baby. I saw a breast, felt my cheeks flush red, and quickly looked away. I had never seen anyone do THAT before! What on earth was she doing? I can't remember if I asked my mom or grandmother any questions about what I had seen. I was probably too embarrassed to ask.Fast forward 25 years...I am now "that lady". I have flown many times since my youngest was born. I always nurse in public while traveling...in the airport and on the plane. I really have no choice. When my baby is hungry, I feed him. It really is as simple as that. This attitude isn't limited to our travels...it's an everyday way of life. I have been blessed to never have encountered any rudeness or dirty looks as a result of me nursing in public. I'm discreet, but I will not pile up blankets on top of my baby's head...I live in Florida where it's hot!
Sadly, a friend of mine (who does not breastfeed) has encountered negativity--while traveling. She was on her way home after visiting me and her 9 month old daughter was asleep in her arms in the cradle hold. A young boy (between 8-10 ish years old) was seated next to her. The boy's mother made a big scene and complained to the flight attendant that she didn't want her son sitting next to that lady while she's breastfeeding. My friend got a little angry. She was obviously not breastfeeding, and lifted her baby away from her body to prove that she wasn't, which, in turn, caused her baby girl to wake up.
All I can say is that I'm glad it wasn't me! I'm pretty sure I would've told the woman where she could go and how to get there. I'm proud to be "that lady who breastfeeds her kid in public". I've nursed at church, the mall, the beach, various restaurants, public parks, my kids' school, the doctor's office...practically everywhere!
Gawk all you want...maybe you'll learn something!
I was "that lady" too. I was 23 years old at the time and proud to breast feed my baby when so many girls my age rather give their baby formula so they could still go and drink. Sad but true. I didn't have my boob hanging out but I breast fed everywhere, in restaurants, on multiple planes, in stadium seats, cars, stores, you name it I breast fed there. My daughter is amazingly healthy, she has such a taste for different foods, shes exceptionally smart and I never regretted a moment of it. I wish more people would embrace the fact that breastfeeding is healthy and natural so that more moms, especially young ones like me would breast feed with confidence.
ReplyDeleteFound you from the Breastfeeding Blog Hop! I can totally relate to your emotions about the negativity your friend encountered while NOT breastfeeding in public! I worked really hard to be able to breastfeed my daughter and I would probably just lose it on someone if they made rude comments about me, haha!
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! I was 20 years old when I had my first child...whom I also breastfed. All over the place! I think it's a great example to set for your friends, your children, your friends' children, and your childrens' friends!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!! I'm really passionate about breastfeeding because I have seen the benefits with all four of my children! I'm getting on another plane in two days and hoping for another smooth experience!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the blog hop. Love this line, "Gawk all you want…maybe you’ll learn something!"
ReplyDelete((bowing)) Thank you for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy being "that lady" everywhere I go. I WELCOME people to look at me sideways or say sumpthin. I sit there staring people down like, "SAY SUMPTHIN'!" :)
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! If I were ever approached negatively I would try to educate the offender...about how breast is best!
ReplyDeleteI'm "that lady" pretty much everywhere- I feed my baby when he's hungry, as you said! The only comments I've gotten are usually from children asking "Is he sleeping?" :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I find that children usually are the only ones to inquire...mostly because children love babies and want to interact with them!
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