Breastfeeding

Hi just wondering what people's views are on breastfeeding in public. I went to our local supermarket today and of course as timing works out my daughter became hungry she's only 1 week and a half and it came to my attention that I'd never seen any other mother breastfeeding in the food court. What is acceptable? I am quite proud of the fact I am breastfeeding I find it shameful to hide myself in the mothersroom to breastfeed but also embarrased I may offend someone if I Breastfeed in public (even if i have a bunny rug over me) what do other people do and what do you ladies find acceptable?

Hi Claudia, I only finished breasting feeding my 16 month old 3 months ago. I used to feed him in the Food Court or sitting on a bench in the shopping centre. I had a few people give me strange looks and even had one person tell me that I was doing the wrong thing. In my opinion if bub is hungry then why shouldn't I feed him where I am if I am comfortable to do so? Also sometimes the feeding rooms weren't the most clean looking or smelling places, so I certainly wasn't going to use them. Though I did use feeding rooms at times especially the ones in Grace Bros (Myers) as I always found them to be clean and comfortable. As for not seeing other mothers feed in the Food Court, I used to think the same thing but found after awhile that they were there I just wasn't seeing them. I guess it comes down to what you are comfortable with. People don't take offence to you having a feed in public and nor should they take offence to a baby having a feed in public.

hi claudia my boy is six months old and i breastfeed him in the mothers room BUT this is only because he is very easily distracted and very fussy and will not feed if everything is not exactly right. i wish i could breastfeed in public most of my friends do. you may offend the odd person here or there but it is their problem not yours. go for it!

I agree with the comments so far you feed where you feel comfortable, don't worry what other people think!

Thanks for your support everyone, it only makes sense. I haven't yet tried the parents room but will do so next time I'm there, fortunately the times I've been out so far, I've timed so I'm home by the time she's due for a feed. I haven't quite mastered going shopping relaxed, I'm too concious of the time and when she's due for a feed. Unfortunately she's at that very unsettled phase where we spend up to 7 hrs straight of the day calming her down and she doesn't know what she wants. They tell me this is normal in the first 6 weeks and gets easier after. that leaves us with 4 weeks to go. Thanks everyone

Hi Claudia,

I am still breastfeeding my 6 month old boy, at first i felt the same, not embarrassed for myself but i was concerned about what others did think, but after a month or so i just didn't worry as it is perfectly natural & if anyone didn't like it thats their problem not mine, my babys needs come first.
So keep it up & you don't need to hide under a bunny rug, be proud!

Hi Claudia, I have just read yourarticle on breastfeeding. My son just turned 2 last week and I am still breastfeeding. This is a fantastic gift that we have been given. You should breastfeed wherever you wish too. It is the most natural and beautiful thing we can do.
I breastfeed everywhere and in front of anyone. Don't feel that you have to hide or try to hurry up your outing to make it home in time. Just relax and give your beautiful baby your breast with ease and comfort knowing that it is a fantastic thing that you are doing.
We don't ask people to eat there lunch or dine in a toilet or closed room, so why should our precious babies do so.
Remember it is a beautiful and natural act and after all we were given these BREASTS for that reason.
Take good care and happy breastfeeding.
regards Diane

Hi I am a mother of two beutiful children - Emma just two and nathaniel 7 months. I breastfeed Emma and now nathaniel wherever and whenever she needed it. In the food court, on a bench e.t.c breastfeedin is a natural event in a babys life and you should not feel ashamed to feed in public after all if we are hungrey whhile we are not at home don't we eat. The only probleem i have now is an is a two year old who won't sit still for long enough but i have found a soultion our local shoping wall has an indoor playground and they welcome breastfeeding mums - it is also a great place to meet other mums - i brough a years membership and if my son gets hungrey off to the playground we go - my daughter runs around and plays while i can relax feed my baby and i he falls alseep even have a cup of coffee

Hi my name is Pina,
I'm about to have my first baby and the more I learn about breastfeeding is you shouldn't be embarrased by it. I have been out with some ladies that have done what you are doing and find no wrong in it and I will also do the same. Why sould we hide our selfs in a mothers room when all we are doing is feeding our hungry babys. You should do what feels best for you and your baby and not others.

If someone is hungry, they'll stop and buy some food, right? Even if people are watching them? So why should it be so different for babes? I feed mine in pulic, and will continue to do so regardless of the amount of times people tell me not too. I don't just hoik up the shirt and show people what i've got, i do it discreetly, and there's nothing wrong with it. It is the best thing for them, i'd rather see someone breastfeeding in public then mixing up a bottle in public, unless there's a medical or other reason for bottle feeding the baby. Keep it up, just do it in a way that isn't flashing yourself and ignore people who tell you it's wrong. Adults can eat when they like, so can babies.

Hi Claudia,
I agree with Pooley3, and all the other people who posted. I breastfed all three of my kids, and am still currently feeding my 8.5 month old son. If anyone has the nerve to tell you stop feeding your baby, or go else to feed, just tell them if your baby has to feed elsewhere, then so should they. It is a "food court" after all. Your baby is eating the only "food" she can, so why should she be made to eat in a toilet or closed in room? Don't be ashamed to feed your baby where-ever she gets hungry. I fed my kids walking around a shopping centre, food courts and where-ever I happened to be when they got hungry. It is a gift we were given, so why be embarressed to use it? No all women were blessed with this precious gift, so congratulations.
Tracey

Hear hear to all these replies! Claudia, I breastfed my daughter til she was 10 mths and am breastfeeding my 8 week old girl. If a baby needs to feed, they need to feed. As the ad goes, the people who get offended don't sit on the loo and eat, do they?
Also, it really amazes me how some of these same people who are so offended by breastfeeding, yet walk down a few metres to the local newsagent in the food court and buy a porn mag stuffed full of photos of topless models. And they are hardly breastfeeding a hungry baby! Purleeeeease!!!
Angela (proud to breastfeed in public).