Breast Feeding in Restaurant

WesternNight · 31-03-2012 11:45pm

Kirby wrote: »

The issue is the weird double standard that it would appear 90% of the thread are ignoring.

If the woman in question had her breasts on display without a baby, she would be making some people uncomfortable and would probably be asked to leave. Or she could be arrested for public indecency. Why does a baby suddenly make it perfectly okay?

If a woman has her breasts on display without a baby and for no obvious reason, that would generally be considered contextually inappropriate (assuming it's not a strip club or whatever). If a woman is feeding her baby that's generally (although not always, apparently) considered contextually appropriate. As in, there's a reason or function for it - she's feeding her child.

It's not a double standard. It's common-fúcking-sense.

hairyprincess · 31-03-2012 11:45pm

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Didn't realise people weren't entitled to their own opinion on Boards.

Some of you would want to relax. Especially you Dudess with the foul language.

Breast feed elsewhere, not a restaurant.

I breast fed my youngest until she was 2 years and 1 month old.

I breast fed her in restaurants, in pubs, in mass, in shopping centres, hospitals, airplanes, airports, other peoples houses...............the list is endless. Never was I or my child subjected to such an ignorant attitude as you displayed towards that woman today.

Your attitude is moronic and you display a narrowmindedness that is completely shocking and quite sad really. I feel sorry for you and those around you that have to listen to your vile rantings

Dudess · 31-03-2012 11:45pm

Jess16 wrote: »

Non-parents preferences deserve equal respect and consideration too and in my experience, it's precisely members of the Yummy Mummy brigade who are only too happy to complain when something irks them.

I agree there are some places it's better not to bring children - museums, fancy restaurants, but it's not always easy to get a babysitter though - and parents of very small babies are entitled to get out for a nice lunch now and again. Plus, some restaurants should be family-friendly.

hondasam · 31-03-2012 11:46pm

dark crystal wrote: »

Why should the mother give two sh!ts about what one or two prudes think about her feeding her child.

In 2012, why should anyone still be so backward as to be shocked at seeing a woman breastfeeding. It beggars belief!

I'm just saying I would take other peoples feelings into consideration that's all, these other people were paying to have a meal and might not want to see someone breastfeeding their baby.
I have seen thread on here where people were outraged at kids in restaurants.
I'm not a prude I assure you.

iguana wrote: »

Again no. If the baby is hungry what good will water do?

I'm a mother myself and we all have had to make compromises at times, it called planning ahead.

IcedJade · 31-03-2012 11:46pm

Kirby wrote: »

The issue is the weird double standard that it would appear 90% of the thread are ignoring.

If the woman in question had her breasts on display without a baby, she would be making some people uncomfortable and would probably be asked to leave. Or she could be arrested for public indecency. Why does a baby suddenly make it perfectly okay?

Is The OP being overly-sensitive and a bit of a dramatic ninny? Probably. But a person has the right to have a bit of dinner without another person in the place exposing themselves.

Personally, I'm fine with it. Doesn't bother me at all. But I completely understand if it bothered other people and I also understand why some people find it inappropriate. It's not difficult to understand and alot of people in the thread are just being obtuse for the sake of it and in traditional After Hours fashion are just crapping all over the OP.

Do you not think the issue is the OP's lack of knowledge and exposure to breastfeeding? If more people were comfortable to do it in public (assuming attitudes changed) the public would just have to get comfortable with it.

Its something different. Where there is difference, ignorance usually follows.

mrswalton · 31-03-2012 11:47pm

hondasam wrote: »

Do small babies have growth spurts? I would imagine if the child was more than a year old it would be eating solid food.

wtf?

Dudess · 31-03-2012 11:47pm

WesternNight wrote: »

It's not a double standard. It's common-fúcking-sense.

Yep, it's not a double standard at all. That poster is going on about exposed boobs - now THAT'S obtuse for the sake of it.

iguana · 31-03-2012 11:49pm

hondasam wrote: »

I'm a mother myself and we all have had to make compromises at times, it called planning ahead.

