Public breastfeeding

I guess they were trying to make a point if they weren't being discreet about their breastfeeding , breastfeeding mothers usually manage to do so without the rest of the world even knowing they are doing it by using a wrap of some sort..

It wouldn't bother me either way as a baby needs feeding when its hungry and that shouldn't limit the mother into having to stay home to do it.. why should they have to hide away to perform a perfectly natural act? As long as its done discreetly.

"A furore today with a crowd of breastfeeders occupying a cafe who had asked a breastfeeding mother to move to a more discreet table! The manager had to apologise and grovel to a bunch of frankly over-endowed breastfeeders."

I can't make head or tail of that post. Why don't you sort it out and then come back.

If you really have to.

So, a group of mothers met up for lunch. And they were breastfeeding. So, they were good mothers.

Rejoice. The next generation needs them.

Breastfeeding is natural. Whenever I have see a mother feeding her baby it makes me smile. It is rarely done overtly, but I wouldn't mind at all if it was.

I think it's a lovely thing to see, anywhere, any time.

Me too! They protested peacefully and were made welcome x

'Furore' doesn't sound peaceful - has this been in the news? And it sounds as though they were only eventually made welcome...

Oh I get it now! If the OP had put "occupying a cafe whose owner....".

Good on them!

A slight aside to this ...a couple of days ago, walking in the precinct part of a local High Street, I was to see a mother prepare to change her toddler's nappy on one of the cement benches. (It was beginning to rain too)

But then ...on thinking about it ...I couldn't think of any restroom facilities in the town that she could have used! Which me even more.

What do the British have against children? I think any woman who is offended by the sight of a mother feeding her baby in a completely natural way has a problem.

greatnan,
this country has never been user friendly, let alone child friendly.

Nanban, it is ridiculous - and frankly insulting - to compare women breastfeeding in public with men flashing their privates. The latter is a threatening gesture; who could possibly feel threatened by the sight of a baby taking his/her natural nutriment?

Having lived in countries where children are usually liked and catered for, there are times I find some places very unwelcoming. Although it is improving. However, about 2 years ago we all met up near the New Forest for a meal in a local pub. My GD was then about 14 months old and a good baby. There was a classic notice over the bar 'children and dogs welcome, but please ensure your child is well behaved'. I was incensed . No mention of 'don't let your dog lift it's leg please, or bark, etc etc' BTW I am a dog lover].

Actually I don't find any problem with breast feeding but my husband does get embarrassed by it, I think most men do.

Having said that he would not think any other than it is a natural thing to do and would never make a fuss, simply avert his gaze.

I think they were obviously trying to make a point.

My dd does it, along with all her friends. Dgd is one now ,with TEETH but she's still breast feeding!

Jacey, to join you in your aside, some parents do seem to think it's quite OK to leave dirty disposable nappies lying about wherever they stop to change their baby. I've seen them on public transport and in the corners of waiting rooms.....

I don't think I have ever seen a mum, breastfeeding in public, do so in an indiscreet manner. Even if they have a bit of chest exposed the baby's head is covering it. Perhaps people feel embarrassed because they really want to look and feel they should not.
I find it very depressing that the mainstream press can exhibit dozens of naked breasts (albeit all crafted by the same plastic surgeon) and someone can get all ruffled by the sight of breasts being used for the purpose that nature intended.
"furore" sounds like media trying to make something sound more dramatic.

Thank goodness we've moved on from the days when you were expected to lurk in the Ladies to feed your infant! I've heard/read the occasional story of a mother being asked to stop feeding the baby because people were embarrassed but mothers now seem to be more assertive. More power to their elbows. Or whatever.

JessM I couldn't agree more!
I know Gary the Gardner gets a little embarrassed when Venetia (discreetly) feeds Merryn. But his wife, Kate the cleaner and I tell him not to be so idioticz,

I do not mind it at all.
However, I always avert my eyes because I feel as if I am intruding .
For me, a woman breast feeding her child is a very powerful image.
It is beautiful, the height of intimacy between mother and child.

I breastfed all five of my babies, but back in the early 60s to early 70s, I wouldn`t have done it in public, not because I think there`s anything indecent about it, but because I was painfully shy. When I came home rom hospital with the second one, I was leaving the room to feed her, when my MIL asked where I was going. I said I was going to feed the baby, and she said, "Sit yourself down, he`s seen titties before, haven`t you Billy?" meaning my FIL!

My daughter saw some babies/toddlers at a birthday party being fed coke in their bottles. Now that would really offend me!

My daughter breastfed all six of her babies - she used to wear a shawl over her shoulder and just pop the baby's head under it - none of them suffocated!

And me! I wanted desperately to breastfeed and couldn't. I feel slightly of those who can and will defend their right to do so.