. Would you rather sit next to a satisfied, nursing baby or a hungry, crying baby?
1. Wear a nursing-friendly top. I had lots of luck with tank tops worn under button-down shirts
2. Ask the hostess to seat to in a place which you feel is most comfortable. I always preferred a booth and I would prop up my elbow on the diaper bag or our jackets. Try to sit facing away from a major walkway.
3. Have a light blanket to drape over yourself and the baby, especially when the baby is first latching on. Then you can adjust the blanket once the baby is settled. Don't smother the baby for the sake of modesty!
4. Order food that's easy to eat with one hand.
Have fun and good luck!