Well, I've only nursed Rowan in public twice so far (she's nearly 3 weeks old). I was self-conscious about it the first time (the more so because we were in a shop with nowhere to sit down, so I was walking around nursing), but today I fed her in a food court and it actually didn't occur to me to be embarrassed, or even to think about what I was doing, until she was nearly finished! I guess I can attribute that to seeing a lot of breastfeeding growing up. If someone had commented, negatively or positively, I probably would have been like 'Huh?'.
But a smile's always nice. Maybe a bit more interaction if you happen to be breastfeeding too, or holding a baby. Depending on who you were I might find it a tad condescending to be given a 'way to go' speech, especially if it was given in a manner which implied I didn't already know why breastfeeding was a Good Thing--I'm a youngish mother (21), so I might, possibly, maybe, take that the wrong way depending on my mood. But I wouldn't bite your head off about it, so--I dunno! Do as you will.
The hand symbol is a good idea!
But a smile's always nice. Maybe a bit more interaction if you happen to be breastfeeding too, or holding a baby. Depending on who you were I might find it a tad condescending to be given a 'way to go' speech, especially if it was given in a manner which implied I didn't already know why breastfeeding was a Good Thing--I'm a youngish mother (21), so I might, possibly, maybe, take that the wrong way depending on my mood. But I wouldn't bite your head off about it, so--I dunno! Do as you will.
The hand symbol is a good idea!
:.. seriously it happens more than I want to admit) If I have been carrying on a convo w/ them or they look nervous (or apologize for having to feed their baby, isnt that sad that a mama would ffeel the need) then I try to say something that makes them feel good about it. Usually Ill just let them know that I want to go home and feed my baby now, like I am jealous that Im not feeding right now lol. I also bring them a full glass of water cause I know they'll want it. I feel like its my job to make mama's feel comfortable nursing in my place of work.
Have you seen "Blast from the past"? The character (Brendan Frazier) has spent his whole life in a bomb shelter and comes up for the first time at age 35. He's walking down the street and comes up to this black guy (or woman, can't remember) and says "By golly, a colored person! Nice to meet you!" I could only imagine what would be going through that person's head, lol!
: I totally thought of that scene too! That whole movie cracks me up.
