My recent lactivism experience. I think I freaked her out.

[DBZ]

I was in a local place that helps people out who are financially challenged. I am in there with my DD in the sling and someone complimented me. I love that because when someone says, "I like your sling" it usually means that they used one and they probably breastfed. I struck up a conversation with the woman about slings and she uses me to a baby wearing activist to her coworker. Abby had her thumb in her mouth but wasn't sucking it, so the women started talking about the things babies like to suck on (bottle, thumbs, pacifiers, etc.) and I said that Abby just liked to nurse. Since she is a year old the one mom who is a nursing a 6 month old and loving it said people should stop when the kid can lift your shirt and ask for it. I told her that Abby started lifting my shirt at 10 months. The woman practically fell over in horror! I hope she doesn't stop because of that. I went on to say that I was planning on nursing my dd until she was at least two because that's what the WHO recommends. Was I to over the top?

Kara

[captain optimism]

Here's what sounds good about that exchange to me:

You told her what you are doing, not what she should do
You demonstrated that your baby is happy
You (presumably) seemed like an ordinary person, someone she could be friends with, who is parenting this way.

Sounds good!

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

i think you did fine

[elmh23]

I think you did fine. My dd started lifting my shirt to nurse when she was only 7 months, so that woman is in for some surprises.

[Arwyn]

I won't say you didn't freak anyone out, because there are people who get freaked out by the silliest things, but it sounds like you did GRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!

[Sharondio]

I usually take that opportunity to talk about how the nursing relationship changes over time. Yes, babies are capable of lifting shirts and doing all sorts of things that we don't want them to do, but as they get older you can teach them nursing manners if you choose. If you don't like lifting shirts, pull the shirt down and tell the baby, "no". And then start actively teaching sign language so the baby can ask in a more acceptable manner.

I'm also not a big fan of nursing acrobatics and actively discouraged them in my nursing sessions.

There are two members of a nursing relationship.

[ColoradoMama]

I think you did great.

[Susuhound]

I think I would have just said "but it's great when they start lifting the shirt, makes it easier for me. And then after a while they can undo the bra flaps, even less work". cos you know that all those ebf'ing mamas are just too lazy to wean

[shiningpearl]

my DD (10 months) is just starting to lift my shirt but hasn't quite go the hang of it. But who am I to punish her by weaning when it was the BM that made her smart to begin w/