How do you handle breastfeeding in public? If you do.?

I breastfeed almost exclusively--EVERYONE HAS SEEN MY BOOBIES!!!
and it kinda sucks. Everyone oohs and aahs watching my daughter nurse. It so beautiful EVERYONE WATCHES.
uh, i don't know if i have the balls to say--quit it!
even though i've chosen to do this in public or in semi private places--i do try to cover myself....
those who nurse, ever catch others peeking?
Have you just become accustomed?

my daughter won't have it any other way, she wants to breastfeed, she will hardly ever drink formula, she'll sometimes fuss if she drinks breastmilk in a bottle.

lol... i watch all the time :)

but I nursed for 18 months, almost everytime we were in public together... so it's more of a smile and gesture of "aww, good job, keep up the good work!!"

and at a certain stage my daughter would get very distracted and leave me hanging out more than I'd like, but just like when my now 4 year old announces that she's just farted at the mall, I would shine an embarrassed smile and go about my business.

I love buttoned down shirts... leave the top and bottom buttoned, just open the 2 in the middle for our opening... I was always more concerned w/ my fat roll being exposed, and the selection of plus sized nursing tops is anywhere from hideous to nonexistant!!

and yes, I just became accustomed. La Leche League meetings helped, especially when a few of us would go to lunch afterwards, or agree to meet up the next day at the mall or zoo. the more you're around it (doing and seeing), the less "wierd, uncomfortable, embarrassed..." you'll be about it...

at least that's how it was for me. before I started haning out with other breastfeeding moms, I was very careful of where I nursed, never was I alone, always had my mother-sister-husband-friend there to help me hide fat rolls or stand in front of me if I was extra uncomfortable that day.

I had nursing clothes and used a scarf or shawl for privacy.

As a guy, I think its pretty neet seeing a woman feed her child. Nothing wrong with it in public and a woman's breasts are so beautiful. I say keep it up ladies!

I just used the nursing tank tops they're really helpful when it comes to privacy issues, you couldn't see the nipple or breast when I nursed my son. Or just try the old fashioned way of putting a blanket (preferably a light one) over your shoulder just make sure it's long enough to cover your breast and the baby.

yeah it sucks when people are immature about it, it's like get over it. It's great for the baby and you so keep up the good work.

don't even worry about introducing bottles or formula....what you are doing is perfect

i think it' s greast that others are so accepting and okay with it.....do you realize how many women in your position would be made to feel wrong for nursing in public

ppl also want to see my baby when i am nursing her....and i am okay with it i guess.....i think so many ppl are fascinated by it because they have never seen a baby breastfeed...but just look at it as you are doing your part to change the tides my dear!...isn't that great?!

ppl want to see you do this.....they are okay with it....they are not disgusted or offended......and this means that attitudes about this are changing for the better

congrats

edit.haaaaaaaa i know!....mine is nearly 4 months old and like to play at the breast now too if she is very alert......she will also pull off and smile and talk to me......she also does this funny thing where she will get a good suction latch on and then pull off rapidly just the hear the "pop"....too cute

To be honest, it never bothered me, I just feed my baby when she's hungry. I usually don't pay attention to people around me either, unless they are trying to get attention by looking too much (some people wanna make clear their disapproval lol).

Nursing tops are great, check out this site,
http://www.motherhood.com/Nursinghome.as...

It's great that you breastfeed, don't let ooglers discourage you. I have a house-full of dudes all the time (my fiance's friends, and my little brother's friends), and I breastfeed her all the time when they're around. They're suprisingly mature about it, but I always have that uncomfortable feeling...

It's something you get over I think because it gets so constant and just a daily thing, but in the back of my mind I'm always still a little modest and aware of it.

i only breastfeed also, so when im out i will take a light blanket and tuck one side into my bra strap then cover my daughter while i feed her. or i'll go into a fitting room if im at the mall. its natural so if people complain and lots do, they can shove it. and there is no reason to to have to buy special shirts so you can nurse. ladies bottle feed in public then we can breastfeed in public.

Take a blanket for privacy but if it's hot, feel free to let your baby breathe. If anyone says anything funny or won't stop staring, say "you should see where it came out of". People will stare but they are in the wrong, not you.

keep doing what you're doing! if they bother you, just say "do you mind?" they're being a little rude by staring, not you.

Well since there is a bathroom everywhere go in there.Thats what I did. Go in your car if you have too. People are curious and men are horny. They may be a bottle to your baby but its still a tit to everyone else.

I agree with the women here. I think that it is great that people are accepting of you feeding the baby in public. I nursed all 3 of my babies and am still doing it to my youngest who is 7 months. Just think back many years ago when formula wasn't an option. In all reality, that is what boobies are for. But if you are self conscious about it, try what they said with the tank tops or a receiving blanket that will cover up the boobies. I have had people ask if they can see the baby while i feed, and i just politely ask them to wait so that she is not being disturbed. In fact, I have been around other mommies who do the same thing. Most people will respect the fact that your main concern is the welfare of your child and will wait til the baby is finished. Good Luck hun, and keep up the good work

I have a 9 1/2 month old nursling...and he ALWAYS seems to want to nurse while we are out and about. I have had a couple disapproving glares, but I just either stare back at them, or look down and talk to my beautiful little boy. I have never covered myself, or my son because he hates it. I can't blame him though, I know I wouldn't want to eat with a blanket over my head.

Our baby is 14 months old and though I used to notice, now I don't. I think some think it's beautiful. Others don't. Still some others- like my parents are fascinated. I am the only one they know that has breastfed- and they are amazed by how healthy she is and the fact that she has never been sick- well, only once.

It is a beautiful thing!

I think it's fine when a woman breast feeds her child and I don't find it either offensive nor exciting , but just good for baby and that's whats most important .

One of my triplets would have no part of a pumped bottle. Brandon wanted it straight from the source, or he'd howl!

My husband bought me one of those gigantic towels (bath sheet?) that's 72" long. I just drape it over us, it covers everything I need to cover, is fully washable, and very easy to fold in half, roll up, and tuck into my bag.