Nurse your baby in WDW restaurants?

[mamaprincess]

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!

I nursed notoriously at shows and during dining. My DD was 10 mos old and a ravenous little nurser. Before we went on that vacation my DH and I were very private about nursing, however our princess had a whole other philosophy and as every nursing mom knows little nursers will not be denied. I just used a blanket to be as discreet as possible and it worked out everywhere we found the need to do it.

 

[mamaprincess]

I just read the response from the mom who believes nursing is a private act. I believe this opinion is formulated by people for whom the breast is completely sexuallized. The good lord created breast to feed our offspring. Remember nursing a baby is not sexual or explicit it is feeding your child. For the sake of the society that we live in , we nursing mothers have become very tolerant of such attitudes and are there for very discreet, we do not expose our bare breast to you. We take many measures to ensure your comfort. Unless you are really looking closely and with the intention of seeing something, you really wouldn't see anything but a blanket and some legs. Private enough for you, or does your noseyness create a problem you think we should solve?

 

[goofyandmore]

I brought my daughter to disney world when she was 9mths and had no problem breastfeeding. I breastfed all 3 of my kids for a long time so I had it down to a science. I was never exposed at any time. I would lift my shirt up and cover with a blanket. No problem. I did this in many places. My family didn't even know many times I was breastfeeding. Don't worry, be happy!!

Also, I have to say that even though I breastfed my children for a long time and am a big supporter of breastfeeding, I would never criticize someone else who did not. You never know someone else's situation. Also, the mom could be using the bottle to feed breastmilk that she pumped but she might feel more comfortable using the bottle in public. I say live and let live.

 

[mamaprincess]

My DD is 7 years old and was brestfed until about 14 months of age.....its very easy to say its offensive, or pump and use a bottle, or nurse in private but there are children out there who absolutely will not use a bottle.....mine was one of them....she refused bottles and pacifiers so we had two alternatives...nurse in public or let her starve ( which obviously wasn't going to happen!). Its not like breastfeeding mother whip off their shirts and bras and sit bare breasted in a restaurant....at least not in my experience anyway : ) so as far as it being offensive....its all a matter of opinion...who knows maybe the same person that finds breast feeding offensive does things that someone else finds offensive.....i think that there are more important things to be concerned about.....when there are thousands of starving children in just the US how can you knock a mother for taking care of her childs needs? And just a quick response to the whole 4 year olds only know about Disney if Mommy and Daddy tell them.....children learn from everyone and everything...there are enough commercials, merchandise and others with vacation stories and pictures around that the knowledge can come from anywhere.....

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!

My little one also refuses and always has refused to use any bottles or pacifiers we finally got her to take a sippy cup but she will not drink any kind of milk out of it. I thought I was the only one. She is now 18 mos old and still nursing away with it seems no intention of weening anytime soon. I find less of a need to nurse publicly but have no problem with it if she expresses a true need to. Anyone who has issues has to work them out on their own, I dont take on other peoples problems. We have six year old twins and no way were we going to put their lives on hold for the sake of a few ignorant people. They are our priority not the ignorance of strangers. Disney should be experienced if you are fortunate enough as early as possible so belief can be suspended so the magic can feel real. They will always have that first magical childlike impression. I'm so glad we didn't wait.

 

[Scotch]

Oh, boy, I didn't realize what I started with my original post. I am so sorry to read about some of your experiences! Obviously I'm pro-breastfeeding for my child, but I would never consider going up to someone bottle feeding and telling her off!

