The hypocrisy has reached new levels

[jahcs]

ShadowHM Posted: Jan 22 2004, 07:34 PM
There are still those who see breast feeding as lewd.

With son #1, when we first visited the in-laws, I was taken aside and politely told that a place had been set aside for me to nurse the baby - a straight backed chair in the spare  bedroom. 

By the time I was nursing my fourth son, my friends (and family) were completely used to  the process, so much so that they literally didn't notice it. And yet.....

With the first son, they may have been uncomfortable, or wished to provide you privacy if you wanted it. By the fourth child I would bet everyone had become comfortable with breast feeding and your needs with regard to surroundings/privacy.

Ghostiger Posted: Jan 22 2004, 07:56 PM
There are many natural activities...
.. that we dont do in public. Its common politeness to take some simple steps not to make other people uncomfortable.

Respect for other people and their feelings and needs is a very important part of getting along in this world. Things acceptable in one setting may not be acceptable in another.

ShadowHM Posted: Jan 22 2004, 07:34 PM
  Son expressed hunger; I pulled back from the table, popped out a breast and commenced feeding him. Soon after, the other female guest got up, stomped into the cottage and finished her meal there. After we left, she confronted our host and demanded why he had not admonished me for flaunting my breast in front of her husband. (Bless his heart, his first dumbfounded response was "Oh, was she nursing the baby?")

While I may not agree with the other guest's reaction, she may not have been part of the group of friends and family that had become comfortable with breast feeding. In some cultures eating with your hands or burping at the table may be good manners but in other settings they may be inapropriate.

Doc Posted: Jan 22 2004, 08:34 PM
If you have a baby that's hungry, feed it. And if folks have a problem with the natural order, they can go straight to hell for all I care. There is a certain serenity that is generated by a nursing mother that I think is good and wonderful and fills the world around  her with strong positive energy. Gogo motherhood. The world could always use more positive energy put into it. So long as it does not violate good common sense, just do it.

In general I agree with this statement. In the interests of courtesy, asking others at the table if they would mind you feeding your child may be appropriate.

ShadowHM Posted: Jan 22 2004, 09:04 PM
Piss off !

Feeding a baby should not make you uncomfortable.

If it does, then YOU should be the one to exile yourself, not me.

Resorting to a personal attack is not neccesary here. And the option to leave an uncomfortable situation should always be made available. Again, a polite request may be in order.