But no mother needs to make this compromise. Just like I don't need to cover my hair because some strict muslim up the street doesn't like how I dress. Breastfeeding mothers don't have to worry about when and where they can feed. They can just do it and if anyone has hang ups about that, it's their own problem.

dark crystal · 31-03-2012 11:51pm

hondasam wrote: »

I'm a mother myself and we all have had to make compromises at times, it called planning ahead.

But the beauty of breastfeeding is that you don't have to do all the bottle sterilizing, bottle warming, carrying round of extra baggage etc.

Why should the mother go to all that extra hassle when she has a perfectly clean, portable feeding system right there on her body. There's no compromise needed as far as I'm concerned.

Chuck Stone · 31-03-2012 11:52pm

You can get milk from boobs?

hondasam · 31-03-2012 11:52pm

iguana wrote: »

But no mother needs to make this compromise. Just like I don't need to cover my hair because some strict muslim up the street doesn't like how I dress. Breastfeeding mothers don't have to worry about when and where they can feed. They can just do it and if anyone has hang ups about that, it's their own problem.

I agree with you totally but I would not do it if I thought it made other people uncomfortable, that's just me.

Carter P Fly · 31-03-2012 11:52pm

I'm all for breast feeding and applaud mothers who do it.

The world would be a way better place if we could masturbate in public, guys and girls. Just sayin' like, It really would be, not that that has anything to do with the topic at hand.

LETHAL LADY · 31-03-2012 11:52pm

A lot of women who breastfeed do so exclusively as in they dont bother with pumps and bottles etc. Are they selfish for providing the best possible start for a baby and not taking into consideration those who may be offended when they see such a natural act taking place?

Princess Peach · 31-03-2012 11:53pm

Firstly about the exposing thing- I would rightly assume the woman was not topless in the restaurant.

Also fair enough people don't find breastfeeding attractive or pleasant or whatever. Some people don't like to see overweight people in skimpy clothes, some people don't like to see same sex couples kiss. Just look away and get on with your life! Don't let it ruin your lunch and your day.

LeeHoffmann · 31-03-2012 11:54pm

If a woman has her breasts on display without a baby and for no obvious reason, that would generally be considered contextually inappropriate (assuming it's not a strip club or whatever). If a woman is feeding her baby that's generally (although not always, apparently) considered contextually appropriate. As in, there's a reason or function for it - she's feeding her child.

This (contextually appropriate vs. inappropriate) is a good way to put it. I think it should be legal for women to breastfeed in public but I´d still find it inappropriate. Unless there was some kind of life and death issue, people getting their boobs out in public would make me uncomfortable.

it's not always easy to get a babysitter though - and parents of very small babies are entitled to get out for a nice lunch now and again. Plus, some restaurants should be family-friendly.

I don´t think anyone´s entitled to get out for a nice lunch

Would a family-family restaurant be one where customers could expect to see breastfeeding etc more often? This sounds a little like those baby-friendly cinemas (where parents bring young babies that may cry, need feeding etc) - then, everyone who goes in there knows what to expect

sunflower27 · 31-03-2012 11:54pm

To be honest I cannot recall the last time I saw a woman breastfeed in public. I really can't.

I'm sure it happens

ted1 · 31-03-2012 11:55pm

When breast feeding breasts are not on displayed. Generally the mother is suttle and the babies face covers any Expressed boob. Can never understand people who have an issue.

YFlyer · 31-03-2012 11:56pm

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Firstly, I wasn't "offended".

Secondly, I'm not trolling. I genuinely don't understand why she couldn't have done this in her car, in the bathroom, somewhere more private, but a restaurant?

And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, the people I were with said they found it shocking too. And no, they're not "morons" for feeling this way. It's a matter of opinion and I'm entitled to it, just because you guys don't agree doesn't make me a "troll".

Birds of a feather........