Anyway, we had a fabulous time at WDW -- the weather was fantastic and my baby had a great time just looking at all the new stuff around him. We actually didn't end up going to any park because we didn't feel like spending the money to go to the park for only a few hours (and we didn't feel comfortable yet planning to spend too long in the park with a baby). So we just walked around a lot, shopped at Downtown Disney, visited many resorts to check out Xmas decorations and ate one meal out a day; the rest of the time we ate back in our condo. I ended up nursing at Pepper Market while DH went to get our food. It was easy because the place was pretty empty at the hour we were there and we asked for a far away table (telling the hostess I planned to nurse); I sat facing away from the other patrons and I'm sure no one knew I was nursing. I nursed DS two other times in public, both at Beach Club (before or after eating at Beaches & Cream -- we went twice); I just found a lounge chair and did it. I wore nursing tops each time so I'm sure no one saw much skin. It is a brave new world out there for me and my baby!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I cannot believe that in the year 2005 this is still so debated. I cannot believe that on one end there are people who encourage women to feed their children in a bathroom. Breast feeding is a natural process and not sexual or meant to be hidden. I also cannot believe there are people who chastise women for bottle feeding or presume that all bottle fed babies are not as healthy or loved as breast fed babies. Could it possibly be that most people do what they truly think right for their own children and that the arrogance of others is just a great big SHAME???

 

[Bird-Mom]

Do you also approach bottle feeding moms with nasty cards? I had this experience when my now two year old was an infant and it bothers me still. I understand that breast is best (read my previous post) but I think that the absolutely BEST thing for all is for people to keep their opinions to themselves unless they are asked. I wouldn't have wanted you to give me a card IF I was nursing or bottle feeding, or spoon feeding my child Coke.



Kristy

Well then, wear a name tag so I will know to stay away from you.

I think you are the exception rather than the rule. Most nursing moms are much more open than that. My point with the cards is that nursing moms need to stick together and show the world what breasts are for so that we are not intimidated by people who think we should feed our babies in the restroom. Sorry you still feel guilty or whatever. I went through hell and high water to nurse dd1 (which I did until 9 days before her 2nd birthday), so I know how hard it is. I also said that I know it might be breastmilk in the bottle. Aesthetically, I am offended by bottles. I hate seeing rubber or silicon jammed into a baby's mouth. That is my opinion, but I would never assume that it is always formula in there.

 

[Limmer]

I have to agree that I would prefer not to get a card if you saw me breastfeeding in public (which is something I never did, my DD would not eat with the distraction and I was not confortable). It would make me uncomfortable to have someone comment on a private decision. I would also feel unconfortable if somebody came up to me and complimented me on my healthy choice of meal for myself.

Why is it OK for you to be offended by bottles but it is not OK for other people to be offended by breasts?

Somebody mentioned that the only people who think breastfeeding is a private act are people who only think of a breast as highly sexualized. I don't think that is fair. I found breastfeeding to be a sweet, quiet, private time for my daughter and I. The atmosphere of a food court or a restaurant takes away some of the specialness to me. I still don't feed her in those atmospheres. I plan our outings around her schedule and it does not take that much thought of effort. We will also vacation when it is convenient for her and I will not resent her for us staying home as we made the conscious decision to have her.

I also think that the emphasis (sometimes militant) on breastfeeding can be quite damaging. I had a friend who could not breastfeed (a very severe infection landed on medication she could not breastfeed on) and she went into a deep depression because she was constantly being told how important it was and formulas could not ever compensate for breastmilk. It took her a long time to come to terms with the fact that her son was very happy and healthy and he is now almost 4 and she still feels like she failed him.

Making a decision not to feed in public is just as "correct" as deciding to feed in public. It is a private decision and nobody should judge one way or the other.

 

[all4fun]

Lynn, thank you. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Bird-mom, how would you feel if someone said to you " I hate seeing someones breast nipple jammed into a baby's mouth?" Those kind of comments

I hate seeing rubber or silicon jammed into a baby's mouth

are really hurtful.

 

[Sammie]

I truely could care less where someone feeds their child, breast or otherwise.

I do find it very interesting that these loving, caring Moms that breastfeed can turn on someone that disagrees with their method like some kind of maniac shrew. Sorry, but the two images just dont fit.

If you want people to respect your right, don't cram it down everyone's throat.

