This weekend we were out sightseeing with my sister's family. It's always fun to get out and explore, which with having a new baby, we haven't done much of lately. One of the consequences of carting a new baby around in public, however, is that they need to eat and when they're meal literally comes from Mom, it's a chore to figure out the best place to commence feeding.
Let me just say that nursing in public is not my favorite thing. However, I am of the belief that between the choice of starving my baby or enduring public scrutiny, I will always chooose the ladder. Let me also say that when I nurse in public, I am VERY covered. I am not one of those women that proudly presents their "ladies" to the world; I even have the aptly named "hooter hider" to keep myself completely modest.
So, once I'm covered and baby is happily eating, I get to sit back and watch. The way people react to a woman breastfeeding is both fascinating and hilarious. The range of reactions is something to behold. Here are the types I've observed:
* The complete oblivious (love 'em)
* Those that look at you with complete understanding (also love 'em)
* Those, usually women, that just beam at you. (They make me smile, even though sometimes I worry they may run over, throw off my cover and start tickling Kennedy).
*Those that look at me in disgust (not a huge fan)
*Those that say, "I will NEVER do that in public!" (famous last words)
*And those, usually men, who take a minute to figure out what you're doing, and once realization hits, look anywhere but at you. It's as if they are thinking, "don't look directly at it". This cracks me up! What do they think is going to happen if they look at us? Do they think they are going to turn into superman and develop x ray vision in that very moment? (these are the most fun to watch).
*And those, usually men, who take a minute to figure out what you're doing, and once realization hits, look anywhere but at you. It's as if they are thinking, "don't look directly at it". This cracks me up! What do they think is going to happen if they look at us? Do they think they are going to turn into superman and develop x ray vision in that very moment? (these are the most fun to watch).
But too all types I say thank you, for letting me nurse my child in public, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. KK thanks you and so do all the people that won't have to listen to her cry because she got a good meal in. :)
As long as you're not whipping the girls out in all their glory I don't get what the big deal is.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind seeing a mother breast feed. I DO mind when they cast modesty to the wayside.
You go girl.