LeeHoffmann · 31-03-2012 11:57pm

Are they selfish for providing the best possible start for a baby

yes, yes they are :rolleyes:

LETHAL LADY · 31-03-2012 11:59pm

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

yes, yes they are :rolleyes:

Whats with the :rolleyes: leehoffmann

iguana · 31-03-2012 11:59pm

hondasam wrote: »

I agree with you totally but I would not do it if I thought it made other people uncomfortable, that's just me.

But what about the men who feel uncomfortable at the sight of your uncovered hair? Or what if you have a pimple and it grosses someone out? Or do you ever wear sandals? Because a lot of people are sickened by the sight of feet.

Or what about people people with facial deformities or obvious physical disabilities? Should they stay inside because there are more than a few people who find dealing with them uncomfortable. I know some people get uncomfortable dealing with the elderly or those with Downs.

Come on. People with ridiculous hang ups should not ever be pandered to. It's not lack of consideration when someone who makes someone else feel uncomfortable just gets on with their lives. It's not being stymied by fools.

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:01am

@ Lethal Lady, your use of rhetoric annoys (but amuses) me

Juwwi · 01-04-2012 12:01am

Dudess wrote: »

Grow the FUK up!!!

Dudess wrote: »

Prepare for "Having a **** is natural but you don't do that in public" derpiness.
I think she's on a wind-up tbh.

"Ignorant" - lol. Someone needs a dictionary.

Dudess wrote: »

And when it's a retarded opinion, people are entitled to argue with it.

What "elsewhere" would you suggest?

Dudess wrote: »

The claim about everyone else looking shocked is no doubt made up.

Someone needs to get down off their high horse.

You dont agree with the OP big deal no need to insult.

Dempsey · 01-04-2012 12:02am

If I was in a restaurant and some mother started breastfeeding in full view of the place, I'd be surprised more than anything because I'd think/thought most mothers would be uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. I thought they'd look for a baby changing room or something before they'd resort to breastfeeding in a crowded room.

They should be afraid that breastfeeding in public would resort to this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7NrfhWPL1I

IcedJade · 01-04-2012 12:06am

sunflower27 wrote: »

To be honest I cannot recall the last time I saw a woman breastfeed in public. I really can't.

I'm sure it happens

thats because of our backward culture.

I breastfeed my daughter. In the beginning I was petrified to feed in public because I know people look and stare and getting used to this new skill was hard. Also being in the house all day and night was hard. I pushed on and kept feeding. I am so glad I did. I suffered postnatal depression. When it was finally diagnosed I did some research.
EEG's (Brainwaves) taken of of babies of PND moms where compared and divided into bottle and breast. All bottle feed babies had an abnormal EEG and all breastfed babies had normal ones. They had been protected from the effects of the mothers illness by the regular intimate contact breast feeding provides.

Cheeky girl please inform yourself to the wonders of breastfeeding.

howsyourtusk · 01-04-2012 12:08am

@LeeHoffman (boards not allowing to quote, stupid boards). Can you defend your usage of the words inappropriate in terms of women breastfeeding in public? How is exposing a fatty area of the body to the world in any way inappropriate?

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:18am

I thought I explained that in my previous post. I´d see it as appropriate to cover your boobs in public. That you want to feed your baby wouldn´t make it any more appropriate to me because it´s not like some kind of emergency - all it requires is a little forward-planning and/or sacrifice on your part.

btw the ass is a fatty area of the body...are you suggesting it´s appropriate to expose it to the world? (I´m being facetious, in case that´s not clear)

dark crystal · 01-04-2012 12:19am

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

I thought I explained that in my previous post. I´d see it as appropriate to cover your boobs in public. That you want to feed your baby wouldn´t make it any more appropriate to me because it´s not like some kind of emergency - all it requires is a little forward-planning and/or sacrifice on your part.

Your problem - not theirs.

