Nursing mom...WORRIED

[Leajess99]

I, too, have nursed 2 kids all over WDW and nobody has ever said anything to me. I did utilize the baby centers if I was close by at the time, but I viewed them more as a luxurry than a necessity.

FWIW, I have only ever once anywhere had somebody say something to me while I was NIP-- I resonded by telling her (yes, it was a woman) that I couldn't care less what she thinks and went about feeding my daughter. (Her comment was "You should know that EVERYBODY can see what you are doing.).
That being said, I have had comments made to me about other nursing moms more frequently. I agree with a prior poster that I think it is rare that anybody actually approaches the nursing mom directly.

I didn't NIP because bf'ing did not work out for us due to my medical issues and I was too self conscious when I was nursing but it truely amazes me that some women can be so ridiculous when it comes to feeding a child. Seriously, you see more breast from a bikini (in most cases) than you do from feeding a child. I hate seeing moms feel they have to feed their baby in a bathroom because they fear what others may say to them. I talked to a new mom one day at Target who was feeding her baby in the bathroom (I waited until she was done and came out of the bathroom) and let her know that if she wanted a secluded place that she could use the dressing rooms for a cleaner more comfortable option. I made sure to let her know I was not telling her she had to but I felt so bad for her trying to nurse in that nasty bathroom and wanted to offer her the knowledge I had for Target.

 

[Juliet25]

I've nursed my second DD all over WDW twice...at 11 months and 18 months. I never got a look or a word said to me. In fact, the only place I felt uncomfortable was when I was in the MK's nursing mom's room and there was a woman in there nursing her baby. She continually talked to her baby and commented to her on how my DD was a "big girl" (big as in older, not fat). I found it a weird thing to comment on. She was 18 months at the time and yes, *gasp!*, "still" nursing.

Don't really know what her deal was...it was just very weird for me. Go figure.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Most people are getting upset on the other thread because it has turned into a who deserves the privacy and quietness more debate.

I think as long as you are discreet, as you can be, nobody will even notice. There will be many, many other women NIP, too.

We did see a woman walking and nursing baby in front of IASW last fall with her entire shirt pulled down around her waist, both breasts exposed. That was a little too much, IMO...but, to each her own! And BTW, I didn't see anyone go up to her and ask her to stop, so I'm sure you will be okay!

 

[Juliet25]

I think being a parent is often (not always!) the beginning of the end of caring about what other people think! Don't worry a minute about what other people think about you nursing your sweetie -- or else you'll find you're worried what people are thinking when your 2yo has a meltdown in public. Then, when she's three, she'll belt out a cuss word in front of your MIL. At four, you'll run into your pastor at the store, and your daughter will say hello while she's got a finger jammed up her nose. When she's five, she'll be the only one at kindergarten graduation who shouts, "I'm bored!" and walks right off the stage. And you'll realize, as each year passes, that people are going to judge you and your parenting skills and choices. Don't. Let. Them. Bother. You.

OMG, this is so true! I have to laugh when people get up in arms about being judged for their infant feeding choices. Ha! It just gets worse.

 

[photo_chick]

This is just a message board. People say a LOT of stuff on message boards. Take it with a grain of salt.

Do what you need to do to take care of your baby and the rest will take care of itself.

 

[Suellen]

--If one foolish, uninformed, tactless person does say something, you can have a variety of comebacks prepped and ready to go

I was going to suggest this! Be prepped with some comebacks.

One of my NIP friends said she was all prepped with comebacks about NIP and was disappointed to never have a chance to use them.

Do what you need to do for you and your child.

 

[BLAZEY]

I nursed not in disney but at a hockey tournement. I had an aisle seat and people went up and down all the time.I don't think anyone even noticed. I had some great nursing shirts so that I didn't need a cover (DD would stand it anyway). These are the shirts I have :
www.momzelle.com

 

[kpgriswold]

PLEASE don't stress! In all the years I have been a nursing mom, I have never had a negative comment, at Disney or anywhere else. (Except from my MIL, but that's a whole 'nother story!) I have occasionally noticed someone looking at me -- trying to figure out if baby is napping or nursing? -- and I just look them in the eye and smile. They either smile back or turn away, emabarrssed to be caught.

