I have only seen a few of these decals. If this is to become the symbol I wish more places would use them. This way people who are shy can have a place to go. Personally, I think breastfeeding is a natural thing and women shouldn't have to hide from the public.
Sun, 08/10/2008 - 20:41 — doon
I never had the chance to breast feed having adopted our son, but I have never been offended by anyone that does. I guess the only time I take a second glance is when a child is 2+, and the mother makes an obvious production of breast feeding,,,why??
I personally don't think a decal is the solution. I think it places limitations instead of making it more natural.
Regardless that I did not breast feed, I always preferred a quiet more relaxed location when I was bottle feeding my son. That being said, he too was much more relaxed as well.
Sat, 08/09/2008 - 23:35 — ElizabethsMommy07
Being a mother that is on the shy side I always wanted to make sure that the places I went with my daughter had a nice, secluded, private and quiet place to breastfeed. It does not bother me at all to see other mother's breastfeed and I think it is a beautiful thing I am just not comfortable sitting out in the middle of a mall or store to breastfeed so having it well advertied really helped me. I am not breastfeeding anymore so I do not have to worry about it but I know when I was it was very helpful to know what stores/malls had breastfeeding rooms available and where they were located.
Sat, 08/09/2008 - 09:27 — Alessia
Although it's beautiful to breastfeed, there are different personalities that deal with seeing this act differently. Many are uncomfortable to be confronted with this, especially men. If at all possible, I think it's important to be discreet.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 23:50 — SARACARSTAIRS
I was never shy about breast feeding our baby in public. I had a system of a tank top with a shirt over top and there was no "unnecessary exposure" ... However, the key was finding a nice quiet, relaxing, clean and comfortable place to feed the baby. It would be great if more places provided locations for breast feeding and advertised it. We still breast feed, but only at night at home, so we don't worry about this issue anymore!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 23:47 — KristenRMT
At this point in the game, I think that when people see the decal they are once reminded that breastfeeding is 'normal' and every baby and mother's right where ever they are. I also like the decals because some of the places will even have a nursing pillow or a change station if needed.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 23:18 — Cyansmom
I don't really see the point.
I will breastfeed when I have to, wether there is a decal or not. When my daughter needs milk, she gets it.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 15:52 — melljones
mell says
Should be able to do it where it needs to be done. People can be so good at it you will often never even know it is happening.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 13:09 — ndalley
I have mixed feelings about public breastfeeding. I myself am offended if a mother does not make reasonable attempts to be descreet. I was once at playroom where a mom wearing a one piece sundress hiked her dress up around her neck to breastfeed. The only thing hiding her undergarments was the 2+ year old child she was feeding. Having said all that, I am a firm believer in the value of breastfeeding--I did so for 8 months with my first child and am now nursing a 5 month old. I take my baby with me everywhere, so I nurse wherever I can. However, I don't think signs would be of any value to me. Whether or not a business has a sign will not impact my decision to nurse there. If I need to nurse, I will. I simply pull out a nursing canopy (I have at least one everywhere I go). I have only once recieved negative feedback regarding my choice to nurse in public and that was when I did so in a Ferry bathroom (it must have been an old one or before I knew about the "family room" on board). Their displeasure was with the fact that "we wouldn't eat in the same room we go to the bathroom in"... I get that, but it seemed to be the best option at the time. At any rate, I think common sense and discretion are key. I get the fact that it is natural and beautiful--but it's that kind of "nature" that I'd like to reserve for the eyes of my husband only. period.
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 07:11 — DianaI
I agree...breastfeeding is a natural thing, but there is something to be said about being discreet. It is one thing to see a woman's breast, but another to see her whole body. I too always have a blanket to cover up if need be.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 15:14 — Ashlea
I'm completley with you about being discreet, I always have something with me to cover up with if I do need to nurse my son in public. It does kind of leave a bad taste in your mouth when someone is very out there because no one really wants to see boobs unless they are your own. My husband once saw a two year old crawl up his mothers dress and actually unsnap her bra himself and this was in church.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:06 — mbrown
I think it is a shame that it might be necessary to have such decals. However, as breastfeeding is not well accepted in all places, a decal would make nursing Mothers feel welcome. Seeing a Mother nurse her baby is such a gentle, beautiful thing, I don't know what people are so concerned about. Most Mothers are very discreet. Are people afraid they may see part of a breast? They have the choice to not look.