 

[mamaprincess]

my child was not a child that was on a schedule. She nursed when and where she needed to , so schedules don't apply to my situation. I am certainly not one of those mothers who are against mothers who bottle feed, if my child would have taken to the bottle, I would have preffered to pump. Everyone is different, we make the decisions we make based on our own specific circuumstances and our own beliefs and personalities. I will stand by my belief that nursing is not lude, however even when in public as is nesscessitated by my childs hunger or need to be comforted, I take pains to keep nursing as a private act between my child and me and I do not court the attention of on lookers. Breastfeeding mothers do have a sense of respect for others, we do have a sense of descretion and decorum. I support and respect your decision to bottle feed even though it is not the choice I made, most breastfeeding moms understand why that decision is often nesscessary. We are all mothers doing our best for our children in the way that works for our lifestyle and our children and that is what bonds us. We are mothers. That being said I will continue to raise my children in the way that works for me all the while remembering to respect you. Also we are great big old disney fans or has everyone in this thread forgotten why we logged on to this sight in the first place? We are acommunity of disney lovers that likely have more in common than not, remember that.

 

[GEM]

I've really, really, really been trying to stay out of this, but I just can't do it any more. I feel so sorry for the op and, if you haven't fled yet, I would really encourage you to breastfeed your child any time any where with no worries - especially at Disney. It is very breastfeeding friendly.

A lot of you probably know from my other posts that I am very much pro-breastfeeding. However, I never have and never will make any negative comments toward anyone who bottle feeds for whatever reason. That's a decision for each mom to make herself. Yes, I do encourage all my pregnant friends to breastfeed because I really believe in it and it's been great for me and for my child. However, if they choose to go with formula, I don't push the issue or think they are horrible mothers. In this area, I think a lot of mom's decide to go with formula due to a lack of information and support, and I think that's a shame. So, I am always very open to talking and sharing information when asked or approached. And, yes, I love nursing my son in public because I think it sends a positive message to other women and will encourage them to do the same. That said, I have many friends and family members who use formula and we somehow manage to avoid any conflict or hard feeling over our decisions - because they are just that, our decisions.

Anyway, back to nursing at WDW. I have a 20 month old that still nurses frequently. On our trip to Disney World last month, I nursed him in many shows, restaurants, rides, busses, boats, monorails, etc. with no problems at all. I didn't get so much as a wierd look or a second glance - and I always look up and smile and make eye contact when I'm nursing. I don't look at the ground like I'm embarrased or ashamed. And I would NEVER nurse my child in a restroom. YUCK! I do not cover up with a blanket, but I am discreet. You absolutely can't see anything at all offensive. There's nothing to see. Now, if you can't see anything and you are still offended, because you "know what's going on", well that is way more your problem than mine.

So, yes, nurse your baby anywhere you want to. Especially in restaurants! I mean, after all, restaurants are all about eating and why should baby be left out? There's nothing wrong with what you are doing, and besides, the law is on your side. It is perfectly legal for you to nurse your child anywhere you are permitted by law to be. I've always sort of secretly hoped that someone somewhere would say something to me about nursing my son in public so that I could whip out all the great replies and information I have stored away. After 20 months of very frequent public nursing, though, I'm starting to think I'll never get that chance. It's becoming so much more common that hardly anybody seems to pay attention. And, if they do want to say something, they are probably smart enough to know deep down that they're the one with the problem, so they keep it to themselves.

As for practical tips. Here are a few -
-Find a nursing bra that can easily be unfastened and fastend using only one hand. This makes it much easier!
-I have never worn nursing shirts. I like to wear a t-shirt and then just lift one corner up just enough. Then, when I nurse Paul, he is lying across me and covers up any exposed tummy that might be peeking out. (Not that tummy is indecent, but mine is flabby and I don't want to be showing it off.) Then, once he is latched on, you can't see any skin at all. Like I said, I've never covered up with a blanket. I tried a few times in the beginning, but it was just awkward and uncomfortable and I didn't see any reason to do it, since there wasn't anything to hide anyway.
-In restaurants, I usually ask for a booth. It just makes it easier.
-Try practicing at home in front of a mirror and that will help you relax because you will see that there really isn't anything to see!

I'm sorry this had to turn ugly, again. Just do what is best for you and your baby and enjoy this special time!

 

[crazymomof4]

I found breastfeeding to be a sweet, quiet, private time for my daughter and I. The atmosphere of a food court or a restaurant takes away some of the specialness to me. I still don't feed her in those atmospheres. I plan our outings around her schedule and it does not take that much thought of effort. We will also vacation when it is convenient for her and I will not resent her for us staying home as we made the conscious decision to have her.

As I read this I thought, "That sounds like someone who is speaking of a first and only (so far anyway) child" Am I right?
I remember those days. Everything with with my firstborn was idylic and oh, so simple. It is very easy to plan around just one child but add 1, 2, 3 or more into the mix and you may find you have to change your ways of doing things. For example, my nursing of DS #2 was just as sweet, but not nearly as private because DS #1 was clamoring for my attention. (I usually used that time to read him a story). By the time #4 came along I could nurse her while standing at the kitchen counter making a ham and cheese sandwich for DS #2 with my free hand and speaking on the phone to tell the school that DS #1 will be home sick!
If you decide to have more children you may not be able to "plan outings around" several schedules. You may find that you need to be more flexible with regards to the "atmospheres" you chose to nurse another baby because your older child(ren) want or need you to be with them at the same time the baby gets hungry. Picture this: You take older children ages 3 and 5 to one of those indoor playlands. It's just you and your kids. Your infant needs to nurse. You cannot leave the 3 and 5 yr old unattended to go off and nurse in private. You have two courses of action: You could nurse discreetly while they continue to play. The infant is happy as he feeds and you hum to him and stroke his little head while you watch the older kids. OR you can yank them from the play things and drag them into a dank bathroom to nurse. Your 5 year old is whining and crying because he wants to go back out and play. He expresses resentfullness because the newborn's needs are now infringing on his. Meanwhlile, your 3 year old is playing in the toilets. You are tense and the infant senses this and keeps pulling off of the breast and crying.
You see, sometimes, especially with several children in your care, the decision to nurse discreetly in public can be the more sweet, special and rational
decision. [I guess there is a third choice of action. - Some will suggest that you not take your 3 and 5 year old children anywhere for as long as the infant is nursing age.]
My point is that many moms nurse in public (myself included) not because it's some big, thought out, personal "decision", rather an adaptation out of necessity. So, please, don't think moms who nurse in public don't value the "specialness" of it just because we are watching our older children prance in the park or whatever, while we nurse the newest baby. We do share plenty of special, sweet and private times with each baby, we just have to search these times out iin between all of the chaos! HA HA

 

[akrake]

My point is that many moms nurse in public (myself included) not because it's some big, thought out, personal "decision", rather an adaptation out of necessity. So, please, don't think moms who nurse in public don't value the "specialness" of it just because we are watching our older children prance in the park or whatever, while we nurse the newest baby. We do share plenty of special, sweet and private times with each baby, we just have to search these times out iin between all of the chaos! HA HA

well said!!!

amie

 

[mamaprincess]

Where is the love?!

 

[mamaprincess]

to the mom who started this thread. Have a wonderful vacation , wish I was going sooner. You initially asked are there other moms who nurse at disney,restaraunts etc. and do we have any tips on how to doit discretely, is it allowed, is disney nursing friendly, is it lawful. I hope you recieved a plethora of info that answered all of these questions. I'm sorry it turned into a debate. You'll find that you will do what your baby requires in whatever situation you find yourself in and I'm sure you will do it with class. I was like you I had only nursed in public a couple of times prior to going to disney. I was a bit nervous about the prospect but we had such a big itinerary that it was the only option. I soon became very adept and comfortable and so did my husband who was initially very nervous and hesitant. After a while he began to insist that I comfort , feed her when she showed signs of need. This alone is a testimant to how nursing friendly WDW is. Have an awesome time

 

[Limmer]

As I read this I thought, "That sounds like someone who is speaking of a first and only (so far anyway) child" Am I right?