If you have been nursing for 7 months, you're a pro, and can nurse anywhere. Shows are great, and air conditioned. Some of the rides allow you enough time too, like the Great Movie Ride. Tom Sawyer Island is shady and relaxing, with lots of secluded benches and those great rocking chairs by Aunt Polly's. Nurse wherever you are comfortable, and chances are that no one will say boo to you!

 

[mumto3girls]

I think this sums it up about perfectly. My little ones were all older before their first visits and none still nursed except before nap or bedtime so it wasn't an issue, but I think DW is in general very nursing friendly. As for me, if I were to see you I might do a double-take to see if you were actually doing what I thought you were doing and then would give you a wistful smile as I know those days are now over for me. Then I would move my children along as they are quite curious about nursing since they know that they all did it but don't really remember it. Have a wonderful trip.

Such good advice! I'll apply this as we venture into the terrible twos.

I think the round-up message from those of us who have been there is this:

--YAY you for nursing! It's a great way to start a life.
--You are legally able to nurse anywhere and everywhere in Disneyworld.
--Once you get the hang of it, you can nurse in public with a great deal of modesty if you choose.
--There are a zillion great quiet and cool places to nurse in The World.
--Almost every person you see will not notice.
--Most of the people who **DO** notice will be other mothers who did the same thing and they'll think "Good for her!!" They'll flash you a smile and a quiet look of encouragement without you ever noticing.
--The few who do notice and are uptight and upset about it will likely vent about it elsewhere. They aren't worth your time or worry.
--If one foolish, uninformed, tactless person does say something, you can have a variety of comebacks prepped and ready to go--tell them off, turn it into a joke, calmly inform them that its not their concern, icy stare, eye roll....but you won't ever need them. Feel sorry for them that they have nothing more important going on in their lives than to harass you. They're at DISNEY world for goodness sake! They should be thinking about Dole Whips and Fast Pass times for Toy Story Mania, not the flash of breast they just caught!

All we can do as parents is to do our best. It will still never be enough for a choice few people in our sphere. We can't parent to please them, only to try and help these little people in our care turn into good adults who have sense and kindness. The sense and kindness to see that a mother feeding her child is an act of love to be admired, not condemned.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I think this sums it up about perfectly. My little ones were all older before their first visits and none still nursed except before nap or bedtime so it wasn't an issue, but I think DW is in general very nursing friendly. As for me, if I were to see you I might do a double-take to see if you were actually doing what I thought you were doing and then would give you a wistful smile as I know those days are now over for me. Then I would move my children along as they are quite curious about nursing since they know that they all did it but don't really remember it. Have a wonderful trip.

This was what my husband liked about Disney his first trip. My oldest was only 6 weeks old, and I was desperate to get away, and have some normal in life. It was easy, clean and happy. Later, he loved the tv room while i was nursing, the nice changing tables, cute snack boxes. I think Disney makes it easy on parents in general.

Most moms in real life do watch out for one another. I can't imagine IRL a mom seeing another in need, and not reaching out to help, whether it was a bfeeding mom, pumping mom, projectile vomiting mom, or just a mom with a child who couldn't be calmed, and needed to sit in the dark. Msg. boards bring out the extremes like "if you let bottles in, the men will follow."

 

[MamaJessie]

Raise your hand if you're nursing while reading this...

NAK here too

When I first was NIP with my ds I assumed EVERYONE was staring at me but now, 2 babies later, I think I was just nervous. I NIP when we went last time (she was 6 months) and it was great. Never went to a BC because I didn't need to. Nursing on rides was perfect for us.

 

[kelma]

I've nursed 2 little ones around the World. The first was 10 years ago when my baby was about to turn 1 and the second was when her brother was 8 months old. I never used the nursing stations and no one ever said a word.

As a side note, our younger 2 are adopted and I had to use bottles at Disney when our youngest was 8 months. I was soooo missing the nursing! It was so easy just to whip out perfect food at the perfect temperature and not have to worry about having fresh water and pre-pouring all the formula we were going to need the night before and washing all the bottles and nipples It took lots more time and planning and I really felt for the other traveling bottle-feeding moms!

