Catholic wedding (mass)

[annaconda]

What is polite protocol nursing in a catholic church? Cover? We don't attend formal religious services ever. Thanks!

[crunchy_mommy]

I just nurse uncovered (well, did, DS doesn't nurse during Mass anymore) and it is fine to do so. I did try to be as discrete as possible so as not to distract the other parishioners. It would not be appropriate to intentionally try to draw attention to yourself or use the opportunity to make a stand on NIP or whatever, because it would be detracting from the service.

The pews generally mean people are sitting really close to each other, so just be prepared if you would be more comfortable being covered in such a situation. Many churches have a crying room and sometimes I've felt more comfortable nursing there or in a stairwell (mostly because DS often cried while nursing). It is fine to sit near an exit and step out for a few minutes to nurse or calm your child. Basically, do whatever you need to do.

[annaconda]

Great. Much as I thought I'd never nurse uncovered, its my regular thing and I've never used my cover. Just wanted to know if it was ok. We will definitely be near the back/exit!

[mkat83]

I'm a Catholic nursing mom, and I agree with the previous poster.  Basically you just don't want to call undue attention to yourself in this situation.  The cry room is a great place, usually, where you can feel comfortable and not worry about other people.  I currently use a nipple shield to nurse, and I'm not very adept at putting it on discretely, so the cry room is a good place for me.  Of course cry rooms can vary from one church to the next.  Also, depending on the size of the church and the crowd, you might just be able to sit further back.  I do that sometimes, too.

[dejagerw]

I'm a Catholic nursing mom and I nurse at Church with no cover. I don't see a problem with it. I'm discrete about it. There's tons of Catholic art with Mary nursing Jesus with her entire boob out. It's not Catholicism that's anti NIP, it's more the normal folk with their beef about it who also happen to be at Church. So I say do whatever makes you comfortable. 

[annaconda]

We nursed no cover. He got terrified by the organ though! We lasted through the vows. thanks all!