Nursing in Restaurants?

[Lollipop Mom]

Neither of my boys were ever red and sweaty (your blanket is wayyyyy to heavy then).

Actually, it depends on the child. I'm the one who mentioned that and the blanket I was using was VERY light and 100% cotton so it was very breathable. I would have no reason to be carrying a heavy synthetic blanket with me in late May in Georgia. The burp cloth I had in my diaper bag was considerably thicker than this blanket. I didn't mention it b/c I didn't think it mattered but I also happened to be inside at a baby shower at the time, not out in the sun. Both of my kids have always been very sensitive and turn bright red when they get overheated. When each of them started the 2 year old "Mothers Morning Out" sort of preschool at our church I got phone calls from the teacher within the first 2 or 3 days asking if they were OK b/c they turn so red. They weren't sunburned...they were inside just playing hard. They get fair skin from Mom and light hair and eyes from Dad. We're sunscreen fanatics b/c of the fair skin.

Just wanted to point out that different people respond differently to heat. Being cuddled so close and having a blanket, even a very light cotton non-thermal one, over him was just too much for Connor. I'm not trying to be snippy, just wanting to point this out b/c there are a LOT of people who take the "you should use a blanket" attitude and I, and lots of other moms, do sometimes have a valid reason for NOT using one. Like someone else mentioned, some babies just won't tolerate it. They want to be able to gaze at Mom's face and they can't do that unless she's got her head under the blanket too. They will fight to get the blanket pulled down and the fussing and pulling etc. draws more attention than quietly nursing without a blanket.

 

[ryan840]

I never nursed my son at WDW either, but I was always nursing him in public. Don't worry about what other people think, it's not their business. I have had people come up to me while I was nursing and try to see the baby because they didn't even know what we were doing, so don't overthink this! Most people won't have a clue, and those who do are probably moms who have been there. I used a blanket for my son when he was very young, and he soon decided that it was NOT going to happen anymore, so if it doesn't work for you, don't force it, it's not worth the hassle. Good luck, and HAVE FUN!!!! Try not to worry about what other people think of you, they don't know anything about you! (If only I could follow my own advice... )

 

[DebMcDonald]

I nursed my youngest until 15 months old and I just came to the realization that if you didn't like it look the other way, like other posters said. Needless to say almost everyone is discrete with nursing. It's not like we let our "****s hang out". You are doing the best thing for your child by nursing, so whenever and whereever that child gets hungry, don't give it a second thought.

 

[Disneyonmymind]

I'm all for nursing your babes discreetly in restaurants or elsewhere in public. I think restaurants are the PERFECT place. It's a comfortable seat, air conditioned, your family is there for conversation, someone is bringing you drinks and food, what could be better? Besides, everyone else is eating, why not baby?

As to technique, I vote for the tank top with button/zip shirt over top so it covers your sides when you lift your tank top. Nobody will see anything, unless they're being very rude. In that case, ignore them.

I have to say that I'm still nursing my DDjust-turned-2. She doesn't seem interested in weaning yet and I'm in no hurry. As long as she stops before college, LOL, I'm kidding, of course.

Jackie

 

[mdmbfly]

Just another vote for do what is comfortable for you and your baby!! I am still nursing my 18 month old and loving every second of it!! Many people have opinions about what moms do and don't do, frankly, it's not anyone else's business. I agree, most often people don't even know what you are doing anyway. I have had several prudish people make comments to me about nursing my son (1) at all, (2) at this age (3) in public (4) without a blanket etc. After the first time of someone making a comment I figured out where I stood on the issue and it never bothered me after that. I am always very discreet about nursing and have foudn that there are certain people who LOOK longer than normal and they are usually trying to figure out what the baby is doing or trying to see his face.

Best of luck to you and your little one. Relax, have fun and it'll be fine!!

 

[Nicks2Angels]

I am surprised to see so many nursing mommies! I nursed my duaghter until she was 15 1/2 months & my son until he was 13 1/2 months. I nursed wherever & whenver I needed to do it. I never used blankets, but people could rarely tell what I was doing. I can not tell you how many times people (strangers even) would pop over to take a peek at the baby & "think" the baby was asleep, but on closer look notice he/she was nursing. I loved nursing my babies & will do so with any subsequent children I might be blessed with.

I wouldn't even give it another thought-if anyone dare say something to you about nursing in public send them to Cleveland, OH- I have a speech all prepared & ready to go & I have been dying to use it!

 

[Disneyrsh]

I nursed both daughters, now 4 and 6, all over Disney constantly and never had a problem with it and never had anyone give me even the tiniest bit of grief.

I second the suggestion to try and get a booth whenever possible; it makes nursing a lot easier when people aren't walking behind you and you can lean back and relax a little. I even remember standing in line and nursing while waiting to get on a ride or do a baby swap.

There are some spots in EPCOT future world that are dark, cool, and mostly deserted, they're fantastic for nursing.

