First bfing comment I ever got from someone about bfing was being asked by an older lady if I was bfing her at Medicare when DD was three weeks old. When I said yes, the lady said good on you. TBH I really only ever got positive comments from everyone, but I always remembered that first one. Now, if I see a Mum bfing in public I tell her what a good job she's doing. We don't have to wait until our babies are grown up to spread the love.
Ive always gotten nothing for support from elderly people, especially women. I think they often border on the unintentionally offensive when it comes to being so pro-breastfeeding lol Ive had a few comment about how nice it was to see a young girl (I was 21 with my first) trying to breastfeed and Ive had a few comment on me breastfeeding my Ds3 when he was 12mths old, generally along the lines of feeding an older baby and so nice to see it amongst the young mums. I dont consider myself ridiculously young but hey, I always thanked them. It made me think about how the general public might see formula feeding as a 'young mums' thing and breastfeeding as an 'older mums' thing. In my circle most of my friends of similar age have breastfed.
I think its because back then you just gave birth and breastfed. Simple. There were no other options unless there was a really important health reason for csection or alternate feeding.
My grandparents are all super supportive, although my fathers parents think 8-9 months is long enough. I will be seeing them again on the 3rd of next month, DS will almost be 9 months so will be interesting to see if they say anything lol. But so far everytime I see either grandparents they always ask if I am still feeding him, then rave about how great it is when I tell them yes. My dad & FIL are uncomfortable when I feed DS though so always leave the room. No way am I leaving it, especially at my own house.
I havent had any other any other person say anything to me, but thats because DS wont feed in public often as he just wont stay still long enough too. Worries he will miss out on something important lol. Its a little disappointing, as I LOVE feeding in anywhere & everywhere, I whip that boob out where ever! hahaha.
I'm 24, and find its less accepting with people my own age. Women around my age without kids have some sexualised comment to make or call it something absurd (eg: "I am NOT doing nipple to mouth!!!). But they havent said anything to me, they'd have their head bitten off if they did lol. I have one friend though who is an amazing support. She has no kids, but she is always asking questions about bf-ing, is not uncomfortable for me to just whip the boob out and often let it hang out (at home lol) when DS wants to pull back to laugh at her lol. She has no problem when we are out for lunch/dinner & DS will actually feed, we sit there joking about comebacks I can make to people if they were to say something rude haha.
My experience has been a bit different. My grandparents have all passed away, but DH has a grandfather and step- grandmother and grandfather. To be honest, I think the men are a bit uncomfortable when I breastfeed in front of them, but I don't really give them an option - I feed when and where I need to. I don't believe that my baby and I should be banished to another room while feeding, and the only time I will do it is if things are too noisy or bubs won't concentrate on feeding with other people around (I don't show a lot of boob, but if she's pulling off a lot I will move). We go to DH's parents' house for dinner each week, and I often feed atthe dinner table if DD is really grumpy.
Then there's the step-grandmother, who often tells me how she didn't breastfeed her kids because her husband had brothers and she was too embarrased to feed in front of them. Perhaps she's a little jealous now that she didn't do that...
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