Very perceptive, this is my first child so far. I never meant to imply that moms who do breastfeed in public are making a "wrong decision", or being indecent, just that there are all sorts of "right" decisions, breastfeeding or not. (Just for the record I would NEVER feed in a restroom. There are many restrooms that I would rather not BREATHE in, never mind feed a child.)

Then, when I nurse Paul, he is lying across me and cover up any exposed tummy that might be peeking out. (Not that tummy is indecent, but mine is flabby and I don't want to be showing it off.)

LOL! I think I would rather walk around with both breasts hanging out than my belly hanging out! People would probably be much less offended!

 

[GEM]

LOL! I think I would rather walk around with both breasts hanging out than my belly hanging out! People would probably be much less offended!

Me too! That's why that particular method works well for me. No part of my body - no matter how questionable - is exposed.

And, yes, like others have said, a lot of times it is just about necessity and convenience - even when you only have one child. One of the things that I love most about breastfeeding is how easy and convenient it is. If I have to trek all the way across the park to the baby center's nursing room every time Paul needs or wants milk, that's a major pain. And, that's why I've never seen the inside of those nursing rooms and probably never will - unless I happen to be standing right outside one when Paul needs to nurse. The time that Paul and I spend together while he's nursing IS precious to me, no doubt. I love it! But reality dictates that sometimes, it's not all about snuggling and bonding. Sometimes, it's just about getting the little one fed.

Paul was born 12 weeks early weighing 1lb and 7oz. He spent 83 days in the NICU. For the first month or so, we weren't sure he would even live. That whole time I pumped religiously every three hours round the clock - even setting an alarm at night - so they could have my milk to feed him through a tube. When he was strong enough, I spent a HUGE amount of time and energy teaching him to nurse. I went through all that because it was important to me. I believed it was best for him, and for me. Now, at 20 months, he's an expert. So, there's no way I'm going to let someody who might be a little uncomfortable make me ashamed of that choice! We're headed back to Disney World in May for his second birthday, and unless there is a drastic change between now and then, I bet we'll still be doing some nursing around the world. He's pretty dedicated.

 

[dmaz]

We went when when my ds was 8 months old and nursed quite frequently. Overall nursing in public felt easier there. I never nursed in public before and he is my second.
The only time I felt a little strange was after leaving our table at the Crystal Palace. The manager approached my husband to inform him that there is a nice nursing station nearby.
The funny thing is I had not nursed my son during the meal - I was just holding him while he slept. No lifted shirt or blanket. Weird!

 

[lsteadman]

To the OP,

I feel it is okay to nurse in public. I think it is a very natural part of nature and they way GOD intended it to be. I don't see you exposing your breast like Ms. Jackson did. I see you as a caring, loving mother who wants to feed her child.

This society has become so hung up on BODY PARTS and being PC that we are ashamed or second guess our decision to breast feed. I would not be offended by seeing you or any other mother breastfeed her child.

My daughter is nine and I did not breast feed all the way. After 2 weeks, I stop because my daughter was greedy and cause my nipples to become very sore.

Before I started working for myself, I worked for GM. At GM, many mothers requested a place to express milk and store at work. So the President of the company had a special room built that was very nice and comfortable. He also made it clear that it was not for evertday relax ing it was only for nursing mothers only. The company even held a contest to name to room...the winner .....The Utter Room. People thought it was cute!

Do what you know is right and do get into discussions on this board about something GOD has made natural for you to do. Before there was Similac and Enfamil there was mothers milk.

By the way, I also don't think you should express and use a bottle. No need to carry around extra bottle when you have a built in one.

Sending blessings, prayers, and pixie dust your way.