There are certainly a lot of things out there I would rather not see. For sure, there are people who would have made a wiser choice covering themselves up more rather than walking around in public with less clothes than is aesthetically pleasing. Now that makes me shake my head.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 10:48 — wing0125
Might be helpful to know though... that the store has designated a spot for breastfeeding, so you don't have to do it standing up. Not always the most comfortable thing trying to juggle clothing, wiggly baby and maintain some decorum while standing up!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 07:38 — Ashlea
I think breastfeeding decals would be a great idea! That way if people don't want to see it then they don't have to go into the stores.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 12:10 — Bistti
They might be a good idea in concept, and for some people. But I know myself, Being a young mom and knowing other young moms, that when I started breastfeeding I was glad I was doing it but also uncomfortable in the beginning about doing it in public. And I think that these decals would become like an approval stamp and people might only go there and not to p[laces that they may want to go to because the DON'T have the stamp.
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 07:23 — doon
This is exactly what I was thinking. Someone who may be a bit shy themselves, would be running around looking for a sticker that "allowed" them to breast feed!
It's like trying to find a bathroom, when you really need one, but it says for customers only!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 07:45 — Maureen Dennis
But that's the thing, does that help make breastfeeding become "normal"? Or does it limit where and when we can nurse a baby?
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:10 — Ashlea
I don't think it will limit where you can breastfeed, you can and should be able feed your baby anywhere. I was thinking it would be great more along the lines for knowing where breastfeeding friendly stores are. I don't think breastfeeding is ever going to be conidered 'normal' unless more people do it and do it in public
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 09:36 — Lacy
I think it just gives the mom a little extra boost of confidence. She can still nurse wherever, but at least she knows she won't get any crap about it in those places. I see your point and they shouldn't be necessary because it should just be normal, but maybe it's a step in that direction since that makes it normal in those places.
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 07:16 — DianaI
I think the decals are a step in the right direction too. It at least allows mothers to get out of the house. Can you imagine many many years ago? It was unheard of to leave the house without having first breastfed the baby. I am glad that things have changed a great deal since then. Places having a breastfeeding area are becoming more open and taking the time to provide a nice area for us. It is wonderful!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 07:17 — wildbane
It's a shame the world is still so phobic, but not everyone can change. I have twins, and sometimes feed both at the same time. My own mom won't take me out unless I have a couple bottles as she fears I'll try to feed both in public. They are 15 days old, they both fit under my shirt, but she was raised a bit more conservatively!
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 07:00 — Jacks Dad
That's upsetting, but not surprising - sometimes there's another agenda. Jack's Grandma (on his mother's side) Insisted on bottle feeding for two reasons it appears. One, it seems that not bottle feeding him is a deliberate attempt to say that 'her way' was wrong (with Ash) and this way is right, cut and dry. And, Two, she desperately wants to feed him, but we never favored bottles... and Jack doesn't like them either, so what are we supposed to do? Have him scream for no reason?
I am saying this to point out one thing. It's not about Jack's grandmother - it's about Jack. He's the only one that matters. Your twins are the ONLY ones that matter. So if they're hungry and the 'other twins' are ready to go, latch up those hungry babies! You know it's the best thing for them, your mother will adjust.
It's always hard with your own parents, but there's no sense in the twins suffering for anybodies preference - they deserve the best, even if you have to put your foot down.
Right?
Tue, 08/19/2008 - 06:45 — DianaI
I agree...if a baby is hungry, he/she should eat. Bottles are not always the answer. In my case both my girls refused to eat/drink from a bottle. So breastfeeding is what it came down to. And you know what? People around me just adjusted. I'm sure your mother will to.
