I have been thinking about how odd it is that it feels OK to nurse a baby in public but not a toddler. It isn't like you are showing any more skin with an older baby but the feeling is definitely different. I do feel more self-conscious now, which I don't like but can't help. For the most part Pookie doesn't need to or want to nurse when we are out and about. She often does want to when we are at the Early Years Centre (free play centre) and I nurse her there. I have had a few other mom's ask me how old she is and give me a look like I am weird for nursing her. I have made a conscious decision not to let any looks deter me. I often feel that maybe if another woman sees me she might feel more comfortable doing it one day or might realize that babies can and do nurse past the infant stage.
5 comments:
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!! I was unable to nurse past 15 months with my first two...they quit me. But with Lucy I have no job to go back to so I will nurse her until we are both ready. I too am unsure how I will feel about the public eye...but you are inspiring me to help pave the way to normalcy.
Yes, I agree. It's good for women to see a strong confidant woman nursing in public. Whenever I have nursed in public, I've only had beautiful and supportive comments from people. After about age 3 though, I haven't nursed in public. I'm not ashamed, I'm just not very comfortable with it. Michael nurses before bed and in the morning now. We are playing up what a big boy he is and the day after his Bday we will not nurse anymore. He'll be 4 and that's my limit. He already barely nurses and with the pg he often says he can't find the "milkies".
B
Good for you for not letting the mainstream mentality deter you. The WHO recomends nursing until children are AT LEAST two years old.
Thanks for you supportive comments!
Kudos to you for nursing in public! You're right, even if just one other mom sees you nursing your toddler it will help normalize breastfeeding! :)
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