BF in public

[Lolli]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I had to get it out there- it made me so cranky.
I refuse to BF in the parents room at my shopping centre- the chairs are plastic backed and narrow with wooden arms that bubs bumps his head on, it's cold and boring and it STINKS because they don't empty the nappy bins very often. So I feed him on one of the big comfy lounge chairs they've got set up around the place. I've never had anyone comment, only a few people women give me warm smiles and men steadfastly avoiding looking at me!
Until today.
The first lady came and covered me up with the cloth I had sitting next to me... she wasn't being nasty, just reminded me that 'there are a few sickos out there'. She went on to tell me how she breastfed the whole premmie unit at the hospital when her bubs was born (obviously an older woman- that is so not allowed anymore). So that was ok.
But then, a younger mum with a pram walked by and commented to her friend in a voice that was obviously meant to be loud enough for me to hear that it was 'disgusting- the parents room are only a few metres away'. Coincedentally, she had a bottle strapped to the handle of her pram. I just ignored her and pretended I hadn't heard.
Why are people like this, when we all know breast is best, and if you can you should? Has anyone else had any problems BF in public?

[aussienic]

Because people are narrow minded and only think of breasts as sexual objects...

Olivia needed feeding while I was in Harvey Norman the other day so I found a comfy couch and sat in it I got some funny looks from the staff too..

good on you for feeding in public.. I was so nervous with my first I would either take formula when we went out or I went and sat in the hot car..

[Lolli]

Thanks Nic At first, I'd express and take a bottle with me everywhere i went.. I got sick of that pretty quickly. And I figured, why not take advantage of it being so easy to feed him whenever, wherever? Advantages of breastfeeding- boobs don't need a microwave to warm them up!!

[MUMMY4LIFE]

I know what you mean about the 'Parent's Rooms' at shopping centres....most I had to visit were terrible, not very inviting, dirty, stinky & nowhere near big enough to breast feed comfortably.

I will never understand peoples rude comments and looks when a mum to BF'ing....it is so frustrating that people can be like that, disgusting that in this day and age narrow mindedness about BF'ing is still alive and well. Why can't they just get over it!!!!

[~Saram~]

Good on you for BF in public! I refuse to feed in parents rooms also, mainly because I have a 5yr old as well and I would rather sit and give him something to eat and relax then having him boucing off the awals in the parents rooms. We have gotten a few looks now that Ari is walking but I prefer to see us as walking advocacy posters. The more mums who see us out BF in public hopeflly the more there will be who feel the same and will follow suit.

My advice smile sweetly and show then how at peace and relaxed those BF hormones make you when you are doing what comes naturally!

[canberramomma]

Yeah, you feed your bub where and when it's suitable for you. Eff 'em, I say! If I'm BFing and I hear of a local place that discourages it, I go there and BF (while staring dagger into the establishment or crowd) to prove a point! We don't need that crap. We are just doing what we need to for our bubbies!

[Liz]

it's sad isn't it. I haven't experienced it myself, I've had the odd look now & then, but nothing for me to feel awkward about.

Perhaps just keep in mind that people that react like that probably have their own baggage and seeing public breastfeeding hits a raw nerve. I think it's sad to hear of other young(ish) mums being like this. I guess I can kind of excuse it from older generations coz they're a bit more prudish that way.. but from other mums... they must just be bitter & twisted to let someone breastfeeding their baby upset them.

You're doing the best thing for your baby, and for breastfeeding itself. It is so normal to feed a baby!

wow at that woman feeding all the prems! What a fantastic thing to do. It's a shame that sort of thing isn't done these days.. breastmilk is the best thing for those immature little tums. There was no way I was letting my DD have formula when she was prem.

Chin up, and remember you're doing nothing wrong, and it's other people that have the problem.

[LuluHB]

I'd definitely keep doing it too - in fact, I'd time my shopping so I HAD to feed while I was out!! I was pretty lucky when I was bfing my DD and got only encouraging looks and smiles. Good on you for doing what is normal and natural.

We formula feeding mamas cop a fair bit of flack too for different reasons. Its a shame people can't just look at a child being fed and see how lovely it is, however its done, rather than find a way to be offended.