Nursing in Public
This is no rant. I chose to use what can be a hot button topic for a title to pull some interest for those who go searching. It’s been months since I’ve written anything new. I guess I’ve been too busy running after my two little elves and actually talking to people to sit and write.
My little one is 19+ months now and is still a breastfed babe. She runs, babbles, practices feeding me and herself with a fork and spoon. Like most her age, she eats a variety of foods but in varying amounts and rates. She likes to drink cows milk but to compensate for the variations, momma’s milk fills the gaps. It also comforts while awake, going to sleep, and while sleeping.
All that doesn’t stop when we leave the house, and having family in town for Christmas certainly takes us away from home several days a week. Today for example we made a 90 minute drive to Fairfield for the Jelly Belly Factory tour and then Napa for a family dinner. The drive itself was a concern because longer car rides are tough on little elves. I would have sat uncomfortably between their seats if I felt it absolutely necessary but thankfully the fussing was soon followed by sleeping on both drives.
Public nursing spot #1 was during a Jelly Belly Factory Tour. While guided through an overlook of the factory my elf made it clear that she wanted Mom’s milk. I picked her up, adjusted my sweater, keeping a tank top down, got her latched on and cradled on my arms. Along we went. I even saw one other nursing momma but she had stopped and sat down.
Public nursing spot #2 wasn’t particularly public, it was in my uncle and aunts home, but sometimes momma’s can be unsure how other family members will respond. I know my uncle is very supportive of how my grandmother, my mother, and I have raised our children but I’m not sure about my aunt. She may just be unfamiliar with child behavior.
Public nursing spot #3 was at a Chinese restaurant.
On Boxing Day it was in a movie theater to keep her quiet but she wasn’t tired enough to sleep yet or subdued enough to stay so we walked around outside. After a while we sat on a cushioned seat and nursed to naptime. On Christmas Eve it was at church during the family service. It takes a little finesse and flexibility, but it is perfectly possible to be discreet. You don’t have to wear nursing tops, though it helps. Go snuggle your babe!
Please Leave a Comment: