Breastfeeding in an Islamic country

Hi Ladies,

I was hoping someone could help me. We are on holidays at the moment, and currently in Malaysia.

Is there any guidelines I should follow with breastfeeding dd? I mean I wouldn't feed out in the open in a shopping centre here, but is it ok to feed in the open in parents rooms? Or if there aren't any is it best to use a toilet?

I just don't want to be disrespectful.



Thanks

HI, little-o, I hope you are having a great holiday! I haven't been to Malaysia, but I did spend years in Indonesia as a kid and the cultures are quite similar. BF'ing was done very openly in Indonesia and it was common to see women BF'ing children of all ages. I would tend to feed discreetly, in that I would put a shawl or sarong over my breast if feeding in public, but I would still be comfortable feeding when out and about. Could you ask a local mother you spot out and about with a child of similar age to your own?

I am married to a malaysian and just checked with my MIL and SIL and they both said in public even covered is a big no no. Also in parent rooms you must be covered up.
Having to feed in a toilet sounds gross and dirty but if you are out and about and cant find a parent room make sure you duck into a toilet cubicle and you will be fine!
So in a parents room still cover up and out in public find a nice clean toilet!
Hope that helps

To be honest, I doubt you'll find a parents room in the first place. They will be quite rare.

In Malaysia, even though the Muslims are generally quite liberal, I personally don't think it will be a good idea to breast feed in public without being VERY discreet. I've done it but in the car with literally no skin showing.

The other thing you might find is, ppl will stare. Even the fact that you're Caucasian will attract some attention as it is. They might be a bit more subtle these days but you will be stared at. Mainly because they are 'amazed'/curious/admiring with no intention to insult. But you might find it a bit daunting.

I don't meant to despair you, it is possible but you will need to search for good spots. Sometimes I go into 'fancy' hotels and use their toilets as an alternative if I really need to.

I stayed in KL for a few days and breastfed at the park and in the hotel restaurant and in a carrier while out and about. It wasn't ideal but I made sure I wasn't too open iykwim and I did get a few looks but some of those included smiles. I think you have to find the best compromise between your babies needs and the cultural standards. I wasn't going to let ds scream but I also wasn't going to be as open as here in Australia. Good luck.