Nip

[Lauren31]

I had my first baby in Germany about 6 weeks ago and have absolutely NO problems nursing her in public, at restaurants, malls, shopping, etc. My SIL saw a pic of me doing so and was FLABBERGASTED. Is it THAT uncommon to nurse in restaurants and such in the states? My DH and I have no problem with it here and never thought it was odd but maybe it's just Europe? Have you found Americans to be taken aback by it? Are you uncomfortable doing it in public there? I will be visiting my parents in Chicago for months when my husband deploys and I honestly do not want to cover up everytime I nurse in public or go into a bathroom -- that seems so wrong to me.

[JMJ]

American culture is definitely more body shy than Europe. There are "indecent exposure" laws that require Americans to cover certain parts of their bodies in most situations. (Breastfeeding is exempt from these laws.) This also extends to our media where the flash of a breast will earn a movie an R rating. Breasts are considered to be so sexual that sometimes, people forget that they were designed to feed babies. This is something that a lot of people here on MDC are trying to change. Check out the "Lactivism" forum for stories of what is going right and wrong.

You are absolutely not required to cover up as you nurse your baby in public in the United States, but some people may think that it is a big deal since they hardly ever see it. Most people won't say anything to you even if they stare, and if you get any rude comments from strangers, you could always suggest that they put a blanket over their own heads if they don't want to see. If you would be more comfortable, you could also try to be a little discreet about it to avoid confrontation. Some easy things are to try to sit in the corner of a restaurant rather than a table out in the middle or wear a nursing tank so that when you raise your shirt to nurse your babe, your belly is covered.

... and if any businesses give you a bad time, post on MDC, and they'll schedule a nurse in.

[mum5]

nak

i am a european living in the us, have nursed my 2 previous children for a total of 5 years and am now on #3 nursling. i have never encountered a negative comment about it, my friends would sometimes make positive comments about my nursing a child who is 3, but i do think that the culture is different here.
i really would not let it bother you at all. i know many americans who nurse their babies openly and for long periods of time, and many who f feed too.

good luck and enjoy your vacation!

[jessafina]

I nip all the time, in restaurants everywhere else. I've never gotten any negative feedback at all (not that it would matter to me if I did). Definitely don't hesitate to nip whenever and wherever you feel comfortable!

[boobs4milk]

i have inspired nip i hadn't seen anyone outside of a lll meeting nip until i nip at the library and another nursing mom finally got up the courage to nip, too. my neice bf, but only at home or in the car :S i had another friend that bf only at home or in the car and she thought bf was gross but her dh wanted her to bf so they could afford a very expensive house and car and NOT have to buy formula.

yup, it's VERY uncommon around these parts to see anything ap related.

[DirtRoadMama]

I don't think people are used to seeing it yet. I nursed in public all the time when DD was a baby, and it would always attract attention, no matter how discreet I was. Seriously, I'd cover up with a blanket, and people would still do double-takes.

It seemed to affect people without children a lot more than people with children. The women were more curious, but the men looked almost... angry? It reminded me how sexualized breasts are here. It really was something I forgot as I learned what my boobs are really for. They weren't just ornamental anymore.

It was a LONG time after bfing that I was able to see them as "toys" too. And, after bfing, I really didn't get what made them so attractive. Some thing just changed in my mind. Just as it seemed weird before bfing to look at them as utilitarian, it was weird to think of them NOT being useful things anymore. Now that I'm expecting again, the enlargement and swelling is causing me to think of them less and less as ornamental again, even though they are attracting a lot more attention.

The funniest time was when we were out at a restaurant, and we got the very back corner booth (my favorite spot because it's quiet, even when I'm not nursing). DD was hungry, so I was feeding her (with a blanket over us), while eating my meal and enjoying the conversation. The manager cruises by and asks how everything is. Then, he notices the blanket moving. He looked very confused, and then scanned for a baby carrier, but didn't see one (we sling with a Moby). So now he's staring at the blanket again and you can see it suddenly dawn on him, and he realizes that he kind of looking in the direction of my boobies. (keep in mind this took about 4 seconds to happen) Then he got SUPER embarrassed and hurried off. I nearly died laughing.

[jillmamma]

I figure restaurants are places for eating, so babies should be able to eat too.

[jecombs]

I think it depends on what part of the US you are in. I've heard NIP is pretty common on the West Coast. Here in the South (especially in rural areas), it is practically non-existent. I BF my first DD for over 2 years and never saw another person NIP. I'm planning to BF my next little guy, as well... we'll see if I see any other NIPing Mamas this time around. I am hopeful, but I doubt it.