BF'ing in church?

[xkoliex]

Is this appropriate from a religious perspective? I am expected to attend the Christmas Eve service at our church, but what if she wants to nurse during it? I'm still working on some details of nursing and I still have not mastered discreet breastfeeding. I'm not sure how this will go over in church... As far as I know, they don't have a separate room (its in a high school) for this purpose except the bathroom (gross!!) And I haven't seen any other mother's feeding their children during service.... Oh dear :blush

[IncaMama]

God gave you those boobs for a reason. I think if ANYBODY wants you to use them for that purpose, it's God...I say that church is the one place that we should all feel COMPLETELY comfortable nursing in. :)

[perditafoster]

FWIW, I nursed dd in church multiple times. I even nursed her after her baptism, which was hilarious, since she had on one of those giant baptism dresses that's like three feet long!!! I just draped her over my lap, hooked her up, and arranged the dress prettily on my lap :lol Nobody ever even noticed that I was nursing her, except my dad, who's a big fat stupid jerk anyway. He commented that it was the Lord's house and I shouldn't be doing something so vulgar. I pointed out to him that he's a lapsed Catholic and hadn't been to church in ten years, so I figured the Lord was angrier with him than he would be with me!!!! :wink

[allnaturalmama]

God gave you those boobs for a reason. I think if ANYBODY wants you to use them for that purpose, it's God...I say that church is the one place that we should all feel COMPLETELY comfortable nursing in. :)

:yeah:

We attend church regularly, it's a pretty crunchy group, so mothers nurse several times a service every week right in the service. Some mommas are more modest than others, covering up with a blanket to do it, but most just discreetly lift their shirt. Some move to the back of the auditorium, but most just stay in their seats.

Do be prepared, though, that while it is God's house, it is full of mere people, and people aren't always the most educated about BFing, so you may have to also play the role of BFing postergirl/advocate if the people at that church aren't used to it. Be proud of your decision to feed your baby as God intended, no matter what reaction you may get. But, I do want you to know that I think it is totally appropriate to love and care for your child through BFing in a service!

[dziejen]

Jesus was breastfed ;) My friend breastfed at church often -- she said that she usually sat in the front pew with her dh on the side of her so that the only one who could really see her was the priest and he was busy giving the sermon. It may not be possible to get to the front during a busy holiday service but you have the right to feed your baby anywhere, especially such a young baby who needs to eat so frequently. If you have not yet mastered it to the point where you are completely comfortable you might want to surround yourself with people you know, maybe with your partner or friend at your side while you latch on. Once the baby is latched not much will skin will show anyways. One way to practice discreet bf is sit in front of the mirror and "practice" -- you'll be surprised that usually less is visible than you think. Enjoy your holiday service!

[aweynsayl]

I've basically decided I will not be comfortable doing it, but that is partly because (a) it's a fairly conservative group (though they wear jeans, which always gets me) and (b) because it's my husband's work.... so I'm a bit the spectacle as it is..... :lol I'll sit in the back for swift exits. :thumb

[darien]

I was told off once by the pastor for BF'ing in a Methodist church! :o :angry

[DesireeH]

We have a nursing mothers room at ours that has comfy chairs and a changing station and stuff but if it didnt have that I'd nurse wherever I was sitting.

[littleteapot]

I'm pretty sure Mary didn't run out of the room to find a pot somewhere to sit on while nursing the young Lord. ;)

[marisa]

I nurse my two year old very discreetly at church - we have a nursing moms room, but I hate missing part of the teaching. I usually sit in the back up on the balcony though - not because of nursing, but because it's easier for me to see. :)

[ABand3]

I've nursed all my babies sitting in the pew, and have felt comfortable there - we don't have a special place for bf moms, and if we did, I don't think I'd necessarily go. As pps have said, Jesus was breastfed, God gave us the ability to nurse for a reason, IMO. That said, my church is really small and "dying" -they desparately need new young families to join, so if anyone had harassed me about bf, I would have kindly pointed out that's not the welcoming attitude to have if they are trying to draw families in.

As far as being discreet, I have found that if I nurse on the side that's next to a person I'm comfortable with, it's really very hidden - i.e, if DH is sitting on my left, I'll try to nurse on that side so any skin will be blocked from view.

I've been waiting for years for someone to give me crap about NIP so I can set them straight - I want to be a postermom for bf and NIP!

[JuicyPakwan]

I am not in this ddc but I had to respond. When I had my first and was visiting dh's grandparents for Christmas BF became a topic of disscusion as I was nursing him and Grandpa said her remembered in church women used to nurse all the time with no covering. No one blinked an eye because it was so normal granted it was the early 1900's in AZ before formula. He was actually my biggest supporter I thought it was neat. I think even in the most conservative cultures where women are draped from head to toe BF in public is considered normal. Although I am ashamed to say I rarely BF in public because I cannot get over my own fears of being seen as the few times I have resulted in serious exposure. Plus I grew up with a dad that found it disgusting you should go in another room although he felt it almost sinful not to nurse if that makes any sense. I hope I am brave enough someday as I think it is a terrific example for the young teen girls and boys.

[~Megan~]

Do you think Mary gave Jesus a bottle of Similac?

Its perfectly normal and acceptable.

If anyone has a problem with it you should ask them why. You are not doing anything dirty or wrong in any way.

[coloradoalice]

I have nursed in church. I figure if people are so bored that they are looking around and happen to see me nursing then that's their problem!!! Seriously, if someone had ever said anything to me I would have really gone off on them. If I can't stay through the service and take care of my child then what is the purpose of going. If I need to sit in another room where I can't participate in what's going on I mine as well just stay home.

[Sydnee]

I agree with everyone else here! I nursed both my babies wherever and whenever they needed, I don't give a flying flute what anyone else has to say about it! :lol

[erniebobernie]

Yeah-nurse wherever. If others have a problem, then that is just what it is-THEIR problem. I loved nursing my kids and I was not going postpone their nursing for anyone. I look forward to nursing the little one coming too. My mom used to always try to cover me up (even in the 100 degree weather here)- No Way! The two of us were hot enough! Now she just smiles and let's us be (this wasy 13 yrs ago with my first).

[Attached Mama]

my church has a nursing mom's room where you can hear the service. however it's always freezing in there! but if there is no special room for it then I'd say just nurse in your seat. if it's any consolation, it does get easier to be discreet as you go along. you might want to try to wear a sweater or something with a camisole under it so you can pull down the top of the camisole and pull up the sweater - makes it easier to be discreet if that's a concern. sometimes a little baby doesn't hide the belly so well. well, i know some people don't have a problem with not being discreet, but that seemed to be a concern of yours so that's just a suggestion I've found helpful. I guess I should be braver - I'll nurse in Barnes and Noble in front of everyone, but if I'm with a group of Christians I leave the room. Kinda strange and sad but sometimes church people are not the nicest IMO.