Mon, 08/11/2008 - 07:18 — DianaI
Twins? Koodoos for you for breastfeeding no matter where you are doing it!!
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 11:10 — mbrown
What a shame that your own Mother does not support you. She should be defending you against the nay sayers.
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 10:46 — mommy_siu
oh my good gosh, i cant believe your own "mothers" wouldnt accompany you without a bottle. Thats hard to cope with i bet.
Comments
I have only seen a few of these decals. If this is to become the symbol I wish more places would use them. This way people who are shy can have a place to go. Personally, I think breastfeeding is a natural thing and women shouldn't have to hide from the public.
I never had the chance to breast feed having adopted our son, but I have never been offended by anyone that does. I guess the only time I take a second glance is when a child is 2+, and the mother makes an obvious production of breast feeding,,,why??
I personally don't think a decal is the solution. I think it places limitations instead of making it more natural.
Regardless that I did not breast feed, I always preferred a quiet more relaxed location when I was bottle feeding my son. That being said, he too was much more relaxed as well.
Being a mother that is on the shy side I always wanted to make sure that the places I went with my daughter had a nice, secluded, private and quiet place to breastfeed. It does not bother me at all to see other mother's breastfeed and I think it is a beautiful thing I am just not comfortable sitting out in the middle of a mall or store to breastfeed so having it well advertied really helped me. I am not breastfeeding anymore so I do not have to worry about it but I know when I was it was very helpful to know what stores/malls had breastfeeding rooms available and where they were located.
Although it's beautiful to breastfeed, there are different personalities that deal with seeing this act differently. Many are uncomfortable to be confronted with this, especially men. If at all possible, I think it's important to be discreet.
I was never shy about breast feeding our baby in public. I had a system of a tank top with a shirt over top and there was no "unnecessary exposure" ... However, the key was finding a nice quiet, relaxing, clean and comfortable place to feed the baby. It would be great if more places provided locations for breast feeding and advertised it. We still breast feed, but only at night at home, so we don't worry about this issue anymore!
At this point in the game, I think that when people see the decal they are once reminded that breastfeeding is 'normal' and every baby and mother's right where ever they are. I also like the decals because some of the places will even have a nursing pillow or a change station if needed.
I don't really see the point.
I will breastfeed when I have to, wether there is a decal or not. When my daughter needs milk, she gets it.
mell says
Should be able to do it where it needs to be done. People can be so good at it you will often never even know it is happening.
I have mixed feelings about public breastfeeding. I myself am offended if a mother does not make reasonable attempts to be descreet. I was once at playroom where a mom wearing a one piece sundress hiked her dress up around her neck to breastfeed. The only thing hiding her undergarments was the 2+ year old child she was feeding. Having said all that, I am a firm believer in the value of breastfeeding--I did so for 8 months with my first child and am now nursing a 5 month old. I take my baby with me everywhere, so I nurse wherever I can. However, I don't think signs would be of any value to me. Whether or not a business has a sign will not impact my decision to nurse there. If I need to nurse, I will. I simply pull out a nursing canopy (I have at least one everywhere I go). I have only once recieved negative feedback regarding my choice to nurse in public and that was when I did so in a Ferry bathroom (it must have been an old one or before I knew about the "family room" on board). Their displeasure was with the fact that "we wouldn't eat in the same room we go to the bathroom in"... I get that, but it seemed to be the best option at the time. At any rate, I think common sense and discretion are key. I get the fact that it is natural and beautiful--but it's that kind of "nature" that I'd like to reserve for the eyes of my husband only. period.
I agree...breastfeeding is a natural thing, but there is something to be said about being discreet. It is one thing to see a woman's breast, but another to see her whole body. I too always have a blanket to cover up if need be.
I'm completley with you about being discreet, I always have something with me to cover up with if I do need to nurse my son in public. It does kind of leave a bad taste in your mouth when someone is very out there because no one really wants to see boobs unless they are your own. My husband once saw a two year old crawl up his mothers dress and actually unsnap her bra himself and this was in church.