I'm tall and lean and would tuck my daughter up under a loose blouse with a v neck so she could nurse without me having to raise up my shirt and I could look down the v neck and see her. I did use a nursing bra under it though, for support!

It was 2 months after my first daughter was born before they legalized nursing in public here in Georgia. Wow, we're waiting on the outlawing of chastity belts...

 

[CharmedLife]

I also nursed my two babes for 15 months. DD(4) was 4 months the first time she went to WDW (lucky girl!) and was exclusively breastfeeding at the time, which meant a LOT of nursing stops. Since she was my first and I was a bit more nervous about nursing in public than I was with my second one, I did seek out the nursing / baby care centers at all 4 of the parks and really liked them. Not only was it a nice, cool spot in the middle of the hot day, but it was just really nice and quiet, and I had some nice conversations with the other women who were there. We even started to see each other at the different parks... I guess we are drawn to other nursing moms! There are great changing tables at all of the centers, which is a nice switch from the fold-down tables in the restrooms, and they sell all imagineable emergency baby supplies you might need (although you will pay a Disney price for them... ) I even refilled our water bottles from the water coolers in the centers. I will definitely be doing that again the next time!

I think that there are so many foreign visitors at WDW from countries where nursing is more readily accepted, that most people just didn't give it a thought.

Anyway, I agree with the suggestions about restaurants as well, especially booths. Did this a lot with DS. Never had him at Disney while he was nursing, so I only have that one experience,

 

[TinkerbellMama]

This thread has really made my day! So many supportive nursing mamas, woohoo!

 

[grlpwrd]

I, too, think it's wonderful to see so many nursing moms out there.

I always used discretion and encourage it, but regardless you are protected by law to NIP (nurse in public). Do what is comfortable for you - most definitely.

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

Im not a nursing mom, but Im a mom none the less My youngest is just 3 and a half months old. I just wanted to give some support form the formula feeding camp lol. Feed that baby when its hungry and dont let anyone make you feel bad about it.

 

[bartty]

Nurse the baby! People would rather you nurse than hear a crying baby throughout their meal! I nursed my 13mth old all over disney, just make sure have a blanket to cover up!!

 

[SleepingUgly]

Another voice here to support nursing in public. I did it with my daughter, and the day she stopped nursing was one of the saddest days of my life.

One suggestion -- If you have not nursed in public before, "practice" at home with your baby. Assume the position you would assume in public, so she doesn't freak out when this happens for the first time. For instance, at home, I would use the boppy and we would relax and listen to music or I would watch TV. In a restaurant, I would be seated in a chair or a booth, and I would be more discreet about flashing a nipple, and there would be no boppy pillow, and the baby recognizes these changes and may be bothered by that. So perhaps practice nursing in a chair -- or even at a local restaurant -- a few times to get her used to the idea. After a couple of times, my daughter became a pro and we got to be so discreet that no one knew what the heck we were doing, heh.

Have a great time at WDW! And congrats on continuing to give your baby the best!!!

 

[nemomama]

Another nursing in public supporter here! I wish that it wasn't such an "issue" for mothers to nurse in public. Who knows, maybe more mothers would nurse then!
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[weregoingtodw]

Another former nurser here - I didn't see if anyone else suggested it, but I highly suggest nursing in the sling! I went all over with my DD in the sling. It was so very simple, and you can find slings in a variety of fabrics (and even make your own). You don't have to worry about a blanket over baby's head, and - the best part - you have your hands free to eat your meal!

 

[chobie]

Nurse away and use a blanket if that makes you feel more confortable. Unless you're completely disrobing from the waist up you're being discrete. When my two were nurslings (and they both nursed past their 1st b-days) I would use a blanket to get them latched on, but then my babies would always pull the blanket off. I'm sure there may have been the occasional passerby who figured out what I was doing, but I don't believe that nursing is a shameful act so I didn't freak out about it.

 

[aplejax76]

A BIG THUMBS UP! I would definitly nurse when you are at the resturant. A child has to eat. I nursed all my children. One son till 15 months and my twins until they were 11 months old! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Lizzybee]

Nursing is natural. I once saw an online complaint about a woman nursing in church...did they think baby Jesus was bottle fed????? I nursed my youngest for 18 months not because I'm gung ho but she refused all bottles and pacifiers. I nursed her many places and my "lovies" (as she called them) were never exposed in public. On the other hand I have a somewhat distant relative who took her ENTIRE breast out waiting in line at the Ace Hardware store while chatting with me. That's uncalled for, I think she was flaunting her superior motherhood. If you smile and talk as if you are just cuddling your baby, no one is going to think twice in a restaurant. People who suggest you nurse in a bathroom when it public haven't thought it all the way through, do THEY eat THEIR lunch in the potty??? I think not. As long as you are discreet and comfortable, there is nothing wrong at all with nursing your baby where ever you may be. Besides...I'd rather see a nursing mom and any man in a speedo any day!