by: Charlene Carlos
When my eldest, Macie, was breastfeeding, I used to get so stressed whenever I went out with her. She never took the bottle and nursed directly all throughout her 17 months of breastfeeding. Anyway, I was so stressed because I didn’t know where or how to breastfeed in public. Back then, malls didn’t have breastfeeding rooms! I also REFUSED to breastfeed in the ladies C.R. I mean, adults don’t eat in C.R.s, so why should we feed our babies in them?! UGH, GROSS!
But then I got the hang of it eventually. With my second child, Matteo, I was much more confident. I learned the “friendly breastfeeding” places: A secluded booth or table in a restaurant, the couch at the back of the store in Baby & Co. Podium, changing room in Lacoste and Picture Company, Gymboree’s breastfeeding room, etc. I also learned that the stores that catered to babies and kids were very supportive and offered me a secluded spot inside even if I wasn’t there to purchase anything. You’ll be amazed how supportive people are!
I also dressed better. I used better nursing shirts that were both stylish yet functional. Other times, I used the Maya Wrap, so I can position Matteo to breastfeed while he was in it. So people, who did look at me, didn’t really know that I was breastfeeding!
I’m pregnant with my third child now. And I’m excited to breastfeed again. I can’t wait to try out the new breastfeeding room at Rustan’s. I hear it’s pretty nice. I know that the Mall of Asia and other SM malls have them as well.
Go ahead, breastfeed in public. It's not as difficult as you think.
When my eldest, Macie, was breastfeeding, I used to get so stressed whenever I went out with her. She never took the bottle and nursed directly all throughout her 17 months of breastfeeding. Anyway, I was so stressed because I didn’t know where or how to breastfeed in public. Back then, malls didn’t have breastfeeding rooms! I also REFUSED to breastfeed in the ladies C.R. I mean, adults don’t eat in C.R.s, so why should we feed our babies in them?! UGH, GROSS!
But then I got the hang of it eventually. With my second child, Matteo, I was much more confident. I learned the “friendly breastfeeding” places: A secluded booth or table in a restaurant, the couch at the back of the store in Baby & Co. Podium, changing room in Lacoste and Picture Company, Gymboree’s breastfeeding room, etc. I also learned that the stores that catered to babies and kids were very supportive and offered me a secluded spot inside even if I wasn’t there to purchase anything. You’ll be amazed how supportive people are!
I also dressed better. I used better nursing shirts that were both stylish yet functional. Other times, I used the Maya Wrap, so I can position Matteo to breastfeed while he was in it. So people, who did look at me, didn’t really know that I was breastfeeding!
I’m pregnant with my third child now. And I’m excited to breastfeed again. I can’t wait to try out the new breastfeeding room at Rustan’s. I hear it’s pretty nice. I know that the Mall of Asia and other SM malls have them as well.
Go ahead, breastfeed in public. It's not as difficult as you think.
Here I am Breastfeeding Matteo in Disneyland
3 comments:
hi,
i also had the same experience. i was very conscious to breastfeed in public, thinking people would be staring at me. but after 7 months, i can say im more confident to breastfeed in public. i now know how to select the right places. i also keep in my mind that i have the right to breastfeed in public.
your article has encouraged me. thank you.
hi...very encouraging. may i ask what top you're wearing in the picture, and where i can get something like it?
thanks for making a blog encouraging women to breastfeed in public! Small steps towards a more breastfeeding-friendly world go a long way...may our tribe increase!
tweensie
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