I think it is a shame that it might be necessary to have such decals. However, as breastfeeding is not well accepted in all places, a decal would make nursing Mothers feel welcome. Seeing a Mother nurse her baby is such a gentle, beautiful thing, I don't know what people are so concerned about. Most Mothers are very discreet. Are people afraid they may see part of a breast? They have the choice to not look.
There are certainly a lot of things out there I would rather not see. For sure, there are people who would have made a wiser choice covering themselves up more rather than walking around in public with less clothes than is aesthetically pleasing. Now that makes me shake my head.
Might be helpful to know though... that the store has designated a spot for breastfeeding, so you don't have to do it standing up. Not always the most comfortable thing trying to juggle clothing, wiggly baby and maintain some decorum while standing up!
I think breastfeeding decals would be a great idea! That way if people don't want to see it then they don't have to go into the stores.
They might be a good idea in concept, and for some people. But I know myself, Being a young mom and knowing other young moms, that when I started breastfeeding I was glad I was doing it but also uncomfortable in the beginning about doing it in public. And I think that these decals would become like an approval stamp and people might only go there and not to p[laces that they may want to go to because the DON'T have the stamp.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Someone who may be a bit shy themselves, would be running around looking for a sticker that "allowed" them to breast feed!
It's like trying to find a bathroom, when you really need one, but it says for customers only!
But that's the thing, does that help make breastfeeding become "normal"? Or does it limit where and when we can nurse a baby?
I don't think it will limit where you can breastfeed, you can and should be able feed your baby anywhere. I was thinking it would be great more along the lines for knowing where breastfeeding friendly stores are. I don't think breastfeeding is ever going to be conidered 'normal' unless more people do it and do it in public
I think it just gives the mom a little extra boost of confidence. She can still nurse wherever, but at least she knows she won't get any crap about it in those places. I see your point and they shouldn't be necessary because it should just be normal, but maybe it's a step in that direction since that makes it normal in those places.
I think the decals are a step in the right direction too. It at least allows mothers to get out of the house. Can you imagine many many years ago? It was unheard of to leave the house without having first breastfed the baby. I am glad that things have changed a great deal since then. Places having a breastfeeding area are becoming more open and taking the time to provide a nice area for us. It is wonderful!
It's a shame the world is still so phobic, but not everyone can change. I have twins, and sometimes feed both at the same time. My own mom won't take me out unless I have a couple bottles as she fears I'll try to feed both in public. They are 15 days old, they both fit under my shirt, but she was raised a bit more conservatively!
That's upsetting, but not surprising - sometimes there's another agenda. Jack's Grandma (on his mother's side) Insisted on bottle feeding for two reasons it appears. One, it seems that not bottle feeding him is a deliberate attempt to say that 'her way' was wrong (with Ash) and this way is right, cut and dry. And, Two, she desperately wants to feed him, but we never favored bottles... and Jack doesn't like them either, so what are we supposed to do? Have him scream for no reason?
I am saying this to point out one thing. It's not about Jack's grandmother - it's about Jack. He's the only one that matters. Your twins are the ONLY ones that matter. So if they're hungry and the 'other twins' are ready to go, latch up those hungry babies! You know it's the best thing for them, your mother will adjust.
It's always hard with your own parents, but there's no sense in the twins suffering for anybodies preference - they deserve the best, even if you have to put your foot down.
Right?
I agree...if a baby is hungry, he/she should eat. Bottles are not always the answer. In my case both my girls refused to eat/drink from a bottle. So breastfeeding is what it came down to. And you know what? People around me just adjusted. I'm sure your mother will to.
Twins? Koodoos for you for breastfeeding no matter where you are doing it!!
What a shame that your own Mother does not support you. She should be defending you against the nay sayers.
oh my good gosh, i cant believe your own "mothers" wouldnt accompany you without a bottle. Thats hard to cope with i bet.