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:21am

not contested

howsyourtusk · 01-04-2012 12:22am

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

I thought I explained that in my previous post. I´d see it as appropriate to cover your boobs in public. That you want to feed your baby wouldn´t make it any more appropriate to me because it´s not like some kind of emergency - all it requires is a little forward-planning and/or sacrifice on your part.

btw the ass is a fatty area of the body...are you suggesting it´s appropriate to expose it to the world? (I´m being facetious, in case that´s not clear)

Yeh, I'm saying exactly that. I'd even say, shock horror, that it's ok to expose any part of your body to the world. Because the body is nothing to be ashamed of! What's your issue with nudity? And what makes nudity inappropriate?

yizorselves · 01-04-2012 12:22am

I think more women should do it and get them out. Even if they dont have a baby

LETHAL LADY · 01-04-2012 12:23am

@leohoffmann where is the rhetoric that amuses but annoys you?

Chuck Stone · 01-04-2012 12:23am

The folks who have a problem with breast feeding just need to go to no-feeding-babies-the-way-nature-intended-restaurants; I'm sure the type of people who'd frequent them would be a great bunch of lads and lassies.

howsyourtusk · 01-04-2012 12:24am

What is wrong with boards tonight? It's telling me I need to have a gold account to view pics too. What is a gold account and where does one get such a shiny thing? :P

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:24am

Because the body is nothing to be ashamed of! What's your issue with nudity? And what makes nudity inappropriate?

you assume I have an issue with nudity. Nudity in public is inappropriate because it´s not normal in our culture. Abnormal behaviour is inappropriate - I would have thought by definition - unless there was some very good reason for it.

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:26am

@leohoffmann where is the rhetoric that amuses but annoys you?

do you mean that wasn´t a rhetorical question? :eek:

IcedJade · 01-04-2012 12:26am

@Leehoffman I'm sure she did plan a lovely day. Planned shopping, being out of the house and a nice lunch while she sat and fed her baby. I bet she didn't plan for looks, stares and ignorance from the surrounding people.

WesternNight · 01-04-2012 12:29am

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

I thought I explained that in my previous post. I´d see it as appropriate to cover your boobs in public. That you want to feed your baby wouldn´t make it any more appropriate to me because it´s not like some kind of emergency - all it requires is a little forward-planning and/or sacrifice on your part.

The alternative to not feeding your child when it's hungry is a crying/screaming baby. Would that be preferable to a baby breastfeeding?

howsyourtusk · 01-04-2012 12:30am

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

you assume I have an issue with nudity. Nudity in public is inappropriate because it´s not normal in our culture. Abnormal behaviour is inappropriate - I would have thought by definition - unless there was some very good reason for it.

Jesus, would you stick in homosexuality in there instead? I doubt you would. That's a really close minded view of things. It's not normal to do a lot of things but they're not inappropriate either. You mean the "general moral consensus" is that they're inappropriate. But sure that was the consensus on gay people too not long ago.

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:32am

I would have thought feeding the child in a side-room or using a bottle with expressed milk from earlier or feeding the baby before dinner or not going to a restaurant with a baby that was likely to need feeding were also alternatives?

My position is that it´s unnecessary to breastfeed in public, it´s not something I would ever do, I would be uncomfortable seeing others doing so, but women have the right to do so

IcedJade · 01-04-2012 12:34am

howsyourtusk wrote: »

Jesus, would you stick in homosexuality in there instead? I doubt you would. That's a really close minded view of things. It's not normal to do a lot of things but they're not inappropriate either. You mean the "general moral consensus" is that they're inappropriate. But sure that was the consensus on gay people too not long ago.

Exactly. Lack of information breeds foolish behavour. Knowledge is power.

I'm glad the general response is that people don't mind breastfeeding in public/ I'll be wipping em out everywhere on baby two. I'll have that BF law off by heart too!

Misticles · 01-04-2012 12:36am

I myself wouldn't be all that comfortable if I was at a restaurant and a lady with a child started breast feeding at the next table for example. I don't find it disgusting or abnormal, I just would rather eat my meal without that.

As another poster mentioned, I also have a thing about children in restaurants and as I know this can't be helped, I refrain from going to such places where parents let their kids run wild around the place.

