I think BFing is amazing and great and NOT obscene... so why do I feel shy in public?

[MeloMama08]

I lurk on this board because I want the whole world to embrace breastfeeding. I grew up with BFing everywhere because my parents were (are) total hippies so I was exposed to natural communities. My whole childhood was a blur of shrine rooms, rice/beans, incense commingled with weed, hand sewn clothes, and breastfeeding women everywhere. Mainstream culture has taken some getting used to, needless to say.

Anyway, that said, why do I feel so shy and self conscious about nursing my 2 month old in public??? I feel guilty for feeling shy. I don't want to buy into the dumb hype- I DONT think bfing in public is wrong. I think it's great! I smile at bfing women when I see them nursing. So whats the deal? How can I relax? I want to be part of the un-stigma-fying campaign! But I clam up and feel so self-conscious and aware that my boobs are out. My massive, pendulous boobs that already get way too much attention from pervs. Help me be confident, lactation heroines!

[KristyDi]

I know how you feel. (except for the whole hippy parents thing, mine are so not hippies) I find it gets easier each time. Also those first times it helped to have someone with me. The first times I NIP-ed My dad or mom sat with me and we just had a conversation. Having that other person, acting like BF is totally normal, really made me more comfortable.

If I'm alone with DD, I just focus on her and don't look at the rest of the world. That way I can't see any disapproving glances.

Good luck Mama. It does get easier with practice.

[velcromom]

I know, it stinks that other peoples "stuff" can affect us like that! Keep at it, you'll find your groove.

[changingseasons]

I agree- it gets easier. The first time I nursed DD outside of my house was at a parent support group, full of woman and babies... and it still felt weird to me. It took quite a few times before I stopped being completely self-conscious about it... and now, it's a piece of cake! Now I especially try to nurse DD every time I'm at that support group, so that the other new moms can see how comfortable I am, and maybe get more comfortable doing it themselves (there are a lot of blankets and hooter hiders there... )

[LeighB]

I am because I'm not sure how others will react. Even though I like to think I'll stand up for myself and baby, I'm not sure I actually will. It does get easier though. I started out nursing at a local Ap group, with other nursing mothers, and now am not so shy.
Of course (others here may disagree), I don't see there being anything wanting to be modest in public. As long as that's what YOU want and aren't being made to feel ashamed.