nursing a toddler in public in Rotterdam?

[milkeriffic mama]

Hello! I live in the US, but I'm planning on being in Rotterdam in May to visit family (and don't ask me why I'm not asking them this question...I guess I just wanted to pose it to some moms that I knew might be nursing toddlers right now), and I wanted to find out if nursing in a toddler in public is considered acceptable? In the US, I nurse DS (who's not quite a toddler yet) anywhere and everywhere. And who knows what things will be like then, but he's a hungry little guy:eat:, so I have difficulty imagining how I could get away with going anywhere and not nursing him in public.

Any input is much appreciated. Thanks so much!
Jessica

[SuzymomofLaura]

Hi Jessica, nursing a toddler in public is no problem, but be prepared for people looking a bit awkward if they notice. It's higly unusual for the majority of the Dutch to nurse beyond infancy. When I nursed my DD1 (she self-weaned at 27 months), I always picked a kind of quiet spot to nurse in and wearing a loose shawl or sling and long hair, it almost never happened that anyone even noticed :D.
It's not illegal or considered indecent, just looked upon as very strange. I'm sure the other Dutch MDC mamas have experience with that!

[eleanorm]

Jessica - I'm afraid I have no personal knowledge as my ds never wanted to nip when he was a toddler (he was just a real nap nurser). But my guess would be along the lines of what the pp said - you would definitely be in the minority and some people may consider it weird. But I have also heard quite a few stories from LL friends where they were given hassle when nip in certain venues, even with newborns. Thankfully these events seem to be not too common.

[wobbema]

hi there,
i nurse everywhere and always and was never frowned upon yet. my ds is about the same age as yours will be then.
have fun and enjoy!

[edlyn]

Seconding PP (hi Angela!!!), myself with DD born Oct 2006. But then, I'm probably too much of an elefant to even notice should anyone find my NIPping strange or frown upon me ;-)

[clogmama]

The last time I went to Rotterdam I nursed my 2.5 year old on a very busy train. Two people glanced at me, but they looked away. Just do what you need to do to take care of your kiddo! :)

[milkeriffic mama]

thanks so much! that makes me feel better. even if people think it's weird, as long as they don't bother me, I'm fine with it.


now i just have to figure out if my oma will freak out if i nurse in front of her :D