I wouldnt call myself selfish, narrow minded etc I just know what I'm comfortable with.

If a woman isn't comfortable breast feeding in public- that's her prerogative just like it is mine if I'm not comfortable tucking into a steak with a woman breast feeding at the next table.

Cheeky_gal · 01-04-2012 12:36am

I never once gave that woman today a filthy look, nor did I pass any comment. I minded my own business. However, I thought it would be interesting on a Saturday night in to have the discussion. Never once did I think it would turn into a "let's all attack the OP thread". You're all entitled to your opinions and I'm entitled to mine.

I find it inappropriate to breast feed in public end of. If a woman wants to do it she can do it and I won't say two words but that's how I feel. I would also like to say I am not a prude as some posters have assumed, pathetic assumption for one to come to.

As another poster said it's not life or death "I must breast feed my baby now in this restaurant!" - you can plan. Ridiculous to suggest otherwise. People on their high horses here going mad and cursing at others, it's madness.

Please note; I never said it was "disgusting".

IcedJade · 01-04-2012 12:36am

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

I would have thought feeding the child in a side-room or using a bottle with expressed milk from earlier or feeding the baby before dinner or not going to a restaurant with a baby that was likely to need feeding were also alternatives?

My position is that it´s unnecessary to breastfeed in public, it´s not something I would ever do, I would be uncomfortable seeing others doing so, but women have the right to do so

Unnecessary????????? I'm speechless

@Leehoffmann do you have kids? babies don't slot around your life. You have to be able to go with the flow. Which is why breastfeeding is so great. You're always at the source

LeeHoffmann · 01-04-2012 12:37am

Jesus, would you stick in homosexuality in there instead? I doubt you would. That's a really close minded view of things. It's not normal to do a lot of things but they're not inappropriate either. You mean the "general moral consensus" is that they're inappropriate. But sure that was the consensus on gay people too not long ago

no I think the ´without a very good reason´ clause would cover me on that count. There is a very good reason to have sex with people of the same sex if you´re gay. It´s unreasonable to ask otherwise. But I take your point - helps to clear things up a little. When I said ´inappropriate´ I DIDN´T mean immoral (see previous posts). I would have thought ´inappropriate´ means something like ´contrary to societal norms´??

Da Bounca · 01-04-2012 12:37am

The baby was consuming food that wasn't bought on the premises, what a cheeky git

blatantrereg · 01-04-2012 12:37am

Most restaurants only allow you to consume food purchased on the premises.
If I were to drink milk out of someone's breast I bet they'd tell me to leave. This is sheer ageism tbh.

IcedJade · 01-04-2012 12:38am

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

I never once gave that woman today a filthy look, nor did I pass any comment. I minded my own business. However, I thought it would be interesting on a Saturday night in to have the discussion. Never once did I think it would turn into a "let's all attack the OP thread". You're all entitled to your opinions and I'm entitled to mine.

I find it inappropriate to breast feed in public end of. If a woman wants to do it she can do it and I won't say two words but that's how I feel. I would also like to say I am not a prude as some posters have assumed, pathetic assumption for one to come to.

As another poster said it's not life or death "I must breast feed my baby now in this restaurant!" - you can plan. Ridiculous to suggest otherwise. People on their high horses here going mad and cursing at others, it's madness.

But WHY is it inappropriate?

jluv · 01-04-2012 12:38am

Breastfeeding= doing what nature intended.
Being a prude=a choice

LETHAL LADY · 01-04-2012 12:38am

LeeHoffmann wrote: »

I would have thought feeding the child in a side-room or using a bottle with expressed milk from earlier or feeding the baby before dinner or not going to a restaurant with a baby that was likely to need feeding were also alternatives?

My position is that it´s unnecessary to breastfeed in public, it´s not something I would ever do, I would be uncomfortable seeing others doing so, but women have the right to do so

I would imagine like most of us you have taken the odd trip abroad for holidays and such. Did you get offended by the amount of topless women on the beach?

Breast Feeding in Restaurant

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