Go, have a wonderful time and don't worry for a second about feeding your baby

 

[Syrreal]

Don't worry if you "flash more than you want to" either. You're legally protected to flash as much as you end up flashing while in the process of feeding. I know that DS would unlatch a lot and I would always end up with some nip hanging out until I could fix things up.

I am another one who suggests some of the dark rides for nursing. It's not always convenient (and if it's not, no biggie since there are plenty of benches around) but I love the fact that I can get out of the heat in a nice a/c'd area for what can be a lengthy amount of time. HoP is GREAT for this (and usually not crowded). I also found that the American Adventure pavillion is super comfortable for this (even without going into the attraction) because not only does it have the a/c, but you usually get to listen to the Voices of Liberty while nursing, as a perk. The TTA, although not air conditioned, is convenient because you can go can keep going around and around without getting off.

Have a great time on your trip! Once you get down there, I'm sure you'll think that you were worrying for nothing. It's already stressful to take any trip with a baby (just remembering everything you need/want to take...hello excel packing spreadsheet!) that you don't need any added pressure.

 

[nikki&petey]

I have never nursed in DisneyWorld but did in DisneyLand. In fact, I nursed my daughter on POTC twice on that trip. As soon as we went down the first hill I unbuckled my bra and had my husband pass the baby. Worked like a charm.

I also nursed her other places all over Disneyland. I wouldn't let it bother you.

 

[momto2js]

We went in November when my son was 7 months old. It was 90 degrees and I nursed where ever we were. The parks are simply too big to get to the BCC and oh yeah you can't take the stroller and I like to have my "stuff" close by. the only comments I had were from people being quite suportive. Two people stopped and said that it was nice to see a mother just feeding the baby.

I took a blanket but it was clear what was happening. I used the time holding the parade spot for my DH and DS3, the people mover was a good place, the ferry into the MK worked. Florida law is quite supportive and it is illegal to ask a nursing mother to relocate.

Happy traveling.

 

[tink1969]

OMG!!! This whole nursing at the BCC is getting so blown out of proportion!
Nurse your babies anywhere you want in WDW. Who cares what people say......none of their darn business! I see women all the time at Disney nursing their babies. Personally, I couldn't be bothered going all the way back to the BCC for nursing. I would just find an out of way place, inside or out, and feed. I've never had the 'evil eye' or 'rude comments'.
When I have ventured in to the BCC, never has there been a line-up.
Don't worry!!!!

 

[sajetto]

Thank you for all the replies. I'm looking forward to the trip, but I'm anxious about it in general because I've never traveled with an infant. I'm still trying to figure out how we are going to pack EVERYTHING that she needs I'm glad to hear that most people haven't had any problems NIP. Now, if only I could figure out the logistics of keeping her entertained in the airport, cramming all of her stuff in our luggage, and make a final decision on what stroller we are going to take.

 

[kohlby]

Agree that Disney World is one of the most friendly places to nurse in! I've done three trips with young nurslings - at ages 2 months, 9 months, and 11 months. I just nurse wherever, whenever. I also nurse wherever, whenever when in my homestate, and haven't had any problems - yet my nursing is not common at all where I live. If people feel uncomfortable, they'll simply walk faster by you. Not a big deal! You'll likely get more sweet smiles than fast walkers though!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

OMG!!! This whole nursing at the BCC is getting so blown out of proportion!
Nurse your babies anywhere you want in WDW. Who cares what people say......none of their darn business! I see women all the time at Disney nursing their babies. Personally, I couldn't be bothered going all the way back to the BCC for nursing. I would just find an out of way place, inside or out, and feed. I've never had the 'evil eye' or 'rude comments'.
When I have ventured in to the BCC, never has there been a line-up.
Don't worry!!!!

ITA... I had no idea it was a big issue. Honestly when we've been in the BCC's, they've been empty or near empty. Don't worry! Oh, and yes, nurse your baby wherever you want!

 

[roobug]

I am one who has gotten rude comments at disney for nursing however I am nursing twins who are not good at latching on so there is a lot going on when I nurse and it is very obvious as I have two of them to get through and they don't stay on and block me. So while I have gotten rude comments I think it was more because of our situation not that most people would make rude comments.